Eight Bells Mountain Inn (Mossel Bay, Western Cape)

(It takes approximately 28 min to drive 42.9 km from George Airport (GRJ) to Mossel Bay)

Eight Bells Mountain Inn is a charming English-style mountain resort nestled at the foot of the Robinson Pass in the scenic Ruiterbos Valley Region of the Garden Route, Western Cape, South Africa. Surrounded by breathtaking mountain views and lush gardens, this four-star retreat offers a tranquil escape for travelers seeking a blend of comfort, recreation, and natural beauty.

Accommodation at Eight Bells Mountain Inn is thoughtfully designed to cater to a variety of guest needs, including delightfully furnished en-suite bedrooms, spacious family units, thatched rondavels, and cozy timber log cabins. Each room is uniquely decorated, offering garden, pool, or mountain views, and is equipped with modern amenities such as free WiFi, flat-screen TVs with DSTV channels, tea and coffee making facilities, and climate control options. Guests can choose from four distinct areas:

• Swiss Village: Log cabin-style chalets set among trees with mountain views, including a family unit.
• Palm Court: Spacious en-suite bedrooms with private indoor sun rooms and scenic garden and mountain views.
• Pool Terrace: Family units and charming thatched rondavels overlooking the garden and swimming pool.
• Rose Court: Private en-suite rooms, family units, and thatched rondavels in a tranquil courtyard with garden views.

Eight Bells Mountain Inn is known for its exceptional recreational facilities, ensuring guests of all ages have plenty to enjoy. The estate features a swimming pool, two tennis courts, a squash court, a bowling green, walking and hiking trails, and horseback riding. Children are well catered for with their own playpark, dining room, and play area, including daily donkey cart rides after breakfast.

Dining at Eight Bells Mountain Inn is a delightful experience with two on-site restaurants and a traditional pub:

• The Tea Garden: A bistro-style restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and tea-time treats in a relaxed outdoor setting under beautiful trees.
• The Oak Room: An elegant and formal dining room specializing in traditional South African favorites, open every evening.
• The Bosun’s Whistle: An old-world style pub fully stocked with wines, beers, and spirits, providing a cozy spot to unwind after a day of adventure.

The estate spans over 160 hectares, offering numerous outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, birdwatching, and horseback riding. Indoor facilities include a recreation room, a historic billiard room, and a cozy lounge with a wood-burning fireplace.

Located between Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn, Eight Bells Mountain Inn is perfectly positioned for guests to explore the Garden Route's coastal belt and the rugged beauty of the Klein Karoo. Visitors can enjoy scenic mountain passes, wildlife viewing, wine tasting, and other attractions that showcase the diverse charm of the region.

With its picturesque setting, exceptional service, and country-style hospitality, Eight Bells Mountain Inn provides a memorable mountain retreat, making it an ideal destination for romantic getaways, family vacations, or a relaxing break from city life

Activities to enjoy:

Hike the St. Blaize Trail:
Embark on a scenic 13.5-kilometer coastal hike starting at the Cape St. Blaize Lighthouse, offering stunning ocean views and opportunities for whale watching.

Experience Shark Cage Diving:
For thrill-seekers, Mossel Bay is renowned for shark cage diving, providing an up-close encounter with great white sharks in their natural habitat.

Relax on Santos Beach:
Enjoy a day of sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking at this Blue Flag beach, known for its safe swimming conditions and family-friendly atmosphere.

Explore the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex: Delve into the maritime history of Mossel Bay, featuring a life-size replica of Dias's caravel and the historic Post Office Tree.