Hollywood in Gordons Bay. 185 on Beach.

 

 

The angular outside of 185 on Beach in Gordon’s Bay greeted us as we parked our car.

Little did we know that the suite directly above us was to be our home for the following 2 nights.

But we wanted to get inside, hence hanging around in the small but adequate car park was not an option. Mainly because as soon as the staff realised we had pulled in, they were immediately on site to help with our luggage.

We had been here briefly about a year ago during a walk in the area, but at that time, we did not have the time for a visit.

On this occasion, we were cajoled by the owner to visit for a couple of nights, and both my wife and I were glad that we accepted the offer.

Travel & Things will cover the public spaces of 185 on Beach in a separate post, but for now this post will focus on just the accommodation.

 

 

 

Before you even look at what Travel & Things experienced during our stay at 185 on Beach, the owner is running a very special EXTRA 10% discount for anyone who books directly and mentions Travel & Things after reading this Blog post.

That is over and above the hefty discount already on offer to those who book directly!

As you will see, this special is too good to miss. With only 8 suites available, you DO NOT want to miss out. (The owner might have T&Cs in place, so do check)

Read this post and then WhatsApp Jeanette on: +27(0)836251905

Or email her at: info@185onbeach.co.za

 

 

 

We were shown to our suite at the top of these hand-built stairs, and had NO idea what lay waiting for us at the top.

The stairs were constructed by a carpenter in Gordon’s Bay and are a true testament to the fact that good quality workmanship needs to be supported rather than compromising with a ready-made alternative.

Going up…

 

 

 

Or coming down…

Both my wife and I were enthralled by the quality and construction of the staircase, which makes it a feature of the property.

There is a second staircase, which is even more spectacular than this one, that leads up to several other suites (including the owner’s suite, there are 8 in total.

Before our departure, we were shown all of them. Each has a stunning sea view and could easily become a permanent home away from home.

 

 

 

The first view of the Starlight Premier Suite, which we would call home for the duration of our stay.

The suites are self-catering, hence a comprehensive kitchenette that enables guests to prepare their own meals should they wish to.

185 does provide breakfast (at a cost), should you feel something more substantial than cornflakes is required.

If, like me, you feel that bacon SHOULD be part of breakfast, then I can highly recommend the bacon that I was served. Done crispy, just the way I like it.

Dad joke time…

Did you know that in a bacon and egg breakfast, the pig is committed while the chicken is merely involved? Well, now you do.

But we did not linger here too long, as the view and the bed needed to be inspected.

As it turned out, we had breakfast on the premises and ate at the nearby Zest Cafe on the first night of our stay. More of that in another post!

 

 

 

Arriving guests are gob-smacked by the achingly stunning view and the comfortable bed, with high-end linens that make you want to lie down and just drink in the view.

Coming from Johannesburg, we never get tired of watching the ocean as it constantly changes.

 

 

 

Another view of the bedroom. Think Hollywood meets Gordon’s Bay. The decor is chic, and every detail has been carefully curated.

From the TV that offers a complete premium DSTV package, not just the limited one that properties often provide. If that is not enough, there is also Netflix!

The pillows met my exacting standards, which meant that I did not have to take mine out of my suitcase. (Yes, I travel with my own pillow)

 

 

 

All the switches are clearly marked so that there is no trying multiple switches to find the one that turns off a wayward light.

The bedside lights are the correct height for reading, and there are enough blankets and throws to keep guests warm on even the coldest winter night.

 

 

 

The name “Starlight” comes from the fact that the ceiling dozens of low-voltage light bulbs that give the impression that you are sleeping under the stars.

 

 

 

However, the pièce de résistance HAS to be the bathroom!

When I first moved to Johannesburg in 1975, my entire apartment was about the size of this modern convenience.

Jacuzzi bath, bidet, toilet, and shower. Who could ask for anything more? And the view from all the facilities is spectacular.

And proper 2-ply toilet paper.

I am always amazed at how often high-end accommodation supplies 1-ply toilet paper. It is not really a cost saving as guests just use more of the latter.

 

 

 

Again, the attention to detail is what sets 185 apart. There are laminated notes for guests, should they be uncertain how something works.

 

 

 

Back in the day, abalone (perlemoen) shells used to be utilised as ashtrays. Now they are part of the decor.

 

 

 

I did try on the 100% cotton robe, and lo and behold, it actually fitted me.

Most robes are one size fits all, and they seem to be designed for people that I have never met.

 

 

 

The shower was easy to operate, the water was piping hot, and it had good pressure.

I have often ended up standing under a showerhead that is barely flowing and is lukewarm at best.

That was not an issue here.

 

 

 

One last view of the bathroom.

Jeanette designed each suite with an eye for details that would put a Swiss watchmaker to the test.

The cabinetry was all hand-made by Mike, who lives on the property.

 

 

 

Looking from the verandah of our room back towards the main body of the house.

 

 

 

Wrapped in a fluffy gown, my wife watched the sun setting. The perfect end to a perfect day at 185 on Beach.

Watching the sun cast its dying rays across the cold water of the Atlantic Ocean signals both an end to the day and the distant lights of The Strand, and even further, to become visible.

Our time here was just what we needed, and although there are plenty of activities in the area, we chose to relax and watch the sea.

A moment of calm that was savoured rather than driving from one destination to another.

We did go for a long walk after breakfast, and that is recommended.

As for 185 on Beach? We would return here in a heartbeat, and we both recommend a stay here should you be in the Cape Town area.

 

 

 

To find out more about this property, click on the image above.

Don’t take my word about our experience at 185. See what the TripAdvisor “reviewers” have said about theirs.

More importantly, see how the owner responds to negative criticism. To me, the owner’s non-defensive tone says volumes. Interestingly, those who made negative critiques never come back to respond to the owner’s reply!

To find out about the public spaces at the property, use this link: https://travelandthings.co.za/2025/10/glamour-at-the-end-of-the-road-185-on-beach-gordons-bay/

 

 

Travel & Things is the proud winner of these prestigious awards from the digital British lifestyle magazine Luxlife.

The awards are in the categories:

Best Travel & Experiences Blog 2024 – South Africa

Best African Game Reserves & Lodges Travel Review Site 2025.

Best African Resorts and Retreats Award 2025.

 

 

 

 

See who the guests have been since the inception of this YouTube channel.

Click on the logo above.

 

 

Looking for something to read? Click on the logo above to visit the Off the Shelf YouTube channel for interesting and up-to-date interviews and book reviews.

 

 

 

“Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?”

Edgar Bergen