De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa
Morukuru Family De Hoop
Off-grid coastal outpost
De Hoop Nature Reserve, South Africa
Opened
2014
Price
$$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe LocalOutside the door
The house
Morukuru FamilyOff-grid coastal outpost
Off-grid coastal sanctuaries powered entirely by solar energy, where evenings end with gin and tonics around an ocean-facing fire pit.
“Morukuru mixes bold African baskets and rugs and playful Dutch pieces like oversized chairs, brightly patterned cushions, and wood-burning fireplaces.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Off-grid solar architecture with living fynbos roofs, custom wood-encased window seats, and a handcrafted whale chandelier.
Remarkable
Dedicated private chefs, personal marine guides, and bespoke safari hosting across oceanfront suites and villas.
Remarkable
Guided fynbos walks with resident naturalists, low-tide marine pool walks, and seasonal land-based whale watching.
What they say
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Africa
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in AFAR.
Morukuru's friendly, attentive staff fill your day with game drives through the reserve, mountain biking, sandboarding, snorkeling, and more.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Explore the surrounding nature reserve on guided fynbos walks, sandboard down white dunes, or track zebras and bontebok on safari drives.
The rooms
Ocean-facing suites feature wood-burning fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, and wide window seats positioned for seasonal southern right whale watching.
The water
Bring a swimsuit.
Baths and bodywork
Therapists set up treatments in your suite or on the deck. Ocean House adds an outdoor wood-fired hot tub.
At the table
Floor-to-ceiling glass slides open to the ocean breeze, with seasonal Cape dishes served under sculpted driftwood lighting.
How it began
Nicholas Plewman Architects designed these low-profile structures to tread lightly along the dunes, capped with living fynbos roofs.
De Hoop Nature Reserve
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.