The real allure of the Arniston Spa Hotel is the village of Arniston itself. It offers a wealth of natural assets and unspoilt beauty.

The area is also known as "Waenhuiskrans". Literally translated it means 'ox-wagon cave' and takes its name from the famous low-tide cave which resembles the structures used by settlers to house their oxen and wagons.

The pretty thatched fishermen houses of Kassiesbaai, the oldest part of Arniston, were declared a South African National Monument. Its inhabitants are probably the most painted and photographed subjects in South Africa. Artists and photographers are welcomed.

The jagged coastline with its countless wrecks is a chilling tribute to the sea farers of yesteryear. Arniston derives its name from one of these wrecks, namely the British 'Arniston' which sank here in 1815. The vessel was loaded with wounded soldiers to take them from Ceylon via Cape Town back to England. Heavy winds had destroyed all the sails and it was eventually decided to cut away the three anchors and run the ship ashore. The Arniston broke up on the needle-sharp rocks of the Arniston Reef. Of the 378 passengers only 6 survived, rendering this disaster one of the most serious in the history of South Africa.

Kassiesbaai Traditional Dinner
Hotel guests are invited to take part in a traditional evening meal by candlelight in one of the fisher houses. The meals are prepared by the fishermen's wives.