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Cape CreekRetreat

Art & History

Thapelo Arts

Step into the heart of Struisbaai’s historic fishing village at Hotagterklip and discover the creative world of Thapelo Arts. Here, the local artist brings the charm of the area to life through handcrafted mini fishermen’s cottages and intricate three-dimensional paintings depicting the traditional cottages and iconic L’Agulhas Lighthouse. Each piece captures the spirit of this old coastal village, offering a unique keepsake or gift that tells a story of the region’s heritage.

Thapelo is not just an artist but a passionate storyteller, eager to share tales of the village, its people, and the history behind each creation. Visitors can explore his exhibition along the main road at Hotagterklip, admire the skillful craftsmanship, and even take home a piece of the Cape Agulhas coast. Whether you’re an art lover, history enthusiast, or simply curious, a visit to Thapelo Arts offers an immersive cultural experience that beautifully blends creativity with local tradition.

Southern Wright Art Gallery

Immerse yourself in the vibrant local art scene at Southern Wright Art Gallery, located on the Main Road in L’Agulhas. Since 2006, this gallery has celebrated the creativity of local artists, showcasing works inspired by the lighthouse, coastal shipwrecks, fishermen’s boats, and the stunning beaches of the region.

Co-owner Louise, a talented painter, specialises in oil-on-canvas masterpieces, and her work sits alongside an eclectic mix of watercolours, sketches, and other fine artworks from the area’s best talent. Visitors can browse and purchase not only original art but also high-quality art supplies to fuel their own creativity.

For those who can’t visit in person, the gallery’s online collection offers a window into the current selection of available artworks. Whether you’re a collector, art enthusiast, or simply curious, Southern Wright Art Gallery provides a charming and inspiring glimpse into the heart of the Cape Agulhas artistic community.

Kapula Candles

Step into Kapula Candles in Bredasdorp and discover a vibrant world of hand-crafted candles and ceramics, each piece radiating creativity and skill. The candles are hand-painted with meticulous attention to detail, reflecting the passion and artistry of the skilled local makers, many of whom were formerly unemployed women from the area, now empowered through their craft.

The showroom also features a stunning selection of hand-painted ceramics, perfect for adding an elegant touch to a dinner party, a bold pop of colour to a beach house, or a unique gift for someone special. Every item tells a story, blending artistry, community, and local culture.

Whether you’re browsing for a candle to brighten your room or a ceramic set that makes a statement, Kapula Candles offers something truly special for every visitor.

L’Agulhas Lighthouse Museum

Step inside the L’Agulhas Lighthouse Museum and uncover the rich maritime history of Africa’s southernmost point. Completed in 1849 and declared a National Monument in 1973, the lighthouse was built to guide sailors safely along a notoriously treacherous coastline, where countless ships met their fate.

The museum showcases a fascinating collection of historic artifacts, maritime tools, and shipwreck relics, offering insight into the lives of lighthouse keepers and the perilous journeys of early seafarers. Climb the three sets of stairs and a steep ladder to the lookout at the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean, coastline, and the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic oceans.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, photography lover, or simply seeking a spectacular view, the museum provides a unique opportunity to experience the drama, beauty, and heritage of this iconic coastal landmark.

Visitor Info: Access to the lighthouse lookout costs R40 per person, and parking is conveniently available below the lighthouse along the road and sea.

The Shipwreck Museum

Step into South Africa’s only shipwreck museum, located in Bredasdorp, and explore the dramatic maritime history of the Agulhas coastline, where over 150 ships met their fate on its rocky reefs. The museum brings to life the perilous journeys of sailors from 1673 onward, sharing stories of shipwrecks like the Queen of Thames, Arniston, Zoetendal, and Birkenhead, and highlighting historic practices such as the ‘women and children first’ protocol.

Visitors can view a fascinating collection of original artifacts, including portholes, jewellery, coins, figureheads, anchors, perfume bottles, and even cannons. The museum also features life-size mannequins in period clothing, scenes of early coastal life, and farming equipment, immersing you in the history and atmosphere of the region. In the garden, admire real ship anchors, some dating back hundreds of years.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, adventurer, or simply curious, a visit to The Shipwreck Museum is an unforgettable journey through the romance and danger of South Africa’s storied coastline.

Visitor Info: Open weekdays from 9:00 AM, with a small entrance fee payable in cash.

Meisho Maru Shipwreck

Explore the haunting remains of the Meisho Maru, a Japanese ship that met its fate along the rugged Cape Agulhas coastline. This well-preserved wreck lies just a short walk from the Southernmost Point of Africa, making it an accessible and dramatic site for visitors. The Meisho Maru’s skeletal structure, weathered by time and the relentless sea, offers a tangible glimpse into maritime history and the perils faced by sailors navigating these treacherous waters.

The site is not only a photographer’s dream, with the wreck framed by crashing waves and the endless horizon, but also a point of historical interest for those fascinated by shipwrecks along the Agulhas coast, which has claimed countless vessels over the centuries. Walk along the sand and stones, take in the dramatic seascape, and imagine the stories this ship holds.

A visit to the Meisho Maru Shipwreck pairs perfectly with hikes along the Rasperpunt Trail or a day exploring the Agulhas National Park, offering both adventure and a deep connection to South Africa’s coastal heritage.

Ready to have the house to yourselves?

Tell us roughly when, and how many. We reply personally, usually within one working day.

Plan Your Retreat

No obligation, and no cost to enquire.

FAQs

Booking and pricing

What is the cost of hosting a retreat?

Every retreat is priced around your dates, group size and the extras you'd like. Send us your dates and headcount at bookings@creekretreats.co.za and we'll reply with a tailored quote.

What's included in the price?

Exclusive use of the whole property: the thatched main house, three private cottages, the courtyard and braai. It also includes premium linen and towels, uncapped fibre wifi, the working spaces, the games room and cinema loft, firewood for the braai and fireplace, and a final clean. Catering, excursions and transport are quoted separately.

How do deposits and payment work?

If you book 8 weeks or more before arrival, a 50% deposit secures your dates, with the balance due 8 weeks before you arrive. Inside 8 weeks, the full amount is due on booking. Payment is by EFT (bank transfer), in South African rand. A refundable damage deposit of R2,000 and a cleaning fee apply.

Can you invoice our company?

Yes we are able to invoice the Company and you are welcome to send over the details once the quotation has been accepted.

What is your cancellation policy?

A full refund within 48 hours of booking if arrival is at least 14 days away, a full refund 30 or more days before arrival, 50% 7 or more days before, and no refund within 7 days of arrival.

Is there a minimum stay?

We have a 2 night minimum stay requirement for the Retreat

Group size and rooms

How many people can the retreat accommodate?

9 team members can be accommodated comfortably

Will everyone have their own room?

There are seven bedrooms, so seven people can each have their own room. The three cottages each have their own entrance and en suite, which gives senior team members extra privacy.

What are the bedrooms?
RoomBedsBathroom
Oceanpearl (main house)QueenEn suite
Saltstone (main house)QueenShared
Driftwood Loft (upstairs)Twin bedsShared
Oystercatcher Loft (upstairs)Double or twinShared
Oceanbreeze CottageQueenEn suite, shower
Dune CottageQueenEn suite, with bath
Fynbos CottageQueenEn suite, shower

The three main-house bedrooms without an en suite share one bathroom. Every room has premium linen, plush duvets and block-out curtains.

Is there anything to know about the stairs?

The stairs to the two loft bedrooms are steep.

Working at the venue

Is the wifi good enough for video calls?

Yes, uncapped fibre runs throughout, and a back-up supply keeps the main router running for about two hours during loadshedding.

Where can we hold meetings?

Around the large dining table in the open-plan main house, with quiet nooks around the property for focused work. The games room's pool table converts into a dining table with benches if you need a second space.

Can we present from a laptop?

Yes, there are smart TVs with HDMI adaptors in several rooms, plus a cinema loft with a smart TV and Bluetooth speaker. Any additional extras such as flipcharts and markers are available upon request and at an additional charge.

Catering

Can we self-cater?

Yes. The kitchen has SMEG appliances, a gas hob, oven, dishwasher and Nespresso machine, with full cookware for a large group. Tea, coffee, sugar and a starter supply of pods are provided. The covered pergola braai seats the whole group.

Can you arrange catering or a private chef?

Yes, bespoke catering is available as an add-on and quoted individually.

Can we eat out as a group?

Yes. Catch Cook at the harbour and Pret at 55 Knots are 3 to 5 minutes away. For a larger dinner or daytime session, Earth Restaurant, 4 minutes away, hosts functions for up to 30 people.

Getting there and arrival

How far is the retreat from Cape Town?

About two and a half hours' drive.

Can you arrange transport?

Yes, private transport can be arranged and quoted as part of your retreat.

How do we get into the estate?

The property is inside the gated Langezandt security estate. Before arrival, our local property manager will ask for vehicle registration numbers so cars can be added to the estate access system.

What time can we arrive and leave?

Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 10am.

Is there parking?

Yes, secure parking for four vehicles inside the property, plus two on the front driveway.

Team-building and activities

What can we do on site?

A games room with a pool table that converts to table tennis and a dartboard, a cinema loft, a large indoor fireplace, and the courtyard braai. Langezandt beach is about a 5-minute walk through the estate.

Can you organise team activities?

Yes. We can arrange private excursions and hosted activities, quoted to suit your group:

  • On the water: scuba diving, fishing, sunset cruises, whale watching (roughly July to December), surfing and snorkelling.
  • Outdoors: hiking trails from 5 to 10.5 km, Agulhas National Park, De Hoop Nature Reserve and the Nuwejaars Wetlands.
  • Wine: tastings at Black Oystercatcher, Zoetendal Vineyards and Lomond Wine Estate.
  • Sightseeing: the southernmost tip of Africa, the Cape Agulhas lighthouse, and the historic fishing village of Arniston.

House rules

Can we host an event?

Yes, with our prior written agreement. Please tell us when you enquire. Langezandt estate rules ask all guests to keep noise considerate and not to use fireworks.

Can we smoke?

No, the venue is non-smoking, inside and out.

Can we bring a dog?

Yes, up to three pets, by prior arrangement, at R900 per pet.

Extras

What else can you arrange?

Bespoke catering and private dining, team-building and adventure experiences, creative and wellness experiences, private transportation meeting and technology support. Each is quoted individually.