The Hatchery - beach and lagoon experience

Reviews

• "The views & the walks along the lagoon."

  17 April 2018

  "The rooms are dirty, each room could have its own braai, as well as the area near the pools. Generally the place is run-down & dirty. It is not a credit to its location."

• "Fantastic venue for relaxing or a party"

  05 March 2018

  "A large group of us just spent the weekend at the Hatchery, I will definitely go again. The rooms look VERY rustic from the outside but are quite comfortable inside. The venue is very family friendly with the 'gintank' and the 'tonic pools' available to cool off during the day or entertain the adults in the evening. The staff is friendly and helpful."

• "A Safarinow SA Self-catering Standard disappointment. More like a Backpackers'."

  02 March 2018

  "I've copied what I wrote on Tripadvisor and will add a few notes for Matthew here.For those thinking of staying over here, there's a few things that this or the Safarinow site don't indicate that may be helpful for you to know, as follows:- I've been booking and staying in many, many self-catering spots in South Africa over the past ten years, so I am comparing this to a standard self-catering usually booked through Safarinow.- The Hatchery does not advertise as a backpackers; however, the standard is more backpackers' than the average self-catering we have stayed in. The rooms are more standard private room backpackers' and the kitchen is definitely backpackers' level.- Know that the best rooms are the ones that are river-front facing. The rooms that accommodate four or more are not as nice and are certainly more backpacker quality. On a hot night . . . whew! Noisy air conditioning and a crowded feel.- Matthew doesn't advertise the boats to the sandspit that leads to the ocean, and that is wise of him, for various reasons . . . Just know that you won't have easy access to the ocean. Consider this is a river-front/estuary spot.- Know that if it rains a lot, you may be stuck there, or at the least, if it is raining, be SURE to contact Matthew before heading in on the dirt road. He is accommodating in terms of helping you get in and out. We had booked for two nights, but would likely have only stayed for one if we had been able to get out; however, the road was flooded due to heavy rains. There would have been no way of getting out that first day.Matthew made sure we got out safely the second day of our stay. - From all my dealings with Matthew, the host, he is a kind and accommodating host. I just think that he either needs to upgrade aspects of this place, or needs to advertise it as a backpackers spot. It would be so great to have the estuary beach cleaned regularly -- the garbage is NOT appealing. Why not pay a staff to do this? That being said, DO, enjoy long walks along the river estuary. It's lovely to stop and visit with local fishermen and watch them drag in their nets. It was very educational to learn about the impacts of plastic pollution along this stretch of shoreline -- so sad! - The initial artistic vision of the place still retains some amazing visual touches and has so much potential -- their are amazing spots for photography in the ruins of this once-prawn-hatchery -- however, if these spots are not maintained, it really brings down the standard of a place (external bathrooms by what is likely a camping spot are filthy/non-functioning). Enough said for potential guests!----Specifically to Matthew, firstly thanks so much for making sure we got out safely the second day, after the torrential rains!Some further thoughts on your place:At least two decent boats with proper paddles and maybe some lifejackets would really add a lot because folks could be sure to get safely to the ocean. We were SO disappointed that we did not feel the crafts you had were safe for crossing with our son. I specifically booked your spot thinking we'd have boat access across the estuary to the ocean front. This was a HUGE disappointment. A few lounge chairs, light for carrying and in good repair, that could be carried down to the river front would be great.Hire a worker to clean the river front for at least 1 km along your shoreline each day. The garbage there is NOT nice and not in keeping with your apparent 'green' efforts at recycling.Modernize/paint/improve the standard of your kitchen. Rustic is okay, and it provides a unique ambiance; however, improving the standard in the kitchen -- new dishes, cutlery neat and newer, pots newer and get rid of the kitchen appliances that don't seem to work (fridges/freezer?) would really help. Good lighting in the kitchen would help. Fridges in rooms -- a good idea. A short brochure/write-up about the history of your place, provided on-site to guests would be great. You DO have an amazing spot with TONS of potential and an interesting history -- celebrate the history because that's part of what makes a spot wonderful for us. I love the artistic vision that was begun here about ten years ago, Matthew, it's just feeling tired and in need of some rejuvenation/a restored and developed vision.Regards,Wendy Fath"

• "A perfect retreat"

  07 June 2016

  "My wife and I spent 3 days here over the weekend of our 40th wedding anniversary - it was a perfect choice for an intimate retreat with fishing, walks, an afternoon lazing and eating / drinking at the nearby Prawn Shak. We had the Pump Room with a great view.<div><br /></div><div>The place has all the basic personal comforts and catering necessities - quite a surprise after the first sighting. Staff were very good and friendly as well. We will certainly be back again.</div>"

• "Hidden gem"

  15 February 2016

  "We only stayed here one night, but it was worth it. The room was clean and the setting beautiful. There is a community kitchen with a fridge and all staff is really helpful. <br />Not so helpful were the directions provided by the Safarinow website. DO NOT follow them as you will get lost, like we did. It told us to turn left after the toll gate, while we had to go right.... It's actually very easy to find if you just follow the directions on their website:&nbsp;http://www.thehatchery.co.za/diections_map.html <br /><br />&nbsp; <br />"

• "Laid back experience"

  04 January 2016

  "<p>Thank you for a very laid back experience - great place to do "nothing" and keep at it the whole day!</p><p>Great room &amp; even greater aircon - thanks!<br></br><br></br>Todler and parent friendly - we all had a great time</p><p>Very friendly &amp; helpful staff!<br></br><br></br></p><p>Regards<br></br><br></br></p><p>Lelanie, Lanrielle &amp; Conin (3 years)<br></br><br></br></p>"

• "Unique"

  27 July 2015

  "<p>The Hatchery is very unique.</p><p>Its not your typical beach/lagoon holiday. It is very relaxing and the staff is supremely helpful.</p><p></p><p>The island is something to behold, not a single person in sight.</p><p></p><p>If you are looking for a non traditional beach holiday, the hatchery is well worth a visit.</p>"

• "Unique gem"

  15 July 2014

  "This is a gem of a spot and an example of the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover". It may not be pretty outside but it is comfortable and uniquely peaceful. Remember to bring every consumable you need. They provide only bathroom and dishwashing soap and matches."

• "Strange and mysierious"

  29 April 2012

  "After a difficult road you arrive in a very strange place, in first you think that you are not in the good place, then, the very kind Penelope appears and inside the industrial building you have another world, confortable and charming, you are in front of the lagoon with (this day) the ocean unchained...don't tell to your friends where is this fine place."

• "Awesome time"

  16 February 2012

  "We had the most wonderful time there, your place is beautiful, just too short a stay, it was so peaceful, everything we needed it to be. Thank you so much, your staff are so helpful and friendly, we will definitely be back but for a longer period next time."

• "Chilled"

  27 December 2011

  "Great beach nearby. We really enjoyed our stay, felt as if we'd been away for a month, even though it was only three nights. Really relaxing. The staff were great, unobtrusive, but really efficient and observant. Loved the funky little touches everywhere."

• "Slice of heaven"

  14 June 2011

  "It is truly an escape from reality with gorgeous accommodation, lovely staff and miles of deserted beaches. Can't wait to go back."