48 Hours. No Rush. Just St Francis Bay
If you’re 45+, this one’s for you.
Because you’re never too old for a little adventure — and never too young for a weekend away.
There comes a time when a weekend away doesn’t need a packed itinerary, frantic sightseeing or a checklist of things to see and do.
What you really want is somewhere beautiful. Somewhere relaxed. Somewhere you can kick off your shoes, enjoy good food and wine, discover something new — and return home feeling as though you’ve been away for much longer than 48 hours.
Welcome to St Francis Bay.
Just over an hour from Gqeberha, this laid-back seaside village has all the ingredients for an easy weekend escape: beautiful beaches, waterways, good food, golf, nature and that wonderfully unhurried coastal atmosphere.
And for those of us in the 45–60 age group, St Francis Bay has a particular appeal. There’s plenty to do when you’re feeling energetic — and absolutely no pressure to do anything at all when you’re not.
So, if you have 48 hours to spare, here’s how we’d spend them.
Friday afternoon: Arrive. Exhale. Let the weekend begin.
The best weekends start the moment you leave home.
Make your way to St Francis Bay on Friday afternoon and check into Harbour Club Port St Francis, your home for the weekend.
Set within the working harbour, Harbour Club puts you close to the water, restaurants and many of the activities that make St Francis so special.
Unpack, pour yourself something cold and take a moment to enjoy being somewhere different.
No emails. No meetings. No household chores.
Just that delicious feeling of having escaped.
Take a gentle stroll around the harbour, watch the boats come and go and breathe in the sea air. The weekend has officially begun.
Friday evening: Seafood, sundowners & seaside magic
Friday night calls for something easy.
Why cook when you’re beside the ocean?
Wander along the harbour to the restaurant precinct, settle in for a relaxed dinner and enjoy a drink or two. Order seafood — or whatever takes your fancy — and take your time.
Talk. Laugh. Stay a little longer than you intended.
There really is no need to rush.
Saturday morning: Start with the sea
Wake up slowly. Make a coffee. Open the curtains.
Then get outside.
St Francis Bay is made for mornings. Walk through the harbour towards the start of the Two Harbours Walk and perhaps stop for breakfast at the much-loved Bruce’s. Or simply find a quiet spot and watch the world go by.
Feeling energetic? Get onto the water.
A canal or river cruise offers a completely different perspective of St Francis Bay, with beautiful scenery, fresh air and perhaps the chance to spot some of the area’s marine life.
No hiking boots required. No fitness test involved.
Just enjoy.
Saturday late morning: Coffee, browsing & a little retail therapy
After your morning adventure, slow things down again.
Explore the village, browse the boutiques, galleries and interesting little shops. Perhaps you’ll discover a piece of local art, something beautiful for your home or a gift for someone special.
Or perhaps you’ll buy absolutely nothing.
That’s perfectly fine too.
Follow it with coffee and something delicious. After all, you’re on holiday.
Saturday afternoon: Golf — or absolutely nothing
This is where St Francis Bay really comes into its own.
Golfers can head to St Francis Links or St Francis Bay Golf Club for a round surrounded by the distinctive landscape of the region.
Not a golfer?
Perfect.
Head to the beach. Take a stroll. Read a book. Have a swim.
Or embrace one of life’s increasingly appealing luxuries:
absolutely nothing.
Harbour Club makes it easy to do exactly that. With spacious, beautifully appointed apartments, self-catering facilities, Wi-Fi and furnished balconies with braai facilities, you have the freedom to make the afternoon entirely your own.
Saturday late afternoon: Sunset is on the itinerary
One thing is non-negotiable: Sunset Rock.
Take a picnic and a sundowner, find a comfortable spot and watch the sky change as the sun slips towards the horizon.
It’s simple, beautiful and wonderfully memorable.
And perhaps that’s the real secret to a great weekend away. It’s not always about doing something spectacular. Sometimes it’s simply having the time to notice the spectacular things that are already there.
Saturday night: Dinner, drinks & good company
Head back into St Francis Bay for dinner and enjoy everything from fresh seafood to relaxed bistro-style dining.
Dress up if you feel like it. Stay casual if you don’t.
At this stage of life, we’ve earned the right to decide for ourselves.
Order dessert. Have the second glass of wine. Stay up late — or don’t.
There are no rules here.
Sunday morning: One last taste of St Francis
Sunday is for taking things slowly.
Head towards the lighthouse and enjoy breakfast at Never Mind, a favourite with locals, before taking one last stroll along the beach or the Wild Side.
And somewhere along the way, you’ll probably find yourself thinking:
“We really should do this more often.”
And you should.
48 hours later…
Eventually, every weekend comes to an end.
But you leave St Francis with more than just a few photographs. You’ve had 48 hours of sea air, good food, beautiful scenery, laughter, relaxation and perhaps a little adventure.
You’ve walked. You’ve explored. You’ve eaten. You’ve raised a glass. You’ve watched the sun go down.
And you’ve remembered that being 45, 50, 55 or 60 doesn’t mean slowing down.
It means getting better at choosing what is worth your time.
And St Francis Bay is definitely worth your time.
Why Harbour Club?
Because the best accommodation for a weekend away isn’t necessarily the place with the longest list of facilities. It’s the place that makes your weekend easy.
Harbour Club Port St Francis gives you a relaxed base in the heart of the harbour, with restaurants, the water, activities and coastline close at hand.
Active or lazy. Social or peaceful. Adventurous or indulgent.
Your weekend. Your way.
48 hours. 48 years young.
Maybe that’s all you need.