lafont@hermanus.co.za +27 (0)28 3124595

The story of La Fontaine

A place of timeless character, effortless luxury and genuine hospitality

La Fontaine is a luxury guesthouse in the heart of Hermanus, on the beautiful coast of the Western Cape, South Africa. A place to slow down, reconnect and experience life at a gentler pace.

Overlooking Walker Bay, La Fontaine brings together timeless character, thoughtful design and relaxed luxury. Across La Fontaine Guesthouse and La Fontaine Lodge, historic architecture, carefully selected art and elegant interiors create spaces that feel both distinctive and wonderfully comfortable.

Here, days begin with a homemade breakfast overlooking Walker Bay. Afternoons can be spent walking the coastline, discovering the surrounding nature and vineyards, or simply relaxing beside the pool. During whale season, you may even catch sight of Southern Right Whales passing through the bay.

As evening falls, stroll into the heart of Hermanus and discover its many restaurants, cafés and wine bars, all just a short walk from La Fontaine. Enjoy a leisurely dinner, a glass of local wine and the relaxed atmosphere of the town, knowing that home is only a few steps away.

We believe true luxury is not only about beautiful surroundings. It is about having the time and space to slow down, feeling genuinely looked after, and leaving a little more rested than when you arrived.

Welcome to La Fontaine.

What makes La Fontaine unique?

✔️ Prime Location: Situated just a 2-minute walk from many restaurants, cafes, shops, and art galleries.

✔️ Spectacular Views: Enjoy unparalleled views of the sea and whales from our premises.

✔️ Historic Charm: Our buildings boast monumental architecture beautifully adorned with high-end materials.

✔️ Five-Star Service: Praised for our exceptional service in numerous reviews.

✔️ Complimentary Parking: Park hassle-free on our private premises at no extra cost.

✔️ Reliable Electricity: Our property is equipped with solar panels, ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply during African's power cuts.

✔️ Luxurious Amenities: Indulge in our two heated swimming pools with jet streams, treat yourself to in-room massages, and partake in yoga sessions upon request.

 

La Fontaine Lodge

Opened in 2024, La Fontaine Lodge brings a new expression of luxury to Hermanus.

Set within a beautifully restored heritage house, the Lodge combines original character with contemporary comfort. Antique black-and-white marble, authentic furniture and carefully selected African and European art sit alongside modern finishes and thoughtful details.

At its heart is an inviting living space with a fireplace, generous dining area and beautiful views towards the ocean. A place designed for long conversations, quiet moments and unhurried days.

The Lodge offers luxurious suites and spacious rooms, each with its own private outdoor patio and comfortable seating area. Pour a glass of wine, settle in and enjoy the stillness.

This is a place where there is no need to rush.
 

Historic La Fontaine Guesthouse overlooking Walker Bay in Hermanus, South Africa

La Fontaine Guesthouse

La Fontaine Guesthouse is set within one of Hermanus’ historic buildings, in a remarkable location overlooking the ocean.

Its name is closely connected to the story of the town itself. La Fontaine stands opposite the original freshwater fountain around which the village of Hermanus began to develop, a small piece of local history that remains part of the character of the property today.

Inside, heritage details and timeless interiors meet modern comfort, while outside the sights and sounds of Walker Bay create an ever-changing backdrop. During whale season, that backdrop becomes even more extraordinary, as Southern Right Whales return to the waters off Hermanus.

A stay at La Fontaine is therefore not simply about discovering Hermanus. In a small way, it is about becoming part of its story.

Le Fontaine Hermanus 2023 Travellers’ Choice

Travellers’ Choice Award

La Fontaine is proud to have received the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, recognising the consistently positive experiences shared by our guests.

For us, this recognition is especially meaningful because it comes from the people who have stayed with us. Their reviews reflect what we care about most: genuine hospitality, personal attention, beautiful surroundings and creating a memorable stay in Hermanus.

To every guest who has chosen La Fontaine, shared their experience and recommended us to others — thank you for being part of our story.

Timeless Elegance

La Fontaine Guesthouse and La Fontaine Lodge each have their own distinctive character, bringing together timeless elegance, contemporary comfort and a sense of place.

Rich textures, warm tones and carefully chosen patterns are complemented by a distinctive collection of African and European art, antiques and characterful furniture. Historic details sit effortlessly alongside contemporary design, creating interiors that feel elegant and sophisticated, yet wonderfully relaxed.

Every room and shared space has been thoughtfully considered ,not simply to be beautiful, but to create a place where you can slow down, feel at ease and truly enjoy your surroundings.

Fresh orange juice at breakfast overlooking Walker Bay at La Fontaine Guesthouse in Hermanus

Breakfast with a view

Mornings at La Fontaine are made to be enjoyed slowly. Breakfast is included with your stay, freshly prepared each morning and served overlooking the beautiful waters of Walker Bay in Hermanus.

Take a seat on the sea-facing terrace, enjoy the panoramic ocean views and ease into the day over freshly brewed coffee and breakfast. During whale season, you may even be lucky enough to spot a whale passing through the bay while you eat.

We are happy to accommodate dietary requirements and allergies wherever possible, simply let us know in advance.

Heated swimming pool at La Fontaine Guesthouse in Hermanus, South Africa

Swim, Relax & Recharge

Take time to slow down beside one of the two heated swimming pools at La Fontaine Guesthouse in Hermanus. Enjoy a refreshing swim, use the jet stream for a more active workout, or simply settle into a sunbed and let the day unfold at your own pace.

Whether you start the morning with an energising swim or spend a quiet afternoon relaxing by the water, the pools offer a peaceful place to move, unwind and recharge during your stay.

Surrounded by the natural beauty of Hermanus and with the ocean close by, La Fontaine makes it easy to slow down, spend time outdoors and embrace a more relaxed pace of life.

Roses, Agapanthus and Aloe in the garden at La Fontaine Guesthouse in Hermanus

A garden with character

The garden at La Fontaine is full of character, with roses, Agapanthus and Aloe adding colour throughout the seasons. Rising above them is our magnificent old palm tree, a familiar La Fontaine landmark that makes the house recognisable from a distance.

Among the flowers, you will also find our own small herb and vegetable garden, where we grow fresh seasonal ingredients to use in our kitchen.

From roses in bloom and freshly picked herbs to the unmistakable silhouette of the old palm, the garden is part of what gives La Fontaine its distinctive character and sense of place.

Solar panels providing renewable energy at La Fontaine Guesthouse in Hermanus, South Africa

Solar Power & Reliable Electricity

At La Fontaine, our solar energy system does more than reduce our environmental impact — it also helps provide reliable electricity throughout your stay.

Power outages can occur in South Africa, but La Fontaine Guesthouse and La Fontaine Lodge are equipped with solar power and backup energy to help keep the property running when the grid goes down. That means you can continue to enjoy the comforts that matter during your stay, without having to plan your day around local power interruptions.

For us, it is a practical combination of sustainability, comfort and peace of mind — using the abundant South African sunshine to create a more reliable stay for our guests.

A SELECTION OF OUR FINEST ROOMS

ROOM 1 AT LA FONTAINE GUESTHOUSE

Our luxury suite with a breathtaking sea view offers a relaxing stay. Watch the African sunset from the private balcony or enjoy the view of the whales.

View rooms

ROOM 7 AT LA FONTAINE LODGE

An elegant suite at La Fontaine Lodge facing the ocean with a large inside sitting area and a workstation. Enjoy the African sunset or savor the view of whales from your own room.

View rooms

ROOM 8 AT LA FONTAINE LODGE

This elegant room at La Fontaine Lodge offers a breathtaking view over the Atlantic Ocean and features a comfortable king-size bed, an ensuite bathroom, and a private outdoor sitting area next to the pool.

View rooms

About your stay at La Fontaine

Is La Fontaine a hotel or a guesthouse? Is La Fontaine a hotel or a guesthouse?

La Fontaine is a luxury guesthouse in Hermanus, offering many of the comforts and services travellers look for in a boutique hotel, combined with the character and personal hospitality of a guesthouse.

Guests can enjoy beautifully designed rooms and suites, breakfast overlooking Walker Bay, two heated swimming pools, complimentary private parking and a central location within walking distance of restaurants, cafés, galleries and the Hermanus coastline.
What type of accommodation does La Fontaine offer in Hermanus? What type of accommodation does La Fontaine offer in Hermanus?

La Fontaine offers a collection of luxury rooms and suites across La Fontaine Guesthouse and La Fontaine Lodge in Hermanus.

Choose from beautiful sea-facing rooms and suites overlooking Walker Bay, comfortable garden rooms and spacious accommodation for couples and families. Breakfast and complimentary Wi-Fi are included with every stay.
What is the difference between La Fontaine Guesthouse and La Fontaine Lodge? What is the difference between La Fontaine Guesthouse and La Fontaine Lodge?

La Fontaine Guesthouse and La Fontaine Lodge offer two distinctive ways to experience La Fontaine, both combining character, comfort and thoughtful hospitality in the heart of Hermanus.

La Fontaine Guesthouse is set within one of Hermanus’ historic buildings and enjoys a remarkable position overlooking Walker Bay. La Fontaine Lodge, opened in 2024, offers a contemporary interpretation of relaxed luxury within a beautifully restored heritage house.

Guests staying at either property can enjoy the La Fontaine experience and shared facilities.
Does La Fontaine have sea-view rooms? Does La Fontaine have sea-view rooms?

Yes. Selected rooms and suites at La Fontaine offer beautiful sea views across Walker Bay.

If waking up to an ocean view is important to you, we recommend choosing one of our sea-facing room or suite categories when making your reservation.
Is breakfast included at La Fontaine? Is breakfast included at La Fontaine?

Yes. A freshly prepared breakfast is included with your stay at La Fontaine.

Breakfast can be enjoyed overlooking Walker Bay, making it a wonderful way to start your morning in Hermanus. During whale season, you may even be lucky enough to spot whales passing through the bay while you eat.

Please let us know in advance if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.
Is La Fontaine suitable for couples? Is La Fontaine suitable for couples?

Yes. La Fontaine is an ideal choice for couples looking for a relaxing stay in Hermanus, with elegant rooms and suites, ocean views, two heated swimming pools and the restaurants, cafés and coastline of central Hermanus within easy walking distance.

In-room massages and private yoga sessions can also be arranged on request.
Are families and children welcome at La Fontaine? Are families and children welcome at La Fontaine?

Yes. Children of all ages are welcome at La Fontaine, and selected rooms and suites are suitable for families.

For guests travelling with babies and young children, we can provide practical essentials such as a baby cot and high chair on request, helping to make your family stay in Hermanus as comfortable and easy as possible.

Children aged 13 years and older are considered adults for booking purposes. We recommend checking the individual room descriptions or contacting us to find the most suitable accommodation for your family.
What time are check-in and check-out? What time are check-in and check-out?

Check-in is from 14:00 (2 PM) and check-out is by 11:00 AM.

If you have specific arrival requirements, please contact us before your stay and our team will be happy to assist wherever possible.
Is smoking allowed at La Fontaine? Is smoking allowed at La Fontaine?

No. La Fontaine operates a non-smoking policy inside La Fontaine Guesthouse, La Fontaine Lodge and all guest rooms. Electronic cigarettes and vaping are also not permitted indoors.
Is there secure parking at La Fontaine? Is there secure parking at La Fontaine?

Yes. Guests staying at La Fontaine can enjoy complimentary secure on-site parking for the duration of their stay.

This is especially convenient if you are exploring Hermanus and the Western Cape by car. With many of Hermanus’ restaurants, cafés, galleries, shops and the Cliff Path within easy walking distance, you can safely leave your car at La Fontaine while exploring the town on foot.
La Fontaine Guesthouse   >   About La Fontaine