Port Alfred is nothing less than the big diamond in the Eastern Cape’s tourism crown. Even though it still has the charm and feel of a small village by the sea, Port Alfred and its offerings will keep you enthralled.

There are sections of Port Alfred that are true to the most seductive postcard settings: long swathes of beaches, a picture-perfect marina with its colourful mansions and slipways and the lazy old Kowie River that meanders inland to the nearby boundaries of Bathurst, the neighbouring village with the slightly hippy medieval vibe.

As it sits plumb in the middle of the Sunshine Coast, Port Alfred enjoys the mild weather of a typically sub-tropical zone. The waters of the Indian Ocean are forgivingly warm and the reefs off Port Alfred provide great diving spots. In fact, if you’re even slightly water-crazy, Port Alfred will have you canoeing up the Kowie, kite-sailing on the beach, signing up with the local dive school for courses, water-skiing on the river, whale-watching from a licensed boat or heading out into deep waters for some ocean fishing.

In fact, with the presence of a number of top game reserves in the area, Port Alfred is now being marketed as a ‘Big Eight' destination, where you might be lucky enough to see lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalos, elephants, dolphins, sharks and whales.

Then there’s the Gary Player golf course over at the Fish River Sun about 20 minutes’ drive from Port Alfred and, for those with a love of the open skies, there’s South Africa’s premier flight training venue: 43 Air School. This legendary centre has 60 training aircraft, and the same number of flying instructors. This is where future airline-, air force- and commercial pilots come to train in idyllic coastal surrounds.

Located in Port Alfred, Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve offers a large deck overlooking the Indian Ocean and bush. It features a private beach area, an Africa-shaped swimming pool and free Wi-Fi.

Each accommodation at Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve boasts a private deck with ocean and bush views. All are decorated in an African theme and have a lounge and private bathroom with a spa bath.

Guests can enjoy a cocktail together with scenic views at the central bar area with its fireplace. There is also a lounge with sofas and chairs, and a restaurant with several dining options.

Guests can take a dip in the pool, play billiards or go fishing. There is also a library with books and DVDs, and a curio shop selling jewelry, souvenirs and books.

A shuttle service is available to Port Alfred Airport, a 10-minute drive away. The property can also organise beach walks, surfing and game drives.

The Private Ocean House is the finest accommodation we have to offer at Oceana Beach & Wildlife Reserve. With 268 square metres of exquisite luxury, three large bedrooms and opulent bathrooms to match, the Private Ocean House is designed to showcase the ultimate in style. It has been appointed with decorative features considered to welcome guests into calming ambience, which is enhanced by original antiques and artifacts displayed throughout.

The Private Ocean House features an extensive kitchen where your chef will prepare meals from (on request), a fully equipped luxury bar, tea and coffee making facilities, handcrafted furnishings, antiques and artifacts and an intimate heated jacuzzi (plunge pool), surrounded by a wooden deck and is the perfect spot to relax or entertain.