Frequently Asked Question

Check-in is from 15:00 (3:00 PM) and check-out is by 10:00 AM. If you need an early arrival or late departure, we will do our best to accommodate your request (subject to availability and prior arrangement).

You’ll never be bored at Mpekweni! We offer a wide range of activities for guests of all ages. Here’s an overview:

• Water Activities: Enjoy direct access to our beautiful, unspoiled Indian Ocean beach right from the resort. It’s a stunning, secluded beach – great for swimming, beachcombing, or surfing, and you can walk for miles along the shore. We also have a tranquil lagoon (river estuary) on the property where you can go canoeing. Grab a canoe from the shore and take a leisurely paddle up the lagoon’s calm waters, exploring quiet channels and birdlife – it’s very peaceful! For a special treat, join our River Barge Cruise: we offer breathtaking sunset cruises up the Mpekweni lagoon, where you can admire the flora and fauna from the water. (Be sure to schedule the river cruise in advance at reception, as it operates at set times and can fill up.) If you love fishing, bring along your gear – the fishing here is spectacular for both novices and seasoned anglers. You can fish in the lagoon or off the beach (think surf casting), and our staff can point you to the best spots. Please remember to ensure that you have a valid fishing licence.
• Sports & Outdoor Fun: We have a variety of sports facilities on-site. There’s a swimming pool (outdoor) where you can cool off or lounge with a cocktail. For racket sports, enjoy our Padel Courts with equipment available for hire from our front desk and indoor squash court – great for a quick match any time of year. We’re also excited to offer padel tennis, a popular new sport that’s a fun mix of tennis and squash – our padel courts are right by the dunes, adding a unique backdrop to your game (rackets/balls can be obtained from the front desk). We have a volleyball court, so gather some friends or fellow guests for a friendly volleyball game. For some family fun, try our Mini-Golf (Putt-Putt) course – kids and adults alike enjoy the challenge of our 9-hole mini-golf. Indoors, we have two coin-operated snooker/pool tables for billiards enthusiasts, as well as table tennis (ping-pong) in the recreation area. If you’re a golfer, there are also excellent golf courses in the area (the Royal Port Alfred Golf Club is just 20 minutes away, and the Gary Player-designed Bushman Sands course a bit further – we can help arrange tee times). And after all that great food, you might want to hit the gym – our resort gym is well-equipped with cardio machines, weights, a music system and a water station, so you can maintain your workout routine.
• Adventure & Nature: For the adventurous souls, we have paintball facilities on-site – challenge your family or friends to a paintball match in our coastal bush arena (it’s an absolute blast, figuratively and literally!). We also organize darts games and competitions during entertainment programs. The resort’s surroundings are perfect for exploring: bring along your bike and enjoy some mountain biking on nearby trails – you’ll get to see indigenous flora and maybe some small wildlife while getting a workout. If you don’t have a bike, you can still venture out on foot for unguided nature walk or a jog – the area is safe and scenic. The expansive sand dunes by our beach are ideal for sandboarding or “sand surfing” – if you have a sandboard (or even a boogie board), give it a try on our dunes for some exhilarating fun!

With such a variety of things to do, you can be as active or as relaxed as you wish. Lounge by the pool with a book, challenge your partner to paddle, or a barge cruise on the lagoon at sunset – it’s up to you. Most activities are included for our guests (we don’t charge for things like canoe usage, sports courts, etc.), while some (like paintball or the barge cruise) have a nominal fee or require a minimum number of participants. Our friendly staff at reception will happily assist you with equipment loans or activity sign-ups. Enjoy your play time!

• Indoor Play: We have a Kids’ Games Room just for young guests. It features a pool table, a PlayStation console and Table tennis.
• Outdoor Play: There is a children’s playground on the lawn, equipped with swings, slides, and a trampoline that kids absolutely love – they can bounce to their heart’s content (under parental eye for safety). During December from the 14 December to approximately 04 January , we often set up a jumping castle (bounce house) on the grass as well, which is always a hit with the little ones. The beach itself is a giant sandbox for kids – building sandcastles, playing beach soccer, or splashing in the shallow lagoon water are daily delights. Beach toys (buckets, spades, balls) can be purchased through our shop close to reception There’s also a kiddie pool section in our main pool, so younger children can paddle safely.
• Holiday Kids’ Club: During school holidays ( 14 December – 04 January ) – we operate a Kids’ Holiday Club program that is amazing (not just our words, but feedback from parents!). This is a supervised daily activity program run by our P.R.O’s. This is available for children aged 7 – 12 years. The kids club typically runs various activities throughout the day: face painting, arts and crafts, beach games, mini talent shows, and more. For example, they might have a mid-morning biscuit-decorating session, an afternoon, and then a group sandcastle competition – every day is different and fun. In the evenings, the kids club often hosts movie nights with popcorn, so that parents can enjoy a quiet dinner knowing the children are happy and safe. Many parents tell us their kids beg to go back to the kids club each day because they have such a great time. It’s a wonderful way for children to make new friends on holiday. (Our kids’ entertainment team is truly passionate – they bring so much energy and care, treating each child like family.)
• Childcare Services: We understand parents might want some adult time (perhaps a spa treatment or a romantic beach walk). We offer babysitting services on request, if you need one-on-one babysitting (for a toddler or baby, or after-hours), we can arrange a dedicated child minder for a fee. Just let us know your needs – even if it’s an hour or two in the evening – and we’ll ensure your little ones are in good hands. All bookings are placed at reception
• Family-Friendly Dining: We have kid-friendly meal options available. The buffet always includes some children’s favorites (like spaghetti, chicken nuggets, veggies, and fries, plus desserts like jelly or ice cream). During the busy December period dependent on the number of children in house, we actually set up a separate kids’ dinner buffet earlier in the evening, served in a supervised area, so kids can eat together with their new friends while parents enjoy a more relaxed dinner on their own. Of course, if you prefer to have your children dine with you, they are most welcome in the restaurant charged at the current dinner rate. High chairs are available, and our chefs can puree food for babies or prepare something simple on request. We do not charge for children under a certain age during the special “kids eat free” promotions (for example, over the December holidays, kids under 12 staying with parents stay and eat for free when sharing the room – dinners are catered separately for them as mentioned).

Yes, we do – and you’re in for a treat! Our Mpekweni Spa is a tranquil sanctuary tucked within the resort, offering a range of wellness and beauty treatments. You’ll find it to be a peaceful haven to restore, rebalance, and rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit. Our offerings include various types of massages (from relaxing Swedish massages to deep tissue, hot stone, and couples massages), facial treatments (cleansing, hydrating, anti-aging facials using quality skincare products), and body treatments like exfoliating scrubs and mud wraps (perfect for nourishing your skin after some sun exposure). We also have beauty services: manicures, pedicures, and waxing, so you can get beach-ready. One popular option is our spa packages – for example, a half-day “pamper package” that might combine a back massage, mini-facial, and foot massage, or a romantic package for two with side-by-side treatments.Our therapists are highly trained and truly have healing hands – many guests comment on how wonderful they feel after a session at our spa. The spa atmosphere is serene: soft music, lovely aromatherapy scents. We do recommend booking your spa treatments in advance, especially during busy periods, because our slots can fill up quickly.

A few notes: The spa welcomes guests of 16 years and older for treatments (teenagers can enjoy certain treatments with parental consent – for instance, a simple facial or teen massage). The spa is open to resort guests and day visitors by appointment. We suggest arriving a bit before your appointment to fill out a short consultation (so we know your preferences and any health concerns). If you have specific needs (e.g. pregnancy massage or any medical conditions), please inform our staff – we will tailor the treatment appropriately. Our goal is for you to leave feeling utterly relaxed and rejuvenated. Many guests say their spa visit was a highlight of their stay – we hope you’ll feel the same! So go ahead, treat yourself – you’re on holiday, after all, and you deserve some pampering.

Absolutely! While there’s plenty to do on-site, we encourage guests to explore the beautiful Sunshine Coast and Eastern Cape attractions around us. Here are some popular nearby attractions and day trips to consider:

• Sibuya Game Reserve: If you’re up for a safari adventure, Sibuya Game Reserve is a fantastic option. It’s roughly a 1-hour drive from the resort. Sibuya offers Big Five game drives and boat cruises on the Kariega River. You can do a day trip that includes a game drive (with a chance to see elephants, lions, rhinos, buffalo, and leopards) and a lunch in the bush. It’s an unforgettable African bush experience by the sea. We can help arrange a day visit package for you. (Tip: leave the resort in the morning, enjoy the midday game activities at Sibuya, and you’ll be back by late afternoon.)
• Golf at Port Alfred: For golf enthusiasts, we are very close to excellent golf courses. In fact, Mpekweni is just a 4-minute drive from a Gary Player designed 18-hole golf course at Fish River. The Royal Port Alfred Golf Club is about 20 minutes away. This is a charming club in the seaside town of Port Alfred, offering lovely views and a well-kept course. You could easily combine a morning round of golf with an afternoon on Kelly’s Beach in Port Alfred, for example.
• Kowie River & Port Alfred: Port Alfred (our nearest town, ~38 km away) makes for a nice half-day trip. It has supermarkets, pharmacies, and shops if you need to pick up supplies, as well as some cute cafes. One highlight is taking a Kowie River Cruise – a leisurely boat cruise on the Kowie River that runs through town. Several operators offer 1-2 hour cruises (some are lunchtime cruises, others are sunset cruises with snacks). It’s a relaxing way to see birdlife and waterfront homes. Port Alfred also has the Kowie History Museum (small but interesting, if you’re into history) and a craft brewery. If you like adrenaline, ask us about the Great Fish River near Port Alfred – there are sometimes canoe trails or kayaking trips on that river too.
• The Big Pineapple (Bathurst): A must-see quirky landmark! The “Big Pineapple” is exactly what it sounds like – the world’s largest pineapple building. It’s located on a farm in Bathurst, about 45 minutes from the resort (15 km from Port Alfred)

sa-venues.com. The three-story fiberglass pineapple has a little museum inside about pineapple farming, and you can climb to the top for a scenic view of the countryside. It’s a fun stop for families – very Instagrammable! While in Bathurst, you can also visit some local curio shops, and the historic Pig & Whistle Tavern (South Africa’s oldest continuously licensed pub, dating back to 1832) for a bite or a pint – it’s like stepping back in time.

• Historical Tour of Grahamstown (Makhanda): If you don’t mind a longer drive (~1h15m), the town of Grahamstown, now officially Makhanda, is rich in history and architecture. Known for its Cathedral, numerous old churches, and as the host of the National Arts Festival, it offers museums (like the Observatory Museum with its camera obscura, and the Albany Museum), and plenty of 19th-century charm. It’s also home to Rhodes University. This could be an enlightening day trip for those interested in South African history and culture.
• Other Game Reserves: The Eastern Cape is dotted with game reserves. Besides Sibuya, there’s Kariega Game Reserve (near Kenton-on-Sea, about 1 hour away) and Amakhala Game Reserve (about 1.5 hours), both of which offer game drives. Further afield (~2 hours) is the famous Addo Elephant National Park, known for its large elephant herds. If you love wildlife, these are worth considering. Mpekweni is conveniently nestled between numerous private game reserves in the region, so you have many choices for a safari experience.
• Beaches & Coastal Villages: Our stretch of coast has many hidden gems. Kenton-on-Sea (about 50 minutes away) has gorgeous beaches (Boknes and Kariega Beach) and a lovely tidal lagoon – great for a day of beach-hopping. Hamburg is a quiet village to the east with a peaceful beach and lagoon, known for fishing. If you’re willing to go ~1.5 hours, East London city has attractions like the aquarium, museum, and Nahoon Beach (great surfing spot). But honestly, many guests find that our own beach at Mpekweni is among the best – uncrowded and pristine – so you won’t feel the need to search for a better beach!

In short, you can tailor your outings to your interests – whether it’s wildlife safaris, golfing, history, or just exploring little towns, there’s something within reach. Our front desk has brochures and can provide directions (we can even arrange a packed picnic for you on request). We also offer (or can arrange) shuttle tours if you prefer not to self-drive – for example, a guided day trip to Addo Elephant Park can be arranged. Just let us know what adventure you’d like to embark on, and we’ll be glad to help make it happen. Coming back to the resort after a day out, you can unwind with a swim or spa treatment – the best of both worlds!

We do our very best to make Mpekweni enjoyable for all guests, including those with disabilities or mobility challenges. The resort’s main facilities are on ground level or accessible by ramps. We have a selection of rooms on the ground floor (with no steps) that provide easy access to the dining room, pool, and beach pathway. Some of these are our Luxury Family rooms and our Premium Rooms. These rooms have walk-in showers (no tubs), which can be easier for wheelchair users or those who need to avoid stepping over a bathtub. If you require an interleading room for a caregiver or family member, we have that option too (interleading rooms available so that, for example, a family member can assist someone in the next room). All the common areas (restaurant, bar, lounge, conference rooms) are either on the ground floor or reachable by ramp. There might be a few steps in certain spots, but our staff is always ready to assist. The pool area is flat and open, though note we do not have a hoist into the pool. If you have specific needs (such as a shower chair, or an extra stool in the bathroom, etc.), please inform us in advance – we will arrange whatever we can. Our team is very accommodating and will happily assist throughout your stay. Also, we have accessible parking spots right near the entrance. In short, while our resort was originally built some years ago, we have upgraded many aspects to improve accessibility. We have hosted guests with wheelchairs, visual impairments, and elderly guests with walkers comfortably. We take it on a personal level to ensure everyone feels welcome. Please feel free to call us to discuss your particular requirements – we want you to have a worry-free stay. Your comfort is our priority.

All our rooms and indoor areas are non-smoking, in line with South African law and to ensure a comfortable environment for all guests. If you’d like to smoke (including tobacco or e-cigarettes), we ask that you do so in designated outdoor areas. There are ashtrays on the restaurant terrace, and in some garden seating areas. Please refrain from smoking inside the rooms or blowing smoke near open windows/doors, as the sea breeze can carry it into other guests’ rooms. A cleaning fee may apply if a room is found to have been smoked in, so we kindly ask you to use the outdoor spaces provided – and feel free to ask our staff where the nearest smoking area is, we’ll be happy to direct you. As for pets: we love animals, but unfortunately we cannot accommodate pets at the resort. This is to maintain hygiene and because some guests may have allergies. Additionally, our resort is in a natural setting with local wildlife (monkeys, birds) that we wouldn’t want to disturb with unfamiliar animals. The only exception is for certified service animals (such as guide dogs for visually impaired guests), which are welcome – please inform us ahead of time if you’ll be bringing a service dog so we can prepare appropriately (we’d place you in a ground floor room for easy outdoor access, for example). We appreciate your understanding on this policy. If you’re traveling with a pet and need advice on nearby kennels or pet-sitters, let us know and we might be able to assist in pointing you in the right direction.

We try to make payments easy and convenient. At the resort, you can settle your bills using cash (South African Rand) or credit/debit cards. We accept major cards – notably VISA (our credit card machine is set up for Visa transactions) and MasterCard. (American Express and Diners Club ARE NOT ACCEPTED, so it’s best to have a Visa/MasterCard on hand). We also accommodate EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) if you’d like to pay directly from a South African bank account – this often applies to deposit payments before arrival. There is no ATM on the premises, so if you need cash, the nearest ATMs are in Port Alfred or at petrol stations en route. During your stay, you have the option to charge expenses to your room – for example, if you have lunch or buy drinks, you can sign the bill to your room and pay everything in one go at check-out. We will provide a detailed statement for transparency. All transactions at the resort are in Rand (ZAR). If you are an international guest, your card will handle the currency conversion for you (and you might be pleasantly surprised by the favorable exchange rate making our extras quite affordable!). Tipping of staff is at your discretion (and can be given in cash or added to your bill). Gratuities for outstanding service are always appreciated but never compulsory. Finally, we want you to feel at home, so if you have any special billing requests or company payments to arrange, our accounting office is ready to help.