Facilities
Award winning Joe Fish sits easily between casual and smart with no set dress code, and you can stroll the few metres from Seals Backpackers to the restaurant in your sarong and slip slops. Joe Fish is open throughout the day and into the evening with the menu ranging from light meals and snack baskets to lip smacking South African specialities such as fresh calamari, prawns and juicy steak. Traditional dishes such as bobotie are always worth a try and there is also a selection of vegetarian options that include locally grown veggies and herbs. A great wine list caters for all, with a good choice of beers and ciders, red and white wines and champagne. If you’re travelling on a budget then the Joe Fish red and white blends are as easy on the palette as they are on the pocket. Sunday’s are always vibey when one of Seals’ local music maestro’s arrives to entertain, while during high season live music can be heard on most days. Interior seating is warm and welcoming while candle-lit outdoor tables are casually scattered around the swimming pool and the first to go on balmy summer nights. But what’s a restaurant without a pub right? Joe Fish also provides a full bar with big screen T.V’s and is filled with feisty spirit during sporting events. On chilly nights the massive fireplace gets stoked, giving a warm, cosy glow and the perfect excuse to open another bottle of great South African wine.
If you feel like a spoil and some me time then serene Hibiscus Health and Beauty Studio is literally a stone’s throw away from Seal’s Backpackers. Whether it’s just a quick wax or a full body massage, you’ll get it at Hibiscus. Luxurious treatments include the ESSE Organic Skincare range, OPI and the proudly South African TheraVine™ suite of beauty products, to leave you glowingly fresh and feeling fabulous. Hibiscus has two private treatment rooms and is open every week day from 8am to 5pm and from 8am to 4pm on Saturdays. By appointment.
Get a quick ‘perk me up’ at the Coffee Shack. The Coffee Shack uses only 100% Arabica coffee beans, not only because they are grown in African and make really awesome coffee but also because they are sold under a fair trade agreement that excludes unfair labour exploitation and at Seals we don’t dig that man! Pair a kicker cup of coffee with a light meal or choose from a selection of home bakes and tasty cakes. Various teas are also available. The laid-back, bohemian style seating at the Coffee Shack corner is located adjacent to Joe Fish restaurant with views of the swimming pool.
Life is never dull at Seals Backpackers front reception desk where our smiley staff is kept on their toes checking guests into rooms and assisting with activity bookings, transport and tours. Here you can book and grab any additional information you need about the many excursions and activities offered around Cape St Francis as well as pick up basic necessities such as bread, cheese and meat. The convenience shop is also well stocked with ‘beachy’ items such as sunscreen and sarongs and if reception doesn’t have it for you they will point you in the direction of the dude that does.
If you are travelling in a large group or thinking about a peachy private party then check out the wooden boma at Seals. This African styled wooden construct can seat up to 50 peeps at rustic wooden tables and we also throw in private barbeque facilities and a garden area. Various menu options can be discussed and if you want your own private chef Seals Backpackers will give you one. Hiring of boma facilities and private chef at an additional charge.
