The Willows Resort and Conference Centre – Port Elizabeth

Who said Port Elizabeth was the  ‘friendly city’?????? NO, NOT.  But, The Willows Resort and  Conference Centre WAS, YES.

Situated only a few meters from the beach, on the “wild side” of the Port Elizabeth coastline, The Willows is a fisherman’s dream with rugged, rocky outcrops, and a child’s paradise with endless rock pools to discover and explore. The small, private beaches with tidal pools are perfect for swimming and lazing in the sun. For those looking for a little more action, there is a wide array of games and activities in the resort, as well as in and around Port Elizabeth.

The facilities & services inside the resort will guarantee that you have everything you need on your holiday or breakaway. Strict access control, and patrolling security guards, ensures complete safety and security for you and your possessions.

John and I, just a few kms from PE, called and asked if ‘The Willows’ was ‘dog friendly’.  They wanted to fax us a motivational form, which we promptly informed them, was not possible, as we were on the road, headed towards PE, with no fax facilities.  It wasn’t a problem, but The Willows, before allowing dogs, likes to know their history, what breed they are, their  personal history etc and why we think they should allow them to accompany their human family, WOW, that was a first for John and I, but we also think its is quite right in lots of ways.  Anyway we arrived at The Willows, dogs in transit and completed all the paperwork (thank goodness I had thought to include all their pedigree papers etc LOL).  Our delightful hostess Maryanne, gave us our ‘dog permit’ and our ‘entry key’ for the campsite and off we went.  WOW, The Willows is situated right on the waters edge.   Our campsite…no. 10…. apparently one of the ‘most sort after’ had a view of the sea and sky…so stunning….it was only for one night, but hey, who cares, one night, in the greater scheme of things, is awesome.     Ablutions are clean and neat, although I must admit I didn’t see any cleaning staff around when we arrived.    There were also rondavels that are for rent, a shop as well as a coffee shop.  Loads of activities for the kids, great fishing and rockpool swimming, when the tide is out.  A go-kart track that is used ‘in season’ although I didn’t ask the price…..our price for camping was R220 per night with a surcharge of R15 per dog.  Not shabby for the facilities and location..would we visit again…yes definitely.