Over
the Christmas holidays, 40,000 residents from Johannesburg's wealthy northern
suburbs decamp to PLETTENBERG BAY (usually called Plett),
33km east of Knysna, and the flashiest of the Garden Route's seaside
towns. It's wise to give it a miss at Christmas, when prices double, accommodation
becomes impossible to find and everything gets very crowded. Yet, during
low season, sipping champagne and sucking oysters while watching the sunset
from a bar can be wonderful - the banal urban development on the surrounding
hills somehow doesn't seem so bad because the bay views really are stupendous.
The deep-blue Tsitsikamma Mountains drop sharply to the inlet and
its large estuary, providing the constant vista to the town and its suburbs.
The bay generously curves over several kilometres of white sands, separated
from the mountains by forest, which makes this a green and temperate location
receiving rainfall throughout the year.
Southern
right whales appear every winter, and are a seriously underrated attraction,
while dolphins can be seen throughout the year, hunting or riding the surf,
often in substantial numbers. Swimming is safe, and though the waters are
never tropically warm they reach a comfortable temperature between November
and April. River and rock fishing are rewarding all year long, and one
of the Garden Route's best short hikes covers a circuit round the Robberg
Peninsula - a great tongue of headland that contains the western edge of
the bay.
Plett's
town centre, at the top of the hill, consists of a conglomeration of supermarkets,
swimwear shops, estate agents and restaurants aimed largely at the holiday
trade. But the town also has the distinction of being home to the MTN Centre
for Dolphin Studies at 26 Main St. Under the direction of Dr Vic
Cockroft, one of the world's leading scientific authorities on marine mammal
conservation, it includes a community environmental centre, a whale and
dolphin information centre, a reference and video library and a shop. Working
in association with Ocean Safaris, the centre is also the most successful
operator of boat-based whale-watching excursions in the country.
Visitors
principally come for Plett's beaches - and there's a fair choice. Southeast
of the town centre on a rocky promontory is Beacon Island , dominated by
a 1970s hotel, an eyesore blighting a fabulous location. Beacon Island
Beach, or Main Beach , right at the central shore of the bay, is where
the fishing boats and seacats anchor a little out to sea. The small waves
here make for calm swimming, and this is an ideal family spot. To the east
is Lookout Rocks , attracting surfers to the break off a needle of rocks
known as the Point and the predictable surf of Lookout Beach , to its east,
which is also one of the nicest stretches of sand for bathers, body-surfers
or sun lizards. Lookout Beach has the added attraction of a marvellously
located restaurant, from which you can often catch sight of dolphins cruising
into the bay. From here you can walk several kilometres down the beach
towards Keurbooms and the Keurbooms Lagoon.Read
more about Plettenberg Bay
Bosavern
Guest House, PLETTENBERG BAY Bosavern
Guest House is a stylish, upmarket guesthouse set on a cliff, offering
spectacular views of the ocean, the pristine white Robberg Beach and peninsular
nature reserve, and the green expanse of Plett Country Club. It has a 4
star Guest House Grading by the Grading Council of South Africa.
Leisurely breakfasts are served on the patio overlooking the ocean.
Lounge around our swimming pool or cool off in its clear water during the
summer heat. The 5 well-appointed en-suite bedrooms have private
entrances and patios, LCD TVs with M-Net, DVD players, telephones, honesty
bars, under floor heating and tea/coffee trays and honesty bar. Fine
Percale cotton linen and Goose Down Duvet are fitted to all our extra king
size double or twin beds.
Buffalo
Hills Game Reserve & Lodges, PLETTENBERG BAY A
malaria-free game reserve, 15 km from Plettenberg Bay and 35 km from Knysna
where you'll find buffalo, rhino, giraffe, leopard, wildebeest, sable,
kudu, bontebok, eland, impala, bushbuck and over 150 identified bird species.
Scheduled safari game walks & 4x4 safari drives include viewing of
game, primary indigenous forests & unique fynbos with a tour &
tasting at our famous Nyati Distillery and an optional tour of our trainees'
snake & reptile centre. Luxury en-suite (4 star graded) accommodation
with traditional dinner with your hosts, in the Boma around the fire (under
the stars) or in our unique Buffalo restaurant. Rates are inclusive
of dinner, bed & breakfast, afternoon game drive and morning game walk
and distillery tour.
Hog
Hollow Country Lodge, PLETTENBERG BAY 12
uniquely individual rooms offer uninterrupted views over the indigenous
forests and Tsitsikamma Mountains. These comfortable African-styled
rooms, situated in the gardens surrounding the main house, are decorated
in earthy colours, naturally woven fabrics, artifacts and tones from north-eastern
Africa, and local handcrafted woods. Each room has a private wooden deck,
fitted with its own hammock and wooden furniture overlooking the forest,
an en-suite bathroom with either bath or shower or both. The simplexes
and suites are fitted with cosy fireplaces, perfect for those chilly winter
evenings. Hog Hollow is well known for its delectable food and friendly,
personalised service. Farmhouse breakfasts are served on the wooden deck
overlooking the forest on crisp clear days or indoors near the huge fireplace
when it is cooler.
Lodge
on the Bay, Luxury Beachfront Lodge, PLETTENBERG BAY The
Lodge on the Bay stands just above Robberg Beach with spectacular views
over the Tsitsikamma mountains and the Indian Ocean. A deep passion for
the environment and nature is reflected in many of the design principals
of the house. Large glass windows and sliding doors, the extensive use
of natural materials, and zen-inspired interiors with "minimalist chic"
all help to draw the beauty of what is outside inside. No expense
has been spared in creating 6 fabulous suites, each with their own private
balconies and some with their own garden and plunge pool. If you can bear
to tear yourself away from the calm of your room, there are endless outdoor
activities and pursuits. Otherwise just relax by the swimming pool, in
the spa or the jacuzzi on the roof sun deck and enjoy the views.
One
Hanois, Luxurious Self-Catering/B&B Villa, PLETTENBERG BAY One
Hanois Crescent is Plettenberg Bay’s best kept secret. It is a highly appointed
and luxurious guest house offering spacious accommodation to its discerning
guests. It is equipped with every convenience and offers friendly,
unobtrusive service and attention to detail guaranteeing an unforgettable
stay. Its magnificent rim flow salt pool, with loungers, sun beds and umbrellas
provides a wonderful setting in which to relax. Guests have full
use of the television lounge with 42” television screen and PVR, the games
room with table tennis, darts, pinball and fuze ball machines, the large
salt water rim flow swimming pool and the beautiful garden.
Southern
Cross Beach House, PLETTENBERG BAY Southern Cross Beach House
is a colonial style home with wide verandahs situated directly on Robberg
Beach with magnificent views of the bay and Outeniqua mountains.
Perfectly positioned to view the whales during the winter and the dolphins
all year round. Five en-suite bedrooms, private guest lounge and kitchen
have been tastefully decorated in simple hues of white. Private entrances,
a barbeque,TV, telephone and fax facilities ensure a relaxed holiday. Enjoy
a morning swim or walk along 5 kms of unspoilt beach. The picturesque village
of Plettenberg Bay offers a choice of many quaint shops and restaurants.Golf,
tennis, watersports and horseridng nearby. Children welcome. Plett is a
paradise for honeymooners and families alike.
Crescent
Country Hotel, PLETTENBERG BAY There
are a few places where nature paints a landscape of such exquisite beauty
as it does around the charming Cape Victoria styled, 4 star accredited
Crescent Country Hotel nestled in the Piesang Valley in Plettenberg Bay.
Here you will wake to the sight of silence rising from 8 hectares of rose
laden rambling gardens with rolling lawns along a kilometer of the banks
of the Piesang Valley River, a bird watchers paradise. The Crescent
Country Hotel has 39 spacious and beautifully appointed rooms, 10 are in
the hotel, 8 make up the Riley House Guest House and the other 21 are situated
throughout the garden. A full country breakfast is served every morning.
Lunches are available from our a la carte menu and can be enjoyed by the
pool or on our patio overlooking the gardens and magnificent mountains.
Hog
Hollow Country Lodge, PLETTENBERG BAY 12
uniquely individual rooms offer uninterrupted views over the indigenous
forests and Tsitsikamma Mountains. These comfortable African-styled
rooms, situated in the gardens surrounding the main house, are decorated
in earthy colours, naturally woven fabrics, artifacts and tones from north-eastern
Africa, and local handcrafted woods. Each room has a private wooden deck,
fitted with its own hammock and wooden furniture overlooking the forest,
an en-suite bathroom with either bath or shower or both. The simplexes
and suites are fitted with cosy fireplaces, perfect for those chilly winter
evenings. Hog Hollow is well known for its delectable food and friendly,
personalised service. Farmhouse breakfasts are served on the wooden deck
overlooking the forest on crisp clear days or indoors near the huge fireplace
when it is cooler.
Hunter's
Country House, PLETTENBERG BAY Hunter's
is an exclusive family owned retreat, set in the heart of the magnificant
Garden Route of the Western Cape. Situated 10km west of South Africa's
premier restort town of Plettenberg Bay with it's endless golden beaches,
and 20km east of the lagoon town of Knysna, the hotel is surrounded by
rich indigenous forests and framed by the majestic Tsitsikamma mountains.
The gracious, original homestead is reminiscent of the traditional country
architecture of the region. In the extensive gardens surrounding
the manor house are 23 luxurious guest suites, each one individually decorated
and designed for the absolute comfort and privacy that one would expect
from a 'Relais & Chateaux' property.
Plettenberg
Park (Three Cities Hotels), PLETTENBERG BAY Situated in a private nature
reserve and nestling on a cliff’s edge, Plettenberg Park is a small intimate
destination that prides itself on exceptional individual service and superb
personalised cuisine. Spectacular rooms offer unrivalled views of
the cape’s beautiful coastline, whilst spacious windows and wide terraces
provide excellent platforms from which to view humpback whales and endless
schools of dolphins. 9 rooms, sleeps 18 · 8 Large Luxury
Rooms (6 Sea Facing & 2 Lake Facing) · 1 Small Luxury Room (1
Sea Facing). The chef will discuss the dinner menu with you in person
during the afternoon and will happily create a menu around your specific
request ensuring that the presented fare that evening is exactly to your
taste.
Protea
Hotel Keurbooms River, PLETTENBERG BAY Nestled on the banks of
the Keurbooms River, just outside of Plettenberg Bay, the Protea Hotel
Keurbooms River is a unique and relaxing playground for the weary city
dweller. Set amongst tranquil indigenous gardens, you'll find individually
appointed rooms designed to fit in with the surrounding natural beauty.
Within easy reach of all local attractions The Protea Hotel Keurbooms River
is an ideal base from where to explore the garden route and the sunshine
coast. Enjoy a sumptuous country breakfast, light lunch or romantic
dinner at The Riverside Terrace Restaurant or simply end your day with
a long refreshing drink from the Sundowner Bar. For the company looking
for that ideal conference, team building or bosberaad, the River Room with
loads of natural light and fresh air caters for up to 120 delegates in
a variety of seating styles.
The
Plettenberg Hotel, PLETTENBERG BAY The Plettenberg, a 5 star
Relais & Chateaux Hotel built on a rocky headland with breathtaking
vistas of the sea, mountains and miles of golden sand in one of the most
spectacular resorts in Africa - Plettenberg Bay. Our 38 luxury rooms
and suites are all air-conditioned and offer a truly idyllic and indulgent
experience. We have two swimming pools, one of which is heated, and both
visually flow into the ocean below. Experience fabulous sightings of dolphins
and whales in the bay from the hotel terraces. For the more adventurous
there are numerous excursions and activities within close proximity to
the hotel. Other hotel facilities include an award winning wine cellar,
stocked with a selection of the best local wines and available for special
occasion private dining, and a gift shop - offering a unique selection
of specialty items and clothing from the area.
Coral
Tree Cottages, Self-Catering, PLETTENBERG BAY Coral
Tree Cottages offers you a home away from home to explore the delights
of the Garden Route. Majestic pines tower above the splendour of these
cottages. Each cottage with it's own private garden and barbecue area.
Centrally situated along the Garden Route between Plettenberg Bay and Knysna,
Coral Tree Cottages makes the ideal base for exploring the Garden Route.
Within easy reach are the famous Cango Caves, Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve
and many world class golf courses. The accommodation at Coral Tree
Cottages consists of three spacious single bedroom thatched cottages with
a sleeper couch in the lounge area accommodating up to four people and
three, two bedroom thatched cottages with a sleeper couch in the lounge
area accommodating up to six people. One of the two bedroom cottages has
a private swimming pool and there is an additional swimming pool...
Fynbos
Ridge Cottages, Self-Catering, PLETTENBERG BAY At
a time where so much attention is being paid to environmental matters Fynbos
Ridge is proud to be South Africa’s only 5 star Country House with 5 star
Self-catering Cottages in a proclaimed Private Nature Reserve. Nestling
in 6 hectares of Fynbos (Cape flora) with magnificent views of the Outeniqua
and Tsitsikamma mountains. We offer beautifully furnished accommodation
in 3 self-contained Cape cottages and a spacious studio/apartment. There
are log fires in the lounge and main bedrooms of the cottages. Heated towel
rails in both bathrooms and a private patio with built-in barbecue.
Fynbos Ridge Country House offers 5 individually decorated bedrooms with
full en suite bathrooms on a bed and Breakfast basis.
One
Hanois, Luxurious Self-Catering/B&B Villa, PLETTENBERG BAY One
Hanois Crescent is Plettenberg Bay’s best kept secret. It is a highly appointed
and luxurious guest house offering spacious accommodation to its discerning
guests. It is equipped with every convenience and offers friendly,
unobtrusive service and attention to detail guaranteeing an unforgettable
stay. Its magnificent rim flow salt pool, with loungers, sun beds and umbrellas
provides a wonderful setting in which to relax. Guests have full
use of the television lounge with 42” television screen and PVR, the games
room with table tennis, darts, pinball and fuze ball machines, the large
salt water rim flow swimming pool and the beautiful garden.
Over
the Christmas holidays, 40,000 residents from Johannesburg's wealthy northern
suburbs decamp to PLETTENBERG BAY (usually called Plett),
33km east of Knysna, and the flashiest of the Garden Route's seaside
towns. It's wise to give it a miss at Christmas, when prices double, accommodation
becomes impossible to find and everything gets very crowded. Yet, during
low season, sipping champagne and sucking oysters while watching the sunset
from a bar can be wonderful - the banal urban development on the surrounding
hills somehow doesn't seem so bad because the bay views really are stupendous.
The deep-blue Tsitsikamma Mountains drop sharply to the inlet and
its large estuary, providing the constant vista to the town and its suburbs.
The bay generously curves over several kilometres of white sands, separated
from the mountains by forest, which makes this a green and temperate location
receiving rainfall throughout the year.
