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The Plettenberg

The Plettenberg

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Part of the Relais & Chateaux collection, The Plettenberg enjoys an enviable location on the edge of a cliff overlooking Plettenberg Bay.

The hotel offers a variety of room types, each individually designed with sea-inspired décor. Guests can take in endless sea views beside the two swimming pools, or head to The Sandbar, a contemporary bar area and comfortable lounge, for socializing over drinks and tea. Meanwhile, the hotel's fine dining restaurant, SeaFood at The Plettenberg, reflects a taste of the bay in its signature dishes, set in an airy, contemporary space.

This five-star accommodation offers a high class service and brilliant location along the famous Garden Route.

OUR OPINION:

The Plettenberg is one of the most luxurious options on the Garden Route, offering exceptional service in a beautiful location, with panoramic views over the pristine and endless beaches of Plettenberg Bay.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Rooms

Rooms are elegantly furnished, featuring large windows and contemporary bathrooms. All room types include tea/coffee, complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning and under-floor heating. The Double rooms are stylish and spacious, while the Luxury Double rooms feature a small sitting area. Some also come with a private balcony offering wonderful views of Plettenberg Bay and the ocean. Suites are open and bright, featuring a separate spacious living area, and some can be interconnected to accommodate families. Meanwhile, Premier Suites have French doors leading out to a private balcony.

Two larger accommodation options are also offered, which are perfect for families. The Beach House has two en suite bedrooms, a large sitting room with fireplace, a dining room and a kitchen. In addition, its private swimming pool offers views of the surrounding mountains and the sea. The three bedroom Lookout Villa has an open-plan lounge, dining area and well-equipped kitchen, accommodating up to six guests.

Location

The hotel offers easy access to all of the area’s attractions as it's centrally located in Plettenberg Bay. The bay is situated within a narrow coastal stretch of 300 kilometers between Mossel Bay and the Tsitsikamma Mountains, known as the Garden Route. Whether you fancy an exciting ocean safari, adventurous hiking through the Plettenberg Reserve or simply a relaxing day in the sun on one of South Africa’s beautiful beaches, The Plettenberg provides a relaxing base to come back to at the end of a day’s exploring.

Food and drink

The hotel's restaurant, SeaFood at The Plettenberg, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and serves modern international cuisine featuring local produce and fresh seafood. Alternatively, a tapas menu is offered at lunch for guests who are lounging on the terrace or by the pool. High tea is also offered every afternoon for guests if booked a day in advance.

Leading off from the sun lounge, The Sandbar is an elegant, contemporary cocktail bar and lounge with a striking décor, blending glass, white leather, marble and natural oak. In the evening it makes an ideal place for enjoying a glass of award-winning South African wine or a unique signature cocktail.

Families

Children are welcome at The Plettenberg and families are advised to book the Beach House or the Lookout Villa for the most spacious accommodation. Alternatively, some of the rooms can interconnect to create a multi-bedroom option. On arrival, children are greeted with an ocean-themed activity book, and during their stay they can make use of children's bathroom amenities, dressing gowns, slippers, DVDs and a welcome gift found in their room. The restaurant also provides a special children's menu.

Honeymooners

For those looking to celebrate a special occasion, romantic turndowns with sparkling wine are available at night. In addition, couples looking for a more unique dining experience can reserve a private table for two in the hotel's wine cellar, which provides an intimate, romantic setting.

Facilities and activities

Guests can make use of the two outdoor swimming pools, the spa and gym equipment, which is provided in a bag for personal use. There's also a boutique and laundry facilities on site, while complimentary Wi-Fi can be accessed throughout the property. Free secure parking is available for those who are self-driving.

Local excursions

There are a wide variety of excursions offered to guests in the locality, which the concierge team at The Plettenberg will be more than happy to book for you. Activities to enjoy in the local area include hiking at the Plettenberg Reserve, ocean safaris, mountain biking, golfing and birdwatching. Popular day excursions within the surrounding area include visits to Birds of Eden, Monkeyland, Radical Raptors, Tenikwa Cat Sanctuary, Elephant Experiences, Hog Hollows Horse Trails and the Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve.

Tour ideas in Plettenberg Bay

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at The Plettenberg as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.

    • Sailing & Sea Kayaking
      Southern Right Whale

      Sailing & Sea Kayaking

      Sailing & Sea Kayaking

      There are a few outfits that offer sailing trips into Plettenberg Bay as well as sea kayaking. Apart from spectacular offshore coastal scenery, it is very likely that at some stage, a close encounter with the marine animals will occur so you can get very close to them.

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    Plettenberg Bay and nearby places