Plettenberg Bay is the proverbial pansy shell of the Western Cape. These pretty shells said to represent coins lost by mermaids, hold a mythical and otherworldly quality. So does the Southern Cape jewel of Plett.
Whether you are taking a historic guided ferry ride up the Keurbooms River or trudging up the Robberg trails, there is one only place to stay if you’re looking for all the creature comforts, 5-star service and panoramic that make a seaside holiday perfect.
The Plettenberg was ranked by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards as one of the Top 15 hotels in all of Southern Africa. We can see why. It offers style and barefoot luxury within easy reach of the many attractions of South Africa’s favourite resort town, including direct access to pristine Lookout Beach, which is one of no less than six Blue Flag beaches in the area.
The hotel is part of the family-owned Liz McGrath Collection, alongside sister properties The Marine in Hermanus and The Cellars-Hohenort in Cape Town.
The Plettenberg features 37 elegantly designed guest rooms, including 12 spacious suites.
The hotel also has two private villas ideal as a home-away-from-home for families and friends travelling together, for those booking extended stays, or for guests wanting a little more seclusion. Both the two-bedroom Beach House and the spectacular three-bedroom Lookout Villa come with spacious open-plan lounge and dining areas, well-stocked galley kitchens, as well as their own private decks with a heated plunge pool.
The cuisine at The Plettenberg is also exceptional. Head Chef Kyle Macaskill and his team create magic on a plate and accommodate various dietary needs. The restaurant at the hotel is renowned for its ocean bounty, drawing inspiration from the rich marine life that can be found in Plettenberg Bay. The indoor dining section offers beautiful views of the pool and ocean, while the outdoor terrace is perfect for alfresco dinners. Non-resident guests are welcome to book for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Favourite items on the new summer menu include crispy calamari with avocado and sweet corn salsa, served with African red pepper pesto, Dukkah spiced ostrich fillet, mixed pepper and couscous fricassée, string beans, slow roast cherry tomato, pan jus and Hollandais, crème brûlée served with compressed melon, sweet pineapple carpaccio, shortbread crumble, strawberry, and vanilla sorbet.
‘I enjoy experimenting with food and my aim is to execute the perfect marriage of flavours, using local produce to create dishes that will entice the diner’s senses. From sight to smell to taste, I like to create a memorable experience for the diner, leaving them wanting to come back for more!’ said Macaskill.
The offerings don’t stop there. Relax next to one of two swimming pools from where you can watch darting seagulls and pods of whales and dolphins at play. The Sandbar is the perfect spot for meticulously crafted signature cocktails, or you can get pampering at the Fresh Wellness Spa.
Explore the Plett wine route, brave exhilarating activities such as bungee jumping, ocean safaris, horse riding and treetop canopy tours, or simply relax and immerse yourself in the breathtaking vistas of the ocean, mountains and endless stretches of golden sand and rolling waves.
From romantic getaways to family adventures where even your VIP fur baby is welcome, The Plettenberg is the perfect base for the ultimate summer holiday on the Garden Route.
Pictures: The Plettenberg
Details
40 Church St, Plettenberg Bay
Tel: +27 44 533 2030
Email: [email protected]
Rates: Currently high season from R3514 pps in high season, low season 2023 from R2735 pps. Rates include breakfast, wifi and a Mini-bar.
Check The Plettenberg website for longer-stay special offers.
Request a quote here
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