Plettenberg Bay, first charted by Batholomew Dias in 1497, has become the resort of choice to many Johannesburgers, and enjoys a major summer season.
The Plettenberg, a 5 star Relais & Châteaux 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. The 37 luxury rooms and suites are all air-conditioned and offer a truly idyllic and indulgent experience. There are 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.
The Plettenberg is situated in the heart South Africa’s elites’ favourite seaside vacation spot, Plettenberg Bay. Located in the adventure-rich Garden Route it is world-renowned for its excellent selection of outdoor activities: from regular dolphin and whale sightings to bungee jumping, treetop canopy tours and other more daring pursuits in the surrounding countryside. The Plettenberg is the ideal place to both relax and unwind or recharge and reinvigorate.
Double Rooms
That special something … no two Double Rooms are the same. The seven beautifully appointed Plettenberg Double Rooms all showcase exceptional décor and that characteristic Plettenberg charm. In addition the Double Rooms all feature an en-suite bathroom, under floor heating, air-conditioning throughout and other luxury amenities you’ve come to expect from renowned hotelier Liz McGrath. A Double Room at The Plettenberg is the elegant choice for the discerning guest.
Suites
That special something … The Suites are the ultimate combination of luxury and comfort. Each of the five Suites at The Plettenberg, are individually and tastefully decorated. With the décor drawing its inspiration from the beautiful ocean surroundings. The Suites offer a sea view, a spacious separate lounge area, an en-suite bathroom, under floor heating and air-conditioning throughout. If you’re searching for a suite where the décor is luxurious and at the same time incredibly comfortable or a suite with all the modern fittings you’d expect from a Relais & Châteaux property or a suite that you’ll never want to leave, this is your place.
RESTAURANTS AND BAR
Sand Bar
Chic, Modern and Intimate…Sandbar at The Plettenberg is a stunning mix of design, glass, white leather, white marble, natural oak, clever concealed lighting and photographic art panels. Laid back yet glamorous. Relaxed yet sophisticated, The Sandbar is the place to be seen in Plett!
Sand at The Plettenberg
This restaurant embraces views of Formosa Bay that are unsurpassed along this stretch of the beautiful South African coast. The mood is relaxed, the décor stylish contemporary, and the food progressive South African, inspired by the Mediterranean. Sand is open for breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner. Breakfasts offer a sumptuous buffet of fresh fruit, cheeses, cold meats, cereals and yoghurts, or a full cooked English breakfast of your choice.
The Wine Cellar
For a romantic dinner for two, enjoy our state-of-theart Wine Cellar, surrounded by bottles and bottles of the best South African wines from our award-winning wine list.
The Collection Boutique
The Collection Boutique boasts a modern and stylish look. Offering an extensive range of gifts ranging from the new “Polo” clothing range, local craft items, national curios and a wide selection of fine jewellery, including that of Charles Greig, be sure to pop in and enjoy a refreshing shopping experience!
Our travel desk has a friendly and professional team to assist you with your daily activities, from playing a round of golf on one of the country’s finest courses, to sinking your feet into our golden sandy beaches.
Carchele Spa
The Carchele spa is a sanctuary to relax and unwind in a serene atmosphere, with therapists who specialize in individual massage techniques and treatments. A personalized experience is offered to the clients, introducing a sense of care and nurturing. The therapeutic effects of plant extracts and tissue oils in the embalming treatments will result in the body feeling replenished and the skin glowing.
Activities at the Plettenberg
ART GALERIES : Collect a map from the information centre in Plettenberg Bay and follow the Plettenberg Bay Arts & Crafts / Historical route.
BEACHES: Plettenberg Bay’s beaches span more than 15 km of the Indian Ocean’s shore.
Central Beach – The busiest beach in Plett has life guards on duty in season. Central Beach is the launch site for Marine safari’s, dive charters and ocean kayaking tours. Lookout Beach – Situated between Lookout Rocks and the mouth of the Bitou River, it is where you will find the Lookout Restaurant with spectacular views of the mountains and the ocean. The old lookout beach was washed away during the 2007 floods and is no longer suitable for swimming. Robberg Beach was rewarded Blue Flag status recently, and is the pride of our beaches – Popular for long walks towards Robberg Peninsula and is not as crowded as some of the other beaches in Plettenberg Bay. Keurbooms Beach is a beautiful beach for walking, swimming or relaxing where you are most likely to see big groups of dolphins surfing the waves, Enrico`s restaurant (authentic Italian cuisine) is situated on the beach, with spectacular views and good food is guaranteed. (11 km from Plett Central) and lastly, The Lagoon at “The Poortjies” has suddenly become very popular with plenty of parking and public facilities.
BIRDS OF EDEN SANCTUARY: The world’s largest single free-flight aviary in the world with 312 species and hosting an individual bird count of 3 000+ previously caged indigenous and exotic birds (18 km out of Plett towards Port Elizabeth.)
CANOEING ON THE KEURBOOMS RIVER: Experience the beauty of Keurbooms River Nature reserve by taking either a ferry trip or hiring a boat/canoe and travel yourself. This is a bird lover’s paradise
CHILDRENS ATTRACTIONS: Wild waters fun park in Piesang valley, or Adventure Land on the N2 towards Knysna.
CYCLING: The Harkerville Cycle Route is the most popular. Permits and maps for this trail are available at the “Garden of Eden” which is situated ± 17km from Plett. The trails range from easy to difficult. Closer to Knysna is the Diepwalle Forest Cycle Route, as an alternative at Storms River a mountain biking route can be done.
DIVING and SNORKELING: The rich marine life of Plettenberg Bay makes for excellent diving and snorkelling. Two local companies offer dive charters and advice on where to snorkel. They include: Pro Dive (located in the Beacon Isle hotel), Diving International (on Central Beach), A popular and easy snorkelling trail has been laid out in the sea in the Tsitsikamma National Park (60km / 50 minutes from Plett Central).
ELEPHANTS: There are two elephant sanctuaries in Plettenberg Bay, both of high standard and conservation conscious. The Elephant Sanctuary is next to Birds of Eden and Monkey land in the Crags area; Knysna Elephant Park is towards Knysna on the N2, about 12 km from Plett and home to orphaned elephants
FISHING CHARTERS: Fishing charters depart from Central Beach. African Fishing Adventures offers boat-based fly fishing, early evening game fishing, and traditional line fishing.
FISHING and ANGLING: Good rock angling sites include Nature’s Valley, Keurbooms, Lookout Rocks, Beacon Island and Robberg Beach. Rock anglers can expect to catch Galjoen, Elf, Roman or Steenbras. Deep Sea anglers may catch Tuna, Leervis, Hake and Calamari (seasonal).
GAME VIEWING: Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve offers an exciting child friendly safari on a shaded 4×4 game viewing vehicle or a Horse Safari for the more adventurous type.
GOLF: Golf is one of the most popular attractions in the Garden Route and offers the very best golfing experience. Plettenberg Bay Country Club: 18 hole: par 72. Piesang Valley road – about 5 km from Plett central. Goose Valley – 18 hole – par 72. N2, about 3 km from Plett. Pezula and Simola situated in Knysna (40 km), and Fancourt in George (110 km).
HORSE RIDING and HIKING: Forest rides and horse trails are available. No horses allowed on the beaches. Plett is surrounded by nature reserves and National Parks. There are many hikes and short walks of which Robberg is by far the most popular walk. There are 3 trails ranging between 45 minutes, 2 hours and the ± 4 hr walk (9.2km). Other walks include Kranshoek, Garden of Eden, Nature’s valley, Wittedrift, Milkwood Trail (all within 20 km from Plett), and the Tsitsikamma Trail about 70 km from Plett.
LAWNWOOD SNAKE SANCTUARY: An hour long guided tour of the Sanctuary’s indigenous snake pit, the snake dome and the Giant Python room, 15 km from Plett on the N2 towards Port Elizabeth
MONKEYLAND: The world’s only multi species, free roaming primate sanctuary is home to animals from several continents which were captive bred prior to their release at Monkeyland. Visitors may enjoy guided safaris. Next to Birds of Eden. (18 km out of Plett).
POLO: Plettenberg Bay is the South African Mecca of Polo. Tournaments are played at Kurland during Easter and December.
SCENIC DRIVES and DAY TRIPS: Kranshoek picnic site – cliffs and sea – 15-20 km from Plett. Garden of Eden – picnic site, circular walk, big tree-15 minutes from Plett. Prince Alfred Pass – a historical, gravelled pass between Plett on the coast and Uniondale in the semi-arid Klein Karoo. The drive is about 40 km, but will take up to 2 hours to complete. Bloukrans Pass – A beautiful tarred pass through indigenous forests. About 35 km from Plett. Please enquire about these passes as they are sometimes closed.
SCENIC FLIGHTS and CHARTERS: African Ramble offers charter flights from Plett airstrip. Or experience a helicopter flip and see beautiful Plettenberg Bay
SEA KAYAKING: Launched from Central Beach, get up close up encounters with dolphins, seals and sea birds.
SURFING: Surfboards and tuition are available from our beaches
TENIKWA WILDLIFE AWARENESS CENTRE: Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre offer guests the opportunity for a safe, inter active encounter with all of the lesser cats of South Africa, as well as the Cheetah and Leopard.
WATER SKIING: Ski Boat charters are available from Keurbooms River and Jetski Rental available from Central Beach.
WHALE WATCHING, MARINE SAFARIS and BOAT CRUISES: Ocean Blue offers a marine safari from Central Beach 3 times a day, seven days a week (depending on sea and weather conditions). These 2 hour long tours begin with an exhilarating beach launch – life jackets and refreshments are provided. Minke whales, Orca (killer whales) and Bryde whales can be seen throughout the year – as can dolphins, Cape Fur seals and many other marine mammals. The migratory whales (southern rights and humpbacks) come to the shallow, protected waters of Plettenberg Bay to mate and calf during the `whale season` between June and December.