Plettenberg Bay may have the distinct vibe of a sleepy surfing village, but this little Garden Route gem still offers loads to see and do. Of course, its endless beaches and awesome waves put it firmly on the map for watersports and some serious body-bronzing. But Plett, as it’s affectionately known, is a humming little hub with plenty of variety.
It is also conveniently perched about 20 minutes from Knysna in one direction, and two hours from Jeffrey’s Bay in the other. Cape Town is roughly six hours away. This means that Plett is close enough to the big city for a weekend getaway and far away enough for some totally new scenery.
We’ve found some of the top places to stay overnight, eat delicious meals, and have the time of your life in Plettenberg Bay.
SLEEP
Regardless of your budget, preferences, or reason for visiting Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route, there is a perfect place for you to overnight.
LUXURY
Kurland Hotel
At this boutique luxury hotel, timeless style meets modern amenities; all in the gorgeous surrounds of a polo estate between the mountains and Nature’s Valley. All of the suites have heated floors and towel rails, as well as ceiling fans and a fireplace. There are great facilities for little ones too, making it ideal for families that are after a little pampering. There is also a spa, swimming pool, gym and sauna; and the kitchen serves moreish country-style dishes with a distinct French influence.
Hog Hollow Country Lodge
Set in a gorgeous nature reserve and surrounded by the indigenous forests, valleys and mountains of Tsitsikamma…this is the Hog Hollow experience. The décor of each suite is elegant and tasteful with an African influence. In addition to the suites, there are two villas that can accommodate six or eight adults. Cool off in the swimming pool, sweat it out in the sauna, or head out into the pretty surrounds on the back of a gentle, responsive horse to make the most of your time in Plett.
MIDDLE OF THE ROAD
Thanda Vista
This 4-star B&B is spacious and homely, with each of the five luxurious suites designed to celebrate the gorgeous views. It’s just minutes from the exquisite swimming and diving beaches of Plett and close to a number of golf estates too (including Goose Valley). All of the rooms have air-con and gorgeous finishes. The roof-top terraces are the perfect place to enjoy sundowners and watch the whales splash and rise from the water.
BUDGET
Masescha Country Estate
Forget the daily grind and city-slicker pace at Masescha, a 3-star B&B that promises the ultimate in serenity at very affordable prices. There is accommodation for between two and nine guests in a collection of rooms, cottages and a house. There are well-equipped kitchens, comfy bedrooms, and a braai for guests that want to make the most of the Garden Route outdoors.
Natures Way
Conveniently located in the untouched prettiness of The Crags, Natures Way is a scenic farm with views of the endless mountains. There are several cottages that sleep between two and five people, and a campsite for six. These are all nestled on the edge of the indigenous forest, and guests can relax to the backing track of the birds. The Crags is only a few minutes away from the heart of Plettenberg Bay and about 25 minutes from Knysna.
EAT
Plettenberg Bay has everything from artisanal bakeries to authentic pizza joints with a difference. These pepper the town centre and are scattered around its outskirts.
Le Fournil
This bakery and café is all about celebrating the pure deliciousness of freshly-baked delicacies and breads. The coffee is good, and the almond croissants sublime.
Lookout Deck
When all you need is a cold beer and the smell of the ocean, the Lookout Deck is the perfect place to spend the afternoon. Fresh seafood, cocktails, local wines, and sweet treats are all on offer here, right on the sandy doorstep of Plett’s Lookout Beach.
Zinzi Restaurant
With a luxurious African-inspired dining room nestled in the forests between Plett and Knysna, Zinzi is sure to leave a lasting impression. The meals and service are world-class and there is an excellent collection of wines.
Cornuti al Mare
Famous for its excellent pizza, Cornuti actually offers a wide variety of authentic Italian dishes and tantalising delights. It has a chic vibe and gorgeous views of the sea.
DO
While Plettenberg Bay may be a small seaside town, it certainly offers LOADS to see and do while you’re there. Here are some of our top picks:
The SAASA Trio – Birds of Eden, Monkeyland and Jukani
These sanctuaries offer visitors awesome walk-through experiences with some of the wildest and most exotic animals. These range from the lemurs of Monkeyland to the macaws of Birds of Eden to the leopards and hyenas of Jukani.
Play a Round at Goose Valley Golf Estate
This award-winning course offers stunning greens and fairways with plenty of welcome challenges along the way.
Tackle the Hikes of Robberg Nature Reserve
There are three hikes – from an easy 2km trail to a tougher 11km trail that takes around four hours to complete. The views along the way are almost unbelievable in their beauty. Look down to spot some of the resident great whites or seals swimming in the waters below.
Head to the Beach
Plett has absolutely gorgeous sandy beaches and the Indian Ocean waters are warm. This is the perfect combo for long days spent walking or sunbathing on the beach and surfing, swimming or paddling in the waters. Plett is also a hotspot for SCUBA diving.
Head Out for a Wine Tasting
Just outside Plett, there are a number of wine estates that produce unique reds and whites with a difference. These are best enjoyed with fresh platters of cheese, meats and freshly-baked treats.
Visit the Dolphins and Whales
Dolphins are on the coast of Plett all year round and whales visit every year between around July and December. You can watch them from your guesthouse or the beach, or you could head out on a whale-watching boat to get up close to these incredible giants.
Walk on the Wild Side at Plett Game Reserve
Look out for lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo on an authentic African safari. Of course, there is much more fauna and flora that make this reserve very special and a must for Plett visitors.
Get Thinking at Plett Puzzle Park
Great for families with little ones, this park the first 3-D maze in the country, and puzzle walks through the forest. This inspires minds and gets rid of excess energy while always being fun, fun, fun.
VISIT PLETT
Get the most out of this scenic hotspot by booking your accommodation in Plettenberg Bay now. SA-Venues.com allows for instant bookings on all of these and more hotels, apartments and lodges. We also list loads of local attractions and things to do, so you can plan your entire itinerary on one convenient, comprehensive site.
