The Best Places To Stay On The Garden Route

The Best Places To Stay On The Garden Route

High on the must-see lists of most holiday-makers to South Africa is the Garden Route and with good reason: you can’t help but be seduced by its beautiful mountains, its sandy beaches and its picturesque towns. There are so many amazing accommodation options to choose from when planning your Garden Route holiday, so to help you make the right decision, we've got our South Africa specialists to suggest some of their very favourites.

1. The Plettenberg

Situated on a rocky headland with magnificent views of the bay, The Plettenberg is a five-star luxury Relais & Chateaux hotel that offers some of the finest accommodation and hospitality along the coast. Accommodation is in a choice of rooms, suites and private villas with the area a nature lover’s dream with its forests and beaches and delicate eco-system of wetlands and lagoon. A host of activities are available nearby from hiking, mountain biking & horse-riding to fishing or simply drinking in the scenery, with the boutiques and restaurants of Plettenberg Bay a short stroll away. Be sure to enjoy dinner in their award-winning Sand Restaurant one evening – it is one of the best on The Garden Route.

2. Tsala Treetops Lodge

Tsala Treetops Lodge enjoys a unique setting in the canopy of the Tsitsikamma Forest, with the elevated suites connected by wooden walkways rising above the forest floor. The suites are spacious and on split levels, with fantastic views out of the floor-to-ceiling windows fronting the bedroom, lounge and bathroom. The decor has a contemporary African feel, using lots of stone and carved dark woods. As well as a private sun bathing deck next to your plunge pool, there is also a deck area leading from the front of the main lodge's lounge area that enjoys the same magnificent views over and through the tree tops. The service and food at the lodge are excellent, and the overall ambience is one of exclusive luxury with unique African styling.

3. The Robberg

Located just five minutes from the bustling restaurants, galleries, coffee shops and bars of Plettenberg Bay's Main street, The Robberg is a tranquil beachside haven. The rooms and suites are tastefully decorated, spacious, each furnished with the luxury amenities guests would expect from a five-star property. Facilities include two outdoor pools, two lounges, two honesty bars, and a rooftop viewing deck. The wonderful staff at reception are always ready to help guests make the most of their stay by offering assistance with bookings for restaurants or activities in the area, or even sharing their recommended must-see spots in the area.

4. The Turbine Hotel

An old power station transformed into a five-star luxury hotel on Knysna’s Thesen Island, The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa is a salute to industrial architecture as all the old machinery has been incorporated into the design. Surrounded by water on three sides, the hotel is filled with light and space throughout its 23 suites. There are excellent restaurants on-site and nearby, with the spacious pool area being a favourite place to relax and enjoy a summer’s afternoon.

5. Rosenhof Country House

Named after its exquisite rose garden, Rosenhof is a lovingly restored farmhouse that provides old-style elegance with modern comfort. Relax in style amid its antique furnishings, rugs and paintings in welcoming comfortable lounges, or even in the lodge’s own pub. There are just 12 spacious rooms and 2 executive suites, which have their own private pools, and an in-house wellness centre which offers a choice of treatments and therapies. Those with green fingers will appreciate the spectacular rose gardens, art-lovers will appreciate the gallery and those not counting calories will love the renowned afternoon tea.

If you are interested in staying at any of the properties mentioned in this blog then get in touch with our South Africa experts by calling 020 7843 3500 or emailing info@africatravel.co.uk and they can help you plan your dream Garden Route holiday today.