Garden Route & Whale Coast
The Garden Route and Whale Coast beckon travelers to take a leisurely drive on the national road (N2) exploring this scenic stretch of South Africa from Cape Town all the way to Port Elizabeth. There are many attractions and activities to enjoy along the way.
Hermanus, Whale Coast
A two hour drive from Cape Town is the heart of the whale coast. Hermanus is the best place for whale watching from the shore. Cliff paths along Walker Bay provide a front row seat each year from July to November when the Southern Right whales come to calves, mate and frolic. Just across the bay is Gansbaai, which is one of the best spots in the world for cage-diving with Great White sharks.
The Marine Hermanus
This world class hotel perched high on the cliffs affords spectacular views including the best land-based whale watching I the world. There are 45 luxury rooms and suites with views across Walker Bay or the over the beautifully manicured gardens and the Overberg Mountains. Renovated in the late 90s, this Relais and Chateaux property along with its sister property The Plettenberg, gives guests an elegant and well designed home away from home.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
"Back to nature without any compromise" is the slogan for this winning eco-tourism model. Here is a unique place where conservation and relaxation have found the perfect home. Set among ancient milkwood trees, the classic Garden Lodge is perfect for families and the newer Forest Lodge is contemporary in design. The large, nature inspired suites have secluded balconies. Guests support the mission of The Grootbos Foundation which calls for the conservation of biodiversity in the area and the development of sustainable, nature based livelihoods through ecotourism, research, management and education.
Knysna
This bustling town located about 350 miles from Cape Town provides numerous attractions and activities from ferry cruises across the lagoon and visits to the oyster beds and animal sanctuaries, to boutique shopping, bungee jumping and award-winning restaurants. Knysna was twice voted South Africa’s favorite holiday destination and recognized as one of the Top 100 Destinations in the World in the 2008 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Destinations Awards.
Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa
Pezula opened in 2005 and has breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, the Knysna Lagoon and the Outeniqua Mountains.The estate is known for its secluded beach and castle, championship golf course, and ancient indigenous forests where you can hike the nature trails. The Field of Dreams sports complex has tennis courts, sports oval, facilities for archery, and golf practice range. There is also Barnyard petting zoo and horse stables. Accommodation is in 83 suites of various sizes with private balconies or patios.The main building houses a spa and gym, gourmet restaurant, a boutique, executive boardrooms, a 24-hour business center, a Champagne & Whisky Bar, Cigar Lounge, library and games room.
2009 – named Africa’s Leading Spa Resort at the 2009 World Travel Awards & included in Travel + Leisure’s The World’s Greatest Hotels, Resorts & Spas
2010 – named one of the Top 10 spas in the world - Condé Nast Traveller 2010 Readers’ Spa Awards
Phantom Forest
The privately owned Phantom Forest Eco Reserve offers a unique biodiversity of Afro montane forest, Cape coastal fynbos and estuarine wetland.There are over 150 bird species, bush pig, bushbuck, grysbok, the rare blue duiker (one of Africa's smallest antelope), and a variety of smaller game.The elevated, luxury tree suites look out over the Knysna Lagoon or the forest.Drawing inspiration directly from nature, a harmonious balance has been created, from ragged thatch rising into the forest canopy, to wood shingle and a freshwater nature pool.Several of the Tree Suites provide an intimate and romantic honeymoon hideaway.There is a spa, sauna and bubble barrel to soothe your muscles after a day of activities.
2010 – World Travel Award Winner – “Africa’s leading green hotel”
Lake Pleasant Hotel & Spa
This former hunting lodge is now a privately owned hotel set in the midst of the beautiful Goukamma Nature & Marine Reserve. Each of the 37 luxurious en-suite rooms have their own balcony overlooking the Groenvlei Lake. The Wellness Center provides spa treatments and facilities.
Knysna Hollow Country Estate
Set on a secluded old country estate near Knysna's famous lagoon, the gracious old manor house forms the focal point of the lodge. There are 15 luxury garden chalets and 49 garden rooms. The restaurant serves a menu with influences from around the globe. Your hosts, Clive and Mark, provide Cape hospitality at its personal best and will assist in your selection of a fine wine.
Belvidere Manor Hotel
The 34 private cottages have views of the Knysna lagoon or the gardens. There are 1, 2, or 3 bedroom cottages with fireplaces, kitchens and verandas. There is a swimming pool and tennis courts.
Plettenberg Bay
Located just twenty miles east of Knysna is the “jewel in the crown” of the Garden Route. Plettenberg Bay is one of South Africa’s most fashionable beach resorts with cafes, fine restaurants and shopping. The bay is ideal for water sports, and the forested mountains draw hikers and bird watchers. Tsitsikamma Nature Reserve is nearby for equestrian activities, forest walks, beaches, water sports, and extreme activities such as bungee jumping or sky diving.
Kurland Hotel
This picturesque 1,700-acre country estate opened to the public in 2000,continuing the Behr family’s reputation for great hospitality. The exquisite furnishings include family heirlooms and objects d’art from around the world. The Kurland’s private collection of art graces the walls. The historic rose gardens provide fragrant blooms virtually all year round. This is a favorite destination for weddings, honeymoons and family vacations. Family suites are tucked away from other guests and feature a loft sleeping suite with up to four beds for the children. Experienced nannies can be arranged and children can enjoy activities in the playroom, or outside activities like pony rides. Kurland is synonymous with polo and the Kurland Shop is housed in the original stable buildings. There is a full-service spa for those who want to relax. Bikes are available to explore the countryside. The award-winning cuisine is served to guests in the candlelit dining room or library, on the verandah, around the pool or your own private terrace. As a Relais & Châteaux property, Kurland is a luxury experience on the Garden Route.
August, 2011 Update: A recent refurbishment has added Wi-Fi and flat-screen televisions in all the suites.
The Plettenberg
This 5-star Relais and Châteaux hotel sits on a rocky headland with breathtaking vistas of the Indian Ocean, Outeniqua Mountains, and miles of golden sand. From the hotel terraces, guests can watch dolphins and whales in the bay. There are 36 rooms and suites, two swimming pools, a health and beauty spa, and an award-winning wine cellar.
Hunter's Country House
An old-world ambience permeates the thatched manor house with its antique-furnished lounges, candle-lit dining rooms and sun-drenched conservatory. Secluded within the gardens are luxurious cottages, individually designed and decorated for comfort and privacy. All have patios and gardens, and some have their own plunge pools. This family-owned retreat accommodates families nicely in two-bedroom suites and there are special areas for younger children and teens. There is a large outdoor pool and complimentary Wi-Fi in all public areas. Dining options range from formal to casual. Hunter’s is a member of Relais & Châteaux and Chaine des Rotisseurs.
Tsala Treetop Lodge
Tsala Treetop Lodge is a symphony of stone, wood, glass and water high above the floor of the magnificent indigenous forests of the Garden Route, between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Elevated wooden walkways meander through the trees to ten exclusive and very private suites, each with its own infinity pool. Here the craftsmanship of ancient times meets the luxury of modern convenience. The owners of this property also own the adjacent colonial Hunter's Country House, as well as Gorah Elephant Camp a premiere lodge in the heart of the malaria-free, Big 5 Addo Elephant National Park in the Eastern Cape.
Hog Hollow Country Lodge
This 4-star lodge sits on the edge of an indigenous forest in a private nature reserve with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and forests. All 15 suites have private decks. Guests can enjoy the swimming pool, a forest sauna and privately sited forest shower, and the boma where nightly fires are lit. Renown for personalized service and those little extras like gingerbread man cookies and milk for the children's turn down service and complimentary car washes daily.
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