Plettenberg Bay, one of the Garden Route’s best-known coastal towns, may be synonymous with December holidays. Yet its appeal reaches beyond the beach: picture Robberg trails with seals below, a forested coastline and wine tasting just inland. From the beach-town charm of Plett to the vineyards of The Crags and the wild calm of Nature’s Valley, Crags Country Lodge, The Old Rectory Hotel and Spa, and Lily Pond Country Lodge offer different ways to explore this stretch of the Garden Route.
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Crags Country Lodge
#HelloRecommends this for: foodies and wine-weekend travellers
The Crags lies just beyond Plettenberg Bay, where rolling green hills, cool-climate wines and Méthode Cap Classique producers give the Garden Route its own vineyard story. Crags Country Lodge makes the most of that setting with eight rooms, wide valley views and a standout restaurant that keeps the landscape close. Inside, expect natural light, pale timber, generous bathrooms, Nespresso machines, deep baths and king-size beds that make a relaxed morning difficult to rush.
Food is the highlight of this stay. The restaurant, led by Chef Alice Burnham-King, focuses on seasonal, local cooking with an astute but relaxed approach. Unhurried dinners, deck-side drinks and generous breakfasts are all part of the appeal. For travellers planning a weekend around Plett wineries, countryside scenery and excellent meals, this is an ideal Crags base.
A light-filled bedroom with a high ceiling at Crags Country Lodge.
#HelloRecommends this for: boutique-hotel lovers and spa-goers
The Old Rectory Hotel and Spa brings history, design and beach proximity into one compact Plett stay. Built in 1777 by the Dutch East India Company and later used as a rectory for St Peters Church, the stylish property now holds 18 rooms, a restaurant, spa and central garden within walking distance of Hobie Beach. Build your stay around beach walks, late breakfasts, spa time and drinks in the garden.
Rooms have a coastal look, with crisp linen, generous beds, colourful details and bathrooms with both tubs and showers. At 1777 Restaurant, stone walls and exposed beams set the scene for cosy dining, while the menu gives guests a reason to stay in after sunset. The spa adds another reason to book, with facials, body massages and sensory rituals using QMS Medicosmetics and Healing Earth products.
Swimming pool and garden at The Old Rectory Hotel and Spa.
#HelloRecommends this for: nature chasers and slow-stay seekers
Set near Tsitsikamma National Park and Nature’s Valley Beach, Lily Pond Country Lodge is a four-star hideaway for travellers craving space, greenery and a deep exhale. The nature-rich setting does much of the work: water-lily ponds, established gardens, forested edges, clear night skies for stargazing and the nearby shoreline close enough for beachcombing.
Rooms are individually designed, pairing natural tones with king-size beds, brushed concrete floors, tea and coffee facilities and daily mini-fridge top-ups. Some suites add outdoor showers, and the Honeymoon Suite includes a jacuzzi bath.
At Bistro LYS, dinner menus change with the available seasonal produce, with pre-booking essential. Expect grounded South African flavours, thoughtful hosting and a country-lodge rhythm that suits early nights, slow mornings and a little less phone checking. How tempting does that sound?
Water-lily pond in the gardens at Lily Pond Country Lodge.
#HelloRecommends: Plan your stay around the experiences you enjoy most: beach walks, forest trails, wine tasting or time at the spa. Check availability directly with each property and book dining, treatments and activities ahead. Confirm opening times, access requirements and weather conditions before setting out.
Kirstenbosch’s 34th summer concert season runs from 22 November 2026 to 28 March 2027, with 19 concerts, South African favourites and orchestral performances.
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