An enviable seaside location, five-star lodgings and superb dining experiences await at this magnificent Plettenberg Bay hotel along the Garden Route.
The pristine beaches and rocky shores of Plettenberg Bay are no stranger to fabulous lodgings for weekend escapes. But The Plettenberg is the jewel in the crown of this popular beach destination. A grand five-star escape perched on a rocky headland, the hotel has the best views in town, overlooking a long stretch of unspoilt beaches and fynbos-covered mountains (and it’s just a five-minute walk from Blue Flag Lookout Beach).
Part of The Liz McGrath Collection (which includes The Cellars-Hohenort in Cape Town and The Marine Hotel in Hermanus), the chic seaside escape boasts 35 beautifully appointed rooms, two family-friendly luxury villas, a sparkling pool, a stylish bar and a fresh new restaurant. It’s the perfect Plett stay, with an undeniable X-factor.
The lodgings
The sophisticated, seaside-inspired decor echoes the location, and no matter which room, suite or villa you choose you’re guaranteed a wonderful stay. With all the amenities you’d expect of five-star accommodation (air-conditioning, wifi, flat-screen TV, complimentary minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities, fluffy bathrobes and luxury bathroom amenities) plus extra touches such as a bottle of wine on arrival and hot-water bottles in winter, and a comfortable sitting area in all room options, this is luxury seaside accommodation you can relax right into.
Beach House


Perfect for families or friends travelling together, this luxury two-bedroom beach villa affords complete privacy while still offering easy access to all the hotel facilities close by. A spacious private deck and heated swimming pool, with sweeping views of the beach below and mountains beyond, are just a few of the perks of staying here.
- two ensuite bedrooms with king-size beds (can be made into twin beds)
- open-plan dining area and large sitting room with a fireplace
- small service kitchen
- private deck with a swimming pool
- exclusive Villa breakfast service
- personalised shopper service
- dedicated concierge service
- pet-friendly for small dogs
Cost From R25 000 per night, exclusive use only
Lookout Villa


A private paradise offering uninterrupted ocean views from the heated swimming pool and secluded garden, this spacious three-bedroom villa is the perfect choice for guests travelling as a family or in a group seeking a luxe-factor.
- three ensuite bedrooms with king-size beds (can be made into twin beds)
- large open-plan lounge and dining area
- fully-stocked galley kitchen
- private swimming pool
- private garden and outdoor seating area
- exclusive Villa breakfast service
- personalised shopper service
- dedicated concierge service
- pet-friendly for small dogs
Cost From R37 000 per night, exclusive use only
Double Rooms
An elegant choice at The Plettenberg, the eight Double Rooms are individually decorated in a fresh colour palette of blue and white, and offer a spacious bedroom with a sitting area and ensuite bathroom.
- ensuite bedroom with a king-size bed (can be made into twin beds)
- breakfast daily at Amelia’s
Cost From R4 578 per room per night (depending on season)
Luxury Double Rooms
These nine individually decorated luxury rooms have varying views over gardens, depending on the location, and feature aqua accents reflecting the marine surrounds.
- ensuite bedroom with a king-size bed (can be made into twin beds)
- breakfast daily at Amelia’s
Cost From R6 342 per room per night
Luxury Double Rooms with Sea Views
To really soak up the Plett vibe of endless beaches and glorious sunsets and possibly pods of whales, choose one of the six sea-view luxury rooms which reflect the ever-changing light and moods of the ocean.
- ensuite bedroom with a king-size bed (can be made into twin beds)
- breakfast daily at Amelia’s
Cost From R8 318 per room per night
Suites
For even more space to drink in spectacular views of the scenic ocean surrounds, five spacious suites feature private balconies and an open-plan living area.
- ensuite bedroom with a king-size bed (can be made into twin beds)
- private balcony
- open-plan lounge
- breakfast daily at Amelia’s
Cost From R8 678 per room per night
Premier Suites
The largest of the suite offerings, the seven Premier Suites boast breathtaking views out over the bay and beyond from a private balcony. One suite also has direct access to the pool area.
- ensuite bedroom with a king-size bed (can be made into twin beds)
- private balcony
- open-plan lounge
- breakfast daily at Amelia’s
Cost From R12 629 per room per night
Amelia’s at The Plettenberg
Recently revamped restaurant, Amelia’s, is elegantly decked out in harmonious hues, a palette reflecting the blues, yellows, ochres and turquoise of the seascape it overlooks, and extends out onto the newly widened terrace for easy breezy outdoor dining on sultry summer days and nights.
The menu has a fresh take on the signature dishes that regulars know and love. Think Thai-spiced seafood curry with onion and ginger pickle; steamed mussels with ginger, lemongrass and coconut; crispy tempura prawns with lime and chilli jam; salmon fish cakes with sauce gribiche, soft poached egg yolk and asparagus; or homemade potato gnocchi with spiced butternut. There’s a simple fillet steak or the classic Plettenburger with triple-cooked chips. And a pool and terrace menu for light lunches, when all you feel like is a poke bowl or a classic toasted sandwich.
The Sandbar
The contemporary Sandbar cocktail bar and lounge continues the light and breezy beach theme in its decor, with white leather, marble and natural oak finishes. Savour a selection of local, award-winning wines, bubbly, spirits and expertly mixed cocktails.
There’s more
Visit the Fresh Wellness Spa for relaxing and rejuvenating treatments and packages for men, women and couples. All treatment products include natural and indigenous ingredients such as plant- and marine-infused skin and bodycare products and massage oils.
A tempting afternoon tea by the sea is a daily delight (booking essential) served on the terrace, in the Blue Wing or the Summer Lounge, all with glorious sea views.
If you can bear to leave the gorgeous hotel grounds, a leisurely 10-minute stroll takes you to the bustling town centre of Plett, to an array of wonderful shops, boutiques, laid-back restaurants and popular nightlife spots.
The hotel has a whale bell for guests and visitors to ring when they spot whales or dolphins in the bay. There can be year-round sightings of the resident Bryde’s whales, pods of bottlenose dolphins and shy Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins.
The Plettenberg has all the makings of the perfect South African seaside escape.
Distance from CT 6 hours (1.5 hours from George)
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? Small dogs are permitted in the villa accommodation only
Cost From R4 578 per room per night (depending on season, includes breakfast and a complimentary mini bar)
Where to find it 40 Church Street, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route, Western Cape
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