Five-star luxury meets the allure of a lush, hidden valley.
Driving along a dusty farm road just off the N2, near the exclusive seaside resort of Plettenberg Bay, we hardly expected to find a private paradise hidden away in a world of its own.
Within five minutes, we had arrived at our destination – a magical oasis floating above the treetops of an ancient indigenous forest – to be greeted by some inquisitive bushbuck peeking out from behind the greenery, and a flock of tropical birds darting about the crystal-clear skies above us. An apposite welcome indeed.
We paused for a few moments after parking the car to breathe in the country air and take in the expansive panoramas, before following the soothing sounds of trickling water to our home-from-home, Tsala Treetop Lodge, surely one of the Cape’s most beautiful escapes.
A seductive mix of Bali-esque topography and luxe-safari furnishings, the retreat exudes an indescribable aura of mysticism and ancient wonder, with luxurious mod cons reminding us that we were not in fact on an Ancient Javanese island.
The lodgings
Elevated wooden walkways connect 10 suites and six villas, which are equipped with ultimate creature comforts and offer a liberating sense of solitude. Wherever you are in the lodge – sitting in the lounge by the fireplace, relaxing in your private rim-flow pool or enjoying meals in the glass-walled dining room – you’re constantly reminded that you are, in fact, several metres above ground level.
Suite features
- 10 suites
- one bedroom with a king-size bed (sleeping 2 adults)
- en-suite bathroom with a freestanding bath, rain shower and outdoor heated shower
- spacious indoor seating area
- wood-burning clay fireplace
- tea- and coffee-making facilities
- private front-facing outdoor deck with a seating area
- second suite-facing outdoor deck with deck chairs and a private plunge pool
- complimentary canapés and bottle of wine on arrival
- complimentary minibar items
- air conditioning and heating
- complimentary wifi
Villa features
- 6 villas
- two bedrooms with a king-size bed (sleeping 4 adults or 2 adults + 2 children)
- en-suite bathrooms with a rain shower and outdoor heated shower
- spacious indoor lounge with a dining area
- wood-burning clay fireplace
- tea- and coffee-making facilities
- private front-facing outdoor deck with a seating area
- second suite-facing outdoor deck with deck chairs and a private plunge pool
- complimentary canapés and bottle of wine on arrival
- complimentary minibar items
- air conditioning and heating
- complimentary wifi
While you’re there
The minute you set foot into your suite, you’ll realise you have no intention of ever leaving! Luckily, a sparkling blue rim-flow plunge pool, two resident restaurants, and a view-drenched deck – all on your doorstep – mean you needn’t have to.
The glass-walled Tsala Restaurant serves gourmet breakfasts, light à la carte lunches and to-die-for three-course dinners, rounded off with a curated selection of local wines from the cellar. Those wishing to stay in their dressing gowns and dine in the comfort of their own suite (we don’t blame you!) can opt for room service.
Should you wish to dine at Zinzi Restaurant (for a bistro-dining experience), it’s just a short stroll from the lodge. Your hospitable hosts are always on hand to assist with requests.
And, just in case the heavenly ambience, superb cuisine and surfeit of creature comforts don’t have you relaxed enough, there’s the option of in-room spa treatments available on request.
Adventure lovers will be in their element with the hiking and mountain-biking trails surrounding the property. Or take a short drive into the centre of Plettenberg Bay for boat rides on the Keurbooms River, swimming with African Fur Seals and open-water kayaking. There is also the nearby Birds of Eden sanctuary and Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary, housing 18 species of playful primates.
Part of the esteemed Hunter Hotels group, whose properties are characterised by attention to detail, impeccable service and hard-to-beat locations, Tsala Treetop Lodge most certainly deserves a spot on even the most seasoned of travellers’ lists. Here, you can rest assured that your every desire will be met. And then some.
Distance from CT 6 hours
Child friendly? Yes (villas only) 10 years and older
Pet friendly? No
Wifi? Yes, free
Sleeps 2 per suite
4 per villa
Cost Suites: From R5 700 – R12 188 per person sharing (depending on season)
Villas: From R13 900 – R21 900 per person for 4 people sharing (depending on season)
Where to find it 1km off N2 10km West Of Plettenberg Bay, 20kms East of Knysna, Western Cape
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