Plettenberg Bay is often referred to as ‘The Jewel of the Garden Route’ and it only takes one visit to our special part of the world to understand why. From sparkling pools, sundowner spots, hiking trails and wine farms to superb restaurants and spa treatments, there’s so much to see and do. Here is our quick Plettenberg Bay holiday checklist.
1. RELAX BY THE POOL
Stay with us at The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa, and spend summer days on a lounger with a good book by the pool. The kids can play and we’ll be ready to serve you an ice cold cocktail or G&T. You can also enjoy a light lunch with us too.
2. EXPLORE THE PLETT WINELANDS
With over 16 wine farms stretching from Harkerville to the Crags, the Plett Winelands area is certainly worth exploring. The area is recognised both nationally and internationally as South Africa’s newest Wine of Origin region and boasts award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Méthode Cap Classique wines.
You will find our Kay and Monty boutique wine farm on Redford Road where you can enjoy a wine tasting overlooking the dam, surrounded by the Tsitsikamma mountains and polo ponies. It’s also a spectacular spot for a long lunch (there is a lot of wide open space) and a great place to start your Plett Winelands journey with five other wonderful wine farms all within five kilometres of each other.
Book ahead by calling us on 079 965 9779 or make a reservation online.
3. ENJOY A SPA DAY
In need of some rest and relaxation? Unwind with a luxury treatment at The Old Rectory Spa. The spa portfolio consists of treatments that promote restoration on every level – from massages and facials to manicures and full body treatments. Strict safety protocols will be in place at all times.
To book call us +27 44 533 1201 or email us at oldrectoryspa@rareearth.co.za.
4. JOIN US FOR DINNER UNDER UNDER THE GIANT MILK WOOD TREE
With delicious food, impeccable service and a historic setting to match, The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa’s restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner served in the restaurant or on the deck under the majestic milkwood tree.
Book your table online or call us on +27 44 533 1201.
5. SIP ON A SUNDOWNER
Golden hour in Plettenberg Bay is a sight to see, lending itself beautifully to a sundowner as the sun sinks behind the horizon. Some of the best places to grab a drink at the end of a wonderful day of exploring are: The Old Rectory’s bar and pool deck – the ideal spot for an evening dip in the pool and an expertly-made cocktail; Enrico Ristorante – for unobstructed ocean views and prime sunset viewing and Emily Moon River Lodge – where guests can enjoy a cocktail on the large deck overlooking the river. Other great spots for drinks or dinner include Nguni Restaurant and The Fat Fish.
6. TAKE A FERRY TO THE KNYSNA HEADS
The Knysna Heads are a pair of famous sandstone cliffs that separate the Knysna Lagoon from the Indian Ocean. They are a renowned landmark along the Garden Route, breathtakingly beautiful and well worth exploring. Hop on one of the daily ferries and cruise across the lagoon to Featherbed Nature Reserve. The eco-experience includes a 4×4 trip to a few of the spectacular viewpoints around the reserve as well as an optional guided walking tour to the sea caves. Our beaches may be closed but there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the sea.
7. HIKE THE ROBBERG PENINSULA
On the outskirts of Plettenberg Bay, you’ll find the Robberg Peninsula. A remote, rocky shoreline that is well-known as being one of the most popular and scenic hiking destinations along the Garden Route. Hikers can enjoy the full 11 kilometre circuit, which offers exquisite views, prime whale and dolphin watching and even the chance to encounter a few Cape Fur Seals. If you are looking for something a little less strenuous, there are also two shorter hikes ranging from easy to moderate.
8. SPOT WHALES AND DOLPHINS IN THE BAY
Whale-watching is at its prime from mid-May to February with the southern right whales around from June to November and the migratory humpback whales arriving with their calves in early November and staying until the end of February, visiting us again during May and June. Bryde’s whales, pods of bottlenose and the shy indo-pacific humpback dolphins can be spotted all year around. Some of the best land-based viewing points for whale-watching are: The Lookout View Site, Beachy Head Drive and Robberg Nature Reserve. Grab your binoculars and see what you can spot!
9. DISCOVER OUR TOWN
Plettenberg Bay is one of South Africa’s most picturesque and naturally beautiful seaside towns and there is plenty of exploring to be done; including art galleries, boutique shopping, quaint coffee shops, artisan bakeries and more. Old Nick Village is a must-visit and a fun adventure for the whole family.
10. SOAK UP THE SUN ABOARD A CATAMARAN
Ocean Sailing Charters provides the ultimate in luxury catamaran sailing and one of the best ways to spend a summer’s day in Plettenberg Bay. Soak up the sun in style, while sipping on some bubbly and taking in the surrounding beauty or try something more adventurous like fishing, snorkeling, and swimming. There is something for everyone to enjoy.
11. SUPPORT THE LOCAL WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
The Garden Route is home to a host of wildlife sanctuaries that are well worth supporting. Birds of Eden is home to over 3,500 birds from over 280 species. You can explore this vast free-flight paradise on your own or with a guide. Monkeyland Primate Sanctuary is the world’s first free roaming multi-species primate sanctuary. You can enjoy a safe guided tour through a forest as gibbons swing above your head and lemurs bask in the sun. Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary provides a home to rescued big cats and a 2 kilometre walk of the land will get you up close to lions, tigers, pumas, leopards and other wild cats.
12. SWING THROUGH THE TREES IN TSITSIKAMMA
The Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour, a first of its kind in Africa, is the perfect way to enjoy the magnificent beauty of the Tsitsikamma indigenous rainforest. The tour is a fully-guided nature experience and consists of ten zip-lines that are 30m above the forest floor, the longest being 91m in length. Gliding through the treetops while taking in the spectacular scenery and enjoying the abundant birdlife is definitely something you won’t forget.
13. BOOK A KAYAK AND LILO ADVENTURE
Fresh air, open spaces and small groups, be sure to book an adventure with Untouched Adventures. What a way to explore the magnificent Storms River Mouth in the Tsitsikamma National Park.
14. BUNGEE JUMP AT BLOUKRANS BRIDGE
If 2020 hasn’t been the thrill-seeking ride you were looking for, head to Bloukrans Bridge (40 kilometres from Plettenberg Bay at the Tsitsikamma Forest Village Market) for the world’s highest commercial bungee jump from a bridge in the world at 216m! Bloukrans Bungy uses pendulum bungee technology to ensure the smoothest, most comfortable bungee jump possible. Get in touch to book your jump now.
EXPLORE THE OLD RECTORY HOTEL & SPA
Stay with us this festive season at The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa and we guarantee you’ll find the much-needed relaxation you’re craving. If you have any questions whatsoever, please get in touch.
