South Africa : Garden Route
An easy place to explore by car, the Garden Route is a stretch of spectacular coastline between Mossel Bay and Storms River. Magnificent mountains and forests, sandy beaches and turquoise bays dot this coastline and in the winter and early spring whales come in to calve only 30 metres from the shore. There are many small hotels and guesthouses in which to stay in secluded bays and picturesque villages. With excellent food and wine the area is a definite place to visit and explore.
Hog Hollow
Hog Hollow Country Lodge is a private nature reserve located close to Plettenberg bay. There are twelve unique en-suite rooms, with wooden decks and hammocks overlooking the surrounding forests and Tsitsikamma Mountains beyond. This is the ideal location for children as the main attraction here is the huge range of activities just on the doorstep. There are at least 50 guided walks in the area, and locally there is one of the great floral kingdoms with good bird and wildlife. You can also choose from, Horse-riding, Mountain Biking, Canoeing, Windsurfing, Canopy Walk, Scuba Diving, Sea Kayaking, Paragliding, Deep Sea Fishing, Bungi Jumping and Black Water Tubing down the Storms River Gorge. The unique and most exciting feature of this area is the abundance in marine mammals in the bay which is flanked by two marine nature reserves and therefore rich in food for the resident whales and dolphins.
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| breakfast | the coast | dolphins |
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| view | room | bedroom |
Auberge Burgundy
The Auberge Burgundy is situated in the centre of Hermanus yet offers excellent views over the Atlantic Ocean. Built in the style of a Provencal villa, the Hotel's Burgundy Restaurant is the oldest building in Hermanus and offers excellent seafood menus. All the rooms are en-suite and large with either a balcony or opening out onto the garden. Hermanus has the atmosphere of the old fishing village and the Auberge is within walking distance of a craft market, boutiques and quaint shopping malls while at the same time is has the salt sea air of one of the most magnificent eco-destinations in the world - the cool blue sea of Walker Bay is within 50m of the front door. One of Hermanus' most treasured assets is the abundance of whale life along the coastline; enjoy watching them in their natural environment from your balcony.
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| terrace | pool | bedroom |
Grootbos
Grootbos Nature Reserve is nestled in the fynbos clad hills above Walker Bay with beautiful views of the dunes, sea and distant Cape of Good Hope. The reserve has more than 1 000 species of Cape Flora as well as a host of smaller animals such as Bush Buck, Porcupine, Grey Duiker and Lynx. Each of the nine cottages has been built from locally hewn stone and timber and have en suite bathrooms. From the bar, guests can view picturesque sunsets across Walker Bay. Specialist guides accompany guests on walking trails, horse back riding and mountain biking through the reserve. Drives in 4x4 vehicles are also offered. From July to December, the Southern Right Whales are seen in Walker Bay on their migration from Antarctica.
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| whale watching | the lodge | horse riding |
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| whale watching | fine dining | bird watchers paradise |
Fancourt Hotel, George (hotel and country club estate)
Fancourt is situated on the outskirts of George nestled up against the Outeniqua Mountains. As much a golfers paradise as of historical interest, this is a sensational hotel of international standards from which to explore the Garden Route towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. With 100 bedrooms the Fancourt is a combination of Olde Worlde charm and contemporary luxury. Facilities include; two Gary Player designed 18 hole golf courses, golf school and driving range, health & beauty pavilion, four tennis courts, squash, bowls outdoor swimming and jacuzzi, mountain biking for the more energetic, conference venue, 4 restaurants and supervision for children. There is also the exclusive accommodation of Oaklands and Glentana (the later with its own private beach).
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| Manor House bedroom | Glentana | swimming pool |
Phantom Forest
The Phantom Forest is situated in a unique setting amongst the Cape coastal fynbos, afro-montane forest and estuarine wetland between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Your accommodation is in magnificent Tree Suites, which have been uniquely positioned amongst the trees of the forest, each one having its own lounge, bedroom, en-suite forest bathroom and viewing deck. The lodge offers the opportunity to enjoy educational walks through the forest, canoeing on the lagoon and through the Knysna wetland, a visit to the Oyster Factory, Feather Bed Nature Reserve, the Knysna Heads and a host of other activities.
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| pool | tree suite | sunset |
Belvidere Manor, Knysna (hotel)
Situated on the western side of the Knysna lagoon, adjacent to the famous Feather Bed Nature Reserve, Belvidere Manor has spectacular views across the lagoon to Knysna and the Tsitsikamma Mountains in the background. A national monument, accommodation is situated around the Manor in one, two or three-bedroom cottages each tastefully decorated and fitted with all modern appliances including a kitchen, satellite TV and telephone. B&B with lunch and dinner available in the Manor house.
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| the Manor House | cottages | bedroom |
Falcons View Manor, Knysna (guest house)
High above the Knysna Lagoon and minutes away from the town centre, this splendid Victorian residence, circa 1899, owner run, with a pool, commands a breathtaking panorama of Knysna, the Lagoon and out to the Indian Ocean. Gracious en suite bedrooms either look over the garden and mountains or the lagoon. Falcon View Manor offers a comfortable and relaxing base from which to explore the Garden Route. B&B, lunch and dinner.
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| bedroom | the terrace | |
Plettenberg Park (hotel)
Set high on the cliffs above the pounding Indian Ocean, within a secluded and private nature reserve is Plettenberg Park. Aimed at the most exclusive traveller, Plettenberg Park caters for a maximum of eight guests ensuring total exclusivity and personal service. Space plays an important part within the hotel with high ceiling and wall- to- wall windows providing fantastic views. The decor uses only natural materials in neutral tones and crisp whites. The luxurious en suite bedrooms are spacious and well appointed with a fireplace, dressing area, TV and mini bar. Relax on the hotel's own beach, swim in rock pools or snorkel in the sea. Bird watching, nature walks and fishing are also on offer whilst scuba diving, horse riding and golf can be arranged nearby. Whatever your needs, the staff are there to indulge you and you are assured of delicious food, fine wine and personal hospitality.
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| bedroom | entrance hall | aerial view |
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| swimming pool | rock pool | |
Plettenberg Hotel
The Plettenberg is situated on a cliff in the Plettenberg Bay, an area blessed with temperate year round weather, pristine beaches, and excellent whale and dolphin watching. This small hotel has only 40 en-suite rooms divided between 2 separate buildings, each room is thoughtfully and individually decorated. Each part of the hotel has it own swimming pool that appears to spill into the ocean below and a small restaurant. In season it is possible to watch Southern Right Whales breaching while you eat breakfast or without leaving your room. The views from the hotel are breathtaking, endless sandy beaches, a river estuary and dramatic coastline plunging to the alluring Indian Ocean. The hotel will assist with the organisation of golf, boat trips, tennis, horse riding and cycling, the friendly staff will go out of their way to ensure Plettenberg is a highlight of your holiday.
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| aerial view of the hotel | terrace view | pool area |
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| premier room | dining area | bedroom |
The Arniston Hotel, Arniston
Only a two-hour drive from Cape Town and situated a short distance east of the most southerly point of the African Continent, Cape Agulhas, Arniston Hotel is a beachfront hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean. This is a family run hotel recently refurbished and offers excellent cuisine in a relaxed location. Arniston is a quaint fishing village with beautiful beaches and an abundance of nature reserves. B&B, Lunch and Dinner.
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| bedroom | pool | |
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