Garden Route, South Africa
The 5 best boutique and luxury hotels in Plettenberg Bay
Where to stay in Plettenberg Bay: a guide to the top boutique and luxury hotels
Plettenberg Bay, a coastal town located along South Africa’s Garden Route, is the ultimate destination if you are looking for sun-kissed beaches, stunning natural surroundings, outdoor adventures and top-notch restaurants. If you want your accommodation to be as memorable as the scenery, read on as we’ve rounded up the best boutique and luxury hotels in the area, that are simply exceptional. These hotels redefine what it means to stay in style, combining architectural beauty, personalised service and an intimate connection to the landscape.
Overview: Plettenberg Bay’s best hotels
01
The Plettenberg
Sitting on a rocky outcrop with front-row seats to Plettenberg Bay’s dramatic coastline, The Plettenberg is a place where understated luxury meets jaw-dropping scenery. This iconic hotel features 35 beautifully curated rooms, each echoing the natural palette of the seaside. The star of the show? Amelia’s, the in-house restaurant serving sustainably sourced seafood – best enjoyed with sweeping ocean views. Between gazing at whales breaching in the bay and dips in the infinity pool, you’ll also find yourself within walking distance of some of the area’s most popular beaches and attractions – making this an ideal hotel if you are looking to explore the area.
The Plettenberg
40 Church St
Plettenberg Bay
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of The Plettenberg
02
Tsala Treetop Lodge
Imagine waking up in the treetops, surrounded by birdsong and dappled sunlight. Tsala Treetop Lodge, located between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, is a dreamy blend of luxury and adventure. Each of its suites and villas is like a private sanctuary in the sky, with glass walls that invite the forest inside and private plunge pools that let you soak up nature (literally). Elevated walkways lead you through this magical property, giving the whole place an ethereal feel. The lodge’s design is a mix of African heritage and modern style, which we loved – it feels authentic but never overdone. We also love the award-winning Zinzi restaurant, where the food is as unforgettable as the views. The outdoor plunge pools are also a cool addition to this property but unfortunately, they are not heated so they are best enjoyed during the summer season!
Tsala Treetop Lodge
N2 10km west of Plettenberg
Plettenberg Bay
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of Tsala Treetop Lodge
03
Sky Villa Boutique Hotel
Situated high above Plettenberg Bay, Sky Villa Boutique Hotel offers incredible views of the Robberg Peninsula, the Indian Ocean and the Outeniqua Mountain Range. This hotel features only 14 en-suite rooms, all of which open onto spacious balconies, ensuring you are constantly connected to the breathtaking scenery – either sea views or the majestic mountains – every view is a masterpiece. But it’s not just the views that make this hotel stand out – it’s the added luxurious yet creative touches. Think art installations in the gardens, curated South African wines at the bar and a rooftop terrace where you can toast the sunset. The atmosphere strikes a balance between boutique chic and serene getaway, perfect if you want the best of both worlds.
Sky Villa Boutique Hotel
Baron’s View Estate
Plettenberg Bay
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of Sky Villa Boutique Hotel
04
Lairds Lodge Country Estate
Set on a 24-acre estate between Plettenberg Bay and the Langkloof Mountains, Laird’s Lodge Country Estate is a gracious Cape Dutch homestead offering mountain views and wide-open spaces. The interior showcases beautiful colonial-era details, with high ceilings and classic furnishings – and our favourite – original fireplaces! Each room opens up to a reed-thatched terrace that overlooks the manicured gardens and glistening pools. Waking up here feels like a gift – crisp air, soft light and the faint hum of nature’s orchestra. Then there’s the food. Oh, the food! Seafood and game headline the menu, with each dish crafted to celebrate the flavours of the region. Imagine tucking into a sumptuous four-course feast surrounded by the warm glow of a vintage wine cellar.
Lairds Lodge Country Estate
N2
Plettenberg Bay
South Africa
Photography courtesy of Lairds Lodge Country Estate
05
The Bungalow
If beachfront living is your style, The Bungalow offers a luxury boutique accommodation experience with a relaxed, beachy vibe. Sea-facing rooms open onto a deck shaded by ancient milkwood trees with a firepit adding warmth on balmy evenings – this is where the rhythmic crash of waves becomes your soundtrack for the night. The rooms feature stylish, minimalist designs with a neutral colour palette featuring natural elements like wood furniture accents and plush linen featuring natural textures. This boutique hotel features an oceanfront restaurant and upper deck, which provide panoramic views and the soothing sound of waves – it’s a place where you can sip a cocktail with your toes in the sand, making every moment feel like a postcard come to life.
The Bungalow
5 Meeding St
Plettenberg Bay
Sedgefield
South Africa
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Photography courtesy of The Bungalow
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