10 Best Lodges Near Plettenberg Bay

Are you looking for a luxurious getaway with breathtaking views and access to some of the best attractions in South Africa? Then look no further than Plettenberg Bay – one of the most popular holiday destinations on the Garden Route. With its stunning natural scenery, tranquil beaches and world-class lodges, it’s easy to see why this beautiful town is so beloved by locals and tourists alike.

If you’re planning a visit to Plettenberg Bay, then make sure you stay at one of these top lodges for an unforgettable experience. From rustic beachfront cottages to luxury villas overlooking lush gardens and forests, plenty of options are available that suit any budget or taste. Plus, each lodge offers unique amenities such as private pools, outdoor activities like kayaking or hiking trails nearby and even spa treatments if needed!

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite lodges in Plettenberg Bay that offer everything from cosy rooms with modern conveniences to secluded cabins surrounded by nature. Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat or a family vacation spot, these best lodges in Plettenberg Bay have something special waiting just for you! So take your pick from our selection below.

1. Emily Moon River Lodge

The luxurious Emily Moon River Lodge is situated on the banks of the stunning Bitou River in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. This hotel boasts an undeniably African ambience, with sixteen beautifully decorated lodge suites in a lush indigenous garden. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, wetlands, and rivers from the rooms.

Property owners Mark and Christine Valentine have travelled all over Africa, Asia, and Polynesia, collecting unique treasures in the hotel and at their eclectic trade shop, Amatuli Artefacts, in Johannesburg. The hotel is expertly managed by Alex Olivier, who works to maintain the highest standards while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that attracts guests worldwide.

 

2. T’Niqua Stables & Lodge

T’Niqua Stable Inn is a magnificent lodge near Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. The estate has stunning ocean views, white fences, sweeping lawns, and a diversity of horses, as well as being set in a strip of protected cliffs and coastal fynbos.

The horses at T’Niqua are the ranch’s main emphasis. Our well-trained horses, whether Marshmallow the pony or Mandla the big Percheron gelding, will make you feel at ease. The farm offers beginner riding lessons for riders of all ages, as well as pony rides for children and picturesque trail rides.

Aside from horseback riding, the ranch offers a variety of hotel options. The Main Guest House, built in 2013, contains four double bedrooms on the ground floor, each featuring a choice of one king-sized bed or two single beds, an en suite bathroom, and a small kitchenette. On the top floor of the guesthouse, there are two big family rooms, each with a king-sized bed, two single beds, a private bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchenette.

In 2017, five luxury suites were constructed by refurbishing an old stable. Each Stable Lodge suite has a king-sized bed on the ground floor (two of which are waterbeds), two single beds in an upper loft room, a private entrance, views of the garden or the sea, an en-suite bathroom, and a coffee station. Because it offers a double loft bedroom with an en suite bathroom, two bedrooms on the ground floor with a shared bathroom, a fully furnished kitchen, and a terrace with a braai, the Farm Cottage is a good choice for people who wish to cook for themselves.

T’Niqua offers various facilities to its guests, including a swimming pool and a private restaurant. T’Niqua Stable Inn provides all you might desire from a vacation and then some, owing to its handy location and extensive service offerings.

3. Knysna Elephant Park Lodge

The Knysna Elephant Park was the first facility in South Africa to house and care for orphaned African elephants when it opened in 1994. More than forty elephants, including those that have been moved, orphaned calves, and elephants spared from being slaughtered, have been raised and cared for by the park for over twenty years. Depending on their characteristics, social networks, and welfare requirements, some of these animals have been accepted into the resident herd. In contrast, others have been sent to other reserves and institutions in the Western and Eastern Cape.

The Extraordinary Elephant Lodge gives parkgoers a chance to “sleep over with elephants” in the elephants’ actual sleeping quarters. Unique rooms overlooking the boma and a communal lounge with views of the sleeping elephants are available at the resort. When sleeping, do elephants lie down like people or stay upright? The proof is in the pudding.

The Knysna elephants have access to world-class amenities. While they are allowed to explore the grounds during the day, they are confined to their boma or night camp at night, when they get to rest and particular care. The elephants can spend the night inside or outside the boma, depending on the temperature and humidity. In addition to a wide range of supplemental meals, enrichments, and prizes, they also have access to a dam to help them meet their unique nutritional requirements.

4. Stanley Island

Stanley Island is a natural reserve in the beautiful Keurbooms River, just a short distance from the heart of the Garden Route in Plettenberg Bay. Visitors can stay in one of the recently renovated self-catering lodges on the island, easily accessed by boat, air, or the convenient ferry service. The island offers a range of activities for every type of traveller, including canoeing, sunset cruises, and lazy fishing days.

Shorea Lodge

The Shorea Lodge is conveniently located on the edge of the river and is perfect for hosting large groups of people, with two sections accommodating four. The upstairs and downstairs units are filled with handmade details and regional inspiration, and the whole lodge can be rented, or individual rooms can be booked independently. A short walk over the bridge will bring you to the private sandbar.

Acacia Lodge

The Acacia Lodge is situated in the grazing area, where visitors may spot resident zebras and possibly even a passing bushbuck. The lodge’s location is ideal, as it is close to the Lapa and pool but still offers a peaceful retreat from the world. The club features an upstairs condo with comfortable furnishings and space for four people, as well as two two-bedroom flats below that have direct access to the lawns and a view of the resident zebras. These rooms can be rented individually, or the entire lodge can be booked.

Honeymoon Lodge

The Honeymoon Lodge is the final option, offering four luxurious suites, each with space for two guests. These cosy studios feature private bathrooms with king and queen-sized bedrooms and a free-standing tub and shower. The open floor plan includes a kitchen, living room, and a terrace or balcony overlooking the zebra watering hole. These self-catering units are the perfect romantic escape for couples.

5. The Robberg Beach Lodge

A top-tier Plettenberg Bay accommodation, the Robberg Beach Lodge has five-star comforts and stunning vistas of the Indian Ocean, the garden, and the Robberg Nature Reserve. This luxurious hotel has two outdoor pools, a sundeck, and a barbecue area.

At The Robberg Beach Lodge, each room is uniquely furnished with an own veranda, contemporary furniture, and soothing earth tones to provide a relaxing stay. Guests may enjoy a range of in-room comforts such as a flat-screen TV, refrigerator, wardrobe, and private bathroom with complimentary toiletries. As a bonus, some rooms have gorgeous wood-beamed ceilings and flooring.

After fueling up at the complimentary breakfast buffet each morning, guests may go out to see everything that Plettenberg Bay offers, from the city’s many dining options and cultural attractions to its thriving bar and nightlife scene. With the beautiful Robberg Nature Reserve and Goose Valley Golf Course so close by, there are plenty of chances for outdoor fun whenever you want it. The Robberg Beach Lodge is an excellent option for your beachfront accommodation in Plettenberg Bay because of its free private parking.

6. Lombard Villa

The breathtaking Lombard Villa can be found in the heart of The Crags in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. It is also situated near the well-known Kurland Hotel and Bramon Vine Estate. The villa is the ideal setting for organizing get-togethers with friends and family since it is encircled by 16 hectares of vineyards, lawns, and private gardens.

When staying at Lombard Villa, visitors can personalize their experience to reflect their tastes and requirements. The estate is large enough to accommodate up to twelve people and provides a variety of amenities that may be customized to match the needs of each guest.

The alternatives are almost limitless, ranging from engaging the services of a private chef to embarking on an equestrian excursion, from receiving a relaxing massage at the hands of an experienced therapist to eating an unforgettable lunch amid the vineyards. In addition, the Lombard Villa is an excellent venue for weddings and other types of private celebrations. Experience a holiday you’ll never forget at Lombard Villa.

7. Belle Balance Bush Lodge

Escape to the enchanting Belle Balance Bush Lodge, the perfect getaway within the peaceful Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve. The hideout offers eight unique rooms with breathtaking views of the Tsitsikamma and the surrounding area.

Relax and de-stress at the private BUSH SPA, where you can indulge in massages and a Turkish bath in a serene setting with stunning views of the Tsitsikamma Mountain Range.

For those interested in exploring the lush native bush, the guided woodland walk is the ideal activity. This easy hike will lead you to some of the most breathtaking vistas and exhibits the reserve offers. Experience the tranquillity of nature at the Belle Balance Bush Lodge.

8. Tamodi Lodge

Lynne and Owen Johnston, enamored with horses and the Tsitsikamma coast’s natural beauty and biodiversity, opened Tamodi Lodge & Stables in Plettenberg Bay. This upscale lodging establishment is run by a family that includes Chelsea, who is Owen’s daughter, and Scott, who is Chelsea’s husband.

The main house, two separate honeymoon suites, two separate luxury suites, and stable houses at Tamodi Lodge were all created with the same care and consideration for the farm’s natural surroundings as the rest of the property.

Gardens, ponds, and a growing orchard add to the serenity of this property. Tamodi Lodge is a seven-room luxury lodge in a quiet, scenic area on the Garden Route.

9. Singing Kettle Beach Lodge

The Singing Kettle Beach Lodge is the most desirable beachfront lodging in the Plettenberg Bay area. With breathtaking views of the ocean and Keurbooms beach, this lodge offers self-catering accommodations that are ideal for couples on a holiday and families with children.

This lovely and laid-back Plett guest lodge has two suites in addition to four basic rooms; all of the rooms are equipped with a private bathroom or shower room and a balcony that overlooks the bay. The restaurant is located just below and is one of the most popular spots in Plett, where residents and visitors congregate to feast on traditional Italian cuisine. The restaurant serves a wide variety of dishes, including fresh fish and shellfish, pasta, pizza, and a whole lot more from its outstanding menu.

Ristorante Enrico

The patio of Enrico’s Ristorante reaches out in every direction toward the water.

It is one of the few locations in Plettenberg Bay where one can have a sun-downer while watching the setting sun. During July through November, which are whale seasons, you may see them breaching while you are having lunch or sipping a glass of wine. Authentic Italian cuisine with a hint of the Mediterranean and a dash of South African flavour can be found on the menu at Enrico’s.

10. Green Hills Forest Lodge

Green Hills Forest Lodge is a self-catering house located in the charming village of The Crags along South Africa’s Garden Route in the Western Cape. The property features beautiful views, 12 hectares of native woods, and roaming wild animals. It is a haven for birdwatchers with its active bird life and sightings of the stealthy Knysna Turaco and the tiny Victorian Warbler. In a rural area close to Plettenberg Bay, Green Hills is surrounded by stunning wine vineyards, animal sanctuaries, and a wealth of recreational activities. The location is also convenient to the golden sand beaches of Plettenberg Bay, Nature’s Valley, and Keurbooms.

In May 2017, the family who owns the property arrived to find the farm in a state of decay, with the garden overgrown and resembling a patch of wild bush. Despite the challenges, the family worked hard throughout the winter to bring about transformation. Their efforts have been rewarded with a feeling of accomplishment and joy upon completing the units at Green Hills Forest Lodge and welcoming visitors. While there is still work to be done, including removing alien plants and rebuilding the garden, the family is excited to share their vision for Green Hills with visitors and offer a welcoming, relaxing retreat in the natural splendour of Plettenberg Bay.