About The Plettenberg
The Plettenberg is a luxury hotel situated on a rocky headland overlooking one of South Africa’s most scenic bays.
A stylish, owner-managed hotel, it is within walking distance of the popular beach resort of Plettenberg Bay, and has stunning views of the ocean, mountains and numerous sandy beaches.
The Plettenberg offers a choice of accommodation, with rooms, suites and two separate villas.
The Plettenberg offers very good service in beautiful surroundings. It is a comfortable base in the centre of the Garden Route, close to many attractions.
Accommodation
37 rooms
Children
Suitable for all ages
Open
All year
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Elephant encounter
Fishing
Horse-riding
Kayaking
Traveller reviews of The Plettenberg
16 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Arrived 26 Sep 2022, 4 nights
"The Plettenberg review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 18 Jan 2020, 3 nights
"The Plettenberg review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 27 Oct 2019, 3 nights
"Plettenberg Hotel"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 11 Oct 2019, 3 nights
"The Plettenberg doesn't disappoint"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 19 Feb 2018, 3 nights
"The Plettenberg review"
Overall rating: Good
Arrived 15 Sep 2017, 3 nights
"The Plettenberg review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 23 Mar 2017, 4 nights
"The Plettenberg review"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 17 Mar 2017, 4 nights
"Great location in Plettenberg Bay"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 1 Nov 2016, 3 nights
"Wow lovel hotel"
Overall rating: Excellent
Arrived 4 Feb 2016, 3 nights
"The Plettenberg review"
Overall rating: Excellent







Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the holidays. See our 14 pictures and 1 videos of The Plettenberg to get the candid view.
View galleryThe Plettenberg: Our full report
The Plettenberg is a luxury hotel situated on a rocky headland overlooking one of South Africa’s most scenic bays.
A stylish, owner-managed hotel, it is within walking distance of the popular beach resort of Plettenberg Bay, and has stunning views of the ocean, mountains and numerous sandy beaches.
The Plettenberg offers a choice of accommodation, with rooms, suites and two separate villas.
The 35 rooms and suites fall into five separate categories, and are split over two buildings: 15 rooms in the main building and 20 in the annexe. The annexe has its own lounge as well as an outdoor swimming pool with uninterrupted seaviews.
Every room is fully carpeted, with underfloor heating and air conditioning, and has satellite TV and WiFi. The décor is understated luxury, using soft neutral creams, blues and whites, reflecting the sea and sky beyond. Floor-to-ceiling windows make the most of the natural light and the stunning views. Tea- and coffee-making facilities are provided, along with bottled water, and ach guest will find a welcome bottle of wine in their room on arrival (along with a fruit platter in the suites). Most of the en-suite bathrooms have a bath and separate walk-in shower, and are kitted out with slippers, towelling bathrobes, a hairdryer and toiletries.
- Eight double rooms are smaller than the others, but are still decorated and finished off in the same chic detail.
- Nine ‘luxury’ double rooms have a small sitting room. Some have a balcony or outdoor patio with side views of the gardens or partial views of the bay.
- Six ‘luxury’ double rooms with sea view are similar in size to the ‘luxury’ double rooms, but all have a view of the ocean from a private balcony.
- Five standard suites have their own separate lounge area to relax and enjoy the views.
- Seven ‘premier’ suites boast views of the ocean or mountains. Slightly larger than the standard suites, they have a separate lounge with satellite TV, and french doors that open onto a large step-out balcony.
- The Look Out Villa overlooks the sea of Plettenberg Bay. This three-bedroom villa (each with an en-suite bathroom) combines contemporary African design with an attractive seaside palette. White painted wooden floors and a mixture of stylish décor and lighting, complimented by soft, sandy and ocean colours, result in a warm, relaxing atmosphere. The villa includes an open-plan lounge with fireplace, dining room, and a well-stocked galley kitchen. Outside, the swimming pool is surrounded by a wooden deck and has its own private garden. The views from here are simply amazing.
- The Beach House is the smaller of the two villas, with two en-suite bedrooms leading off a stylish lounge with fireplace. Inside it is similarly decorated in The Plettenberg’s stylish palette of soft sandy creams and blues. Each bedroom has outside access, either to a private balcony or to the spacious pool deck, which provides beautiful bay and mountain views. The villa also has a small stocked kitchen and a dining room. Its location, adjacent to The Plettenberg's main building and the Look Out Villa, allows easy access to the hotel's excellent facilities, yet still feels secluded.
The main building at The Plettenberg Hotel houses the reception, and an open-plan sun lounge with the bar and restaurant leading off to one side. The hotel’s restaurant, SeaFood at The Plettenberg,serves breakfast, light lunches, afternoon tea and dinner. Light and airy, it has windows on two sides and doors leading to an outdoor terrace where meals can also be enjoyed overlooking the infinity pool and the sea and mountains beyond.
The Sandbar is a contemporary cocktail bar with a separate lounge area. The décor of glass, cream leather and marble, with clever lighting, makes this a very relaxing place to enjoy a drink.
The Plettenberg also has its own spa, offering a selection of massages and facials, and a steam room.
The setting of The Plettenberg, on a rocky headland, with panoramic views of the ocean, is idyllic. Guests can spot schools of dolphins (and whales in season) from the hotel terraces and the comfort of the sea-view rooms. As well as relaxing by the pool, you can walk down to the nearby beaches.
Within walking distance of the hotel you’ll find art galleries, coffee shops and restaurants. Plettenberg Bay also has its own vineyards, ideal for a spot of lunch and some wine tasting, and close by is the Robberg Nature Reserve, with some lovely walking trails with coastal views. In the nearby Tsitsikamma Forest you can enjoy a tree-top canopy tour or discover the giant old yellow-wood trees. There is also a range of animal sanctuaries nearby, including Monkeyland, Bird World and the Elephant Sanctuary.
For visitors wishing to spend several days in the Cape area, The Plettenberg combines very well with its sister hotels, Cellars Hohenort in Cape Town and The Marine in Hermanus.
Geographics
- Location
- Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route, South Africa
- Directions
- From Cape Town on the N2, take the first Plettenberg Bay turnoff at the roundabout. Drive down this road until you reach the second roundabout and turn left into Main Road. After about 200m turn right into Church Street. The hotel is signposted at this junction and is located right at the end of Church Street.
- Accessible by
- Self-drive
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Bed & Breakfast
- Food quality
- Breakfast is served at SeaFood at The Plettenberg from 7.30am to 10.30am; lunch is at 12.00–2.30pm and afternoon tea between 11.00am and 5.00pm. Dinner is served 6.30–9.30pm.
The hotel describes its cuisine as ‘modern South African fare that is seasonally influenced’. The menu is designed by an award-winning chef, and emphasises fresh, locally grown produce from eco-friendly suppliers.
Although we haven’t had the pleasure of dining at The Plettenberg, expect the menu to feature fresh salads, seafood soup, fishcakes, fried calamari, fresh line fish of the day, beef burgers, grilled tiger prawns, beef sirloin and Thai red duck curry. Desserts range from dark chocolate fondant and banana tarte tatin to crème brûlée and a selection of ice creams. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Room service is available.
- Drinks included
- Drinks are not included. The Plettenberg has a varied wine list featuring local and international wines.
Special interests
- Beach holidays
- Within striking distance of the sweeping Outlook beach, and only a short drive to a number of other great beaches, The Plettenberg offer a smart, comfortable base from which to explore.
- See ideas for Beach holidays in South Africa
- Luxury
- The attention to detail is a remarkable feature of The Plettenberg. From handpicked elegant décor to the inviting spa and secluded, candle-lit dinners for two in the wine cellar. Treat yourself to a relaxing and luxurious stay at the Plettenberg.
- See ideas for Luxury in South Africa
Children
- Attitude towards children
- The Plettenberg welcomes families with children.
- Property’s age restrictions
- There are no age restrictions at the Plettenberg in South Africa.
- Special activities & services
- Books and toys are provided in the rooms when guests with children are expected.
Children staying at The Plettenberg can play cricket and tennis on the beach, play in the hotel’s puzzle park, watch movies or participate in an interactive cooking class with the hotel’s chefs.
Babysitting can be arranged on request and the hotel has a menu especially designed for children. - Equipment
- Cots are provided on request.
Buckets, spades and body boards for the beach are available as well as a selection of board games. - Generally recommended for children
- We recommend The Plettenberg for all ages. Due to balconies on the upper floors we recommend that all families with children under the age of 6 book ground floor rooms.
- Notes
- Parents with small children must be aware that there are no fences around the swimming pools.
Communications
- Communications
- There is free WiFi throughout the hotel.
- TV & radio
- All rooms have a satellite TV.
- Water supply
- Mains
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- No
- Medical care
- There are doctors and a hospital nearby in Plettenberg Bay.
Quadbike warning: quad-biking is sometimes available as an activity from in this area. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it’s vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike.
Balconies: Due to balconies in rooms on the upper floors, we recommend that families with children under the age of six book ground floor rooms. - Dangerous animals
- Low Risk
- Security measures
- Security guards are on duty around the property at night.
- Fire safety
- Fire extinguishers are located around the property.
Activities
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Elephant encounter
Fishing
Horse-riding
Kayaking
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- Same-day laundry is available at an additional charge.
- Money
- There are digital safes in each of the rooms.
The hotel does not offer currency exchange but there are many banks and ATMs in town. - Accepted payment on location
- All major credit cards and cash in South African rands are accepted.
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The Plettenberg's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of The Plettenberg.
Other lodges in Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route
Alternative places to stay in this same area.

Hunters Country House
Hunters Country House is a luxurious lodge in spacious grounds. It’s an ideal base for exploring Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route and is a great choice for families and couples alike.

Southern Cross Beach
The Southern Cross Beach House is a delightful beach front guest house overlooking the ocean at Plettenberg Bay.

Tsala Treetop Lodge
Tsala Treetop Lodge is a smart, romantic and exclusive lodge in a stunning forest location between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, on South Africa's Garden Route.

Emily Moon River Lodge
The quirky Emily Moon River Lodge lies in a peaceful spot overlooking the Bitou River near Plettenberg Bay and its nearby attractions.

Periwinkle Guest Lodge
A stylish beachy themed guesthouse in Plettenberg Bay and within walking distance to the beach, Periwinkle offers a relaxing and friendly stay for a few days.

Lairds Lodge
Lairds Lodge is a comfortable owner-run guest house in a peaceful location in the heart of the Garden Route.

Fynbos Ridge
Fynbos Ridge is a small, owner-run guesthouse with a good environmental ethos. The accommodation is very comfortable and the location and views are exceptional.
When to go to Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay | Garden Route
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
South Africa in January
January is considered one of the best months to travel. In Cape Town the weather is hot and generally dry. The Garden Route is also excellent at this time of the year but has a more temperate climate, with slightly lower temperatures and rain can fall at any time of the year. In the Kgalagadi temperatures often top 40°C and short, sharp thunderstorms are also fairly frequent. Wildlife tends to disperse, although birding is excellent.
As this is the high season in the Cape there are numerous events, festivals and outdoor activities to attract visitors. Accommodation books up quickly and it may be necessary to book at least a year in advance. Reservations will often be needed for restaurants and visitor attractions too.
- Hot, largely dry days with clear skies – except on Garden Route
- Wildlife disperses in the Kalahari but birding excellent
- Events, festivals and outdoor activities staged for the high season
- The high season in the Cape, accommodation can cost up to 50% more
- Pre-booking of activities & attractions is essential
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in January
South Africa in February
In February conditions are largely the same as in January, although temperatures can be slightly higher, especially in the interior. The wind in Cape Town starts to ease off. Although the Garden Route can experience some rain, the days are pleasantly warm and largely dry.
The Kgalagadi remains very hot, but the birding is still excellent. Wildlife viewing can be tricky especially if there has been some rain, as the resulting long grass can obscure the animals.
For visitors it’s still the high season, but with the local school holidays over and residents back at work, it is less busy than December and January. Accommodation costs remain high and it’s still advisable to pre-book certain activities and restaurants.
- Hot, largely dry days with little cloud
- Wind starts easing in Cape Town
- Slightly less busy than December & January
- Accommodation costs remain high, activities still best pre-booked
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in February
South Africa in March
March is still a very good time to visit. Conditions remain dry and very warm in Cape Town, although temperatures start dropping off towards the end of the month. The wind has usually died right down.
The Kalahari remains very hot and in years of good rains vegetation is at its most lush – making wildlife viewing tricky.
Typically, the crowds dwindle, but it can get very busy if Easter falls in March. It is also worth bearing in mind that during major events in March, including the Cape Town Cycle Tour, Cape Epic Mountain Bike Tour, The Cape Town Carnival and the International Jazz Festival, accommodation can get very full.
Attractions remain busy but booking is less essential.
- Temperatures start falling towards the end of the month
- Cape Town hosts a number of world class sport and cultural events
- Wildlife in the Kgalagadi disperses, game viewing more challenging
- Crowds diminish as the high season comes to an end
- Accommodation can get busy during major events
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in March
South Africa in April
April is South Africa’s “shoulder” season and is often the most pleasant. Not too hot, not too cold, some rain but not masses. In Cape Town and along the Garden Route days are usually sunny, warm, windless and largely dry, although in Cape Town the chance of rain increases from the end of the month.
In the Kgalagadi the rainy season is typically over and migratory birds are starting to make their journey back up North. Vegetation remains lush but wildlife viewing starts picking up towards the end of the month.
The region is still relatively busy (especially of its still Easter) but it gets quieter towards the end of the month thus availability improves. Accommodation rates start to decrease, and it becomes less important to book restaurants and attractions in advance.
- Temperatures still warm and very pleasant, with little wind.
- Rain starts easing in the Kalahari and migratory birds start to depart
- Less busy, especially towards the end of the month - busy over Easter
- Accommodation frees up and prices start to come down
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in April
South Africa in May
May marks the start of the dry season in the Kgalagadi. Days are warm and dry with almost zero rainfall. Night-time/early-morning temperatures can drop towards 0°C. Wildlife viewing is at its peak as animals concentrate around the few remaining water sources.
Days can still be warm and sunny in Cape Town and on the Garden Route, but the weather becomes a lot more variable. May heralds the start of the rainy season in Cape Town and the winelands. Night-time temperatures rarely drop below 10 degrees in the coastal areas.
With far fewer tourists, accommodation prices are at their lowest. There is rarely any need to pre-book activities, but reservations are still advisable at some of the top restaurants.
- Higher chance of rain in Cape Town & the Winelands
- Day time temperatures drop significantly
- Wildlife viewing peaks in the Kgalagadi
- Low season so rarely busy & very few crowds
- Low season rates at the hotels & lodges
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
South Africa in June
Winter is now in full swing. Maximum temperatures in Cape Town rarely reach 20°C and the rainy season is well under way. Outdoor activities therefore become limited, but a number of high-quality indoor events are organised.
The Garden Route has, in general milder weather and less rain than Cape Town.
June sees the arrival of the first whales which migrate to the South African coastline to give birth.
In the Kgalagadi, daytime temperatures are warm but nights and early mornings are bitterly cold. Wildlife viewing is excellent as animals are drawn to the few remaining permanent water points.
Overall tourist numbers are at their lowest, as are the costs of flights and accommodation.
- Cold & wet weather in Cape Town, Kgalagadi warm days but cold at night
- One of the best months for wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales start arriving to have their calves
- Low visitor numbers & no crowds
- Accommodation & flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
South Africa in July
The winter weather continues with very cold nights and early mornings in the Kgalagadi and virtually no rainfall. Vegetation here is really thinning out now and water even more scarce – so wildlife is easy to spot.
Despite the winter and local school holidays, Cape Town remains a great place to visit. On a wet and cold day, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Zeitz Mocca (art museum) and the Cape Town Comedy Club all make for great days out, as does a trip to the wine country or the annual Oyster Festival at Knysna.
By mid-July most of the whales have arrived to give birth. Hermanus is the best place to see them.
At the height of the low season, so accommodation and flight prices remain low.
- Generally cold & wet in the Cape, but good quality indoor events
- Very good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Oyster festival in Knysna
- Local school holidays can make places a little busier than usual
- Accommodation and flight prices remain low
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in July
South Africa in August
While August experiences mostly wintry weather it does mark the very beginning of spring with temperatures starting to rise. Visitors are drawn to the West Coast and Namaqualand to see the wildflowers, which start blooming in late August and can be seen until mid-September. Whales are still in abundance now too.
The Kgalagadi is now very dry and wildlife vieiwng is still good. Temperatures start climbing towards the end of the month.
Despite the weather , visitor numbers can be high as the northern hemisphere schools close for their summer holidays. It may be a good idea to book certain attractions and restaurants in advance.
Simlarly, although accommodation prices are still low, flight prices can be a little higher than in previous months.
- Temperatures start rising – but still potential for cold & wet weather
- Wildflowers on the West Coast & in Namaqualand
- Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi
- Whales continue to attract visitors
- Can get busy due to northern hemisphere school summer holidays
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in August
South Africa in September
Good wildlife viewing in the Kgalagadi continues and daytime temperatures increase quite dramatically. Mornings and evenings are still on the chilly side, but not as cold as they are in June, July and August.
The 1st of September is officially the start of spring in Cape Town. Days become warmer but not quite warm enough to enjoy the city’s beautiful beaches. Venues all over Cape Town play host to various artists during the Cape Town Fringe Festival.
Rainy days are fewer, but night times can still get chilly. Many hotels are still charging low season rates making September great value for money.
Elsewhere, Hermanus hosts the popular annual Whale Festival, and in the West of the Cape, wildflowers continue to bloom until the middle of the month.
- The start of spring; temperatures start rising
- Whale festival in Hermanus
- Cape Town Fringe Ferstival attracts a wide range of artists
- Wildflowers blooming well until the middle of the month
- Good wildlife viewing continues in the Kgalagadi
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in September
South Africa in October
The weather starts warming up nicely, Cape Town experiences pleasant days, with much less rain, nights can still be quite cool, but not cold. Some days are now warm enough to enjoy the beach. This is one of the best months to visit the Cape Region.
October is one of the hottest months in the Kalahari. Water remains very scarce, so the wildlife viewing is still very good. Towards the end of the month the odd spectacular thunderstorm is possible with much lightning and thunder. Migratory birds start to arrive, and resident species gear up for the breeding season.
The whales are still present with Hermanus and False Bay the best places to see them.
- Days start warming up; fewer rainy days in Cape Town
- Very hot in the Kalahari – thunderstorms season starts
- Migratory birds start arriving & resident birds start breeding
- Whale watching still excellent in Hermanus and False Bay areas
- Start of the high season, getting busy and accommodation prices rise
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
South Africa in November
By November Cape Town is experiencing summer conditions with hot, clear days and warm, pleasant evenings. It’s a great month to enjoy the beaches before the peak holiday season in December. There are no real downsides to visiting in November and you may even get a few accommodation specials before prices go up for the festive season. Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens begins their summer outdoor concerts with local and international artists performing.
The Kgalagadi remains hot but thunderstorms are a bit more regular. With the rains, water sources become more plentiful and wildlife disperses but this is when herbivores such as Springbok start lambing. Photography improves as conditions become less hazy.
This is the last month for regular whale sightings – they tend to migrate back down south by early December.
- Summer now in full swing, with temperatures often reaching 30°C
- Rainy days scarce; evenings warm & very pleasant
- Antelope start lambing in the Kgalagadi; wildlife generally dispersed
- Last month for regular whale sightings
- Good time to visit Cape Town before the peak holiday season
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in November
South Africa in December
December is usually Cape Town’s hottest month when temperatures frequently breach 30°C. You can expect hot and cloudless days, and almost no rain but December does see the occasional very windy day.
The Kalahari is still hot, but temperatures are not quite as high as previous months. With the rainfall the bush transforms into various shades of green. Wildlife disperses as water become more widely available.
The Garden Route enjoys warm to hot days with rain at any time but usually not over an extended period.
Mid to late December becomes incredibly busy with concerts, festivals and various outdoor activities in Cape Town. Hotel prices rise, tourist attractions and beaches are crowded and most popular sites and restaurants need to be booked in advance.
- Long, hot sunny days
- Kgalagadi bursts into life as rainy season kicks in
- Wildlife viewing a bit trickier as wildlife disperses
- Cape Town buzzing with concerts, events, festivals etc
- Peak season: attractions get very busy & accommodation costs rise
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in December

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