Thirty-five rooms and two villas on a rocky headland above Plettenberg Bay, voted South Africa's #1 hotel by Condé Nast Traveler readers, with the ocean framing nearly every window.
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Overview
A Headland, Between Two Oceans' Moods
The Plettenberg sits on a rocky headland where Plettenberg Bay's calmer waters meet the wilder open Indian Ocean, with sweeping views across three of the region's best beaches.
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and part of the Liz McGrath Collection, the hotel was voted the #1 Hotel in South Africa in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards 2025. Thirty-five rooms and two exclusive villas are designed in serene coastal tones, with private sitting areas and en-suite bathrooms looking out over lush gardens or the Indian Ocean; select accommodations add their own terrace or plunge pool. A fynbos-lined path leads directly down to Lookout Beach, while the infinity-edge pool and Amelia's restaurant both make the most of a headland position few hotels on this coastline can match.
One of only three SLH hotels in South Africa. The Plettenberg holds membership in Small Luxury Hotels of the World, one of just three South African properties to do so, alongside its sister hotel Cellars-Hohenort in Constantia.
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Rooms & Suites
2
Exclusive Villas
#1
SA Hotel, CN Traveler 2025
3
Beaches Nearby
Rooms
Coastal Tones, Ocean or Garden Views
Rooms and suites are designed in serene coastal palettes, with select categories adding a private terrace or plunge pool overlooking the bay.
Luxury Double Room — Sea View
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Luxury Double RoomsSpacious sitting areas, walk-in showers and air-conditioning throughout, with glorious sea views that occasionally include whales or dolphins.
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SuitesAdditional living space and upgraded finishes for guests wanting more room to spread out during a longer coastal stay.
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Rooms with Terraces or Plunge PoolsSelect rooms include their own private terrace or plunge pool, extending the ocean view directly outdoors.
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Two Exclusive VillasPrivate villas offer the most secluded stays on the property, suited to families or groups wanting their own space.
Experiences
Whales, Seals & the Robberg Peninsula
Plettenberg Bay's beaches, marine reserves and forests give The Plettenberg one of the most varied activity offerings on the Garden Route.
Season
Whale & Dolphin Watching
Southern right and humpback whales pass close to the bay between June and December, often visible from breakfast.
On Foot
Robberg Peninsula Hike
A UNESCO-protected peninsula reserve where seals, dolphins and abundant birdlife can be seen along dramatic coastal trails.
In the Water
Seal Swimming
Guided snorkelling excursions let guests swim alongside Plettenberg Bay's playful Cape fur seal colony.
Wildlife
Monkeyland & Birds of Eden
A free-roaming primate sanctuary and the world's largest free-flight aviary sit a short drive from the hotel.
Adventure
Deep-Sea Fishing
Full-day charters head into the Indian Ocean in pursuit of yellowfin tuna and yellowtail.
Wellness
Fresh Wellness Spa
A range of treatments, including the signature Five Senses Signature Massage, round out the hotel's relaxation offering.
Dining
Amelia's, Where the Sea Takes Centre Stage
Amelia's at The Plettenberg builds its menu around fresh, sustainable seafood, served with panoramic ocean views from both indoor and outdoor seating.
01Amelia's, for seafood-forward fine dining
02The Sandbar, for sundowner cocktails
03Breakfast on the terrace, overlooking Lookout Beach
04Poolside dining beside the infinity-edge pool
Amelia's — Ocean-View Seafood
Location
A Headland on the Garden Route
The Plettenberg sits on a rocky promontory in Plettenberg Bay, one of the Garden Route's most celebrated coastal towns, with three beaches within easy reach.
Set on a headland above Plettenberg Bay, with a fynbos-lined path down to Lookout Beach.
A launch point for Robberg Peninsula hikes, Tsitsikamma forest walks and ocean kayaking.
Close to Knysna and its famous lagoon, roughly 30 minutes along the Garden Route.
One of only three Small Luxury Hotels of the World properties in South Africa.
Fly
Plettenberg Bay Airport is a short drive from the hotel; George Airport is roughly an hour away.
Drive
The Garden Route's N2 highway connects Plettenberg Bay to Cape Town, George and Port Elizabeth.
Combine
The Plettenberg pairs naturally with a wider Garden Route self-drive itinerary.
#1 in South Africa
Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice 2025
The Plettenberg was voted the top hotel in South Africa by Condé Nast Traveler readers in 2025 — a headland position and ocean views few coastal hotels can rival.