The Garden Route is one of South Africa's most popular destinations and with its bounty of natural wonders it is not hard to see why. Stretching between Mossel Bay up to the mouth of the Storms River, the area features a beautiful coastline, freshwater lakes, and wildlife sanctuaries. It is also renowned for its outdoor activities. The hotels are as diverse as the region; from wildlife lodges to luxury five-star properties; beachside boutiques to rural hideaways. Our hotel experts have hand-selected the best luxury hotels in the Garden Route to help planning your next trip, whether you opt for a one-off stay or a road trip through the region.
For a game reserve
- Gondwana Game Reserve is a four-hour drive from Cape Town airport, so this 26,000-acre private game reserve provides the ultimate Out Of Africa experience, in a convenient location. Rustic luxury lodges are perfect for couples and the family. There's a spa, fine dining, as well as enough activities to keep you busy for weeks!
For a golf break
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- Designed for indulgence, Oubaai Hotel Golf & Spa boasts an on-site 18-hole golf course, a bounty of spa packages, as well as lavish interiors and fine-dining. Perfectly located, not far from George, for exploring The Garden Route.
For a coastal escape
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- Oceans Luxury Guest House in Wilderness, is the ultimate beach hideaway. Angular architecture meets soft furnishings, all complemented by The Western Cape's greatest luxury: sea views. Sprawling rooms include open-plan bathrooms.
- Knysna's Amanzi Lodge offers beautiful, nautical styled rooms, with an element of shabby-chic. Spacious living allows for plenty of outdoor spaces: a pool, dining and lounging. Just a stroll from the coast, kayaking or sailing can be arranged from the property.
- Sky Villa comprises fourteen sprawling suites which are decorated in fashionable prints and deep hues. Boasting far reaching views across Plettenberg Bay there is fine dining at the restaurant and an inviting bar serving tempting cocktails. Take in the pool, spa, or wander down to the coast.
- An Ocean Watch Guest House is located in Plettenberg Bay. Made up of six charming guestrooms, decorated in nautical hues and themes and boasting beautiful sea views. Spend an afternoon lounging by the infinity pool, or take a walk into town, with its numerous bars and restaurants.
- Nestled upon a cliff-edge Views Boutique Hotel & Spa offers modern, spacious interiors decorated in nautical palettes of sky and sea. Rooms are wonderfully spacious, with the best including sea views and capacious baths. Choose from self-catering options and pamper yourself with some excellent spa treatments. An indulgent beachside stay.
- Alkira Lodge is a sleek, stylish, contemporary villa boasting panoramic sea views in Knysna. Each of the suites opens out onto nature: hear the ocean's siren call from the comfort of your bed! Enormous bathrooms and all the mod cons make this a very comfortable stay and it is just a stroll from the beaches.
- The Old Rectory in Plettenberg Bay is a beachfront boutique hotel with simple yet elegant design and interiors furnished with stylish decor and artworks. Featuring pretty gardens surrounding the pool, easy access to beaches and an indulgent spa.
For great value
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- Falcons View Manor is a smart and refined historic manor house providing a five-star stay. Choose from fine dining in the restaurant or take a stroll into town in search of Knysna's delicacy: oysters. Beautifully decorated rooms include private balconies, enormous beds, and large bathrooms. The price is very attractive too!
For a traditional stay
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- Edenbrook Country Manor is a Garden of Eden! Nestled amidst 40 acres of manicured grounds, this colonial-style accommodation provides a most elegant stay in rural Edenbrook. Each of its rooms is filled with antique furnishings, complemented by modern bathrooms with roll-top baths. Excellent breakfast, a pool, and spa.
For a rural hideaway
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- Unequivocally luxurious, Hunter's Country House is a fine example of a wilderness lodge, not far from Plettenberg Bay. In the rooms, no detail has been overlooked. Capacious four-posters beds command the room and lavish ensuites include roll-top baths. Family cottages include their own pool. Plus you'll enjoy fine dining and spa treatments.
- Utterly charming. Emily Moon River Lodge is filled with Indian, African, and Balinese interiors. This eclectic stay provides guests with a magical hideaway on the banks of the Piesang River. Open fires, al fresco dining, and home-cooked food all make this a winning stay.
- Kurland Hotel is a luxury guesthouse located in The Crags, to the East of Plettenberg Bay, with excellent equestrian facilities in the area. Individually decorated rooms are filled to the rafters with antique pieces, mix-and-match fabrics, ornate lamps and enormous beds. There's a spa and an inviting outdoor pool, plus acres to be explored.
- Rosenhof Country House is a picturesque, white-panelled, colonial style house, set amidst acres of manicured gardens in Oudtshoorn. Rooms are heavenly and range from one-bedroom suites to three-bedroom villas. An air of decorum is maintained throughout the hotel, where an excellent wine list and gourmet cuisine is served.
For families
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- Fancourt Hotel is the ultimate leisurely getaway in George. With nearby golfing, an indulgent spa, and both a kids club and teenager's lounge, there is something for everyone. Plush suites are the height of luxury with soft furnishings and large ensuites.
For luxury
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- Providing Plettenberg Bay's ultimate five-star stay, The Plettenberg Hotel pulls out all the stops. All of its exquisitely decorated rooms, boast unrivalled sea views. There is an indulgent spa, not one but two pools, fine dining, and plenty of activities to keep all ages happy. One of our top picks in Plett.
For an unique stay
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- Tsala Treetop Lodges is an utterly magical treetop accommodation just 10km from Plettenberg Bay. Perfect for romantics and families alike, these luxury suites offer luxury at new heights. Sumptuous interiors, indulgent dining, and plenty of activities nearby. Enjoy massage in-room as you gaze out across the canopy. Bliss.
Still not sure which to book?