The Hotel Guru
18 of the Best Luxury Hotels in the Garden Route

18 of the Best Luxury Hotels in the Garden Route

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?

Browse through all our hotels in South Africa.
Expand your search to include Franschhoek and the Western Cape.
Fine tune your hunt and look through the best beach resorts in South Africa or the best safari lodges in South Africa.
Alternatively, you can contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.
- Gondwana Game Reserve Western Cape 28 rooms from $17
  
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  Great walks  -  Stroll through the Cape Floristic Region on a guided bush walk, exploring one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems on foot
  Families  -  Discover adventure with family-friendly lodges, engaging wildlife safaris, and the exciting Junior Ranger Programme for kids
  Other Activities  -  Unwind by the infinity pool, where breathtaking views of waterholes and wildlife provide a serene backdrop for a relaxing day
  Honeymoons  -  Indulge in luxurious private suites with romantic touches, stunning waterhole views, and unforgettable safari experiences
  
  A 26,000-acre private game reserve set against the rugged beauty of the Western Cape. Earthy, natural tones and domed thatched suites evoke the spirit of ancient nomadic tribes. There are 4 bedroom family houses, a spa, fine dining, infinity pools and game drives. A truly magical experience See More
  
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- Oubaai Hotel Golf & Spa George 100 rooms from $129
  
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  Total relaxation  -  Lavish suites, a spa, golfing, and fine dining: bliss!
  Tennis  -  On site tennis and squash courts
  Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  
  Designed for indulgence this hotel boasts an on-site 18-hole golf course, a bounty of spa packages, as well as lavish interiors and fine-dining. Enjoy breakfast in Cucina and sundowners in The Clubhouse. Perfectly located for exploring The Garden Route. See More
  
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- Falcons View Manor Knysna 11 rooms from $101
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Couples love this hotel - luxurious rooms, fine dining, and excellently located
  Great walks  -  Along the pristine Brenton-on-Sea, Buffalo Bay, and Bollard Bay
  Sailing  -  Knysna Waterfront is moments away
  Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
  
  Smart and refined this historic manor house provides 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 vibrant wallpaper, private balconies, enormous beds, and large bathrooms. See More
  
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- Edenbrook Country Manor Plettenberg Bay (Plettenberg Bay,) 20 rooms from $119
  
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  Country Escape  -  Experience 'The Good Life' in this historic country manor
  Local markets  -  Held every Saturday, Harkerville Farmers Market is popular amongst locals and tourists
  Birdwatching  -  Edenbrook's forty acres are home to some rare birdlife, including the Knysna Loerie
  Great walks  -  Along the pristine Robberg Beach, just 15-minutes drive away
  
  The 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. See More
  
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- Amanzi Lodge Knysna 13 rooms from $123
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Lavish suites and private dining - a perfect couples stay
  Kayaking  -  The hotel has kayaks for guests to explore Leisure Isle Lagoon
  Sailing  -  Take a boat trip out for a whale watching excursion
  Great walks  -  Knysna the Heads for its epic views
  
  Beautiful, nautical styled rooms, with an element of shabby-chic, include modern bathrooms and private balconies. Spacious living allows for plenty of outdoor spaces: a pool, dining and lounging. Choose from the hotel's excellent bistro or an array on conveniently located restaurants. See More
  
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- Sky Villa Plettenberg Bay 14 rooms from $218
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Lavish suites, spa services, and fine dining - great for couples
  Sights nearby  -  Walking distance from bars and restaurants
  Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
  Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
  
  Sprawling suites are decorated in fashionable prints and deep hues. Boasting far reaching views across the bay there is fine dining at the restaurant and an inviting bar serving tempting cocktails. Take in the pool, spa, or begin the day with a session in the gym followed by an indulgent breakfast. See More
  
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- An Ocean Watch Guest House Plettenberg Bay 6 rooms from $224
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Couples love this place with its fine dining and seaviews
  Great walks  -  Down to Hobie Beach with its bars and restaurants
  Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
  Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
  
  Six charming guestrooms, decorated in nautical hues and themes, boast beautiful sea views. An excellent breakfast, of fresh fruits, pastries, and a full English breakfast, is served. Spend an afternoon lounging by the infinity pool, or take a walk into town, with its numerous bars and restaurants. See More
  
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- Views Boutique Hotel & Spa George 26 rooms from $231
  
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  Great walks  -  Along the pristine Wilderness Beach
  Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
  Views  -  Great views from hotel
  Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
  
  Nestled upon a cliff-edge this hotel 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 some excellent spa treatments. An indulgent stay. See More
  
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- Alkira Lodge Knysna 5 rooms from $281
  
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  City Style  -  Stylish interiors on a quiet coastal setting
  Sailing  -  Take a trip with Featherbed Boat Cruises
  Kayaking  -  Along the Knysna National Lake Area
  Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
  
  Sleek, stylish, contemporary villa boasting panoramic sea views. 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. Walking distance from beaches or simply relax by the pool. See More
  
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- Emily Moon River Lodge Plettenberg Bay 10 rooms from $357
  
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  Kayaking  -  Hire kayaks and set out along the Piesang River
  Great walks  -  Along the endless Robberg Beach
  Fishing  -  On the Bitou River
  Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
  
  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. Outdoor activities abound. See More
  
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- Fancourt Hotel George 68 rooms from $375
  
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  Total relaxation  -  Spa? Golf? The Great Outdoors? However you relax, there are plenty of options
  Sailing  -  Take a ferry out onto Knysna Lagoon
  Swimming Pool  -  Indoor and outdoor pools
  Romantic  -  Good for couples.
  
  The ultimate leisurely getaway. 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. Enjoy a casual drink at The Club Lounge or fine dining at Henry White's. See More
  
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- The Plettenberg Hotel Plettenberg Bay 35 rooms from $483
  
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  Romantic Break  -  The jewel in Plettenberg Bay's crown, this luxurious hotel is a treat for couples
  Sailing  -  Ocean Blue provides whale, seal, and dolphin watching excursions
  Sights nearby  -  Bloukrans bungee jump is the world’s highest at 216m
  Great walks  -  Down the path to Lookout Beach
  
  Providing Plettenberg Bay's ultimate five-star stay, this 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. See More
  
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- Kurland Hotel Plettenberg Bay 12 rooms from $570
  
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  Country Escape  -  Horse riding and rural tracks: Kurland Hotel lets its guests experience country living
  Families  -  There is so much to get packed into your stay here. Children will love it!
  Great walks  -  Along Natures Valley Beach - an area of incredible rugged beauty
  Sights nearby  -  Knysna Elephant Sanctuary and Monkeyland are just 2km away
  
  Luxury guesthouse located in The Crags 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. See More
  
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- The Old Rectory, Plettenberg Bay Plettenberg Bay (Plettenberg Bay, 6600,) 36 rooms from $575
  
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  Hideaway  -  Inspires long alfresco lunches of just-caught seafood and local wines, spa sessions and walks along the white-sand beach
  Great walks  -  Plettenberg Bay is surrounded by some of the Garden Route’s most beautiful and wildlife-rich landscape
  Swimming Pool  -  The saltwater pool is at the center of the garden, surrounded by decking and shade-giving trees
  Spa  -  The Sanctuary Spa is in a historic, thatch-roofed building
  Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith
  
  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. Spend days enjoying leisurely walks and seaside activities. A relaxing stay. See More
  
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- Tsala Treetop Lodges Plettenberg Bay 16 rooms from $887
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Luxury suites, fine dining, enveloped in nature: it's the perfect romantic retreat
  Families  -  Kids will love the tree-top accommodation as well as the bounty of activities
  Hideaway  -  Magical treetop accommodation makes for the perfect hideaway
  Sailing  -  Whale, dolphin and seal watching from Plettenberg Bay
  
  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. See More
  
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- Rosenhof Country House Oudtshoorn 14 rooms from $252
  
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  Romantic Break  -  Luxurious suites, fine dining, beautiful gardens, and indulgent spa treatments - what more could you want?
  Great walks  -  The Swartberg Mountains have over 27kms worth of trails to be explored
  Sights nearby  -  Explore Africa's largest network of caves, The Cango Caves
  Restrictions on children  -  Chlidren above the age of 12 are welcome
  
  Picturesque, white-panelled, colonial style house, set amidst acres of manicured gardens. 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. A top choice. See More
  
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