Most people believe that Cape Town was home to South Africa’s first settlers – when it was, in fact, Plettenberg Bay. Originally named Bahia Formosa (Beautiful Bay) by early Portuguese navigators, the vessel Sao Gonzales was anchored here for two months in 1630 for repairs. A storm wrecked the ship and the hundred surviving crew members spent several months building two new boats and a tiny wooden chapel from the remains of the wreck. Beautiful Bay suffered a name change in 1778, when Governor Joachim van Plettenberg (clearly not a modest man) was so taken with the area that he named it after himself! Today, Plett is an upmarket resort town and, in spring, home to whales who calve in the shallow waters of the bay.
The Plettenberg is built on a rocky headland with breathtaking vistas of the sea, mountains and kilometres of golden sand. All suites have ensuite bathrooms, air conditioning and spectacular views. Dolphins and whales in the bay can also be sighted from the hotel’s terraces. In addition, the Plettenberg offers guests seaside accommodation in the form of the self-contained Beach House and the delightful Lookout Villa.
Guests can sip on heavenly cocktails at the Sandbar, savour mouth-watering delights at the Sand restaurant or dine privately at the Wine Cellar. The two inviting infinity pools are perfect for a few laps and a first-class spa offers the ultimate in pampering. The hotel’s travel desk does guest bookings for excursions and adventures in and around Plettenberg Bay.
What we love about the Plettenberg
- You will be enthralled with the position of the hotel, which is built on a rocky headland with breathtaking vistas of the sea, mountains and miles of golden sandy beaches.
- Delight your palate with the culinary fare, which is prepared using the freshest local produce and accompanied by an award-winning wine list in the Sand restaurant. You will be captivated by the way the colours and atmosphere of the beach has been recreated in the innovative design.
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