Routes Du Bonheur – Road Trip through the Western Cape & the Garden Route / Part 2
Continuing on from the previous post with the same title…
Garden Route
Next Stop…..The Seaside!
The buzzing town of Hermanus has, in recent years, become one of South Africa’s most-visited attractions. Inviting visitors from all over the world, this relatively small seaside town sees thousands of tourists flock to its shores in search of a sighting of the many southern right whales that spend lazy days in the water just off shore. Every year between June and November these giants of the sea migrate to the shallow coastal waters of Southern Africa, creating a spectacular show of swatting tails waving fins of their adoring fans to admire and applaud! Hermans is the perfect place to soak in the scenery and grab some take-out fish and chips, sit on the cliffs and watch the seas stir below you.
The Marine Hotel
It is also possible to do it in style. The Marine Hotel which nestles overlooking Walker Bay in Hermanus is the perfect shelter away from the hustle and bustle of the enthusiastic crowds: it is so perfectly located that you’ll have ringside seats to the action, which some of the greatest whale-watching scenes possible from the comfort of your luxuriously appointed room. The Rich Man’s Fish and Chips with tomato salsa, paired with a glass of white wine from the Walker Bay area, is said to be one of the hotel’s most delectable dishes, one that was inspired by a visit to London’s renowned Harrods seafood counter! With a menu that makes your tastebuds tingle, The Marine Hotel is well worth a visit…..no matter whether you are spending the night or just passing through this seaside sanctuary.
On route to Plettenberg Bay, the N2 takes a few twists and turns through some colourful and inviting towns and villages such as Zweerbrak and Sedgefield. If you are looking for that doily-capped jar of Tannie Poppy’s apricot jam, a unique piece of art or even a ‘lekker soet koeksister’ to keep your energy levels up, don’t be deterred by a town only having one main street or a single grocery store, as sometimes it pays to be that much more adventurous. As you drive through Wilderness and onwards towards Knysna, don’t be suprised if you feel as if you’ve been kissed on the cheek by Mother Nature herself. This is nature at its best. With the sprawling Outenique Mountains for company, your journey is kept interesting and inspiring.
The Plettenberg
Heading down the Main Street of Knysna, you’ll notice an abundance of trendy looking back-packers, take-out joints and shopping areas and, depending on what time of year you experience this little hive in action, you will probably see most of them bursting at the seems. Every year during the June/July holidays Knysna becomes inundated with visitors both local and from abroad. Despite the inviting ambience head on a little into the trendy coastal town of Plettenberg Bay where you will find yourself meandering through leafy suburbs – home to stylishly designed holiday houses and nice looking apartments, all looking out over a distinct aquamarine coloured ocean!
The on-trend getaway for the inner city movers and shakers, Plettenberg Bay bustles with excitement during the end-of-year holiday season! Restaurantss are filled to capacity with sandy-footed surfers just in from the catching a great set, while the beaches become a ‘hot’ zone for SPF’s beach bats, bikinis and sun brollies. Hello Summer! The ‘it’ place to stay has to be The Plettenberg, and this five-star hotel is the ultimate picture of seaside serenity. With views that out strip any other hotel in town, The Plettenberg offers its guests the bespoke opportunity to soak in the pure pulchritude that echoes through the seaside scene that are constantly unfolding below. A perfect marriage between a town that oozes style and a hotel that offers far-out luxury, The Plettenberg is a home away from home. With its distinctive ‘Collection’ style – one that local travel enthusiasts will recognise, this hotel will make you feel like you never want to leave.
Tsala Treetop Lodge
Tavelling up the Garden Route is a phenomenal experience, whether you venture along it alone or choose to share it with someone special. The Natural vistas, quirky charm and alluring attractions are bound to inspite the explorer in you and may even find yourself pulling over to simply stop and star . If it’s your first trip to the Garden Route then, be sure to explore your suroundings; visit the lush forests; search for the elusive Knysna elephants or take a canopy tour through the towering trees in the Tsitsikamma Forest. For nature lovers, experience a night sleeping in the canopy of the trees at Tsala Treetop Lodge and become in tune with the overwhelming sounds of nature. Be sure to treat yourself to lunch at Zinzi’s – this local landmark is a refreshing, much-loved restaurant that will help build you reserves for the last stretch of your journey.
They say you should always save the best for last – in this case it really depends what you consider to be last. A visit to Kurland can most certainly not be seen as the end of anything, but rather the begining or a new understanding of perfect. This little-old world gem is all about the finer things in life, from a game of polo in the sunshine, to milk tart on the patio and long, lazy baths in stunning individually decorated suites. Kurland is a hotel as hotels were intended to be – a place that makes you want to dress for dinner even though you don’t have to. It is intimate, luxurious and seamless.
View from Main Verandah @ Kurland Hotel
The Garden Route is a road paved with character, charm and intrigue, one that leaves a lasting impression on your heart and soul. It has been tried and tested… it is certainly a road to happiness!
Story Written by: Meghan Spilsbury
For further information on these luxurious hotels, contact us via the details below:
South African Tourism Company
Tel: +27 (0)21 794 9050
Mobile: +27 (0)827 823 142
Fax: +27 (0)21 794 9995
Email: africa@golfing-safaris.com
Website: http://www.south-african-hotels.com
Website: http://www.south-african-lodges.com
