Why you'll love it here
- This beachfront boutique hotel in Plettenburg Bay is a restored rectory dating back to 1777
- Enjoy private picnics, sun, sea, and sand on one of South Africa’s top Blue Flag beaches
- Soothe the senses at the spa with massages and treatments in utter serenity
- Wine and dine at the amazing haute cuisine restaurant under a Milkwood tree
Mari
Travel Specialist
Full accommodation information
Hotel information
In the heart of Plettenberg Bay just a stone’s throw from one of South Africa’s best Blue Flag beaches, The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa is a boutique seaside sanctuary providing easy access to the iconic Garden Route.
Discover an intimate boutique retreat with centuries of history, outstanding service and a small and personal feel. The property has a vibrant history dating back to 1777 and was once home to an order of monks. The original main building is the oldest in Plettenberg Bay and although reimagined, has remained true to its roots with a thatched roof, exposed stone walls, and beamed ceilings.
It’s the perfect stop during a South African adventure, where guests can unplug, reset and relax in a magnificent setting along the Garden Route. Just 18 luxurious suites offer either a private outdoor terrace or garden, decorated in a fresh, contemporary style with pops of tropical colours.
A saltwater pool is on hand for lounging, with sun decking and shade-giving trees, while the serene, whitewashed spa houses a hammam and multiple treatment rooms. If you’re a couple, opt for one of the treatments for two, accompanied by a glass of bubbly. For a historic setting, delicious food and impeccable service, Restaurant 1777 is the perfect spot for leisurely dinners featuring plenty of Western Cape wine. Soak up glorious summer days outside under the giant milkwood tree or sit inside in the elegant dining room.
Should you be tempted to broach the walls of your sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay is surrounded by some of the Garden Route’s most beautiful beaches and nature reserves. The area around the hotel lends itself to sunrise beach strolls, Indian Ocean swimming and catamaran rides to spot whales and dolphins. Being in the heart of Plettenburg Bay, you’ll also discover a flourishing local wine scene, excellent restaurants and beachside bars.
Room Options
There is a total of 18 Suites. Some rooms can be transformed into one unit with a private foyer for families or groups.
Pool View Suite
Located close to the pool, these contemporary suites are furnished with king-sized beds, freestanding baths and luxurious rain showers. They’re ideal for small groups and families, with interconnecting suites available.Garden View Suite
These suites are accessed from a stone path and boast a private garden. Sleep in king-sized beds and relax in the semi-outdoor shower to feel at one with nature.Restaurants & Bars
Restaurant 1777
This celebrated eatery occupies the original building and uses seasonal, fresh ingredients with influences from African, French, Dutch, and British cuisine. Sit inside under wrought iron chandeliers or if it’s balmy, outside on the terrace under a Milkwood tree which inspires long alfresco lunches. Fittingly for a restaurant that’s a stone’s throw from the ocean, there’s plenty of just-caught seafood such as the mussel pot, seafood bisque and pan-roasted seabass, perfectly accompanied by some excellent Western Cape wines. For a nightcap, stop by the bar and lounge area for a touch of old-world glamour.
Activities & Entertainment
Plettenberg Bay is famous for its pristine beaches, many of which are just a short distance from the hotel. Take the private path to the golden sands of Hobie Beach in just two minutes. It’s also a hub for families, who will love taking to the waves for a spot of whale and dolphin watching – humpback and southern right whales are regular visitors to the Cape, along with bottlenose dolphins, seals and penguins. Plettenberg Bay is also surrounded by some of the Garden Route’s most wildlife-rich landscapes. Be sure to see the UNESCO-protected Robberg Nature Reserve and the Birds of Eden sanctuary, an expanse of lush indigenous forest covered by the world’s largest net dome. Meanwhile, wine enthusiasts will relish a tour at the Kay and Monty Vineyards, a boutique winery in The Crags.
Want to know more?
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Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
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Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Monday 6 May: 10am - 4pm
Mari
Travel Specialist
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Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Monday 6 May: 10am - 4pm
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