The sea glitters, gulls wail above and light spills over the sand of Hobie Beach. There is no need to talk up the joys of The Old Rectory’s location, so close to the salt and sand that makes Plett a year-round playground. Words by Janine Stephen.
Also read: The not-so-posh guide to Plettenberg Bay
Charming architectural details, centuries of heritage and luxurious amenities make for a world-class getaway. Photo supplied.
The low-slung, gently renovated heart of this boutique hotel is a national monument dating back to 1777, stone walls hugging history. Shadowy photos of some of its previous lives line a passage – not from the days it housed Dutch East India Company employees, of course, but less long-gone times. Previous owners include a whaler and a bishop. Author Pauline Smith stayed in 1913 and was impressed by the enormous kitchen fireplace and the steepness of the hill to town. The soul of the building has been kept intact; ancient stone and golden yellowwood beams remain features.
It houses a cosy lounge, a tasty bar, the attractive reception area and dining room (head chef Kristine Moodie’s kitchen delivers on flavour and zest). Outside, a pool awaits, surrounded by a deck for sunbathing.
18 stylish suites are furnished with king-sized beds, suites include a luxurious rain shower and a garden. Photo supplied.
The more modern part of the hotel is where the rooms are. Fourteen pool suites are set back in gardens in two blocks of rooms; adjoining units can interconnect for families. The four garden suites each enjoy their own private patch of plant life. My room was a handsome cumulous cloud of comfort, all light and breezy, with a king-sized bed. By the time I’d had a bone-melting massage in the spa and trotted out the side gate and down the path to a sun-kissed patch of beach, I was completely sold. A wonderful retreat for those with a special occasion to celebrate.
Best feature: Easy access to The Wedge (a top body-boarding spot) and Hobie Beach, and the pool deck. Also, the stylish picnic, set up on the beach on request.
Costs: Reserve now for the affordable winter specal of R2950 B&B (sleeps two), which runs from 1 May 2018 to 31 July 2018
Book: rareearth.co.za
This review first appeared in the December 2017 issue of Getaway magazine.
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