The Plettenberg

• The Plettenberg has one of the most idyllic settings in South Africa
• Perched on the cliff with views to two bays
• Five star understated luxury combined with a touch of beach charm
• Rélais & Chateaux member
• Excellent restaurant with funky new bar adding life

The Plettenberg in Plettenberg Bay has one of the most idyllic settings in South Africa - on a rocky headland overlooking the rolling breakers of the Indian Ocean, Lookout Beach and Robberg Nature Reserve. Impeccable service, soft contemporary décor and gourmet cuisine at the Sand restaurant are the hallmarks of this luxury five star beach hotel.

The Plettenberg will suit many tastes as it has lost some of its starched formality, and now embraces a more relaxed style of beach hotel, albeit still with understated elegance. Much of the Plettenberg has been opened up by the use of glass walls so that now from the restaurant, terrace, garden and pool deck, you can enjoy sightings of dolphins and whales in the bay below. The sitting rooms are still furnished in a rather grand, classical style whereas the new Sanbar is distinctly funky and modern - a glass and leather concoction with sandstone walks and atmospheric lighting. Their acclaimed restaurant, The Sands, has a glass atrium leading out onto the garden giving some diners an ocean view. It offers some of the best cuisine in Plettenberg Bay with a wine list and top sommelier to match it.

The 37 superbly furnished rooms and suites have a fresh modern décor and original South African art. Many have sea views and all offer underfloor heating, air-conditioning and minibar. There are two pools - the one that you see in all the pictures where the pool seems to disappear into the view beyond, and a second one for the Blue Wing. Beauty treatments are available at the Carchele Spa, with its modern facilities. The Plettenberg Hotel is a Rélais & Chateaux member.

The Plettenberg Beach House and Lookout Villa

The Plettenberg has two villas next to the hotel - the two bedroomed Beach House and the three bedroom Lookout Villa which are ideal for families or a group of friends. Though The Plettenberg doesn't take young children, that rule is relaxed for the luxurious villas.

The Beach House is decorated in soft creams and blues with bleached wooden floors, with two en-suite bedrooms, large sitting room with fireplace, dining room and smallish kitchen. The main bedroom leads onto a sundeck and plunge pool, with spectacular views of the bay and mountains. The Lookout Villa is a contemporary beach house which enjoys a view of magical sunrises, whales breaching in the winter months, and pods of dolphins rejoicing the whole year round. Gentle sandy and ocean colours with a mix of textures and lighting create a warm and relaxing atmosphere.