Along The Garden Route

ICHIBI LODGE
Located just inland between Wilderness and Sedgefield, this Zen style lodge is set in 30 acres of old plantation where you may see buck foraging or perhaps a troop of vervet monkeys in the trees.  With its 3 luxurious suites and ancient oriental art it offers a unique atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.  From the wide terrace, ideal for sundowners, and swimming pool there are views looking out over Langvlei Lake which is home to the fish eagle and otter.  There is a heated swimming pool and activities include a small gym, walking trails in the surrounding forest and mountain biking.  The beaches at Goukamma and Wilderness are about 10 minutes away by car.  Dinner can be arranged on request.

TONQUANI LODGE AND SPA
Set on the western outskirts of Knysna, the lodge consists of 11 well appointed, air conditioned chalets ranging in style from family suites to chalets with splash pools and an executive chalet with its own private spa.
All have a private patio area with a fully equipped barbeque and most have a fireplace for those colder nights. For relaxation there is a swimming pool, sun loungers and a croquet lawn set in the tranquil gardens. The spa has an indoor heated Jacuzzi and the highly trained therapists offer aromatherapy massage, reiki, qigong facials and reflexology as well as orthodox beauty treatments. Arrangements are on a ‘room and breakfast’ basis with complimentary tea and cake being served in the afternoon.

PEZULA RESORT HOTEL & SPA
The setting could not be more stunning with breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean, the Knysna Lagoon and the Outeniqua Mountains. The complex is set on a headland just outside of Knysna and comprises of a 78 suite hotel, an 18- hole championship golf course and offers numerous leisure activities. The suites are located in two tiered villas (four to a villa) and accessed from the main complex by foot or battery operated golf cart. Features include a private balcony or patio, real log fireplace and under floor heating in the en suite bathroom. There is a fully equipped gym, full spa facilities, tennis courts, swimming pool, library, boutique, business centre and games room. Nearby are stables, nature trails and canoe trips on the Noetzie River.

LAKE PLEASANT
Overlooking the freshwater lake between Wilderness and Knysna, this resort complex has one bedroom en suite apartments with a fully fitted kitchenette, guest bathroom and lounge/dining area leading onto a patio or balcony overlooking the lake. There are also 2 bedroom apartments with similar facilities. If you do not wish to self cater then there is a bistro and bar. The Mantis Collection Spa offers an extensive range of body and beauty treatments together with sauna, steam rooms, gym and relaxation  pool. Nearby is the Gouramma Nature Reserve and tours can be taken by open vehicle. The beach, a few minutes away by car, is part of the Marine Park with miles and miles of golden sandy beach.

KANONKOP GUEST HOUSE
This elegant bed and breakfast guest house sits high on Kanonkop hill about 5 minutes drive from the thriving centre of Knysna. Its position is stunning and there are uninterrupted views over the Lagoon to the Indian Ocean at The Heads. The 3 suites are furnished to the highest standards, with the Paradise Suite, as its name implies, being quite outstanding. From the lounge, doors lead out to the garden with its salt water swimming pool.  Activities include cycling, fishing and for a special occasion a romantic sunset cruise on their luxury speed boat. Corporate golf membership of Sparrebosch, Fancourt Country Club and Simola golf courses is held so that guests can play  on these superb courses at special rates.

LEISURE ISLE LODGE
The appeal of the Leisure Isle Lodge lies in the warm hospitality from the owners and its location, only minutes from the centre of Knysna, yet right on the lagoon’s beach. The eleven spacious bedrooms and suites are individually decorated and have ceiling fans, mini bar, tea and coffee making facilities and satellite TV. The suites have lagoon views whilst standard bedrooms look over the pool and gardens. There is a hospitality bar, lounge with an open fireplace for chilly winter evenings and a highly acclaimed restaurant plus a solarium by the swimming pool. There are also two excellent championship golf courses nearby

THE ST JAMES OF KNYSA
On the edge of the lagoon, this 5-star owner-managed hotel is set in 3 acres of gardens with 3 swimming pools, floodlit tennis courts and angling from its private jetty. There is a superb dining room offer a la carte dining, a well stocked wine cellar, bar with lagoon facing patio and charming lounges. There are various categories of exceptionally well appointed bedrooms in the Courtyard and the Manor House and most of the 15 rooms have uninterrupted views of the Lagoon and beautiful gardens. Each has direct dial telephone, satellite TV, room safe and mini bar. Within the vicinity are numerous golf courses including the challenging world class Pezula Golf Course.

BELVEDERE MANOR
Situated on the shores of Knysna Lagoon about 10 minutes drive from the  town, the estate dates back to 1849. In the gracious Georgian manor house is the dining room serving excellent a la carte dinners, the drawing-room which once served as the Post Office for the area and the Bell Tavern, Knysna’s smallest pub. Light meals are served here throughout the day and the tavern also features a wine cellar viewed through a glass panel in the floor. Guests are accommodated in their own single or double storey white washed cottage located in the colourful gardens and all have a view of the lagoon or garden. Each has a living room, fully equipped kitchen, well appointed bedroom and private balcony or verandah.

FALCONS VIEW MANOR
Sitting high on Thesen Hill above the town centre of Knysna, the house dates back to the late 1890’s and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and woodland. From the verandah in front of the lounge and bar there are far reaching views over the town to the lagoon and The Heads. This makes a perfect place to relax at the end of the day with sundowners before enjoying dinner served in the charming dining room. Within the house are 6 well appointed bedrooms, 3 of which have views towards the lagoon. In the gardens are 3 spacious modern Suites with sliding doors leading into the gardens and the large swimming pool. A delightful small owner-managed hotel.