Recommended Garden Route Accommodation

Fancourt Hotel close to George

  • only 7 km from George airport
  • 5 star hotel
  • gorgeous stunning, architectural design unifying with the backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains, golf courses and forests
  • close to Redberry Farm
  • 68 beyond stunning, luxurious rooms, with adjoining secluded bathroom. Separate bath and shower and quality toiletries supplied
  • rooms with private balcony or patio
  • room service for 24 hours
  • three different elite restaurants with finest cuisine
  • spa for massages, facials and body treatments and an indoor Roman Bath

  • 2 outdoor pools and 2 indoor pools
  • dry cleaning and laundry facilities
  • gym appropriate for all ages
  • tennis courts and fabulous walking, or running, and bird trails
  • Fancourt arranges sightseeing outings in Mosselbay, Plettenberg and Knysna
  • golf lovers paradise
  • luxury is in every detail

“Luxury is attention to detail, originality, exclusivity and above all quality.”- Angelo Bonati

The only problem I have with the Fancourt Hotel in George, is that it is so marvelous, you do not want to leave! Make sure you can stay here for a few nights, as if you leave too soon, you feel you have missed out. There is so much to enjoy and do!

Chandelier Game Lodge & Ostrich Show Farm

Your immediate reaction to the above picture, would be – “this is a lovely upmarket bedroom”. Yes it is a bedroom and but in a tent! A tent on a wooden deck and in the bush. This is pure luxury for those who want the bush experience, but yes, enjoy their opulence as well. The game lodge is not far off.

The cry of the eagle as you awake and numerous indigenous bird calls chime your awakening ears. At sunset, observe in awe, the game as they stroll down to the waterhole! You will be captivated!

Scrumptious meals are served at the restaurant. Go on open land cruisers to the lapa, high up in the mountains, and enjoy the famous Sundowner Bush dinner. This is a true South African braai (barbeque), and three course meal. It consists of springbuck, ostrich and kudu and numerous other South African favorites. After a fabulous supper in the lapa, you go for a game drive, observing the night creatures with wonder. The stars are so bright you feel as if you could touch them!

Meet Sheila and Shorty! They are free roaming giraffes that choose to be near visitors. They were rescued and love their milk bottles and treats given by the guests!

Get a feel of how the Khoi-San people live! Not often do you get this opportunity. Njoem a true Khoi-San, will educate you how they survive in desert and semi-desert regions. From clothing, huts to obtaining water. You will learn so much! What a lovely experience and the walk is not that long.

I have been an avid horse rider in my life time, but no thank you, I will give riding ostriches a miss. It is rather funny watching others ride though and I do love feeding them.

Chandelier Game Lodge is an unique, memorable experience! One that should not be missed! It is a four star lodge and only 7km from Oudtshoorn and 48km from George airport.

Turnberry Boutique Hotel – Oudtshoorn

Often on my journeys, I feel like a place to rest and escape. Home from home! Turnberry Boutique Hotel gives you that feeling! Neil Els, who I know well, is the owner. He has an absolute passion for the tourism industry and has been a leader in many of the tourist organizations. When he communicates with you, you can feel his love of the industry, people and his “braai” is just the best! Truly South African! When you stay here, make sure you meet him personally. His stories will add a smile to your face.

From the Turnberry Boutique Hotel you can venture out to the Cango Caves and return into a relaxed four star hotel.

Knysna River Club

These self-catering chalets are stunning, clean and luxurious! Something different! The Terrace Restaurant is in the club and is regarded as one of Knysna’s top restaurants.

Knysna River Club is a four star and the one or two bedroomed chalets you can stay in are either lagoon or garden chalets. I am a sucker for water, especially in the evenings and early mornings. Truly magnificent as you gaze out at the still waters with the sunset glimmering on the waters, technicolored! These chalets touch my whole inner being!

I appreciate time to relax and chill in my casual clothes and enjoy nature at it’s truest form. The gardens are looked after beautifully and if you peer out across the lagoon, you can see the famous Knysna Heads.

An alluring pool, outside private jacuzzi and canoes suitable for all ages are fun things to do at the resort. Wi-fi allows you to share your experiences with your family and friends at home.

The resort is close to the charming town of Knysna. It is also in the heart of the Garden Route so day tours are perfect from this spot. Security is excellent and this wonderful spot allows you to relax and relish your vacation.

Alkira Luxury Lodge & Villa – Brenton-on-Sea

Personally, I have never stayed at this luxury guesthouse, but a friend of mine from Australia came over and stayed while she recovered from a facelift. As she said; “I met my soul of peace at Alkira Lodge, and have never been able to get the same sensation and gift this place gave me anywhere else.” In the future, I would love to visit and stay. It sounds fabulous!

  • pure luxury, private, calm, peaceful and cozy
  • situated in a nature conservancy
  • personalized service – small team
  • jacuzzi hot tub
  • many lounge areas, both inside and outside
  • wine cellar well stocked – choose your own wine
  • mouthwatering cuisine
  • decor is primarily comfortable, but with elegance
  • library
  • rimflow pool with stunning view

  • close to sandy beaches and forests
  • visit Brenton Blue Butterfly Reserve and watch the antelope graze
  • indigenous birds create a chorus outside your room

“Peace brings with it so many positive emotions that it is worth aiming for in all circumstances.” —Estella Eliot

Beacon Island Hotel – Plettenberg Bay

Yes Beacon Island Hotel is on an island which gives the visitor an all-round oceanic view and your stay will have a profound effect on your relaxation. Are you in love with the ocean? I most certainly am! Enhance your ocean experience with sea aromas and freshness. Gaze out at the blanket of sea, captivated in meditation as the waves hypnotize you as they forever change. Evenings and sunsets which are so picturesque and beautiful! Pour your feelings and inspirations into the waters, they seem to listen!

I stayed at this 4-star hotel a couple of years ago while on a Skal International bi-annual meeting. Loved every minute of it! We ventured out to Birds of Eden and Monkeyland, returning to an exquisite dinner and nights sleep.

  • 125km from George airport
  • great for groups
  • fully equipped rooms to suit all your needs and fabulous views
  • three restaurants to savor your impulse hunger or planned, cozy, personalized dining and a Playa Bar for cocktails, snacks and fun
  • fitness centre
  • Jiwu Spa and a salon
  • indoor and outdoor heated pools
  • magnificent star gazing

“There’s nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline, no matter how many times it’s sent away.” – Sarah Kay

The Fernery Lodge and Chalets

“Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than what we could learn from books.” –John Lubbock

Our inner being always desires and longs for solacement and a feeling of freedom. At the 4-star Fernery Lodge and Chalets, the mountain breeze, touch of the sun and wise ancient rivers, allows us to escape from all our worries.

  • the lodge is above a 30 metre waterfall
  • superb views of the Indian Ocean, Tsitsikamma Forest and river mouth
  • 7 superlatively decorated spacious luxurious bedrooms and spacious en-suite bathrooms with heated towel rails
  • focal fire places in lounge and dinning room
  • jacuzzi, sauna and beautiful pool

A vacation in the Garden Route offers you such a diverse holiday. From mountains, to primeval, dense forests, smooth, wide, stormy and calm beaches and ocean. Rivers of sweetness and thunder! Mighty, natural waterfalls! Hikes or walks on spectacular trails and accommodation that is so diverse yet luxurious! Indigenous birdlife, fauna and flora, dolphins and whales! Amazing service and people! This is an adventure in style!