Hotel Review: The Old Rectory, Plettenberg Bay
Janine Stephen spends a night in heritage heaven at the oldest surviving building in town, which is now a luxury hotel
LOCATION
This 18-room property is a skip from popular Hobie Beach. It's one road from the sea (a path deposits you on a cosy slice of sand) and town is minutes up the hill.
STYLE
The heart of The Old Rectory is the oldest surviving building in town, built in 1777. It's been gently renovated. Wide, stone walls are on display; yellowwood floors and beams gleam in the restaurant.
The interior design is crisp with the odd splash of colour (think yellow flamingo wallpaper in a bathroom). Four garden suites have a private sliver of garden; the poolside suites with small balconies are set in more expansive gardens. Families can book adjoining rooms that function as units.THE EATING
Hotel guests get priority when booking at the à la carte, in-house restaurant. The menu was rich in contrasting flavours and textural surprises (beetroot sorbet and goat cheese mousse or blackened salmon with vermicelli and hoisin). Lunch outside in fine weather. Breakfast is included in the rate.
THE 'DO' LIST
Order a picnic and brollies from the Old Rectory and hit the beach. Loll around the pool after a bone-melting spa session. Sip sunset cocktails at neighbouring The Bungalow.
There's the Plett wine route: Try a glass of Champu MCC at the hotel's sister property, Kay and Monty Vineyards in The Crags, or trot off for a tasting in a horse-drawn carriage on Bramon Wine Estate (book ahead).Then there's whale or dolphin watching, and not far away, Garden Route forests to explore.
BEST TIME TO GO
The pool and sea are summertime treats, but the gigantic fireplace in the lounge will go well with a winter afternoon.
RATES
Suites are R7,000 per room (sleeps two) from now until April 30 2018. Then it's R4,500 from May till August.
BOOKING
See rareearth.co.za or call 011-327-3910 or 044-533-1201.
• Stephen was a guest of The Old Rectory...
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