HOTEL REVIEW | The Bungalow, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape

Driving through the clean and peaceful town of Plettenberg Bay, I am pleasantly surprised that even the central, busiest part is nothing close to chaotic. The town's architecture dresses itself in the utmost neatness and simplicity, complementing the tranquility of the ocean and the views of the mountains in the distance.

Over the years, Plettenberg Bay has gained a reputation as a hot spot for pleasure seekers. It certainly is a town filled with plenty to discover and enjoy, as well as a haven where different kinds of travellers can quench their thirst for leisure and adventure.

WHAT'S SUP, PLETT?

On an afternoon of very pleasant weather we set out to have some fun cruising and supping (stand-up paddleboarding) on the Keurbooms River. With swimsuits on our bodies and excitement in our hearts, we get into a riverboat and cruise for 4.5km up to Whiskey Creek and into the non-motorised zone of the river.

Here, we sup through the deep ravines while enjoying breathtaking views of indigenous forest. Fully absorbing the serenity of the river, I am left feeling re-invigorated as we welcome the sunset with relaxation time on the quiet banks. Nibbling on snacks and sipping on champagne is the perfect way to end off the perfect day.

ROUGHING IT IN ROBBERG

On any pleasant morning, an early hike is a good idea. It is even more so in the Robberg Nature Reserve. Having gained much popularity along the Garden Route, the Robberg hiking trail is a definite must-do when in Plett, bringing you that much closer to nature in all its glory.

We did the circular trail along the Robberg Peninsula - a breathtaking experience (in both the literal and figurative sense). It is a character-building hike that requires one to manoeuvre across different terrain including rocks, beach and forest.

While the full hike may be slightly too challenging for some - and not one I would recommend for moderate hikers like myself - there are two shorter, less intense variations (easy and moderate).

Ultimately, it was a worthwhile experience adorned with the sound of waves hitting the rocks and birds singing from branches above. As you make your way through the trail and feast your eyes on some of nature's spectacular views, you may be lucky enough to spot small creatures, including dassies and geckos, as they go about their daily life in their natural habitat.

BEACHSIDE BLISS

The Bungalow Plett is only a short stroll from the ocean and offers not only luxury accommodation but also the quintessential experience of beachside living. The pristine property is perfectly placed for a walk on Hobie Beach, a swim in the ocean or even some leisure time around the property itself.

My stay was made perfect by friendly and helpful staff, cute and clean rooms and, of course, scrumptious meals at the sea-facing restaurant accompanied by glasses of grapes and bubbles.

While on the pool deck looking out into the ocean, we were fortunate enough to catch the magnificent sight of a whale blasting out water from its blowhole. The nearby Offshore Adventures offers whale watching, seal viewing and even snorkelling with seals.

After quenching my "water wanderlust" with them and thoroughly immersing myself in some much-needed leisure, I look out at the ocean one more time before I draw my curtains, settle my head on perfectly soft pillows and allow myself to be peacefully hushed by the sound of the ocean into a good night's sleep.

PLAN YOUR TRIP

ACCOMMODATION:

The Bungalow has seven luxurious options (sea-facing and cliff-side). The Spot is a self-catering luxury villa that is perfect for a family and comes with a fully equipped kitchenette, braai facilities, four single pods and an additional bathroom. There are also three self-catering apartments, ideal for groups who would prefer privacy.

ACTIVITIES:

• Supping (stand-up paddleboarding) along the beautiful and quiet Keurbooms River is a wonderful excursion. Altogether the trip with Keurbooms Sup lasts about three hours, including the boat trip to Whiskey Creek, past which no motorised watercraft may proceed. This is where the supping begins, followed by the return cruise. The R550 charge per person includes champagne and snacks.  

• The writer went swimming with seals with OffShore Adventures. This is a 90-minute excursion, including a boat ride along the coastline to the Cape fur seal colony, where guests get to snorkel and interact with these delightful characters in their natural environment. It's R895 per person, or R795pp for groups of four or more. This activity is currently not available as it's shark season - but will be available to book from August. They also offer year-round seal-viewing trips (where you stay on the boat) for R495pp.  

• The Robberg Nature Reserve offers three trails, which vary in time and difficulty from a 30-minute stroll to a four-hour hike. All offer fantastic views, brisk sea air and sightings of birds of the peninsula.  

THE FOOD:

The Bungalow restaurant offers a traditional a la carte menu, with a variety of scrumptious meals ranging from seafood dishes to their renowned thin-crust pizza. The rooftop bar offers a wide range of cocktails and refreshing drinks perfect for sundowners.

RATES:

 For direct bookings in low season, it's R1,560 per room per night for two people sharing, including breakfast.

SPECIAL OFFERS:

The hotel has several special packages available until the end of September 2021. Primarily, these are for two-night stays for two people, including accommodation, breakfast and dinner. The R4,000 "Stay and Play" special also includes a round of golf at Goose Valley. The R4,300 "Champagne Cruise" special includes the supping trip as described above. The R4,200 "Perfect Date" package includes a couple's massage and a bottle of wine and fruit platter.

CONTACTS:

E-mail info@thebungalowplett.co.za, call 044-533-1864 or visit capesummervillas.co.za/the-bungalow-plett.

• Masango was a guest of Cape Country Routes, of which The Bungalow is a member.