Kurland Estate

Two hundred years ago, the Kurland hotel was a not-so-humble woodcutter’s cottage in the days when burly men made their living from massive timber forests that rolled across the southern reaches of South Africa.

Over the years it’s morphed into a country mansion so grand that the average lumberjack would only dare to use the tradesman’s entrance.

It’s a great place to stay if you’re visiting Plettenberg Bay 20km away, close enough to enjoy the beach and the town’s attractions, but far enough away to avoid the crowds and have huge grounds to romp around in. There’s an irresistibly pretty swimming pool, a tennis court, quad bikes and mountain bikes to borrow, and free Shetland pony rides for kids. Kids also have their own playroom, jungle gym, separate swimming pool and menus of their own, and horse riding can be arranged no matter what size you are.

There’s an on-site Sweet Pea Spa to indulge in too. Since the Kurland is also a polo estate, your visit might coincide with a tournament and you can and even have polo lessons.

The hotel itself is a gorgeous old place full of intriguing nooks and crannies, polished floors and shining silverware, a well-stocked library and big log fires. Its 12 individually designed suites are luxurious but modern, with decadently large bathrooms, a lounge area and private courtyards. Many come with lofts upstairs for kids to sleep in.

Rates at the Kurland dive by up to 50% in off-season periods, including a sumptuous breakfast spread and high tea every afternoon. Terribly elegant!

Lower hotel rates are just one of Plett’s out-of-season attractions. Others include 10 wine farms open to the public, whale and dolphin cruises and Tenikwa WiIdlife Awareness Centre, which rescues injured animals and returns them to the wild.