Feature: Golf

Constance Lemuria Resort, Anse Kerlan, Praslin

Lemuria is a great location for families and couples

Lemuria has accommodation to suits all requirements. The Junior Suites are situated in blocks which are a little lacking in style compared to many of the hotels we have visited. The accommodation, however is generally stylish, comfortable and the location is convenient for the beach and central facilities. The pool villas are more expensive but have greater style and provide a more romantic location.

About the Location

The resort is close to the airport. The hotel has  the only championship golf course in the Seychelles in a truly idyllic setting. There are tennis courts, a great spa and wellness center, shops as well as a scenic pool. There are three restaurants one of which provides some of the finest dining in the Seychelles. There are three beaches. Two are close to the suites and one is a twenty minute walk although there is a regular shuttle provided. It is also possible to hike over to Anse Lazio for the energetic.

The Plettenberg Hotel, Plettenberg Bay

Top of the range hotel with a true South African ‘feel’ in a stunning location

This is luxury accommodation at its finest, equivalent to the top international hotels but distinctly South African. The rooms are beautifully decorated in the unique, luxuriously restful style established by the late Liz McGrath. This is a sister company to  The Marine (Hermanus) and The Cellars – Hohenhort (Cape Town). These are all top of the range 5 star hotels with a level of service that is second to none. There are a number of room options ranging from a luxury room that may have a view of the car park, to sea facing luxury rooms with incredible views across the bay. There is also a house that can be rented on a self-catered basis. Enjoy the infinity pool with an amazing view of the Indian Ocean.

About the Location

Beaches are very close and a further appeal is that the centre of Plett is just a 5-minute walk away. You can choose to eat at one of the many good restaurants locally or indulge yourself in the hotel’s own, elegant, if a little formal, restaurant – Sand. From here you can enjoy the many activities in Plett including whale watching, in season, hiking on the beautiful Robberg Peninsula or just relaxing on one of the many beaches.

The Sands, St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape

The Sands is an exclusive beach-side boutique hotel set alongside a pristine beach

The Sands is perfect for couples seeking  a retreat close to the beach with the soothing sounds of the Indian Ocean. There are five luxury suites and one honeymoon suite. All have sea views, a private deck overlooking the beach, a jacuzzi bath and the finest linen. The decor is modern, light and very tasteful. The property has two pools – one overlooking the ocean. There is a steam room for guests and spa treatments can be arranged. Accommodation is on a B&B basis but the in house restaurant can provide light lunches and an extensive al la carte dinner menu. The wine cellar has to be seen and sampled!

About The Sand’s Location

St Francis Bay is a quiet beach-side town set around a series of canals opening onto the Indian Ocean. Beach and countryside hikes are available. The beaches at nearby Cape St. Francis are pristine, dominated by the historic lighthouse which is the tallest in South Africa. A Penguin and seabird rescue centre is adjacent and there are numerous paths to hike into the coastal nature reserve. For the more adventurous, take a 4X4 excursion into the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve which is one of the last remaining natural wilderness areas in South Africa. The close by Port St. Francis has some excellent fish restaurants featuring locally caught seafood. The area is known for the squid caught in the bay and called, locally, chokka. Additionally, you will find excellent hake, kingklip and Cape Salmon. For golf enthusiasts, St. Francis Bay has two rated courses including the Jack Nicklaus designed Links. Both courses are within a 5 minute drive. Day Safaris can be arranged at the sister property of Pumba Private Game Reserve where you will encounter their famous white lions.

St. Francis Golf Lodge, St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape

St. Francis Golf Lodge is a must for golfers set in an enviable position amid a Jack Nicklaus designed course

St. Francis Golf Lodge is a beautifully appointed and tastefully furnished hotel. The 10 stylishly decorated rooms are located on two separate buildings overlooking the first tee. All rooms have large en suite bathrooms. Two of the rooms (without views of the course)  are larger and feature a private patio complete with outdoor showers. Accommodation is on a B&B basis but the nearby clubhouse is available for lunches and for dinners on Mondays and Wednesdays. At other times, St. Francis Bay and Port St. Francis have good restaurants. Golf is, of course, a feature and guests have preferential green fees during their stay.

About St. Francis Golf Lodge’s Location

St Francis Bay is a quiet beach-side town set around a series of canals opening onto the Indian Ocean. Beach and countryside hikes are available. The beaches at nearby Cape St. Francis are pristine, dominated by the historic lighthouse which is the tallest in South Africa. A Penguin and seabird rescue centre is adjacent and there are numerous paths to hike into the coastal nature reserve. For the more adventurous, take a 4X4 excursion into the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve which is one of the last remaining natural wilderness areas in South Africa. The close by Port St. Francis has some excellent fish restaurants featuring locally caught seafood. The area is known for the squid caught in the bay and called, locally, chokka. Additionally, you will find excellent hake, kingklip and Cape Salmon.

Dune Ridge Country House, St. Francis Bay, Eastern Cape

Dune Ridge is the perfect spot to unwind either at the start of your holiday or at the end of your vacation

Dune Ridge is one of the most tranquil locations we have encountered. Close to the resort town of St. Francis Bay, the lodge is tucked away in the countryside. You can choose between two Garden Cottages, four Garden Suites and one Family Cottage. Whichever you select, you won’t be disappointed. The decor is very tasteful adding to the comfort of the serene environment. There is a pool to relax by, listening to the myriad of birds. Or, perhaps, you will be fortunate to spot one of the Nyala antelopes while you sip a cocktail on the terrace overlooking the gardens. Accommodation is on a B&B basis but the restaurant is available for dinner. Should you wish to be pampered, the lodge boasts a well equipped bush spa for your enjoyment.

About Dune Ridge’s Location

St Francis Bay is a quiet beach-side town set around a series of canals opening onto the Indian Ocean. Beach and countryside hikes are available. The beaches at nearby Cape St. Francis are pristine, dominated by the historic lighthouse which is the tallest in South Africa. A Penguin and seabird rescue centre is adjacent and there are numerous paths to hike into the coastal nature reserve. For the more adventurous, take a 4X4 excursion into the Baviaanskloof Nature Reserve which is one of the last remaining natural wilderness areas in South Africa. The close by Port St. Francis has some excellent fish restaurants featuring locally caught seafood. The area is known for the squid caught in the bay and called, locally, chokka. Additionally, you will find excellent hake, kingklip and Cape Salmon. For golf enthusiasts, St. Francis Bay has two rated courses including the Jack Nicklaus designed Links. Both courses are within a 5 minute drive.

Tamodi, The Crags, Garden Route

Tamodi Lodge is for the nature lover with views from each room of the indigenous forest and the Outeniqua Mountains

Tamodi  is an exquisitely designed typically African lodge  overlooking the  thickly wooded valleys of The Crags. The lodge is 15 minutes’ drive from the center of Plettenberg Bay. The lodge has just four rooms and suites, Each room and suite has wonderful views and access to the extensive balcony with infinity pool. Each room has a distinctly African feel with comfortable beds and over-sized bathrooms – some with private outside showers. Underfloor heating is provided for those chilly winter nights. Tamodi has two large lounges with three massive log fireplaces to make your stay cozy even during the winter months. Sumptuous breakfasts are provided. Tamodi is for nature lovers! You will enjoy the quiet solitude of the African bush with the occasional sightings of baboons and vervet monkeys. This is a great location for bird watching.

About Tamodi’s Location

Tamodi Lodge is located 7 minutes drive from the main N2 highway in the midst of the forest. Keurboomstrand with its spectacular beach scenery and renowned beach restaurant Enrico’s is just a short 10 minute drive. Guests wishing to enjoy horse riding will not be disappointed as Tamodi is also an equestrian center.  The fascinating animal parks in The Crags are within a 10 minute drive. These parks enable you to get close to small cats, birds, elephants, monkeys and, yes, even snakes! The highest bungy jump in the world is a 30 minute drive and the Tsitsikamma National Park is 45 minutes away. You will enjoy a walk on the beach at Nature’s Valley  which is one of the most unspoiled locations along The Garden Route. The Plettenberg Bay wine route is close by  and a hike on the spectacular Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve is just a 20 minute drive.

Aquavit, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

Aquavit is a beautiful property with one of the best views in Plettenberg Bay from your room!

Aquavit is all about luxury, comfort and spectacular views. The property has one of the top ratings on Trip Advisor of any establishment in South Africa and clearly deserves its 5 star rating. Aquavit has five exquisitely appointed rooms. Each room has its own semi private balcony or poolside patio. The owners have decorated each room in light earthy tones which, with the crisp white bed linens and huge windows gives a very airy and spacious feel. The large sliding windows open onto the balcony or poolside patio. Here you can relax in a lounger over looking one of the best views of Plettenberg Bay we have encountered. Aquavit is a small property and very popular so in the main season you should book well in advance to ensure availability. We at South Africa Sun are sure you won’t be disappointed.

About Aquavit’s Location

Plettenberg Bay is the gem of the Garden Route. The three main beaches are among the finest in South Africa. All the beaches are within a 5 minute drive of Aquavit. The town of Plettenberg Bay has some excellent restaurants so you will not be short of fine places to eat. If you enjoy a relatively easy hike choose the Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve. The location offers a variety of hikes from the relatively easy to the fairly challenging. With each hike, however, you will be rewarded with some of the best photo opportunities. Robberg Peninsula was the site of the first semi permanent settlement in South Africa when  a Portuguese ship foundered in 1630. The survivors stayed for nine months before departing on the two ships they built.

You can drive from Aquavit to the numerous activities close by. Plettenberg Bay has its own wine route featuring 17 wineries and just 15 minutes’ drive away you can enjoy the fascinating animal parks at The Crags. Drive 30 minutes to the world’s highest bungy jump. A further 20 minutes will take you to the spectacular Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River where you can enjoy a Tree Top Canopy Tour.

18 Hillwood, Bishop’s Court, Cape Town

18 Hillwood is an amazing self catering luxury house set beneath Table Mountain just 15 minutes from central Cape Town. The location and accommodation is simply stunning!

18 Hillwood is a 5 bedroom house that has everything you need for a luxurious stay in Cape Town. You can self cater and the house boasts a fully equipped kitchen. You can also ask the Staff, who are supplied, to cater for you and provide all your meals. The bedrooms are very private and much larger than usual  with enormous en suite bathrooms, some with a sitting room. The property is set in beautifully landscaped gardens. There are two pools, a veranda with outdoor furniture and tennis courts. The entire property has spectacular views overlooking the imposing back of Table Mountain. Breakfast can be provided. Normally the whole house will be let so it is ideal for a large family or even 5 couples traveling together. 18 Hillwood is  a 5 star property which, in our view, is fully justified and really exceeds its rating.

About 18 Hillwood’s Location

Bishop’s Court is one of the finest suburbs of Cape Town adjacent to Constantia. Drive just 5 minutes to the world renowned Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens where in Spring and Autumn you will find the Protea gardens ablaze with color. You can drive to the center of Cape Town, the Waterfront and the Table Mountain Cableway in just 15 minutes. 18 Hillwood is also well positioned for the Cape Peninsula. The Penguins at Boulders Beach are a 30 minute drive and spectacular Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope will take you around 45  minutes to drive. The Constantia Winelands are close by and the Cape Winelands around Stellenbosch, Franschhoek and Paarl are a 40 minute drive. For beach lovers, popular Camps Bay is a 25 minute drive. The property has a concierge service who will be able to arrange guided tours of the wine estates, helicopter tours and other trips if you would rather leave you car at home!

Granny Mouse Country House, Balgowan

Luxurious Old World Charm set in the scenic Natal Midlands

Set in beautiful gardens, this attractive thatched country house has a variety of luxuriously appointed rooms and suites. Accommodation is provided on a B&B basis but the property has two well rated restaurants. One is a bistro and the other boasts fine dining.

About the Location

This is a very convenient location for those arriving at Durban Airport. This is an easy 1 1/2 hour drive and breaks any journey to the Drakensberg or the Battlefields. This is probably one of the most English of all locations in South Africa. The area is full of craft locations, great restaurants, trout fishing and one of South Africa’s premier schools, Michaelhouse, is close by in the village of Balgowan


Montusi Mountain Lodge, Drakensberg

Montusi is an exceptional family owned and run property in a magical location

It is rare that we repeat verbatim the words from the website of a property but in our minds having spent time here, these words are perfect: “Montusi Mountain Lodge offers genuine hospitality in the tranquility of one of the most beautiful settings in Southern Africa. Space, comfort and peace are what you will find. Treat yourself to the natural splendour and peaceful, romantic ambiance of this Drakensberg haven.”  There are 10 spacious, self contained Garden Suites, 4 Family Suites and 2 much larger Mountain Suites. These are set in an estate of 1,000 hectares with the glorious backdrop of the imposing wall of The Amphitheatre. This is one of the most spectacular areas of the Drakensberg.  Accommodation is on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis with food served in the main thatched lodge

About Montusi’s Location

The property has a swimming pool and tennis courts and horse riding and guided hiking can be arranged. Guided hiking can be arranged to the top of Montusi Mountain. Excursions to a cave with Bushmen paintings as well as into the nearby Royal Natal National Park are also offered. For the adventurous a guided hike to the top of the Amphitheatre can be arranged. You can hire Mountain Bikes and ride on the 100 km Drakensberg Mountain Biking Trail which goes right through the property. Fly fishing is available on the lodge’s two dams and for those seeking extreme thrills, All Out Adventures is a 10 minute drive away. Add a stay at Monusi to a battlefields location and a KwaZulu Natal Game Reserve.