Situated in the heart of Plettenberg Bay, just a short stroll from the town's sandy beaches, The Old Rectory is an intimate boutique retreat with centuries of history. The building itself dates to 1777 and is a national monument, and while there's a sense of heritage here, it's balanced with a fresh, modern style. The 18 suites are bright and airy, painted in white to amplify the natural light, and come with private open-plan bathrooms complete with deep bathtubs and waterfall showers. All overlook the gardens and have a private terrace area where you can relax in the sun. Further indulgence can be found in the property's spa, which offers a range of massages and treatments.
When not out exploring the Garden Route, you can unwind in the common area, which includes a bar and restaurant with wooden beams and exposed-stone walls, giving a sense of the property's history. The restaurant is open to the public and serves a selection of international dishes along with a few local delicacies, accompanied by South African wines. Outside, you'll find a good-sized pool, loungers and an alfresco dining area.
We love staying at this intimate property, which has one foot in the past and another in the modern world. You can be strolling on a beach in minutes, and there are lots of places to relax back at the property too.
who's been there
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Photos of The Old Rectory
Rooms
There are 18 stylish suites, each overlooking the immaculate gardens. Balancing bright white walls with pops of blues, greens and yellows, they have a fresh, modern feel with lots of natural light. All are similar in size and have an open-plan bathroom with a deep ceramic bath, waterfall shower and double basins. You'll find tea- and coffee-making facilities, air conditioning, satellite TV and a private outside terrace or garden area. Inter-leading suites can be arranged for families.
Location
The Old Rectory is situated in the postcard-pretty town of Plettenberg Bay, a six-hour drive from Cape Town along the Garden Route. It’s a short walk from the beach as well as a variety of excellent restaurants and beachside bars.Â
Food and drink
- Restaurant with a menu that pays homage to African, French and Dutch cuisine.
- Nibbles bar with a selection of craft gins, single malt whiskies and cocktails.
- Stocked wine list, including bottles from the hotel’s winery in The Crags.
- Buffet breakfast daily.
Families
- All ages are welcome.
- Some suites can interconnect to accommodate families.Â
- Cribs can be added to suites on request.Â
- Babysitting service available on request.
Facilities and activities
- Swimming pool and deck area with loungers.
- Sanctuary Spa offering massages and treatments.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
- Activities desk.
Accessibility
- Common areas are wheelchair accessible.
- Two accessible suites with larger bathrooms.Â
Tour ideas in Plettenberg Bay
Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at The Old Rectory as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.
Alternative places to stay nearby
Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favorite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can't be bettered.
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Emily Moon River Lodge
Plettenberg Bay -
Hog Hollow Country Lodge
Plettenberg Bay -
Hunter's Country House
Plettenberg Bay -
Laird's Lodge
Plettenberg Bay
Experiences while staying here
The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area's inhabitants.
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Sailing & Sea Kayaking Sailing & Sea Kayaking
Sailing & Sea Kayaking
There are a few outfits that offer sailing trips into Plettenberg Bay as well as sea kayaking. Apart from spectacular offshore coastal scenery, it is very likely that at some stage, a close encounter with the marine animals will occur so you can get very close to them.
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Plettenberg Bay and nearby places
- Knysna 31 kilometers away
- Tsitsikamma Forest 48 kilometers away
- Wilderness 75 kilometers away
- The Klein Karoo 84 kilometers away
- Oudtshoorn & Surrounds 121 kilometers away
- The Cango Caves & Swartberg Pass 131 kilometers away
- Calitzdorp 167 kilometers away
- Port Elizabeth 207 kilometers away
- Addo Elephant National Park 230 kilometers away
- Amakhala Game Reserve 256 kilometers away