It was early on a dew-kissed Tuesday morning where I found myself riding a bicycle on a track through the open fields of The Kurland Hotel. Time seemed to linger a little longer than usual as the track twisted between polo grounds and patches of oak and pine while a wintery sun rose steadily above the hills of The Crags area, casting morning light on the farmstead and its many rose gardens. It was around this point, when hunger had well and truly kicked in and we cycled back up the hill to partake in the most important meal of the day at our Plettenberg Bay accommodation of choice.

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The Kurland Hotel is situated on a vast 700-hectare estate not too far from Nature’s Valley, with its polo grounds, extensive rose gardens and charming old-world architecture making a wonderful stay for those seeking a break away from the fast lane. Apart from having one of the Garden Route’s finest restaurants in the form of The Kurland Restaurant, the hotel has a certain allure about it in the sense of being a Garden Route destination that is altogether family-friendly, couple-friendly, honeymoon-friendly and so on. The large, indoor kids play area can keep the little ones occupied while couples make full use of the spa where a variety of treatments are on offer.

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Breakfast was served in dining area in the original building on the property, a buffet complete with all the trimmings you would expect from a 5-star hotel, in so many words one seriously enjoyable breakfast. In summer, a beautiful terrace area overlooking the gardens is the ideal spot for you to enjoy the delights of The Kurland Restaurant, while in winter you can get cosy beside the fire inside the restaurant. Executive (and award-winning) Chef Leon Coetzee certainly puts Kurland on the route’s foodie map – dinner at the restaurant is a must-do with its done-to-perfection items and great wine list. An intimate dining experience can even be arranged in the garden!

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A total of 12 suites make up the accommodation at the hotel; plus, extensions of the original farmstead now house the restaurant, lounge and spa. In the same building, you’ll find a library complete with hordes of reading material; it was here where I spent a good hour going through old literature beside the fire.

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OF NOTE
Where Kurland Hotel, The Crags, N2, outside Plettenberg Bay
Contact +27 44 534 8082, [email protected]. www.kurland.co.za,

Photography Bev Klein

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