Knysna and Wilderness, two towns falling within the stretch, offer a variety of quaint getaway options. From cottages overlooking lagoons to lodges embraced by verdant forests, a Garden Route escape will leave you relaxed and enchanted.
Before we get started, do you plan to explore other coastal regions of South Africa? Then you should check out 10 romantic getaways in KwaZulu Natal.
Also read: Luxury is in every detail at the Pezula Nature Hotel & Spa in Knysna
Here are 10 charming Garden Route getaways in Knysna and Wilderness:
1. Abalone Lodges, Knysna
Abalone Lodges provides affordable and comfortable self-catering accommodation in Knysna. Offering breathtaking views of the lagoon, this idyllic Garden Route retreat is the perfect place to relax and reconnect with yourself and your loved ones amidst the lush natural beauty of the region.
Guests will find this log cabin to be furnished with comfort in mind. The spacious bedroom features a King-sized bed and a TV with a selection of DStv channels. The cabin’s bathroom is equipped with a walk-in shower, while the kitchenette includes cutlery, crockery, a fridge/freezer, a microwave, a kettle and a toaster.
Outside the cabin, there is a lovely braai area with seating, allowing guests to enjoy some outdoor dining, as South Africans notoriously love to do. Guests are also welcome to use the lodge’s swimming pool if the biting winter chill offers some reprieve.
Until 30 September 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this stay.
- Deal: A three-night stay for two adults in an individual log cabin at Abalone Lodges
- Cost: R2 520 | Value is R4 200
- Location: 20 Herons Way, Lower Old Place, Knysna, Western Cape
- Contact: 061 546 0484 | [email protected]
- Valid until: 30 September 2023
2. Rexford Manor, Knysna
This intimate boutique guesthouse is located in the suburb of Rexford, a historic town known for its views. Rexford Manor offers guests a special getaway experience, complete with a complimentary breakfast, impeccable service, picturesque vistas and the opportunity for adventure.
Tastefully decorated, each room of this guesthouse is cosy enough for you and your loved ones to feel right at home while away on holiday. Every private room has its own en-suite bathroom or shower, a walk-in wardrobe, a fridge, a tea and coffee station, complimentary WiFi internet access and satellite TV.
The shared areas of the guesthouse include a pool, a sun deck for soaking up the rays, lounges for relaxation and a dining room. As you ascend the stairs, you’ll discover a library and an upstairs balcony, providing a space to unwind with a glass of wine, marvel at the view and witness the sunset casting its golden hues over the lagoon.
Until 31 August 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this stay.
- Deal: A one-night stay for two adults at Rexford Manor
- Cost: R899 | Value is R3 560
- Location: 7 The Commonage Cl, Rexford, Knysna
- Contact: 044 384 0597 | [email protected]
- Valid until: 31 August 2023
3. Portland Manor, Knysna
Located just outside of Knysna, Portland Manor is a fully operational Cape Dutch farm that offers an authentic experience, with surrounding views of the farm’s maintained gardens, Lawnwood Dam and the Outeniqua Mountain range. The surroundings teem with indigenous wildlife, providing a delightful encounter for every guest.
Those with an adventurous spirit will be spoiled for choice when it comes to activities to enjoy. Options include horseback riding, visiting the nearby elephant sanctuary, embarking on coastal or mountain hikes, boating, canoeing, fishing or wine tasting.
For dining options less than a stumble away from the manor’s rooms, the renowned Cowshed Eatery and the Last Stance at Portland Arms Pub are also located at Portland Manor.
All standard rooms at Portland Manor are located on the first floor, with balconies from which guests can enjoy a hot drink while admiring the breathtaking views. Each room has a flat-screen TV, a heater and ceiling fans. Cotton linen with extra blankets, a luggage rack, a desk, a coffee station and a freestanding wardrobe round out the amenities for your comfort.
Until 31 July 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this stay.
- Deal: A one-night country-style B&B package for two
- Cost: R999 | Value is R1 700
- Location: Portion 30 of Farm Portland, 187 Rheenendal Road, Knysna
- Contact: 0673142127 | [email protected]
- Valid until: 31 July 2023
4. Pezula Nature Hotel & Spa, Knysna
Pezula Nature Hotel & Spa is located on South Africa’s stunning Garden Route, in a magnificent paradise of ancient indigenous forests, mountains, lakes and pristine beaches. Because of its proximity to the Knysna Lagoon and the Pezula Championship Golf Course, this hotel is a popular choice for travellers seeking ultimate relaxation and luxury.
The opulent suites at Pezula Hotel provide elevated views of the natural gardens and grounds, as well as distant views of the golf course, lagoon or ocean.
The HotZone area is available to all guests and includes an indoor heated pool, steam room, sauna and gym. The hotel’s outdoor pool presents guests with a scenic spot to relax and enjoy everything the Pool Club has to offer, including a cache of buoyant cushions.
Pezula Nature Hotel & Spa meets all accommodation requirements and if you allow yourself the opportunity, you’ll discover that it caters to all types of holidaymakers. Whether a fun family holiday or a romantic couple’s retreat, it’s a space that has it all. The elegant Sky Vista suite offers elevated views of lush natural gardens and grounds as well as distant views of the golf course, lagoon or ocean, giving you the best of both worlds.
Until 31 August 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this stay.
- Deal: A two-night stay for two people in Pezula Nature Hotel’s Sky Vista suite
- Cost: R5 990 | Value is R8 640
- Location: Lagoon View Drive, Sparrebosch, Knysna
- Contact: 044 302 3333 | [email protected]
- Valid until: 31 August 2023
5. Belvidere Manor, Knysna
Belvidere Manor is located in the lagoonside town of Knysna, offering comfortable self-catering accommodations in 34 detached cottages, a variety of dining options and beautiful natural surroundings.
The Manor House, built in 1849, is steeped in history and a magnificent example of Cape Georgian architecture. The on-site pub, The Bell Tavern, features a meticulously restored farm building. Two hectares of landscaped gardens surround the Manor House, tavern and cottages, enveloping the secluded Belvidere Estate.
The Lagoon Classic Cottage boasts stunning views of the lagoon and swimming pool and is the pinnacle of romantic getaways. Each cottage has a spacious lounge area, a comfortable bedroom, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom.
Amenities include a double bed, Wi-Fi access, a bathroom, tea and coffee-making facilities, a TV with a DVD player, ceiling fans, heaters and a fireplace.
Until 31 October 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this stay.
- Deal: A one-night stay for two people at Belvidere Manor
- Cost: R2 199 | Value is R3 100
- Location: 169 Lower Duthie Drive, Belvidere Estate, Knysna
- Contact: 021 023 3610 | [email protected]
- Valid until: 31 October 2023
6. The Greens Guest House, Knysna
Choose the Greens Guest House as your ultimate retreat to immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural wonders and lush beauty of the Garden Route.
This guest house showcases one of South Africa’s most biodiverse regions, where wildlife thrives in abundance, captivating visitors with its diverse array of creatures, big and small.
It is ideal for urban dwellers seeking solace and rejuvenation in the embrace of nature.
Until 31 August 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this stay.
- Deal: A one-night stay for two people at the Greens Guest House
- Cost: R1 199 | Value is R1 800
- Location: 44 Howard Street, Hunter Home, Knysna
- Contact: 087 057 1269 | [email protected]
- Valid until: 31 August 2023
7. Ocean View Cottages, Map of Africa, Wilderness
Map of Africa’s Ocean View Cottages offers lodging to accompany an escape to a natural beauty where pristine beaches, lagoons, rivers, cascading waterfalls and lush forests converge, creating an idyllic haven for nature lovers, outdoor adventurers and those seeking a getaway in harmony with the elements.
The cottages, which are situated on a tranquil 4.7-hectare farm overlooking the ocean, provide rustic yet comfortable accommodations. As you sip your morning coffee, take in the breathtaking views of the area and let the distant melody of crashing waves lull you into a state of relaxation as you unwind with a book in the evenings.
The cottage has a lovely patio where you can gaze out at the sea. A comfortable bedroom, a comfortable living room with a flat-screen TV, a kitchen with a fridge and a microwave for your convenience and a bathroom with a refreshing shower await you inside. Towels and bed linen are thoughtfully provided, ensuring a stress-free and relaxing stay in the cottage.
Until 30 October 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this stay.
- Deal: A self-catering seaside stay for three at Map of Africa
- Cost: R899 | Value is R1 450
- Location: 335 Remskoen Street, Wilderness
- Contact: 073 107 4353 | [email protected]
- Valid until: 30 October 2023
8. Dolphin Dunes Guest House, Wilderness
Dolphin Dunes Guest House is a beachfront residence that provides opulent accommodations overlooking pristine beaches. Experience the splendours of Wilderness as you relax on the guest house’s sea-facing sundeck, watching dolphins play in the surf.
Take leisurely strolls along the beach and through lush forests, or try your hand at canoeing on the tranquil lagoon. The wilderness has many wonders to discover.
The rooms are designed with spaciousness and refined elegance in mind, with meticulous attention to detail and views of either the sea or the park-like surroundings.
Enjoy breakfast at the guest house, which includes a selection of hot dishes and continental-style options, while observing ocean views, laying the groundwork for memorable moments to come.
Until 30 September 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this stay.
- Deal: An overnight seaside stay at Dolphin Dunes Guest House
- Cost: R950 | Value is R2 500
- Location: 1970/1971 Buxton Close, Wilderness
- Contact: 044 877 0204 | [email protected]
- Valid until: 30 September 2023
9. Treedom Villas, Wilderness
Staying in a Treedom Villa’s Vardos will transport you into the world of ‘Kings of the Road,’ where you will live in vibrantly painted, horse-drawn palaces, albeit without the horse. Craftsmanship and artistry are at the heart of each Vardos, each with its own unique personality that far exceeds the concept of a traditional waggon.
Each Vardos has been designed with romance, relaxation and a dash of magic in mind. Relax and dine within your personal greenhouse while lounging on the daybed or swinging on the moon swing.
Immerse yourself in the spellbinding gypsy magic experience that Treedom has meticulously woven into the design of each Vardo in order to create a truly bewitching escape.
Until 30 September 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this stay.
- Deal: A romantic one-night stay at Treedom Villas
- Cost: R1 099 | Value is R1 700
- Location: 248 Dune Mole Street, Langvlei Dunes Road, Wilderness
- Contact: 083 324 0080 | [email protected]
- Valid until: 30 September 2023
10. Lodge on the Lake
Indulge in nature’s untouched splendour while surrounded by the majestic Outeniqua Mountains and the lush landscapes of the Garden Route. The Lodge on the Lake is situated just minutes from the warm embrace of the Indian Ocean and the charming village of Wilderness.
Each room offers sophistication and comfort, each kitted out with a minibar, satellite TV, a safe for your security, extra blankets to cocoon yourself in warmth, a hairdryer and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
Until 1 July 2023, you can enjoy a special deal on this stay.
- Deal: A two-night lakeside stay for two at Lodge on the Lake
- Cost: R2 199 | Value is R3 700
- Location:746 North Street Wilderness
- Contact: 044 877 1097 | [email protected]
- Valid until: 1 July 2023
Also read:
15 cool things to do in Knysna, the jewel of the Garden Route
Picture: Portland Manor Knysna / Facebook