Hunter's Country House

Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

Virgin rating

Forest Suite pool area
Garden Suite
Dining Room
Boma area
Forest Suite pool area
Garden Suite
Dining Room
Boma area

The hotel

This grand estate on the Garden Route feels more like a charming English cottage in a secret garden – albeit one with a more balmy temperature fit for dips in its garden pool and al fresco dining on the lawns. A beautiful boutique retreat, Hunter’s Country House hides in the forests and hills between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay – two of the route’s most popular pit stops – with some of its nearest neighbours being the residents of Knysna Elephant Park. For children and teenagers, there’s their very own private recreational area, Cub's Corner, with everything necessary to keep them more than happy whilst parents enjoy some quality time together. A wine cellar houses some of the Cape’s finest Estate wines and there are three baronial dining rooms and an estate restaurants where guests can sample gastronomic cuisine by candlelight. Suites are very well equipped indeed and all individually decorated with antique furnishings, fire places, private patios, some with their own pools and panoramic views of the forest. Local activities include wine tasting, whale and dolphin spotting and forest picnics (make sure you order a hamper from the hotel before you set off!) For sun, sea and sand, there are countless beautiful beaches all within easy driving distance.

Amenities

  • Bar
  • Children’s Playground
  • Safety Deposit Box
  • Restaurant

Where is it

Situated in a lush garden and forest setting along the magnificent Garden Route of the Western Cape, this ‘Home in Africa’ is picturesquely framed by the magnificent Tsitsikamma Mountains. Just 10kms and a 10-minute drive from the beautiful resort town of Plettenberg Bay. Transfer time from Port Elizabeth: 3 hours 30 minutes.

Hotel information

18 guest suites and cottages. All individually designed with private patios, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, satellite TV, WiFi access, tea/coffee maker, mini-bar*, safe, hairdryer, bathrobes. Terrace Rooms are situated close to the main building, with 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Orchard Suites are located around the main pool area and include a fireplace and 1 king-size bed, sleeping maximum 2 adults.

Garden and Pool Suites are also available.

3 intimate baronial dining rooms and ZINZI restaurant (international cuisine). Conservatory (where breakfast is served). Wine cellar, Swimming pool, garden terraces, sun lounge. Main lounge with library. Private children’s recreational area with shallow swimming pool, a TV and video games room, jungle gym and thatch-covered sandpit. Teenagers recreation room with TV games, pool table, darts, library. Scenic walks and private forest trails. Complimentary WIFI hotspots in all public areas.

* Denotes local charge.

Rating summary

  • Sleep Quality Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Location Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Rooms Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Service Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Value Image of the Tripadvisor rating
  • Cleanliness Image of the Tripadvisor rating

Traveller rating

  • Excellent (369)
  • Very good (39)
  • Average (6)
  • Poor (6)
  • Terrible (2)
Image of the Tripadvisor rating A perfect stay in the most beautiful place.

Dec 4, 2023 V5326ROsamanthac

From the moment we drove through the gates we new we was in for a beautiful stay, the grounds are immaculate and so peaceful. We was greeted by Patrick who was super friendly and gave us a lovely glass of champagne in the lounge before showing us around the beautiful house and our room. Everything about our stay was perfect, the food is incredible… Read more
From the moment we drove through the gates we new we was in for a beautiful stay, the grounds are immaculate and so peaceful. We was greeted by Patrick who was super friendly and gave us a lovely glass of champagne in the lounge before showing us around the beautiful house and our room. Everything about our stay was perfect, the food is incredible especially Zinzi! But book in advance as it gets super busy as does Tsala. A perfect stay whilst in Plettenburg. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Nice stay but expected more for price paid

Nov 25, 2023 Samantha M

We went here on our honeymoon. When we arrived it had been raining for a few days. This meant the thatched roofs gave off a musty smell when drying and we found the cottage we stayed in to be dark and a bit dated. The grounds were beautiful but for us the location was a bit quiet. There was an honesty bar but no hotel bar and you could walk in the… Read more
We went here on our honeymoon. When we arrived it had been raining for a few days. This meant the thatched roofs gave off a musty smell when drying and we found the cottage we stayed in to be dark and a bit dated. The grounds were beautiful but for us the location was a bit quiet. There was an honesty bar but no hotel bar and you could walk in the dark to the other restaurants on the site but it was suggested that we drive there which we didn’t want to do as we both wanted to have a drink. The walk back from the treetop restaurant was very dark and not well signposted. The breakfast was nice and the staff could not have been more helpful but overall we didn’t find there was much atmosphere and for the money we paid we expected our cottage to be much nicer. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Beautiful hotel

Nov 18, 2023 suzannejanenichols

This was the most beautiful hotel we have ever stayed in (and we have stayed in a few!). The grounds are absolutely stunning, the facilities everything you would expect from a 5 star hotel but its the staff who make the difference. Nothing is too much trouble for them. We loved the character of the country house, so in keeping with the area and… Read more
This was the most beautiful hotel we have ever stayed in (and we have stayed in a few!). The grounds are absolutely stunning, the facilities everything you would expect from a 5 star hotel but its the staff who make the difference. Nothing is too much trouble for them. We loved the character of the country house, so in keeping with the area and its history. We will return in the future, its just such a shame that for us its so far away! Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Very enjoyable stay in an elegant hotel

Sep 17, 2023 KarenW710 Palo Alto, California

We enjoyed our stay here, despite the lousy weather. The service was excellent, and the ambiance was very nice. We stayed in a bungalow, which we took full advantage of with the rainy weather. We had fires in our fireplace two of the nights we were there, and also had room service so we wouldn’t have to venture out. The bathroom was spacious… Read more
We enjoyed our stay here, despite the lousy weather. The service was excellent, and the ambiance was very nice. We stayed in a bungalow, which we took full advantage of with the rainy weather. We had fires in our fireplace two of the nights we were there, and also had room service so we wouldn’t have to venture out. The bathroom was spacious with a claw foot tub. I didn’t use it, but could imagine using it if we had stayed longer. My only complaint was that the heater in the room didn’t work well, but they did put hot water bottles in our bed each night. There were other nice touches like a poem placed on the bed each night, and a sweet placed under a bell jar on each side of the bed. The breakfasts were very good, and included a buffet as well as hot breakfasts. The grounds were lovely, and the restaurants on the property were very good. Again, my only complaint was that the dining rooms were too chilly. Read less
Image of the Tripadvisor rating Wonderful place

Apr 10, 2023 berkshire_nomads Wokingham, United Kingdom

This wasn't the best room we stayed in in South Africa nor was the restaurant the best. However the two together make this the best place we stayed. The hotel is in a beautiful private garden, very peaceful and secluded. The room we have was very nice without being anything spectacular. The restaurant was excellent, very refined preparation of… Read more
This wasn't the best room we stayed in in South Africa nor was the restaurant the best. However the two together make this the best place we stayed. The hotel is in a beautiful private garden, very peaceful and secluded. The room we have was very nice without being anything spectacular. The restaurant was excellent, very refined preparation of local ingredients such as Springbok, which we had and was excellent. Service superb as well, as so often in South Africa. Location is ideal with Knysna and Plettenburg quite close. Read less