Bayside Lodge

B&bs in Plettenberg Bay Garden Route

Description

Set in a well-tended, tranquil, bird-friendly garden, warm South African hospitality and friendliness is our focus. Our guests? supreme comfort is of major importance and the warm, welcoming lodge is fully equipped to cater for every need. A brand-new, sparkling, fenced pool is set at the bottom of the sunny garden. A comfortable private guest lounge with a patio overlooking the swimming pool invites guests to
relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the "English Country" garden.

The property is security fenced and parking is secure off the street The lodge is a non-smoking establishment.
Children aged 12+ are welcome. A self-catering cottage is set apart from the main house and located in the garden. It has a private patio and braai area. Children aged 10 + may be accommodated with their parents in the cottage.

All the lodge?s rooms are fully equipped with colour DSTV, hair dryer, gowns, slippers digital safe, a well-stocked mini-bar and snack basket and tea and coffee making facilities, together with home-baked cookies. Beach towels in a handy carry basket are provided for use at the pool or the beach.

The main house is under-floor heated.

Bayside Lodge, so named for its location in Plettenberg Bay, its closeness to the beautiful bays that characterize the town and its featured bay windows, offers quality hospitality and accommodation to suite everyone's taste.

Set in a quiet residential area, Bayside Lodge is perfectly positioned with its proximity to Plett's magnificent beaches, the popular and unspoilt Robberg Nature Reserve, shopping centres, restaurants, sporting facilities (including world class golf courses) and is the perfect base from which to explore the Western Cape's Garden Route coast from Tsitsikamma in the East, Knysna, George, Mossel Bay in the West and the hinterland of the rugged and majestic Klein Karoo.

Peace, tranquility, charm, hospitality at its best, style, helpfulness, first class accommodation, outstanding, fantastic, premium quality, comfort, coziness, service excellence are just some of the words guests have used to describe their stay at Bayside Lodge. Your hostess, Linda strives to give all guests a memorable experience at this wonderful establishment through personal attention to detail, individual and personalised service combined with a warm, friendly and inviting atmosphere.

The guest lounge and patio overlooking the garden and pool is perfect for relaxing whilst leafing through one of our pictorial books, listening to the twittering of the birds or enjoying a sundowner on the patio which overlooks the garden and pool. Or, soak up the sun whilst relaxing at the salt-water swimming pool secluded at the bottom of the garden.

For your comfort, Bayside Lodge is a no-smoking, establishment.
For your peace of mind, it is securely fenced and offers safe, off-street parking.
Children under the age of 12 may be accommodated at our discretion. 

Accommodation

The entire house, which sleeps 10, may be booked on a self-catering basis for a minimum period of 3 weeks. Rate on application

Each of our spacious, well-appointed and luxurious bedrooms has been individually styled and decorated and
has a charm of its own
All are outfitted with:

• 100% Percale Linen;
• Colour TV with selected DSTV channels
• Tea/Coffee making facilities and home-baked cookies
• Well-stocked mini-bar fridge
• Snack basket
• Gowns
• Hair-dryer
• Digital safe

• King-size bed (convertible to twin beds)
• En-suite bathroom with Jacuzzi spa bath and shower
• Under-floor heating

• Main bedroom: King-size bed (convertible to twin beds)
• Second bedroom: Twin beds
• En-suite bathroom with bath, shower and twin basins

• Cottage with private entrance, patio and braai area
• Double bed
• Sleeper couch
• En-suite bathroom with shower
• Kitchenette with microwave, mini stove with oven, fridge, crockery and cutlery

Attractions

• Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre
• Whale and dolphin watching excursions
• Tours of:
  • Monkeyland, the largest primate sanctuary in the world and
  • Birds of Eden, the largest free flight aviary in the world
• Close encounters with elephants at one of the Elephant Parks
• Internationally renowned golf courses
• Sea kayaking and river trips
• Game drives and horse riding in the malaria free game reserves
• Discovering the delights of Robberg Nature Reserve
• Day hikes - there are many to choose from
• Exploring the forests at Tsitsikamma on foot or via a Tree Top Canopy Tour
• Experiencing the delights of the Storms River Mouth with its suspension bridge over mouth of the river
• And the ever popular Bungy jump of 216 metres from the Bloukrans River bridge
• Undertaking an excursion in Bayside Lodge's bus for an orientation tour of the town of Plett, the view sites and places of interest - complimentary to those staying for more than 3 nights.

OTHER ACTIVITIES
TENIKWA WILDLIFE AWARENESS CENTRE
Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre offer guests the opportunity for a close, safe, inter-active encounter with all of the lesser cats of South Africa, as well as Cheetah and Leopard. We guarantee sightings of African Wild Cat, Blackfooted Cat, Serval, Caracal, Cheetah and Leopard. Tenikwa also has a Meerkat Meander where visitors can see Meerkats and Tortoises and there is also a variety of indigenous waterfowl, Blue Cranes and Marabou Storks to delight bird watchers. Entrance fees fund Tenikwa's NPO Wildlife Rehabilitation and Release Programme.

Open 365 days a year. Amenities include a Tea Garden for light meals, Parking, Wheel-chair Friendly, Mothers Corner.

• CANOEING ON THE KEURBOOMS RIVER
  Rent a canoe in the Keurbooms River Nature Reserve - laze your way up river between high craggy rocks and deep verdant forest. A perfect opportunity for birding - the Garden Route boasts nearly 300 bird species (3 km / 5 minutes from Plett Central)
  
  
• GAME VIEWING
  Rhino, leopard, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and kudu - as well as other big mammals and more than 150 species of birds in their natural environment at Buffalo Hills Game Reserve & Lodges (15 km / 25 minutes from Plett Central) and Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve
  
  
  
  
• HIKING
  Plett is surrounded by nature reserves and National Parks - and has many well-maintained hikes and short walks scattered throughout the area.
  • The Robberg Nature Reserve is by far our most popular walking destination, with three trails between 45 minutes and 5 hours (9,2 km) in duration. Guided tours are also available (Robberg: 10 km / 10 minutes from Plett Central).
  • Other walks include Kranshoek, Garden of Eden, Nature's Valley, Wittedrift, Milkwood Trail (all within 20 km of Plett Central) and the various trails in the Tsitsikamma National Park (70 km from Plett Central).
  
  
• SCENIC DRIVES & DAY TRIPS
  Here are just a few:
  • Kranshoek picnic site - cliffs and sea (15 km / 20 minutes from Plett Central);
  • Garden of Eden - picnic site, circular walk and Big Tree (10 km / 10 minutes from Plett Central);
  • Prince Alfred Pass - a historical, gravelled pass between Plett on the coast and Uniondale in the semi-arid Klein Karoo (Plett to Uniondale 40 km; duration between 1 and 2 hours depending on road conditions);
  • Bloukrans Pass - beautiful tarred pass though indigenous forests (Plett to Nature's Valley 25 km / 30 minutes);
  
  
  
  
• STORMS RIVER
  Visit the Storms River area in the Tsitsikamma for experiences you'll never forget - Treetops Canopy Tours, abseiling, mountain biking, many more. Also in the Tsitsikamma area - visit The Fernery for its unique fern and restio nursery (60 km / 50 minutes from Plett Central).

• TSITSIKAMMA NATIONAL PARK
  Africa's oldest marine reserve, set up to protect the unique coastal environment where cold and warm currents meet and mingle to create an immensely rich variety of underwater species, Tsitsikamma National Park is 60 km / 50 minutes from Plett Central.
  
  
• WHALE WATCHING, MARINE SAFARIS & BOAT CRUISES
  Both Ocean Safaris and Ocean Blue offer marine safaris from Central Beach - three to four times a day, seven days a week (depending on sea and weather conditions). These 2 hour-long tours begin with an exhilarating beach launch; life jackets, windbreakers and refreshments are provided.
  Minke Whales, orca (killer whales) and Bryde's whales can be seen throughout the year - as can dolphins, Cape fur seals and many other marine mammals. The migratory whales (southern rights and humpbacks) come to the shallow, protected waters of Plettenberg Bay to mate and calve during 'Whale Season,' between June and November (Central Beach boat launch site: 2 km / 2 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
• GOLF
  Golf is one of the most popular attractions in Plett - please remember to book your tee-off time (we'll be happy to help you):
  • Plettenberg Bay Country Club - 18 hole par 72 (5 km / 5 minutes from Plett Central).
  • Goose Valley- 18 hole par 72 (5 km / 5 minutes from Plett Central).
  ... And there number of fine championship courses within easy driving distance, too. Like Pezula in Knysna (35 km / 35 minutes) and Fancourt in George (100 km / 75 minutes).
  
  
• BEACHES
  Plettenberg Bay's beaches span more than 15 km of the Indian Ocean's shore.
  Swimming at:
  • Central Beach - often the busiest beach in Plett. Life guards on duty in season. Central Beach is the launch site for Marine Safaris, dive charters and ocean kayaking tours and facilities include restaurants, bars, public toilets and the local National Sea Rescue Station. (2 km / 2 minutes from Plett Central);
  • Lookout Beach - situated between Lookout Rocks and the mouth of the Bitou River, it boasts a popular restaurant, public toilets and plenty of parking (2 km / 2 minutes from Plett Central).
  • Robberg Beach - popular for long, long walks, Robberg Beach stretches for kilometres between the Robberg Peninsula and Beacon Island. Facilities include public toilets and various parking areas - the closest is 2 km / 2 Minutes from Plett Central.
  • Keurbooms Beach - a little wilder, but equally beautiful. Facilities include a restaurant, public toilets and parking (10 km / 15 from Plett Central).
  
  
• RESTAURANTS
  Local restaurants offer everything from fine cuisine to light meals, and there's one to suite every taste. We'll be happy to help you decide ...
  
  
• BOWLS
  Our local bowls clubs welcomes guests.
  
  
  
  
• BUNGI JUMPING
  Overcome your fears - Face Adrenalin. At 216 metres and with a 7-second free fall, the Bloukrans River Bridge near Plett has the highest commercial bungi jump in the world. (Bloukrans River Bridge Bungi Site: 45 km / 40 minutes from Plett Central).

• CYCLING
  Mountain biking is popular in the Knysna, Harkerville and Tsitsikamma forests. Local bike shops hire, sell and service bikes and some bike tours are also available. Some of the most popular rides are at the Garden of Eden in Harkerville (20 km / 20 minutes from Plett Central)
  
  
• DIVING & SNORKELLING
  The rich marine life of Plettenberg Bay makes for excellent diving and snorkelling. Two local companies offer dive charters and advice on where to snorkel:
  • Beacon Isle Adventure Centre (in the Beacon Isle Hotel: 3 km / 5 minutes from Plett Central);
  • Diving International (on Central Beach: 2 km / 2 minutes from Plett Central),
  A popular and easy snorkelling trail has been laid out in the sea in the Tsitsikamma National Park (60 km / 50 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
• FISHING AND ANGLING
  Good rock angling sites include Nature's Valley, Keurbooms, Lookout Rocks, Beacon Island and Robberg Beach. Rock anglers can expect to catch Galjoen, Elf, Roman or Steenbras. Deep Sea anglers may expect Tuna, Leervis, Hake and Calamari (seasonal).
  
  
• FISHING CHARTERS
  Fishing charters depart from Central Beach (2 km - 2 minutes from Plett Central).
  • African Fishing Adventures offers boat-based fly fishing, early evening game fishing, traditional line fishing experiences, etc.
  • Plett Fishing Charters and Bay Cruises offer traditional deep sea fishing and salt water fly fishing.
  
  
• HORSE RIDING
  Forest outrides and horse trails are available (stables: 15 km / 15 minutes from Plett Central. Horses are not allowed on beaches in Plett).
  
  
• POLO
  Plett is South Africa's Mecca of Polo. Tournaments are played at Bitou House and Kurland during Easter, December and January. Polo practice continues throughout the year.
  • Bitou House Polo (5 km / 7 minutes from Plett Central)
  • Kurland (20 km / 20 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
• SEA KAYAKING
  Close up encounters with whales, dolphins, seals and sea birds (Central Beach boat launch site - 2 km / 2 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
• SKYDIVING
  Experience the thrill of human flight - jump out of a plane at 10 000 ft attached by harness to a qualified instructor (Plett Airport 10 km / 12 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
• SURFING
  Surfboards and tuition are available at Central Beach (2 km / 2 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
• TENNIS
  Our local tennis club welcomes visitors.
  
  
• WATER SKIING
  Ski Boats boat charters are available on the Keurbooms River (Keurbooms River Jetty: 5 km / 7 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
• ART GALLERIES
  Collect a map from the information centre in Plettenberg Bay and follow the Plettenberg Bay Arts & Crafts / Historical Route.
  
  
• BEAUTY THERAPIES
  Pamper yourself - Plett's boasts a number of Day spas and internationally qualified hair stylists. Your host at Bayside Lodge, Linda, will gladly advise and book appointments whilst you're here.
  
  
• BIRDS OF EDEN
  The world's largest single-span aviary, Birds of Eden houses more than 3,000 previously-caged indigenous and exotic birds. Birds of Eden aims to become home to the world's largest collection of African birds in a free-flight aviary (at Monkeyland: 18 km / 20 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
  
  
• CHILDREN'S ATTRACTIONS
  For the children - a well-laid out skateboard and trick bike track as well as Wild Waters Fun Park with water slides, mini golf and mini steam train rides.
  
  
• GUIDED TOWNSHIP TOURS
  Visit Khayalethu, a cultural village and African craft market and enjoy an informative hour of Xhosa traditions.
  
  
• GUIDED OR UNGUIDED COASTAL AND FOREST WALKS
  Our guide, Hans, is an expert on the local flora and fauna and guarantees a day not to be forgotten. 

• ELEPHANT SANCTUARY
  Meet the elephants at the Elephant Sanctuary at The Crags (18 km / 20 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
• KEURBOOMS RIVER FERRIES
  1 ½ to 2 ½ hour boat cruises up the Keurbooms River, including a short walk in the Keurbooms Nature Reserve - a bird lover's paradise (3 km / 5 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
• KNYSNA ELEPHANT PARK
  Meet young, orphaned animals can in a controlled, free-range environment (10 km / 10 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
• LAWNWOOD SNAKE SANCTUARY
  Hour-long guided tours of the Sanctuary's indigenous snake pit, Snake Dome (with South African & exotic snakes) and the Giant Python Room (15 km / 15 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
• MONKEYLAND
  The world's only multi species, free roaming primate sanctuary is home to animals from several continents. The primates here were all originally bred in captivity or held captive prior to their release at Monkeyland. Visitors may enjoy guided walking safaris. Next door to the Birds of Eden free-flight aviary (16 km - 20 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
• NYATI jjj MAMPOER DISTILLERY
  Nyati jjj Liqueurs are made from Mampoer - Africa's potent, traditional, citrus-based spirit. Visit the Nyati Distillery at Buffalo Hills Game Reserve near Plettenberg Bay where Mampoer is steeped in a variety of fruits to create liquors that capture the flavour of Africa. Distillery tours and mampoer tastings are offered free of charge to casual visitors and are included in all safari game drives at Buffalo Hills (15 km / 30 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
• RIVER BOAT RIDES
  Hire a motorboat from the Angling Club to explore the Keurbooms River (5 km / 7 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
• SCENIC FLIGHTS AND CHARTERS
  African Ramble offers scenic, whale watching and charter flights from Plett Airport (10 km / 12 minutes from Plett Central).
  
  
• SHOPPING
  Plettenberg Bay offers two shopping areas: The Main Road (Plett Central) and the Market Square mall - both boasting a host of various shops and restaurants. The town of Knysna (30 km / 25 minutes from Plett Central) is also a popular shopping destination.

TGCSA Star Grading

Facilities

• 100% Percale Linen;
• Colour TV with selected DSTV channels
• Tea/Coffee making facilities and home-baked cookies
• Well-stocked mini-bar fridge
• Snack basket
• Gowns
• Hair-dryer
• Digital safe

Each of the roomy en-suite bathrooms is supplied with soft, fluffy white towels, face cloths, shower caps, soaps, shampoo and hand lotion.

Beach / swimming towels are provided and beach umbrellas and beach games are available for guests' use

A sumptuous English and Continental breakfast is served in the warm and sunny diningroom of the main lodge.

ADSL wi-fi internet access is available.
Guest laundry service on request

Accommodation

• 100% Percale Linen;
• Colour TV with selected DSTV channels
• Tea/Coffee making facilities and home-baked cookies
• Well-stocked mini-bar fridge
• Snack basket
• Gowns
• Hair-dryer
• Digital safe

• Our largest room
• King-size bed
• En-suite bathroom with shower
• Private sitting room
• Under-floor heating

• King-size bed (convertible to twin beds)
• En-suite bathroom with Jacuzzi spa bath and shower
• Under-floor heating

• Main bedroom: King-size bed (convertible to twin beds)
• Second bedroom: Twin beds
• En-suite bathroom with bath, shower and twin basins

• Cottage with private entrance, patio and braai area
• Double bed
• Sleeper couch
• En-suite bathroom with shower
• Kitchenette with microwave, mini stove with oven, fridge, crockery and cutlery

Directions