KURLAND HOTEL Fit for royalty

TIME AND MOMENTS WITH LEXUS KURLAND HOTEL

FIT FOR ROYALTY

by RUBIN VAN NIEKERK and ALAN SAMONS LEXUS RX 350 EX

Many years ago, a very dear friend of ours gave Alan a book entitled Shabby Chic by Rachel Ashwell. The beautiful book is packed with ideas for creating beautiful interiors with antiques, chandeliers and painted furniture that look lived in, yet elegant. Kurland fits this look to a tee.

The world famous Garden Route is magnificent and driving from George to Kurland takes anything from an hour and a half to a day as there is so much to see. If you are lucky enough to drive a Lexus RX 350 EX then a multitude of distractions should entice you off the beaten path.

Ample ground clearance promises that no secret places remain out of reach. Our quest took us along quaint twisty roads with enchanting views and into the mist that often wraps this landscape in mystery. A superb suspension ensures a marvellous ride without compromising cornering capability, while the longer wheelbase ensures spaciousness as well as luxurious comfort. With 221 kW and the slickest 8-speed transmission, optimal responsiveness is a no-brainer. Ten-way adjustable front seats have enhanced pelvic and thigh support and the seat heating ventilation have been optimised with a nifty new feature called Climate Concierge which integrates it with the ventilation system.

We glided over charming dirt roads into the forests and

valleys and over mountain roads in search of the rare and unusual. Such beautiful places are worthy of exploration with an all-rounder like the RX 350.

Plettenberg Bay is irresistible and we have spent almost two decades discovering its secrets. Every time we arrive at Kurland Hotel, we receive a warm greeting from owner Peter Behr and his incomparable staff. There’s no stiff formality here. Guests are treated as friends who just happen to stay over at the family’s polo farm. There’s a comfortable informality to Kurland that is hard to find in today’s world of chrome and glass minimalism. And that elegant homeliness is what sets this property apart. It doesn’t have to pretend. It has the heritage.

What was once the original family home, built almost a hundred years ago, houses the lounge, library, restaurant and large verandah. Accommodation is spacious and utterly luxurious. Guests are assured of a good night’s sleep snuggled in roomy beds covered with the finest quality bedding. Bathrooms are huge and underfloor heating ensures warm feet even on the coldest days. Rooms also have fireplaces for added luxe and warmth. Kurland is blessed with a Mediterranean climate, so it rarely gets to be freezing cold here. Summers are balmy and guests can make the most of the divine weather by lounging on their private patios or at the pool with something cool to drink.

Kurland has a fascinating history. More than half a century ago, Baron Peter Behr purchased the estate near Nature’s Valley and Plettenberg Bay, which he named Kurland after the Baltic province where he was born. In 2000, his grandson Peter, and his wife Dianne, transformed the family homestead into a luxury boutique hotel. Situated in The Crags, the expansive estate with its world-class polo facilities and accommodation is set gemlike amid some of the most gorgeous natural scenery on the Garden Route.

The main house is indeed old, but the newer buildings are in a similar Cape Dutch style, and they look as though they have been here for many years. Sitting on the verandah one can imagine the passage of generations and the history contained within these walls.

Each of the twelve suites is individually decorated with family heirlooms and objets d’art from all over the globe. Original artwork graces the walls. The Luxury and Superior Suites all have private loft rooms that are specially furnished for children with their own en suite bathrooms. The Luxury Suites have secluded courtyards and water features whilst the Superior Suites all have private pools, which enjoy magnificent views of the estate.

Taking a stroll around the property and

visiting the paddocks is always a highlight for us, as we both love horses and the polo ponies housed here are beautiful creatures. One gave us a bit of a silly show, rolling around on her back and generally acting in a similar goofy manner to our dog, Onyx. Another pony came up and enjoyed a good tickle.

Guests can explore the property by quad bike, and can also arrange horse rides, but by far the best is just to simply grab a hat and go for a stroll.

One of our favourite activities is eating and Katharina’s executive chef, Leon Coetzee, serves some fantastic fare. Meals can be enjoyed in the dining room, but also on the patio, in the library, or your room, should the mood take you. A large fireplace takes pride of place in the dining room and the tables are set beautifully – ours was presided over by a large porcelain rabbit, an old ’friend’ who seems to pop up on our table every time we visit. With excellent suppliers of quality produce literally on their doorstep, and an organic herb and vegetable garden, the chef has access to the best ingredients from which to create

magical food. By all means, leave room for dessert – we had the best chocolate fondant ever!

Kurland is perfectly situated as a base from which to explore this beautiful part of the Eastern Cape. Adrenalin junkies can go bungee jumping or choose from a variety of outdoor activities ranging from skydiving, to scuba. Monkeyland and Birds of Eden are close by and we can highly recommend Birds of Eden. This, the largest free-flying aviary in the world, is most definitely worth a visit. A two-hectare enclosed forest is home to an astounding array of birds. Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre offers a truly unique wildcat experience. Guests are taken on a guided tour to meet captive-bred felines living in a semi-natural environment.

Plett is just down the road and affords a bit of shopping, good restaurants and great beaches. Do stop at Old Nick’s Village on the N2 for a gander. We often buy gifts here, or at Global Village down Piesang Valley Road. Once you’ve been to Kurland, we guarantee you’ll be back. www.kurland.co.za