Review: Barefoot luxury at The Bungalow, Plett

Barefoot luxury at The Bungalow, Plett

By Nadine Carroll, Living It Up CT

The summer season is here, and I can’t think of anything better than a beach holiday! Just imagine… a week or two of lazy beach days, soaking up the sun, cool ocean dips, and sand between your toes, sipping cocktails and living that chilled beach life.

If you’re a thalassophile like me (a lover of the ocean), then it’s time to head to Plettenberg Bay, the idyllic oceanside jewel located in South Africa’s glorious Garden Route. Scooping the title of ‘Africa’s Leading Beach Destination’ in the 2020 World Travel Awards, the popular seaside town is inviting you to get your beach vibes on this summer at the best address in Plett.

A recent stay at the uber-luxurious, laid-back The Bungalow, Plett gave me all the summer feels. As part of the Cape Summer Villas Boutique Collection, this 5-star boutique bed and breakfast occupies one of the best locations in Plettenberg Bay and is literally a hop, skip and a jump away from beautiful Hobie Beach.

Despite a jam-packed itinerary, time was set aside to relax at The

Bungalow and really get into those summer beach vibes. There is so much to love about this laid-back yet stylish seaside boutique “bungalow” that you may never want to leave. The Bungalow ticks all the right boxes when it comes to the best of beachside living, no flip-flops required!

Luxurious accommodation

The Bungalow offers seven room options, either sea- or cliff-facing, all luxuriously appointed in calming hues of greys, greens and blues with bespoke amenities. These include Nespresso coffee machines, complimentary WiFi, Netflix, mini bar and eco-friendly Healing Ocean toiletries. I stayed in a sea-facing room with sliding doors that opened onto a private patio, complete with a hanging chair and mesmerising views of Hobie Beach peeping through the lush Milkwood trees.

The Spot is a luxury double-storey self-catering Villa that is perfect for families. Featuring a main bedroom, open-plan shower and bath area upstairs (the freestanding bath is to die for!), you’ll find the fully equipped kitchenette and open plan lounge below, along with a second bathroom and four sleeping pods. These pods are just about the cutest beds for kids I’ve ever seen, although most adults fit comfortably too. The sliding doors lead onto a private deck with a hammock and barbeque area, perfect for entertaining and enjoying balmy summer evenings with family and friends.

The Bungalow Beach Villa comprises three apartments: The Cove (the honeymoon suite) with en-suite bathroom and small lounge; The Beach with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and communal lounge on the ground floor; and The Bay, a self-catering apartment with two bedrooms, a large lounge, a dining room and a fully fitted kitchen on the first floor. These have added to the beguiling beachside charm of The Bungalow.

Life’s a beach

Location, location, location! The Bungalow arguably has the best location in Plettenberg Bay. A stone’s throw from the water’s edge, wake up to breathtaking views of Hobie Beach and the ocean. A turn to the right will lead you to popular Central Beach, a mecca for water sports lovers and beach bunnies alike. There is no better start to the day than a refreshing dip in the ocean before heading back to The Bungalow for a delicious breakfast. The trendy plunge pool is another way to cool off while sipping on a cocktail from the bar.

Boasting 20 kilometres of picturesque Indian Ocean coastline and pristine,

sandy beaches, early morning beach walks and sunset strolls are a must.

The Restaurant & Bar

The vibrant Restaurant & Bar is the place to be at The Bungalow. Soak up the summer sun on the sea-facing upper viewing deck with ocean views for days or stay cool on the lower restaurant deck beside the plunge pool. The small a la carte menu off ers fresh items such as sushi, delicious thin-crust pizza and beer-battered hake & calamari. I tried one of each and they were all super tasty and fresh. Add a colourful cocktail or chilled glass of wine to your meal and simply enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and gorgeous ocean views.

And… relax

The Bungalow has a variety of peaceful spaces where you can fi nd your Zen and chill. Relax to the soothing sounds of the ocean while swaying in a hammock or lose yourself with a good book and glass of wine in hand. Inviting swinging chairs and outdoor couches beneath the shade of the indigenous Milkwood trees are perfect for relaxing in comfort and style.

An intimate, tranquil space on the rock cliff -face side of the property off ers a cosy fi re boma area which is ideal for entertaining. We enjoyed a fantastic evening getting to know our hosts around the fi re, with an introduction to Durbanville Hills superb new Collectors Reserve range and a sumptuous prawn braai.

Package deals

Package Deals are off ered at either Sky Villa Boutique Hotel, their exclusive 5-star sister property in Plettenberg Bay or The Bungalow, Plett. Packages are for two adults sharing for two nights, with accommodation (include breakfasts) at either property – the choice is yours. All the packages are valid from 10 January to 30 September 2022.

• Package 1: Stay and Play includes a R500 Sky food and beverage voucher, a round of

Golf at the signature Gary Player designed 18-hole, 72-par Goose

Valley Golf Course, plus Golf

Cart. Valued at R5 000.

• Package 2: Perfect Date includes a bottle of Bramon

Blanc de Blanc MCC on arrival, a R1 000 Sky dinner voucher and a romantic 60 min Thai Oil couples massage, courtesy of

Royal Thai Plett (off site). Valued at R5 200.

• Package 3: A Taste of Plett includes a bottle of Bramon

Blanc de Blanc MCC on arrival and a Nineteen89 experience (R500 voucher), a Bramon experience (R500 voucher) and a Golden Palm experience (R500 voucher). Valued at

R4 900.

• Package 4: The Plett Feel Good includes a bottle of Bramon

Blanc de Blanc MCC on arrival and a ‘Walk with the Elephants’ or a Tenikwa private tour (2 hours). Valued at

R4 800.

Sky Villa Boutique Hotel T: +27 (0)87 550 2967 E: info@skyvilla.co.za

The Bungalow T: +27 (0)82 077 0260 E: info@thebungalowplett.co.za www.capesummervillas.co.zawin! Stand the chance of winning a midweek break a getaway valued at R8 280 for two people sharing a sea-facing room at The Bungalow, Plett, breakfast included.

TO ENTER:

Scan the QR code with your phone or fill in the entry form for The Bungalow Plett at mediaxpose.co.za/6-rove-sa-competitions.

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