Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route, South Africa

Tatler Travel 2002 – Runner-Up Hotel of the Year

Kurland is undisputedly the most desirable address on the Garden Route. Kurland is a gem; a secluded hideaway that will provide the most discerning guest with the absolute freedom of space and luxurious comfort to indulge their senses. Handcrafted by Baroness Dianne Behr, the hotel is nestled on a secluded private estate at the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains, just minutes from the finest beaches of Natures Valley and Plettenberg Bay. This privately owned and managed luxury boutique hotel has only twelve rooms, so exclusivity is guaranteed. Each room is unique, and superbly decorated to provide gracious comfort for the entire family. Ten of the rooms have adjoining loft rooms, specifically designed for children. This is a family paradise, to enjoy the freedom of the majestic 700ha polo estate, with dedicated children’s playrooms, dining, pools and play areas.

Fine dining coupled with personalised service from our executive chef Ian Bergh, provides the ambience to ensure that the most discerning guest has an indulgent experience. The historic dining room at Kurland, which is always adorned with roses and candles, creates an intimate and romantic backdrop to enjoy exquisitely presented culinary delights from a constantly evolving menu.

The courtyard terrace is a more relaxed oasis serving summer breakfasts, lunch, and dinners. The lunchtime food is casual and uncomplicated teamed with an extensive wine list.

The Kurland Polo Pavilion is a beautifully architected building in a majestic setting on the 700ha Kurland Polo Estate. Enjoy watching world-class polo, and mingling with the chic and famous polo-set celebrated classics, whilst sipping a cocktail or two at the champagne bars. The Polo Patisserie coffee shop boasts freshly baked delights, whilst the restaurant serves delicious food from dawn to late in polo season. With the luxury of space and great eats from the Pavilion Restaurant, it is an ideal venue for intimate private celebrations, weddings, to large scale conferences, concerts and product launches.

Children

TOP OF THE TOTS - WHY KURLAND’S COOL FOR KIDS!
Beside the fine sandy beaches of Tsitsikamma National Park, Nature’s Valley and Plettenberg Bay, Kurland is a luxury boutique hotel and every adult’s dream of an exclusive retreat, and yet; look beyond the obvious and this is a treasure trove of fun and discovery for children.

Why is it so special? Check out our top ten reasons to treat your children…

1. Ten of the bedrooms have loft rooms especially designed for children - think Alice in Wonderland style miniature beds, chairs and bathrobes. Some rooms even have private plunge pools for those hot Cape summer evenings.

2. Waterbabies can splash away to their hearts’ content in a specially constructed, heated swimming pool and burn off excess energy in the adjoining Jungle Gym.

3. Big kids can burn rubber exploring the grounds by quad-bike or mountain bike; whilst younger siblings can hitch a ride on the wagon along the forest trails or be chauffeured around on the baby seats attached to mum and dad’s bicycles.

4. Inspired by Wimbledon, coaching and tennis matches are played on the centre court in the outdoor children's area.

5. With Kurland’s long association with polo, anything equestrian is possible: from feeding and grooming the Shetland ponies to hacking on the exceptionally well-behaved horses.

6. Escape from the sun to the enormous playroom, stuffed full of toys for all ages, DVDs and videos, Sony Play Station 2 games and a snooker table. Trained nannies are available to keep charge of the under-age gang, if required.

7. In peak season, an enthusiastic Activities Coordinator arranges a superb daily activity programme, according to age group, from face-painting to farm walks.

8. After all the activity, junior Gordon Ramseys and Delia Smiths-to-be are treated to a delicious daily children’s menu in the conservatory (separate from the main restaurant) where they can feast upon treats to their taste.

9. Mum and Dad get to escape for some solitude in the spa, the stunning grounds, or simply in their room: so everyone feels like they’ve had a holiday.

10. And best of all, between August – November 2006 & 2007, CHILDREN STAY FREE!