Hunter's Country House, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Anne and I visited Hunter's Country House in March 2007 which is a luxury small hotel located ten kilometres west of Plettenberg Bay in the Garden Route in South Africa.

Hunter's Country House is a family owned exclusive luxury hotel-a member of Relais and Chateaux hidden away in extensive grounds with a backdrop of the Tsitikamma Mountains.

Having left the main road we drove for some one and a half kilometres up a track to arrive at the gated entrance where, after providing brief details, the gates opened to allow access to the estate. After a few hundred yards we arrived at the front of Hunter's Country House to be immediately met outside by a member of staff who, after a warm greeting, escorted us to one of the lounges where we were provided with a complimentary pot of tea and biscuits whilst our luggage was removed from our car and taken to our luxurious suite.

All twenty three suites are located in mainly thatched cottages of varying sizes in the hotel's grounds. We were given an upgrade to a superior suite which was secluded a two minute walk from the main building. The suite had a delightful sitting area and was furnished with antiques and you had a real log fire which we lit in the evening. Our suite had air conditioning, mini bar, safe, tea and coffee making facilities, private terrace with table, chairs and sun beds overlooking manicured gardens. The en-suite bathroom was huge with a double ended bath and separate shower and luxurious toiletries plus bathrobes.

Being the romantic couple we like candles in our bedroom. Although there were a couple of large candles already in the room I asked reception if we could have a couple of tea lights. Upon our return to our suite they had filled the room with twenty one tea lights each in a glass holder! Wonderful.

Hunter's Country House has beautiful lounges to relax in furnished with antiques. The hotel has three dining rooms in the main building decorated and furnished in an exquisite baronial style-dinner was excellent both the service and the quality of the produce. There is also a dining room outside for al fresco dining. Breakfast was outstanding with so much choice from the cold table together with cooked food to order- I had scrambled egg which was the best I have ever had.

Hunter's Country House loves children. There is an area set aside for the little ones with a small paddling pool, sand pit, swing and a children's house to play in- I am not doing this area justice! The hotel have put so much thought into these facilities for the younger ones.

Also, for the grown ups, there is a delightful swimming pool set in manicured gardens surrounded by well thought out sitting areas and tables. Sun beds are laid out with towels.

Hunter's Country House has its own small church known as the "Chapel in the Forest" in the grounds which we looked around-needless to say you would love to hold your wedding ceremony their as a couple did whilst we were at the hotel.

The guest to staff ratio at the hotel is excellent with someone always on hand without being intrusive. The laundry service is most proficient.

Hunter's Country House is indeed a small luxury exclusive hotel which is not to be missed.

Enjoy!

Alan Hope

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