Milkwood Manor on Sea “A world apart”
A world apart, where nature reigns supreme, on the edge of the ocean in the most desirable location on the Garden Route is Milkwood Manor on Sea. This 4-star guest house lies at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac, on a small peninsula jutting into both Indian Ocean and Keurbooms Lagoon’s mouth; guests awaken to the sound of surf and seagulls’ cry – a world apart, yet a mere minute’s drive from the town centre and its trendy shops.
Guests delight in the exquisite unimpeded 180º vistas of ocean, sandy beaches and a lagoon stretching from the Manor to forested hills that hug the Tsitsikamma Mountains; a panoramic view can be enjoyed from the roof deck, and the rotating 360º webcam allows family and friends to catch a glimpse of the beauty being enjoyed by their loved ones.
Classic Georgian elegance, yet informal and friendly, there is an irristible thread drawing guests into the Manor which boasts a double-storeyed airy foyer lounge off which lead two spacious bedrooms each with a private patio lapped by the incoming tide. Upstairs is a second guest lounge and a further 9 well-appointed bedrooms, seven of which each have a private balcony with views of the ocean or lagoon cove.
Uncapped free wi-fi; off-street parking, car wash service, the use of a double kayak to explore the winding Keurbooms River or the tranquil beach a mere stone’s throw across the river – a popular escape to peace and solitude; adjacent coves, created in part by nature tempt guests to take a dip in the fresh ocean water surrounding the Manor, are but some of what makes a stay here a unique experience.
Overnight guests enjoy the generous breakfasts served on the terrace of the Lemon Grass – any closer to the water and they’d be in a boat!
The award-wining restaurant serving international cuisine is a sought-after dining experience for lunch and dinner for both locals and visitors and booking is essential for dinner.
Children from the age of 8 years are welcome but no pets are permitted as the Manor has two resident cats which hold themselves aloof but are a feature that fascinate the guests.
The Garden Route, Plettenberg Bay and the surrounding area are world renowned for the selection of attractions that can be enjoyed. Guests can spend many days here and not lack for interesting and entertaining things to do.
The Manor is owner run and managed; Kees is always at hand to share his knowledge of the area, making guests’ stay a memorable one. English, Afrikaans, German and Dutch are spoken.
About Plettenberg Bay:
With its situation in Plettenberg Bay, The Manor is central to the largest selection of attractions along the Garden Route. They are spread along the coast from Knysna, a thirty-minute drive west, to the furthest point of the Tsitsikamma Forest – an equally short drive east. In-between are subjects of interest that have kept our guests busy for up to three weeks!
Beaches:
Plettenberg Bay is perfect for lazy days on the beach. The scenery is stunning, the weather is hot without being humid, the sea is warm enough to swim in and the waves perfect for body boarding.
Pletteberg Bay: Activities
Whale Watching:
Plettenberg Bay justly lays claim to the title of the South African Whale Watching Capital. The whales arrive in the bay from the Antarctic to calve in the warmer water from July until November. There is a species of whale that may be viewed throughout the year, when in the bay. Dolphins are around throughout the year and seals have their own colony of several thousand on a rocky outcrop protruding into the sea called Robberg (a “rob” is the Afrikaans word for “seal”). Boats take groups of some twenty tourists at a time for a two-hour trip out to sea.
Fishing Info, Kayaking, Boating:
Fishing boats take some five tourists at a time for a five-hour sea-trip. The fish one catches is one’s own. One could also take a guided kayak trip with Dolphin Adventures Sea kayaking. There is FREE use of kayaks for guest staying at Milkwood Manor, to explore the lagoon and beaches. Alternatively, one may rent a canoe or small motor boat and go up the river inland by oneself. One is charged by the hour. The rivers are safe to swim in. A sailing boat may be chartered for sailing on Knysna Lagoon and out to sea
Golf:
Plett has two golf courses and nearby Knysna three more, each with its own particular challenges. Usually, clubs may be hired. Golfers will experience different views of the ocean, lagoon and mountains as well as the beauty of the ‘fynbos’ (flowering shrubs growing in the wild), trees and an abundance of animal and bird life.
Nature Walks/Cycling:
There are exhilarating forest walks and cycling routes (bikes for hire), four coastal nature reserves with isolated beaches, rivers and waterfalls. A world still in its original state.
Wildlife:
Easily accessible are sanctuaries for monkeys, snakes and wolves; the world’s largest free-flight aviary, erected over a natural ravine, two elephant parks, where one may ride these animals or take them for a walk, and two other big-game parks, one of them including lions. Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre offers a unique wildcat experience. Guests are taken on a guided tour to meet captive-bred furry felines.
Arts & Crafts, Theater, Restaurants:
Plettenberg Bay’s surroundings provides ample inspiration and many well-known artists have their art work on display. There are art & craft centres that offer their creations for sale.
The Barnyard Theater stages plays in a rural setting (in season). In excess of thirty restaurants cater for as many diverse tastes.
For the more Adventurous:
One may choose to go for sea kayaking; scuba diving, abseiling, paragliding, skydiving, glider/helicopter flights, polo-/horse-riding, tree-top sliding (30m above the ground), quad biking, bungy jumping (at 216m the highest in the world).
Plettenberg Bay has become well-known as the “polo mecca” of South Africa. Exciting polo tournaments are being played over Easter and during December and January, with polo practices throughout the year