A South African View awaiting to be Discovered.
We have been fortunate enough to discover one of the world's most beautiful and diverse countries: South Africa.
This country is nestled between two spectacular oceans, the Atlantic and the Indian. Nature has been generous with South Africa, and that becomes evident as we travel along the world-famous Garden Route, a stretch of coastland between Eastern Cape and Western Cape, where the weather is mild but the people warm and welcoming.
On this occasion, we introduce you to La Vista Lodge, a charming boutique hotel located in Plettenberg Bay, formerly named by the Portuguese "Baia Formosa" (or, simply put, the "beautiful bay").
Shannon Rombi, passionate about this blessed South African region, shared her insights about La Vista Lodge and its spectacular views, Plettenberg Bay, and the Garden Route as a destination waiting to be explored and cherished.
What makes La Vista Lodge views so perfect?
Our towering vantage point above the sleepy seaside town of Plettenberg Bay allows our visitors to gaze as far as their eyes can see. Views over Plettenberg Bay, the Keurbooms lagoon, and the picturesque Tsitsikamma Mountains stretch eastwards almost 30km into the distance. Your eyes can simply not see far enough…
When (season, month, day, night) is the view best enjoyed?
Our view is unique as it changes constantly. The ever-ebbing and flowing of the Keurbooms Lagoon make for the most perfect view at any time of the year; the array of colors is unbelievable. The view is best enjoyed in the mornings, whilst indulging in our exceptional breakfast on our veranda, having the toasty South African sun warming you up before a day of fantastic sightseeing. Our summer months (December – April) offer much hustle and bustle to watch from our bird’s eye view over our little town. In our winter months, see the Southern Right and Humpback Whales passing through our bay… just sit and watch them frolic beyond the breakers.
How should one experience the La Vista Lodge view in a truly memorable way?
It’s as simple as getting out of bed… putting on your snuggly robe…grabbing a cup of coffee, and watching the sunrise from one of our lagoon view luxury suites… the most perfect start to anyone’s day!
Describe La Vista Lodge's view in a single word.
It is so difficult to put our beautiful lodge into one word… ‘Ever-Changing’ or ‘Whimsical.’
How unique is Plettenberg Bay as a destination in itself?
Plettenberg Bay has been an institution on the South African coastline for decades, for a good reason. It is the perfect all-year-round destination, with marvelous summers and mild winters. I would have to say that the scenery is the highlight of our beautiful town, with vistas over long beaches, ever-changing lagoons, and never-ending mountain ranges stretching for miles. There is no shortage of accommodation options, and our array of activity on offer are endless… visit sanctuaries, bungee jump, relax on golden beaches, skydive, river raft or kayak, whale and dolphin watching, zip-line, hike or mountain bike in the forests, snorkel with seals, hire your own boat and picnic up a black water river, horse-ride and partake in our wine route to name a few.
Apart from La Vista Lodge's perfect views, what would be the other places in the region to experience fantastic vistas?
The Robberg Nature Reserve is a national monument, nature reserve, and marine protected area, where one can enjoy hiking and taking in the views of the surrounding Indian Ocean from 146m above sea level. Ideal for watching our resident colony of Cape Fur Seals and other marine life sighted from the land, such as Indian Ocean Bottle Nosed Dolphins, Southern Right, and Humpback Whales and Penguins. An authentic nature experience.
Would you recommend any restaurant with extraordinary views and delicious food?
Ristorante Enrico, in Keurboomstrand, is our favorite spot to enjoy the most perfect view, with the most perfect meal and the most perfect South African Italian hospitality. They offer a wide variety of traditional Italian dishes as well as freshly caught fish from Enrico’s own fishing charter… but what makes this place so unique is that if you got any closer to the ocean, you would get wet!
What would be the must-visit places near Plettenberg Bay?
The list is endless… Storms River Mouth for hiking and adventure activities, Natures Valley beach for some rest and relaxation, The Crags for all the animal sanctuaries and wine route, and the Harkerville Forests for mountain biking, hiking, and of course, the views…
For those interested in visiting Plettenberg Bay and/or experiencing the so-called "Garden Route," what would be the best time to visit?
Again a difficult question to answer, as every season has its own charm. Summers are filled with long days on the beach soaking up the South African sun with cocktails after sunset at one of our many restaurants. Winters are made for whale watching and cuddling by a cozy fire in the evenings.
The Garden Route is considered to be one of the most exciting regions in South Africa. What makes Garden Route truly special?
I think that what makes this region one of the most exciting in South Africa is that it’s filled with countless fantastic accommodation options, an array of world-class activities, and some of the best views in the world. Another fantastic reason to visit our beautiful region is that it is very quickly done by driving yourself… our road network and signage are fantastic, allowing our visitors to take the garden route at their own pace.
