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Castle on the Cliff


4 STAR PLETTENBERG BAY HOTEL
GARDEN ROUTE, WESTERN CAPE

As the name implies, this eccentric stone castle was built right on the imposing cliff above the moody waters below during the early 1960's. Its prime location on the cliff-side in Plettenberg Bay, along South Africa's spectacular Garden Route, makes for the ideal retreat for the discerning visitor. This castle was hand-constructed using rocks that had tumbled to the foot of the cliff.

Castle on the Cliff overlooks vast stretches of private beaches and is surrounded by a nature reserve - ensuring guests of the ultimate privacy within luxurious surrounds. To further ensure a sense of seclusion, the castle is available for the exclusive use of a group of up to eight people only. Should you need to accommodate ten guests, this will have to be arranged with management well ahead of time.

The reserve around Castle on the Cliff is densely populated with indigenous Fynbos, unique to the Cape of South Africa. In fact, the Fynbos ecosystem boasts six times as many varieties of flowering plants that the entire British Isles. Guests requiring the quiet retreat that only nature provides will enjoy the walking opportunities offered by the estate. Walks are designed to suit the entire spectrum of fitness levels.

From Castle on the Cliff, locals and visitors alike are guaranteed to experience a wide range of the wildlife of Africa. Whales and dolphins leap from the salty blue, and seals join them in the playful performance of the hot summer days. Sea otters are local residents to the castle as they live in the local dam. Dassies, or Rock Rabbits, are (quite bizarrely) known as the closest relative to the elephant! These social animals climb the rocks and soak up the warm sun during the afternoon, giving locals a fantastic display of their adorable antics. The shy tribes of baboons can sometimes be spotted from the estate. The birdlife is far more prolific, and the wide variety includes kestrels, black eagles, nectar feeders and common sea birds.

Castle on the Cliff has been built above a sizeable coastal cave that was home to Stone Age man for many thousands of years. One of the castle's bedrooms displays an impressive collection of artefacts from this cave. The cave is also the thoroughfare for guests wanting to access the coastline below, making even the walk down to water an adventure. Avid fishermen (or women) are sure to enjoy the ample waters below the estate. Gillies are available, as is William, an experienced guide. Alternatively, simply lie back and enjoy the sunshine, or take a dip in the deep rock pool.

Accommodation

Four double suites all boast stunning views of the ocean and nature reserve. Castle on the Cliff offers self-catering services, with a breakfast included. Full catering can be arranged. In addition, there is one bedroom with two singe beds and a separate bathroom.

The Castle on the Cliff has earned a reputation of being quirky and eccentric, and décor casual and comfortable to ensure that luxurious home-away-from-home feel. The terraces are perched atop the cliff and are scattered with comfy cushion - the perfect site for spectacular views and private sunbathing.

Facilities

Convenient amenities at Castle on the Cliff include a refreshing swimming pool, sea rock pools, flatscreen plasma TV, DVD, and VCR machines. In addition, a collection of DVDs and videos, satellite television, a Bose music system (with a collection of CD's) Internet access and a full set of games is available for the convenience of our guests. A fully-equipped kitchen, braai (barbecue) area and a wood-fired pizza oven rounds off this unforgettable experience.

We at Castle on the Cliff recommend that guests organise their own transport during their trip to South Africa. Prominent car hire companies are located in Plettenberg Bay itself, as well as at the airports nearby.

Castle on the Cliff will arrange private transfers to and /or from the airport and town, local adventure- or leisure activities and the ocean, by prior arrangement.

Food

Our qualified chef, William, prioritises simple, healthy dishes using fresh ingredients. He specialises in fresh fish and seafood, served with fresh local vegetables. Herbs and salad are picked from our vegetable garden, while tasty Pizza and Portuguese Chicken is roasted in our own wood-fired pizza oven. Barbecues (the famous South African "braai") are done on our outdoor grill and have proved to be a firm favourite among guests. William also recognises the importance of healthy eating, and has made every effort to cultivate his cooking skills in vegetarian and low-fat cooking. He also pays credence to guests' unique requirements and is open to discussing certain dietary requirements and requests. The shopping and the cooking for lunch and dinner are not included in the room rental rate.

The Area

Plettenberg Bay is renowned as being one of South Africa's most beautiful beach resorts and is situated in the heart of the famous Garden Route. Castle on the Cliff is conveniently nestled only a few minutes' drive from the town's centre. Local restaurants, shops and popular tourist facilities are also within close proximity.

While Plett is recognised for its stunning beaches, 300 days of sunshine per annum, and relaxed atmosphere, it also boasts many other attractive tourist lures. These include nature trails and reserves; sailing; water skiing; the highest bungi jump in the world; horse riding; a primate sanctuary; bushwalking; whale-, seal- and dolphin-spotting by land or sea; rock-, surf- or ocean-fishing; SCUBA diving; rivers, lagoons and estuaries; the Tsitsikamma Forest and Outeniqua Mountains; five excellent golf courses; biking; scenic flights; 4X4 trailing; and abseiling.