Despite living under the shadow of Kruger National Park and Cape Town for years, The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s overlooked journeys. In fact, the coastal route has far more to offer travelers. From mind-boggling scenery to the friendliest local souls, the Garden Route always over-delivers. The hotels along this route combine unique itineraries with immense luxury, making each place a truly soulful stay. Two properties stand out from the crowd, including the Sky Villa Boutique Hotel and the De Zeekoe Guest Farm, each offering an exclusive stay.

Sky Villa Boutique Hotel

Located in the coastal town of Plettenberg Bay, the Sky Villa Boutique Hotel is a first-class hotel perched on a hilltop that overlooks the town. Fulfilling its name, the hotel has a 360-degree view over the ocean and Keurbooms lagoon. Sky Villa is one of the properties in the Cape Summer Villas Collection, full of opulent luxury and special touches, and ideal for anyone who loves the finer things in life. Each of the deluxe rooms and suites is kitted out with a host of accessories bathrobes, premium toiletries, a heated towel rack, a fully stocked mini-bar, a tea and coffee station, as well as Netflix and Showmax on the flat-screen TV. Everything a guest could possibly need during their stay. This lofty escape is a sanctuary from the rest of the world.

However, Sky Villa is by no means distant from the local attractions. Turn right on the N2, and you’ll follow a winding road to the green coastal towns of Knysna, Sedgefield, Wilderness, and more. Turn left, and you’ll find your way to the Eastern Cape and the Tsitsikamma National Park, where you can take a hike to the coveted Storms River suspension bridge.
On your return trip, stop off at the sleepy and secluded village of Nature’s Valley. Here, you can dip your toes in the lagoon and soak in the fresh sea air. There are no shortages of attractions in Plettenberg Bay either, and guests are encouraged to enjoy the natural splendor of the area by sunbathing on the beach or hiking the Robberg Nature Reserve trail.

The property is situated in one of only 17 ‘hotspots’ in the world with three overlapping flower zones. Surrounded by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains, it has made it onto the list of the Cape Country Routes Collection, luxurious country stays in the Western Cape of South Africa.

Oudtshoorn and the Klein Karoo offer a different type of Garden Route experience. Gone are the ocean vistas, meandering coastal roads, and emerald green forests. Instead, travelers will discover an arid destination between mountain ranges. The region is known as the ostrich capital of the world with countless ostrich farms, a record-breaking long wine route, museums, hiking trails, and waterfalls, as well as the Cango Caves and Cango Wildlife Ranch.

Although there is much to do, you still feel such a sense of peace in the cottages. Slow mornings are spent sipping coffee before taking a stroll around to photograph the blooming desert flowers. Hot afternoons call for dips in the private pool before enjoying the brilliantly bright displays at sunset with a drink in hand. Finally, the evenings can be spent outside on the balcony marveling at the blanket of stars on display.

All rooms have a stylish country chic décor. In the main house, the De Zeekoe Restaurant and Tranquillity Spa add an extra layer of luxury to any stay. But the true gift of De Zeekoe Guest Farm is its immersion in nature, making it a truly soulful setting.

These two properties may be different, but they allow travelers to fully immerse themselves in one of the most beautiful yet diverse regions in South Africa.