Just an hour outside Cape Town, Tintswalo Atlantic is a boutique lodge located at the base of Chapman's Peak, with stunning views over majestic Hout Bay. Each of the 11 individually decorated suites (all with private decks) has a view of the ocean and Sentinel Hill across the bay. Set in a peaceful mountain reserve, this is the place to stay if you want to be immersed in nature and enjoy the feel of the wild Atlantic, before embarking further along the Garden Route. Check out Tintswalo Atlantic

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Backed by the Overberg Mountains, 100 miles south east of Cape Town, this unforgettable property overlooks South Africa's most pristine whale sanctuary and offers guests the unique opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world (June to November). Even without whales processing past, this luxury boutique hotel - with its commanding clifftop position overlooking the magnificent Walker Bay - is well worth visiting. Facilities include a spa, a heated salt water pool and various dining options serving sumptuous local cuisine, a cocktail bar and an extensive wine cellar stocking some of South Africa's finest wine. A variety of water sports can be arranged. The Marine

Rothman Manor is located in Swellendam, the third oldest settlement in South Africa and is a great choice for a stopover when driving along the Garden Route. It's 2 and a half hours drive from Cape Town and 3 hours from Plettenberg Bay. This charming boutique six bedroom guest house, with classic Cape Dutch architecture, is located on a 3.5 hectare private estate and boasts beautiful grounds (with zebra and springbok roaming around), salt-water swimming pool and private places for guests to relax. Rothman Manor 

3 hours from Cape Town, 2 hours from Hermanus and 4 hours from Plettenberg, Morukuru Ocean House is the perfect spot for anyone seeking an exclusive and unique holiday. This luxury four bedroom private house is situated beside the ocean in the De Hoop Nature Reserve which stretches to infinity on either side and is often cited to be one of the most beautiful coastal reserves in South Africa. As the house can only be booked for exclusive use, everything is tailored to your individual needs, and there's lots to enjoy and explore right on your doorstep. Morukuru Ocean House

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Nearby Morukuru Ocean Lodge is equally gorgeous and individual rooms can be booked, rather than the entire property.

In local tongue Tsala means ‘the elevated resting place’, an apt description of this luxurious lodge which rises high above Tsitsikamma Forest floor. The design of the lodge is dramatic, impressive and unlike any other lodges in the area. The hotel, set between Knysna Lagoon and Plettenberg Bay, is a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection and has just 10 suites and 6 two-bedroom villas - all with private infinity-edge plunge pools. If you've had enough staying beside the sea, Tsala Treetop Lodge is a splendid option. Plus, it has easy access to the numerous activities on offer at nearby Knysna (6 miles) and Plettenberg (2 miles).

Built on a dramatic rocky headland that separates the two main swimming beaches, in one of South Africa's most spectacular coastal resorts, the Plettenberg is an elegant hotel with just 37 individually furnished rooms. With views of the ocean, mountains and endless stretches of golden beach, The Plettenberg enjoys regular dolphin and whale sightings, and nearby there's bungee jumping, treetop canopy tours, kayaking, and other more daring pursuits in the surrounding countryside. The hotel is also close to an elephant sanctuary and a monkey park. Whale presence in Plettenberg Bay is from mid May to February with the southern right whales around from June to November, the migratory humpback whales arrive with their calves early November and stay until the end of February and are seen again during May and June. The Plettenberg

Set along the 30km of privately owned, lush green banks of the river after which it is named, Great Fish River. Nestled in the heart of South Africa's unspoilt Eastern Cape province, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve is a world-class Big Five safari experience in 22,000 hectares (54,000 acres) of pristine private malaria-free wilderness. With 9 luxurious thatched suites (with plunge pools), outdoor seating decks and spectacular views, guests enjoy twice daily game drives with an armed ranger and experienced tracker team in search of the Big Five, interpretive bush walks, fishing, canoeing and bush picnics - all included in room rates. Discover Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge

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