Heaven is a white-sand beach

Plettenberg Bay is a coastal paradise. We arrived here yesterday evening after driving north from George Airport. Once again the rental car gods smiled upon us. We were given a almost new car by Budget. With less than 1500kms on the clock it still sports that distinctive brand new car smell. Our first taste of the Garden Route was equally satisfying. As we descended the coastal plateau from George down to the small beach town of Wilderness we were greeted by the sight of a curving, white-sand beach, washed by a string of classic white-capped breaking waves. Nothing restores the soul more than a scene like this!


The stunning vistas continued as we made our way up the coast, culminating in a breath-taking drive along the shoreline of picturesque Knysna Estuary (don’t worry I have no idea how to pronounce the name either). Our passage coincided with high tide, and thus we caught the estuary at its most scenic. As we drove, speedboats and yachts headed for their evening mooring across a waterway shimmering in the light of a golden sunset.


We arrived in Plettenberg Bay as dusk was settling. It was clear we’d entered another world as this is the Summer playground of South Africa's rich and famous. In fact, the town boasts more international standard polo fields than any other location nationwide (and quite possibly, all of Africa). Its streets are plied by Audi TTs, BMW Z3s and other luxury imports, while a string of expensive holiday homes hot the coastline, each offering infinity pools and other glitzy accoutrements.


Our beachside (and I mean ‘beachside’) accommodation has proved equally impressive. We’re staying at Periwinkle Lodge, a modern B&B beach house located directly opposite Robberg Beach, a sweeping expanse of white sand beach that literally stretches for miles. Our room is on the highest floor, offering truly breath-taking ocean views from a niffy balcony.


Our host, Pascalette, even set up breakfast for us on the outdoor terrace. We dined this morning bathed in brilliant sunshine while overlooking an unbroken 180 degree view of the beach and its sparkling, white surf. Garry later saw a pod of dolphins lazily swim along the shore. I think we’ll do just fine basing ourselves here for the next four days.