Lairds Lodge Country Estate

The Laird's restaurant is all about chic dining and good, gourmet food, with specials including freshly caught fish from nearby Knysna, and unusual game meats. It's also open from dawn until dusk, so it's up to you when you'd like to munch. During the day, pick any one of the outdoor verandas and shady courtyards for some sunny R&R, and by night, head to the main sitting room or brandy lounge for a pre-dinner drink by candlelight. And if there's any time left, head to the swimming pool for an afternoon of lounging and reading.

Every single one of the Lodge's elegant, high-ceilinged rooms is a haven of tranquility, complete with feather-soft carpets, pastel linens and heavenly beds. In fact, the mattresses are so comfortable, it's sometimes tricky to peel open your eyes in the morning... Dotted between the main house, the courtyard and the gardens, each room has a private terrace (most with lovely views of the manicured lawns and surrounding countryside), and air conditioning - particularly welcome for the steamy summer months.

Days at Lairds are about relaxation - and a little more relaxation! Spend the morning in the lounge with a good book, go for a pre-lunch amble around the luscious grounds, and in the afternoon, take it easy by the swimming pool. If, however, you've still got some exploring to do, head for Thesen Island or Robberg Nature Reserve near Plettenberg Bay, and only a short drive from the estate. Plettenberg's white-sand beaches are also within easy driving distance, as are the pretty shops and restaurants at Knysna's Waterfront.