The Bungalow Plett

The double-storey main area sits on the sand, and you're instinctively drawn to kick off your shoes to enjoy the broad terraces and breezy open-air feel. Note the ample use of blonde, unvarnished wood as you kick back in a large, built-in cushioned sofa with a cocktail or coconut water. The upper deck offers uninterrupted views and bean-bag seating. The adjacent restaurant serves up colourful, internationally inspired dishes featuring fresh, local seafood cooked a number of ways.

You'll find slick, modern design in the six luxury rooms and one self-catering villa. For privacy, opt for a beach-facing suite, with a queen-sized beds walk-in shower and viewing deck. The Pods, on the cliff-side of the hotel, offer a fresh take on dorm-style living, with four private bunk-style "pods" sleeping two each (perfect for budget-friendly family breaks). The large family villa, right on the beach, has an en-suite master bedroom, a separate pod-style room for four, and barbecue area.

With some decent surf breaks and a low-key vibe, Plettenberg Bay has long been a destination for surfers. Its natural bounty, however, draws nature-lovers and holidaymakers of all types. Explore the trails that wind through the dune forests and neighbouring Robberg Nature Reserve, where you'll find birds galore and ancient caves. But the sea awaits. Go sailing and snorkelling, jet-skiing and kite-surfing, or head out to view dolphins and whales. Nearby Storms River bridge is a bungee jump must!