Milkwood Manor on Sea

The imposing Georgian-style façade gives an immediate feel of the interior, which is spacious and elegant, without being pretentious. A number of quiet lounge areas spill out on to the lush gardens, alive with birds and butterflies. The light-filled Lemongrass Restaurant serves delicious breakfasts (excellent smoked salmon and blue cheese) plus a cooked breakfast. Dinners highlight fresh seafood and local produce. The shady outdoor terrace is a great spot to enjoy breakfast or sip sundowners.

Twelve comfortable guest rooms are furnished in an understated chic beach-house vibe, and come with all the essentials like a mini bar, tea and coffee stations, climate control, and satellite television. The room sizes vary slightly – the larger rooms have balconies and deep bath tubs as special extras. But every one has a view of the beach or the lagoon, or both; and the ground-floor room faces the tranquil gardens.

The focus here is, of course, the ocean, lagoon and long beach, and there are water-based activities galore on offer. Popular Plett has earned itself a great reputation as a centre for other fun-filled activities too – forest and coastal hikes, cruising along the coastline, golf, wildlife reserves, bungee jumping and the intriguing Plett Puzzle Park. The town itself offers exceptional restaurants, trendy bars, and local markets selling everything from gourmet farm fare to colourful arts and crafts, and clothing.