Occupying perhaps the most dramatic location in the ever-popular Garden Route town of Knysna, it’s not hard to see why Conrad chose to take over the hotel on Pezula Estate in 2012.

The estate boasts both sea and lagoon views, and the famed Pezula Golf Course is just steps away. The course offers 18 dramatic holes rolling across the cliff tops and through indigenous fynbos; it’s a major draw card for most guests, but it’s certainly not the only reason to stay here.

The attractions of Knysna are a 10-minute drive away, but there is plenty to entertain you on the estate too. A range of walking and mountain bike routes are offered, along with canoe trails through indigenous forest. A free shuttle whisks guests down to the semi-private beach at Noetzie, where the hotel also owns and operates a handful of remarkable castles; ideal for small groups and families seeking privacy and security.

There are also two-bedroom villas ideal for families, and although it’s not billed as a family-friendly resort ­– there’s no kids’ pool, for instance – there’s plenty to keep young ones entertained, from horseback rides to the petting zoo a short drive from the hotel. There’s also a daily kids’ club on offer.

The main hotel boasts a range of stylish suites, decorated in earthy African tones and offering plenty of mod-cons to satisfy global travellers. At the main hotel, the Pezula Spa has won plenty of acclaim, with wet and dry body treatments available alongside a complimentary heated pool and steam room.

The hotel is also home to one of the top restaurants on the Garden Route; Zachary’s. Under the knife of chef Geoffrey Murray, it showcases farm-to-fork dining in a fine dining setting, with plenty of local produce on the menu and a top-notch wine cellar on hand.

Although Pezula lacks the personal touch of other boutique hotels in the region, there are few more comfortable – or well-equipped – resorts on the Garden Route.