Liz McGrath knows a thing or two about design and style. Visiting her Plettenberg Hotel in Plettenberg Bay is akin to visiting the lavish beach villa of the wealthy, stylish aunt you wish you had. In fact, the hotel was the beach home of the Thesen family of Knysna, built in 1898 before being converted into a hotel in 1985. It was transformed in 1987 into the current Plettenberg Hotel, a Relais & Chateaux 5 star property.

A white palette, with accents of gauzy duck egg blue, dove grey, and muted blues dot the properties – there is a beach house, a villa, and suites in two buildings across from each other. Each room carries its own design and art, and it is said that four interior designers were employed to keep the look fresh and original.

Check out a room in the main building, with small double balconies overlooking the large sparkly pool, an aquamarine stretch of beach and Formosa Bay. The luxury suites are large, and have an enviable walk-in closet. The baths are on the small side though.

In the distance, the Outeniqua Mountains fringe the edges of the bay and your sleep is lulled by the sounds of waves crashing against the shore.

While the area offers some fun activities (paragliding, surfing, and bungee jumping not too far away), the hotel has everything you need to keep you busy and relaxing in masterful style.

Fresh Wellness Spa next door to the main building offers luxury treatments using TheraVine, a grape vine-based product from South Africa – be sure to indulge yourself with a hydrating facial. An onsite seafood restaurant serves contemporary seasonal cuisine with global flavours. The tandoori white fish with lentil dhal and the springbok loin are both delicious.

For a late night drink, the tea and coffee station has hot chocolate sachets – not something you get in every fine hotel.