Description
Part of the vast Conrad Pezula estate outside Knysna, this trio of ultra-indulgent castles has forced dictionary-writers to redefine the word ‘luxury’. Beach and Cliff Castle suit amorous couples, while Pezula Castle includes a spa and infinity pool; all three have extraordinary Indian Ocean views from their terraces. They can rented exclusively for up to ten guests, or individually and it’s easy to reach – via chauffeur if you like – the beautiful resort’s golf course, other sports facilities, spa and restaurants. And indeed adjacent Noetzie Beach, one of South Africa’s finest.
Accommodation
Pezula Castle is most extravagant, situated in its own garden with direct Noetzie Beach access. The public areas include a heated infinity pool, thatched gazebo and huge ocean-facing terraces, gym and two living rooms with wood-burning fireplaces. Upstairs, two huge suites pair king-size beds with lounger-strewn terraces looking beachwards. The third (master) bedroom welcomed Nelson Mandela on many occasions, is on the ground floor. Bathrooms have heated marble floors, freestanding tubs and his-and-hers WCs.
Nearby is the ultra-romantic Beach Castle, and its reed-canopied sun terrace and heated plunge pool, both positioned in front of the sea. Shades of cream and blue lend a nautical theme inside, across a fully-equipped kitchen and the sprawling suite whose daybeds look towards Noetzie and its sweeping sandy beach. More heated marble floors, dual vanities and another freestanding bath await in the bathroom, and an walk-in wardrobe completes the opulence.
A more elevated position gives Cliff Castle the widest sea views, and its residents a good chance of whale or dolphin-spotting. Once more couple-friendly and the most secluded, its open-plan lounge and kitchenette give onto a giant en-suite bedroom and glorious, grab-your-camera balcony. As with the other castles, there’s also a broad bathroom with heated floors, separate vanity units and a vast, walk-in wardrobe.
There’s wi-fi throughout all three properties and, if desired, impeccable service from a dedicated staff including a butler and private chef. A car stands by drive you to and from the resort’s various facilities whenever ordered.
Facilities
At formal Zachary’s Restaurant, winner of international awards, eat Karoo lamb or Knysna oysters with fine local wines. Funkier fare is available at all-day bistro Café Z. Enjoy cutting-edge treatments at the nine-room spa, before using its heated pool and gym. Later, light up in the cosy Cigar Bar or unwind amid Noah’s Champagne & Cocktail Lounge.
Activities
Before tackling the 18-hole Pezula Championship Golf Course, practice first on a driving range at the ‘Field of Dreams’ complex, which additionally contains tennis, archery, boules and football facilities. Guests can also horse-ride, embark on a guided nature hike, canoe or fish around the estate. Helicopter-based whale-watching trips are available on request.
Child Policy
All children are welcome, with babysitters readily available. The Kids Club is open daily, as is a delightful Petting Farm.
The Best of South Africa Travel map displays the locations of the destinations and accommodation that we have selected and visited; for each item, hovering over or clicking the marker will display a short summary and photo of that place or hotel, and hotel pricing. Follow the links in the info box to the full page listing which has much more information.
Note that the online map offers both a satellite view (click satellite in the top right) and, for some locations, a street level view (Drag the person in the top left onto the map). These let you explore the country; and when you wish to explore in person, or if you have any questions about the places you see, give our staff a call, or request a quote. Our staff regularly visit the places and accommodation that we feature.
When you book a holiday with us we will provide full driving instructions for reaching your accommodation, where necessary; these can be used by yourself, or you could enjoy the luxury of a driver. Alternatively we will arrange private (car rather than coach) transfers for you; helicopter transfers are also possible for some destinations.
