Rietvlei Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Renovated
2018
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
Eclectic river roost
Perched high above the Bitou River wetlands, this eclectic family lodge gathers travelers for fireside drinks surrounded by collected global art.
What it’s good at
Notable
Eclectic interiors filled with collected African antiques, Rajasthan carved doors, and Balinese textiles across sixteen suites.
Listed
Sundowners and wood-fired pizzas at Simon's Bar, alongside river-view dining on Emily's viewing deck.
Listed
Garden-to-table dining celebrating regional South African produce and wines, with views across the Bitou wetlands.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Emily Moon River Lodge’s 16 suites are filled with eclectic treasures from Africa, Asia and Polynesia, and come standard with plenty of space.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Overlooking the winding Bitou River and Tsitsikamma Mountains, the lodge sits just minutes from Plettenberg Bay beaches and coastal hiking trails.
The rooms
Spacious suites feature private timber viewing decks facing the river valley, log fireplaces, deep soaking tubs, and open-air outdoor showers.
The pools
Bring a swimsuit.
Two outdoor pools sit on timber decks shaded by indigenous trees, looking across the Bitou River wetlands.
Simon's Bar
Artisan wood-fired pizzas and craft beers are served upstairs in a casual space decorated with vintage boat engines.
Emily's Restaurant
Candlelit tables look through large glass windows to the valley, surrounded by mounted horns and regional artwork.
At the table
An open-air timber bar counter with a foosball table overlooks the wetlands and distant hills.
How it began
The Valentine family built the lodge around their global travels, incorporating carved doors from Rajasthan, Cameroonian carvings, and bright Balinese umbrellas.
Good to know
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Plettenberg Bay
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.