Plettenberg Bay, South AfricaBaron's View
Sky Villa Boutique Hotel
Sculptural hilltop lodge
Baron's View Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Opened
2017
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Luxe ResortOutside the door
Sculptural hilltop lodge
The raw-concrete lodge looks straight across Keurbooms Lagoon to the Tsitsikamma Mountains, surrounded by indigenous gardens and local bronze sculpture.
What it’s good at
Notable
Raine Solomon interiors open onto indigenous grounds punctuated by bronze outdoor sculptures.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
The building’s distinctive forms, rendered in raw concrete, cut an imposing figure.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Walking and mountain bike trails start right at the estate gate, and town beaches are a short drive downhill.
1 of 5
The rooms
Rooms bring a warmer feel to the concrete structure, and sea-facing categories open onto private terraces over the bay.
The pools and spa
Bring a swimsuit.
Plunge pools look out across the lagoon from the view deck, and the salon offers massages and facials.
Sky Bar
Curved counters sit under shade sails on the rooftop terrace, pouring regional wines and cocktails over sweeping ocean views.
Sky Restaurant
Tables line the covered timber veranda, serving seasonal dishes sourced from Garden Route purveyors above the lagoon.
How it began
The lodge stands on the footprint of an old farm manor, completely remade in raw concrete before opening in 2017.
Plettenberg Bay
More like this
The Plettenberg, an SLH Hotel
“Clifftop coastal hideaway”
The Old Rectory Hotel and Spa
“Restored eighteenth-century seaside refuge”
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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.