Plettenberg Bay, South AfricaCentral Beach
The Old Rectory Hotel and Spa
Restored eighteenth-century seaside refuge
Central Beach Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Renovated
2017
Price
$$$
Rated for
Heritage Design LuxeOutside the door
The house
Rare EarthRestored eighteenth-century seaside refuge
Thatched roofs, ancient milkwood trees, and whitewashed buildings cluster like a miniature hamlet two minutes from Wedge Beach.
“Plett has several of the area’s best restaurants and hotels, so check into the swanky Old Rectory, an 18-room hotel set in a heritage building,”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
The oldest building in Plettenberg Bay, featuring preserved 1777 stone barracks and a restored heritage chapel.
Notable
Contemporary suites and thatched roofs arranged like a miniature hamlet around ancient milkwood trees and yellowwood floors.
Listed
Eighteen suites with freestanding bathtubs, underfloor heating, and staff delivering umbrellas and picnic baskets to Wedge Beach.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
UK Readers' Choice Awards – Eastern and Southern Africa
Condé Nast Traveler
2025
Also in AFAR.
Nibbles Bar has copper pipe shelving alongside exposed stonework, and wines from the hotel's own winery in The Crags feature on the list.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Tucked in a quiet cul-de-sac, the property is a two-minute stroll from Central Beach and a short drive to Robberg Nature Reserve.
The rooms
Suites feature underfloor heating and rainfall showers, opening onto private garden patios or sunny terraces facing the central courtyard.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
An outdoor rim-flow pool sits within an elevated wooden deck in the central garden courtyard.
The spa
The spa occupies the restored historic chapel, where treatments use Healing Earth products beside a quiet steam room.
Restaurant 1777
Tables sit beneath high timber rafters and stone walls, serving contemporary South African dishes and fresh line fish.
Nibbles Bar
Guests gather on leather sofas over yellowwood floors for craft gins, single malts, and signature cocktails.
How it began
Built in 1777 by the Dutch East India Company as timber barracks, this national monument is Plettenberg Bay's oldest surviving structure.
Good to know
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The Old Rectory Hotel and Spa
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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.