LAIRDS LOGDE
CRITIQUE MY STAY RATING: 9/10
AVG. NIGHTLY RATE: $250
Lairds Lodge is a beautiful retreat set in a Cape Dutch homestead on the Garden Route in South Africa. The independently owned lodge that has just 16 rooms & suites is set on 24 acres of land that feature vibrant gardens and flourishing woodlands, teeming with diverse flora. But it isn’t just the grounds that are incredibly well executed - the interior spaces are superbly decorated and set the tone for a comfortable, luxurious stay.
LOCATION
7.5/10
Lairds Lodge is located between the coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay along South Africa’s Garden Route. If your plan is to visit the retreat and not leave it, the serene, peaceful setting of the property with no other buildings or people in sight, is true perfection and would earn a 9 or 10 out of 10 in this rating. However, if you desire to see the sights of Plettenberg Bay and/or Knysna or enjoy meals outside of the property, the location is not the greatest. There is nothing in walking distance of the hotel and a trip to the Plettenberg Bay area, known for its beaches, hikes, and water activities, is a 15 minute drive while a trip to Knysna, known for its famous oysters, the Knysna heads, and scenic lagoon, is a 25 minute drive. The nearest airport is the George airport (GRJ) which is about an hour and 15 minutes by car.
AMENITIES
7.5/10
GYM
There is no gym at this property and you’ll have to go into Plettenberg Bay to get to one.
SPA
There is no spa at this property.
POOL 9/10
The property boasts two, very nice outdoor swimming pools. The larger one is nestled in the meticulously maintained gardens, surrounded by sun loungers and a gazebo. The smaller, more private pool is tucked behind the rooms built on the exterior of the main manor house and offers a more private, and an even more serene, setting in which to relax.
OTHER
The hotel has its own restaurant on site that serves breakfast (see below), hot and cold food during the day, and dinner at night. We did have dinner at the hotel one night and it was a lovely experience at a reasonable price. It is a set menu and you can choose from a two course or three course option, though the chef is quite accommodating if you have any dietary preferences or restrictions. The hotel has complimentary WiFi throughout the property and it was very good but did have its moments. There is also on-site parking, shuttle services to very nearby locations, and a team of incredible staff members who are there to help organize transportation, activities, and meals in and out of the hotel.
ROOM
9.5/10
We booked a Standard King room which had a private terrace and access to the garden and smaller pool. The room was quite large and was decorated in the perfect way for an upscale, modern lodge. The room got a great amount of natural light from the large terrace doors and windows and the king-size bed was extremely comfortable, adorned with soft percale linens. The bathroom was also quite large and had a walk-in shower and a bathtub, along with very nice plush white towels. The room was equipped with air conditioning, a safe for valuables, and tea- and coffee-making equipment. Overall, it was a really comfortable, excellently decorated space that was absolutely perfect for our work and personal wants and needs.
BREAKFAST
9.5/10
Breakfast at Lairds Lodge was something I really looked forward to and got excited about each morning, which is not something I can say about 99% of the hotels we stay in. Each morning, we were welcomed to breakfast with individual plates of nicely presented fresh fruit, and our coffee and hot food orders were taken. Each day the chef prepared a hot item which ranged from French toast to poached eggs but they were always able to prepare eggs the way we liked them. We HIGHLY recommend ordering an omelette at least one day you are at the hotel as the chef bakes them and they are the absolute fluffiest, most delicious omelettes we have ever had. After ordering our coffee and hot food, we were then able to go enjoy the freshly baked bread, croissants, and muffins, the excellent cheeses cut from the wheel, charcuterie meats, homemade jams, and fruit juices while we waited for our order. The quality of the food was exceptional and breakfast, which is included in the price of the room, is not a meal that should be skipped.
RESTAURANTS NEARBY
If you’re looking for good food in walking distance, here are some Eat My Critique approved options:
Lairds Lodge Restaurant (Inside the hotel) Two or Three-course set menu, with a full vegetarian option.
If you are looking for good food that’s worth the drive, here are some options:
Zinzi (7 minute drive) - Located on the property of Hunter’s Lodge, the restaurant serves a variety of international dishes in a lovely setting.
Nguni (15 minute drive) - A distinctly South African menu with creative flair in Plettenberg Bay.
To check out all of the Eat My Critique reviews from around the world, click here.
THINGS TO DO
Lairds Lodge is located along the Garden Route, offering ample opportunities for sightseeing and various activities in the surrounding area:
Knysna Elephant Park (6 minute drive) - Visit the Knysna Elephant Park for an opportunity to interact with and learn about these majestic creatures.
Robberg Nature Reserve (20 minute drive) - Explore the Robberg Peninsula, known for its stunning coastal scenery and hiking trails. It's a great place for whale and dolphin watching.
Beach (20 minute drive) - Relax on the beaches of Plettenberg Bay, such as Central Beach.
Swim with Seals ( 20 minute drive + boat trip) - Take a boat tour for the chance to swing with wild cape fur seals in the waters around Plettenberg Bay.
Oyster Tasting (25 minute drive) - Take a boat trip in the Knysna Estuary and taste oysters while you learn about how they were cultivated in the area.
Knysna Heads (30 minute drive) - Explore the iconic Knysna Heads, impressive sandstone cliffs at the entrance to the Knysna Estuary. Take a hike to one of the viewpoints for breathtaking panoramic views.
VERDICT
Lairds Lodge truly offers its guests the opportunity to relax, connect with nature, and recharge. It may not be located on, or in walking distance to, the beach but it is the perfect setting for a retreat. The friendly and attentive staff do everything to make your stay special and are so incredibly kind. We had a wonderful time at the property and will remember its excellent decor, serene setting, and delicious breakfast for many years. Hopefully, though, we will return before long.
N2 National Road, 20kms from Knysna - 8kms from Plettenberg Bay, Plettenberg Bay, 6600