Relax at Kurland Hotel travel tips and stories. Vacations ideas, cruises, spa and resorts

A long long time ago, Baron Peter Behr bought himself quite a large patch of paradise near Plettenberg Bay on South Africa‘s Garden Route. He named his estate Kurland after the Baltic province in which he was born. Two generations later, the baron’s grandson and his wife have transformed their idyllic inheritance, which lies between the unspoiled beaches of Nature’s Valley and the pristine forest of Tsitsikamma, into a boutique hotel.

The estate covers 1,730 acres (700 ha) but there are only twelve suites, each uniquely furnished with family heirlooms and tasteful objects of art. A spa, a swimming pool, a veranda, and a library are available for those who wish to relax. For those more energetically inclined, there is a whole choice of activities on hand.

For beginners the hotel is famous for its polo: Kurland attracts professionals and enthusiasts from December to April each year. The season’s highlight match between South Africa and Australia, which the estate hosts each December. For those who do not know, there are plenty of other ways to work up an appetite for Kurland candlelit dinner. Opportunities for canoeing, waterskiing, sailing, and surfing are nearby. Calmer pursuits include dolphin-and-whale watching or on land, there are bird and elephant sanctuaries and a monkey reserve nearby. Mountain biking and guided walks are available too, or guests could take a stroll around Kurland‘s rose gardens. Location: Western Cape, South Africa.