Tamodi in the National Geographic Traveller UK

Plettenberg Bay, affectionately known as Plett, is situated on the southern coast of South Africa’s Garden Route. The area’s rich cultural history dates back to the ancestors of the Khoisan people, but the first settlers arrived in the 1600s when the Portuguese discovered it. The area is known for its miles of pristine sand and Sleepy Hollow feel — but it has far more to offer than just its beaches.

Tamodi Lodge & Stables is on Tamodi Farm — a registered private nature reserve bordering the Matjes River and Tsitsikamma National Park. It’s situated high above the river, near Keurbooms’ beaches and overlooking indigenous forests and mountains. The venue was inspired by the owners’ love for horses, as well as the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Tsitsikamma coast.

This passion is reflected in the carefully designed main house, suites and stable buildings, all of which blend in with the bush and natural environment. The setting is peaceful and relaxing, with seven luxury suites. There are two bird decks on the farm, mountain biking opportunities are close by and Keurbooms’ beaches are only three minutes away. The pristine sand and extensive forests inspire many a birdwatcher, sunseeker, hiker, mountain biker, animal-lover and adrenalin junkie.

As the farm is a private reserve — and a working equestrian farm with its own riding school — guests can enjoy a guided hike with the owners through the forest and riverine valley below. This area is part of the Tsitsikamma, which has been identified as one of the 30 most critical biological hotspots on Earth because of the vast number of fynbos (plant) species — around 6,000 — found nowhere else. The fynbos vegetation attracts many bird species, as well as bushbucks, bushpigs, monkeys, baboons, genets, honey badgers and the occasional lynx.

Tamodi Lodge & Stables is the ideal destination for nature-lovers; the farm is also very close to a number of wine farms and, by arrangement, guests can enjoy tasting the local wines in the lodge’s cellar or enjoy a tapas lunch at one of the wine farms.

The lodge doesn’t cater for children under 10, although arrangements can be made if the venue is quiet.