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Claire recently stayed at Belvidere Manor Hotel in Knysna. She had a lovely time away with her family at this lovely hotel next to the lagoon.
Our recent visit to the Belvidere Manor Hotel was a nostalgic one, as it was one of the places my husband and I had honeymooned at 14 years ago. This time our visit took place with a 7-year old and a 9-year old in tow, and they thoroughly enjoyed our little trip down memory lane.
Being greeted by the picturesque Knysna lagoon after a long drive up the N2 from Cape Town is an immediate balm to the weary. I never seem to tire of this beautiful lagoon: dark gray one minute and brilliant blue the next, and the Belvidere Manor Hotel has an enviable position on the waters edge in the idyllic Belvidere Estate.
Arriving at Belvidere Manor Hotel we were met and warmly greeted by Jeffrey who, it turns out, has been working at the hotel since he was a young man in 1985. Chatting all the while, Jeffrey walked us through the gardens to our cottage before leaving us to settle in. We were barely through the door before the girls had whipped into their swimming cozzies and were headed for the pool just a few metres from our cottage. This left us to settle down on our veranda with a cup of tea and the view.
The hotel is made up of little-whitewashed cottages spread throughout the gardens which gently slope down towards the lagoon. Each offers a small kitchen, living area and either 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms. Our 2-bedroomed lagoon view cottage was perfectly positioned to make the most of the lagoon with the town of Knysna in the distance. Neat and quaintly decorated with pretty floral fabrics, the cottage was bright and sunny with one twin bedroom, one double bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, and an additional bathroom. The little kitchen was well equipped for self-catering with complimentary tea and coffee, and the lounge area had a fireplace as well as a TV with DSTV and a DVD player.
After they'd exhausted themselves in the pool, the girls happily tucked into the kids welcome packs they had been given upon arrival (a lovely touch) before discovering the resident cat, Socks, who seemed quite happy to come inside and lap up the milk that was offered to him. Later in the day, while chatting to the hotel owner Sue, we learned that Socks had been found injured and rescued by none other than Jeffrey. After being nursed back to health, dear Socks clearly realised he was onto a good thing and now literally 'laps up' all of the attention.
Once we felt rested after our earlier car trip, we put on our walking shoes and set off down to the jetty, along the edge of the lagoon and around Belvidere estate. With its pretty gardens, the estate is a haven for birds and we spotted all sorts as we meandered around; pointing out to the girls the spots we had visited on honeymoon years before.
No visit to Belvidere would be complete without a stop in at The Bell - the smallest tavern in Knysna - and found at the hotel. This pretty pub, with its rambling roses out front, serves traditional pub fare and its setting is truly delightful. We enjoyed a leisurely dinner outdoors with delicious meals of bangers and mash, pork belly and a good old fashioned burger. Guests of the hotel can also choose to dine at Caroline's Bistro in the main manor house, where a contemporary menu is served for dinner. After a busy day we all headed off to bed early, and slept wonderfully in the very comfortable beds, surrounded by absolute silence.
The next morning we awoke to a brilliant blue sky and the sun glittering off the lagoon. After a little bit of a lazy lie-in (we just couldn't tear ourselves away from our comfy beds), we made our way up to the terrace for breakfast. You would be hard pressed to find a prettier breakfast spot! From our raised position on the patio of the manor house, we simply sat and soaked up both the morning sun and the picturesque view before us. A continental spread, as well a hot cooked breakfast option was on offer and there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Lingering over a second cup of coffee we chatted to our waitress about the many return guests who use the hotel as a base year after year while holidaying along the Garden Route. Away from the hustle and bustle of town (if that's not your thing), it's an ideal home-away-from-home and offers a quiet and peaceful haven to return to at the end of a day of exploring, golfing, fishing, walking, boating, swimming... the list in this beautiful part of the world is seemingly endless.
To find out more about the Belvidere Manor Hotel, or to book a stay click here.
