VIEW SITE New Plateau
Situated on the tableland above the serenely beautiful Nature’s Valley, Platbos Reserve lies enclosed by the Tsitsikamma National Park. The 82 ha reserve comprises a mixture of indigenous forest and fynbos fields. This is the home of Plateau Restaurant and Plateau Hotel. Driving along the R102 between Nature’s V0alley and the Tsitsikamma Plaza Tollgate, one barely notices the Plateau complex. The building is unmistakably unique, with its stone-clad walls and elegant roof, which resembles the silhouette of its mountainous backdrop. Inside, the appointments are smart, well suited to its natural surrounds yet stylishly sophisticated. Despite the obvious quality of the décor, the mood reigns surprisingly friendly and accessible. The designers managed to deliver uncompromising levels of comfort and luxury, without the usual wasteful opulence.
“Quality ingredients and the skilled hands of the chef” is offered as the simple philosophy behind the phenomenal food produced by the Plateau kitchen. The style is what youwould expect from a fine restaurant along the Côte d’Azur, but portion sizes are satisfactory and the prices are affordable (R70 – R110 for mains). Although the selection on the menu is still relatively small, the wine list is extensive. There are over 60 wines on the list, all of which are beautifully displayed in the underground wine cellar which
also doubles up as a cigar lounge. To those with culinary interest, I strongly suggest a visit to this destination restaurant (open for meals certain days of the week, reservation essential).
Each of the twelve air-conditioned suites boasts a footprint in excess of 50 m2. In this space you will find your private lounge, minibar, study (complimentary internet access throughout the building), LCD television, king size extra length bed and en-suite bathroom. The bathrooms are worthy of special mention and boast a double shower, two basins, salon quality amenities, luxuriously large baths and velour gowns and slippers. Solid wood cabinets, the sisal carpet and the leather upholstered bed bases make you realize that the price tag, even though substantial (currently R950 per person sharing per night), represents outstanding value. The sheer loveliness of the room makes it tempting to spend your entire stay at Plateau right here.
But staying in your room is not really an option when you consider what’s on offer to guests. Yes you can change your colour in the hair salon, and yes, you can hit the sauna
after your session in the gym. Maybe a facial in the beauty salon followed by a full body massage while reading a journal from the library will put the bounce back in your
step. However, despite the many delightful indoor treats on offer at Plateau , I cannot help but feel that the real attraction lies outside the walls. The 2ha lake on the
forest rim for instance, is home to birds such as the much-sought-after Victorin’s Warbler. A network of deck and grass walkways connect points of interest on the reserve like the 12m high Erica falls or vantage points of Robberg and the Groot Kloof.
Plateau is an unexpected island of civilization hidden in the hush of the forest. It is well worth a visit and may be reached by air (unrestricted helipad) or by road (N2 &
R102). The 35km from Plett central takes about 30min to drive and the 6 km from Natures Valley takes 10min. Plateau welcomes guests over 12 years of age. The round table conference facility can accommodate 12 delegates and weddings of up to 60 guests can be hosted here. www. cape-plateau.com info @cape-plateau.com 044 531 6666.
Each suite is named after the museum artist whose art decorates its walls. Large ergonomically designed living spaces are luxuriously appointed with natural materials.
A few facts about each of the twelve suites:
• En-suite bathroom
• Private veranda or balcony
• Fully air conditioned
• Two extra length single beds for twin or double configuration (mattress converter)
• 100% pure white cotton percale linen with pillow menu
• LCD television (DSTV)
• Full mini bar
• Wired and wireless internet access
• Room service, butler service and business services are provided
• Laundry service is provided
The philosophy of comfort extends to the bathrooms:
• Full range of amenities including slippers, velour gowns and TheraNAKA salon quality cosmetics
• High resistance under floor heating
• Double shower
• Double basin
• Euro plug socket
• Separate toilet
• Honeymoon bath