Plettenberg Bay - Beacon Island Resort

Having holidayed in Plett on six occasions, lived in Plett for three years and stayed at the Beacon Island I can say that Plettenberg Bay makes a fantastic relaxing beach holiday destination, a destination that is situated on one of the most beautiful coastlines in South Africa.

Family will be staying at the Beacon Island next week for the second time this year, so that in itself is a recommendation that Plett and the BI as it is known, is well worth a visit!  But I don't need to convince anyone of that, Plett and the BI speak for themselves! View the scenery:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/click-ka-ching/sets/72157630013659596/show/

Built on a rock promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean, with breathtaking views of beaches and mountains, the Beacon Island Resort on the Garden Route in Plettenberg Bay is truly a world famous landmark.  

Plettenberg Bay, nicknamed Plet or Plett, lies on South Africa's Garden Route 210 km from Port Elizabeth and about 600 km from Cape Town.  It has become a very popular family holiday destination but despite this even over the December holidays one can find a quite spot on Robberg Beach to catch a tan in peaceful seclusion.  If you enjoy the buzz of a crowed beach, Central Beach next to the BI will satisfy your needs and the body surfer in you.  You might just experience some of the best body surfing and paddling in your life!


The Pansy Shell

A favourite pass time for many holiday makers is to scour the low tide during a beach walk in search of the pansy shell.  The pansy shell has become more difficult to find over the years and if one is successful in finding one after days of wading in low tide water or wet sandy shores, one feels triumphant at finding such a rare find.  The pansy shell is a symbol that represents the town.  The ‘shell’ has a pansy flower design with five petals embossed on the top surface.  These are the skeletons of the pansy's which have died and have been washed up onto the shore.  The pansy shells are protected and no live pansy's are allowed to be removed from their habitat.

Plettenberg Bay hosts one of the largest seagull breeding colonies along the South African coast at the mouth of the Keurboom's River, named after the indigenous Keurboom tree.  Local vegetation varies from Cape Fynbos to indigenous forest further inland.  Whales are a common sight in the bay during their breeding season, while dolphins are frequently seen in the surf. The Robberg Peninsula is maintained as a nature reserve, allowing visitors to see many of the area's local plants and animals.

The Beacon Island Resort has a long and illustrious history.  They must be talking about me?  I recall many, many years ago being invited to the opening of the ‘Moby Dick’ dance venue at the BI when the Beacon Island launched itself with its new look!

The Beacon Island remains as unsurpassed as its spectacular setting. The Sea Lounge and Playa Bar is the place to be during whale season, or any other day, it is suspended over the Indian Ocean with whales and dolphins breaching less than 30 meters away.

http://www.tsogosunhotels.com/resorts/beacon-island/pages/contact-us.aspx

The Beacon Island Resort

Beacon Isle Crescent

Plettenberg Bay

Tel: +27 44 533-1120

(Tsogo Sun Hotels)