Boasting some of the most spectacular natural beauty in South Africa, Plettenberg Bay, or simply Plett, is a place that attracts thousands of tourists each year. But, Plett is not just a tourism hotspot; the region is also becoming the preferred destination for property investment, and has a budding wine industry. Add to this the fact that Plett is a major centre for retailing and outdoor adventure companies in the Garden Route. Entrepreneurs, investors and executives who, in the past, had no reason to be in Plett except for sightseeing and vacations, now have plenty of opportunity to schedule corporate travel arrangements to this picturesque town.
Here’s a handy guide for planning a business trip to Plett, whether as a personal assistant, or for yourself as a self-employed person.
Budget
Before you pack your suitcases, set up a budget and estimate how much your trip will cost. The overall budget should be broken down into categories like plane tickets, accommodation, transport, food, and leisure, but you should also make provision for unexpected expenses if you don’t have Travel Insurance. Depending on what you choose, you can pay up to R3200 for a return ticket from Johannesburg to Plett. The cheapest accommodation can cost you between R650 and R2000, while a night’s stay at a luxury hotel can add as much as R7000 to your bill.
Airlines and airport
Plettenberg Bay is served by the Plettenberg Bay Airport (PBZ), located about 10 minutes from the central business district. Direct scheduled flights from other major airports in South Africa to PBZ are operated by the airline, CemAir. Popular flights are scheduled daily from Cape Town and Johannesburg, with a flight from Johannesburg lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Chartered flights from other airports countrywide can be accommodated by Plett Air Safaris.
Car hire
There are several options for getting around in Plett. If you do not intend to drive yourself, you can hail a cab from Vogue Cabs (071 330 6000 or 078 906 6677), Marcello’s Taxi Service (082 407 4453 or 083 236 3679), or Dolphin Shuttle and Cabs (078 704 6505 or 076 531 3841). If you opt for rental car while in town, you can visit major rental car companies, Bidvest and Avis.
Accommodation
Business travel can often be exhausting and stressful, but checking in at the right hotel can make it a more enjoyable stay. In Plettenberg Bay you’ll find a range of five-star hotels and lodges; there are also plenty of bed-and-breakfasts, guest houses and self-catering accommodation, each offering a unique vibe.
For luxury travellers, establishments such as the Plettenberg Hotel and Robberg Beach Lodge offer superbly furnished and comfortable suites with breathtaking views and access to wifi, a swimming pool, spa and wellness centre, and restaurant/bar. The budget-friendly Moon Shine on Whiskey Creek is conveniently located just a few minutes from Plett central district. This self-catering accommodation, surrounded by unspoiled indigenous forest, boasts a variety of stylish cabins that can sleep between two to five persons per cabin.
Restaurants
With more and more business meetings taking place over lunch these days, it’s essential to pick the right spot. Plett can provide the culinary experience needed to enhance any business meeting of a lifetime – from a casual meal at Off the Hook to fine dining at Seafood at the Plettenberg. The Emily Moon restaurant, situated at the Emily Moon River Lodge, is heralded for their scrumptious menu and beautiful setting, which are sure to impress your business associates. Other quintessential Plett eateries include the Lemon Grass, The Fat Fish and The Bungalow Plett, which all provide the perfect setting to seal the deal.
Conferencing
Looking for a space to host your next meeting, seminar or training event? With its wide selection of private venues, Plett is a town of endless possibilities when it comes to hosting clients. Choose from the conferencing facilities offered by the Bayview Hotel, Sky Villa Boutique Hotel, Hog Hollow Country Lodge, Plett River Lodge, Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve, and The White House.
Company Retreat Activities
Corporate retreats are a great way to strengthen the bond of teamwork. What better way to motivate your team than engaging them in teambuilding exercises that are both productive and fun (such as those arranged by WildX Adventures) in and around Plett. Even if teambuilding is not the purpose of your visit to Plett, there’s always an opportunity for skydiving, abseiling, canyoning, exploring hiking trails, cliff jumping, and mountain biking.
Whether you’re planning a business trip to Plett to meet an important client, make a presentation, sell products, or supervise contractors, this guide will get you started on the right foot. Also, have a read of this Travel Guide for New Business Travellers for extra preparation tips from Hippo.co.za, who collaborated with us on this article.
Planning a Business Trip to Plett
