
Plettenberg Bay makes Condé Nast Traveller’s Gold List of Best Destinations in the World for 2022
Plettenberg Bay has been included as one of the World’s Best Destinations for 2022 in the Condé Nast “Gold List” as selected by the publication’s global editors. The editors – based in seven cities across three continents – have shared their personal favourite places to go, spaces to stay and cruises to take. The Gold List provides readers with recommendations from these knowledgeable travellers and is the gold standard for the editors’ destinations of choice – their global favourites.
Plettenberg Bay was recognised, along with eight other unique, enviable destinations across the globe: Puebla, Mexico, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Alentejo, Portugal, Svalbard, Norway, Goa, India, Scottsdale, Arizona, Val Graziosa, Italy, and Chiang Mai, Thailand. What an honour to be recognised amongst such exquisite international destinations. Plettenberg Bay is indeed in good company.
“Plettenberg Bay is South Africa’s summer playground, and I, a Capetonian, would drive the 186-mile coastal path along the scenic Garden Route each year to join the fun,” writes Condé Nast editor Isabella Sullivan. “The bohemian seaside town sits atop a sheltered bay, where a jumble of hipster coffee shops, seafood restaurants, and kitsch boutiques tumble down onto fynbos-covered cliffs.” The Plettenberg Hotel, a favourite with Condé Nast travellers and winner of a Condé Nast Traveller’s Award for 2019, 2020 and 2021, is a grand dame overlooking the bay and mountains receives a special mention in the article as does the modern, seaside Robberg Beach Lodge and timeless, luxurious Tsala Treetop Lodge. The list also mentions Plett’s winter whale and dolphin season, Gary Player golf course, beautiful Keurbooms and Robberg Nature Reserves, the Plett Polo Club, animal sanctuaries and, of course, gorgeous golden beaches.
The recognition comes at a time when the small seaside town needs international attention as the economy struggles to recover from the South African lockdown and the recent cancellation of the town’s single largest festival, the Plett Rage Student Festival, due to COVID concerns. With international attention and Condé Nast travellers looking ahead to travel to South Africa in 2022, there is enormous potential for recovery for the tourism industry as international guests plan their spring holidays. The town proudly wears a number of recent awards: voted Africa’s Best Beach Destination in 2020, and awarded six international Blue Flag beaches and two Blue Flag boats for the 2021-2022 season, Plettenberg Bay is settling beautifully into a lifestyle destination with a strong emphasis on natural attractions, unique experiences and exquisite surroundings for those looking to experience the very best of South Africa and the Garden Route.
“We are excited about these results, the accolade could not have come at a better time. It’s encouraging to know that Plett continues to be a sought-after, international, world-class destination. We have seen the international guests slowly returning, and we are looking forward to an increase as borders start to reopen,” says Patty Butterworth, CEO Plett Tourism.
ABOUT PLETTENBERG BAY
Plettenberg Bay has a remarkable natural environment attracting visitors from around the world to enjoy the moderate weather, exceptional beaches and rivers, and a lifestyle focused around enjoying nature and the outdoors.
Today, restaurants, boutiques, and attractions like Robberg Nature Reserve, 6 international Blue Flag Beaches, a network of stunning trails, and varied marine life have helped Plett continue as a favorite international tourist destination along the Garden Route in the Western Cape of South Africa.
For additional information, please visit www.pletttourism.com.