This grand dame of the Garden Route is the winner of numerous awards since opening in 1989, including South Africa’s Hotel of the Year, 3rd place in SA’s Top 100 Restaurants in the Hotel category and nominated in the World Tourism Awards this year; this distinguished, family friendly hotel consists of a grand manor house with 21 secluded, luxurious suites set in the midst of magnificent gardens reminiscent of an English country estate.

This quirky food and wine enthusiast was raised and schooled in  Cape Town under the leafy shade of Table Mountain, surrounded by Vineyards and horses and the inspiring sights, smells and textures of her Mother’s catering business.

She entered the wonderful world of restaurants straight after Matric in 1993 and by 1994 was taken into Junior Management by one of the longest standing Grand 5 star bastions on “Hoteldom” in South Africa. By 1996 she had moved to her first Relais & Chateaux property that she would call home for the next six years focused on Food and Beverage Management. Next up was a year in Wine Retail and another year at Klein Constantia Wine Estate followed by a year off spent on Sculpture, Philosophy and plenty of family time.

The Garden Route was a favourite family holiday destination so Inge was delighted at the prospect of calling such a familiar and beautiful place home, she leapt at the opportunity of becoming General Manager of Hunter’s Country House in 2005 and has happily immersed herself in the Team of wonderful people at Hunter’s ever since.

When she is not at Hunter’s she’s reading, walking the Knysna Forests (determined to have a sighting of a Real Knysna Elephant) or tending the veggie garden at home you’ll be sure to know she’ll be enjoying a fine glass of bubbly with her better half or with good friends.

History

What to bring

During summer, light clothing with a selection of warmer items for cooler evenings may be required as the forest is cooler than the surrounding Plettenberg Bay area.

Winter months are normally colder at nights and warming up during the course of the day, with rainy days a possibility. Warm layered clothing is suggested for comfort while, should it rain, umbrellas are provided at Hunter’s during your stay.

Sunscreen application with a high factor during the summer months is advisable, caps and hats should be worn outdoors and especially around the pool area as the days can get hot – but will mostly be dry.

During the evenings and at dinner time, smart casual is the generally accepted attire, while formal evenings will be dependant on the occasion or celebratory tone of the evening. The Summer House is generally a relaxing area for the entire family and is a more informal venue.

Walking shoes for exploration in the surrounding forest is advisable and general sporting equipment can be stored at the hotel by arrangement.

Weather

This region enjoys the most temperate climate in South Africa.

A comfortably warm summer extends from October right through to April. In mid-summer the days are gloriously long with the sun setting around seven-thirty in the evening and sunrise around five thirty am. Winter days are generally very mild but nights and early morning can be refreshingly cool.