One of my favourite quotes about ‘father-son’ relationships was penned by the famous author Mark Twain.
Twain hit the nail right on the head with this accurate description of the irony of fatherhood. A good father is simultaneously the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet utterly valuable asset in our society. Caring fathers are often worshipped by their kids, and even though those pesky teenage years sometimes display the opposite, inevitably, we all realise that Dads are irreplaceable – so treasure time spent in their company this June!
Why not honour the special Dad in your life with a Garden Route Getaway? Nominated for the 14th year as Africa’s Leading Beach Destination, Plettenberg Bay is an ideal venue for a Father’s Day celebration. This coastal town has a wealth of attractions for all kinds of Dads, even in the cooler months.
Photo Credit: Plett Tourism
For the ocean-loving aquanaut….
Learn to ‘hang ten’ together with sensational surf lessons at the Dingo SurfsCool at Lookout Beach. This picturesque “Blue Flag” Beach has kilometres of powder-fine white sand and consistent surf. Alternatively, families can get out into the deep and cruise the coastline in a scenic boat trip with Ocean Blue Adventures. Take the opportunity to witness the local marine biodiversity by observing Cape Fur Seals play, pelagic birds dive, and shoals of mullet cruise by.
For the lover of luxury….
Well-travelled and cultured men of all ages will enjoy a weekend stay at the Plettenberg. Situated on a rocky headland in Plettenberg Bay, this five-star hotel offers the ultimate South African seaside escape. The Plettenberg is proudly one of only three members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World in South Africa and offers thirty-five beautifully appointed rooms and two family-style villas. Family groups enjoy the exclusive settings of the two bedroomed Beach House, or three bedroomed Look Out Villa, all bathrooms en-suite off course and both villas are complemented with a spacious private sundeck and pool.
For the gourmet gentleman….
Gourmet food connoisseurs will appreciate a cocktail at The Sandbar, the contemporary cocktail bar and lounge at The Plettenberg. Treat Dad to a classic cocktail, a 15-year Glenfiddich single malt whiskey or a local craft gin. Dine at The Restaurant, where signature dishes include the beer battered hand caught Hake and The Fisherman’s Seafood Platter. Carnivores can tuck into Aged Beef Fillet and Karoo Springbok Loin, complimented by a carefully curated wine list.
For the outdoor adventurer….
Spend time in nature with Dad by taking advantage of the town’s Green Flag Trails and exceptional coastal hiking routes. Walk, run, or cycle the local trails with the help of the Plett Trails App. This easy-to-use app has detailed information and maps for 29 different trails, including the scenic four-hour Perdekop Hiking Trail, at the Harkerville Forest Station. Yellow horse heads are engraved into cherry wood blocks at regular intervals along the 9,6-kilometre route.
Photo Credit: Charleston Zipline Adventures
Photo Credit: Unknown Golfer
For the golf guru…
The Garden Route is an absolute mecca for visiting golfers, and Plettenberg Bay has two iconic courses. Treat Dad to a round at the Goose Valley Golf Club. This splendid Gary Player-designed 72-par, 18-hole signature golf course has breath-taking views of the Keurbooms lagoon, the Indian Ocean and the spectacular Tsitsikamma mountain.
Finally, for the discerning groomer…
Wind up a memorable weekend by pampering Dad with a spa treatment at the Fresh Wellness Spa. Located at the Plettenberg Hotel, the spa menu features a range of indulgent signature treatments and spa packages for discerning gentlemen. Indulge your father with a purifying facial, designed to hydrate and boost circulation. Help to relieve muscular tension with an intensive, deep tissue, back and neck massage. Treat him to a luxurious hot stone massage featuring the warming sensation of volcanic stones. All tension will melt away.
