Bombora – The wonderful thing about the hugely popular seaside town of Plettenberg Bay is its access to the burgeoning wilderness, the beautiful beaches and ocean wildlife – and with that – its plethora of activities for those seeking the thrill of adventure. Whether it be up the craggy mountains on bikes or on foot, or into the deep blue of the ocean paddling and surfing boards, or diving and foraging for that catch of the day, this iconic spot on the eastern end of the Garden Route is home to a myriad of escapisms. With it comes clusters of colloquial communities, scattered along the shoreline, at the foothills of the Tsitsikamma Mountains. Trendy cafés and delicatessens, daily markets and fabulous fish eateries, holistic retreats, world class polo grounds and golf courses, are what makes this destination more than just a place for a beach holiday. And a fabulous beach holiday at that.
A little north of the main town centre and perched above the long, wild stretch of sand of Keurbooms beach, Bombora – which is Aboriginal for shallow reef – is the perfect, monolithic hideaway to host multigenerational family getaways in the more still and subdued section of Plett. It’s stoic contemporary build appears to have been carved out of the hill it sits upon, amongst the indigenous vegetation that flanks the property’s boundaries. Set on two levels of living, dining, reclining and entertaining spaces, with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors and windows running along its length, this hideaway boasts magnificent views of the ocean and its beach life below. A rather generous garage with ample parking space welcomes you into the property and escorts you upstairs to a fun games room with a flat screen TV, a little kitchenette and ping pong table. Four capacious ensuite bedrooms dart off down the corridors, opening out onto a long verandah and maximising on the beautiful views of the ocean and nature that abounds. There’s a yoga room for those eager to stretch out and shape up every morning, and a fabulous outdoor shower to rinse off the sweat, the salty water or the sand. Upstairs to the hub of the home where all of the cooking, lounging, feasting, dancing, entertaining, and ocean and star gazing takes place. The main ensuite also occupies a healthy portion of the top space, with an outdoor shower, a study, and a gorgeous cocooning courtyard space with a little plunge pool, large open braai and comfy seating – flowing from outside in to the living spaces. The stylish interiors are streamlined and simple yet refined and relaxing. With all of its vastness, the property lends itself to pockets of quiet spaces, exuding authenticity, so that dwellers can either gather together or unwind individually, taking in the beauty of the surrounds.
You’ll start the day with your clan on the beach, walking with the rugged waves as they curl and some of you take to their surf. Perhaps a bit of morning fishing or foraging for mussels and oysters. Then back to Bombora for brunch before hitting the golf course, the polo grounds or mountain trails. That’ll be you for the afternoon. Some days more action-packed than others. Perhaps just a gentle snooze one afternoon by the pool, with that book on how to live more in the moment. For those evenings that you don’t fancy feasting around the long table at home, or braving the blaze of the braai once more, then off you pop to Enrico’s – a wonderful spot for fine fish, pizza and the works, only 200 metres from home. An easy amble back to the verandah for the evening tipple, or around the bar, as the indoor fire burns away – whatever the weather – warming the cockles of those holidaying hearts. That’s another wonderful thing about Plett and all of its attributes; it always manages to bring out the best in us as families, flocking together, as birds with our colourful feathers.
What we love!
- The location of Keurbooms and its more tranquil setting and laidback approach to living in Plett. Yet it’s not far from town or any of the main attractions. The beach is never jam-packed with people and it’s a beautiful long stretch to get those morning and evening walks in.
- The neighbouring community is charming and there’s a lovely little farmstall-type-kiosk only 3kms away from Bombora.
- Watching whales and dolphin play and spout from the long verandahs all year round.
- Gathering in the courtyard around the fireplace in the evenings, sheltered from any breeze that blows in from the ocean, playing games and telling tales beneath the stars.
What you need to know…
- There are some fabulous places to dine out in the area, especially everyone’s favourite restaurant, Enrico’s, that’s overlooking Keurbooms beach and only about 200 metres from the property.
- Kurland Estate, for polo enthusiasts, is no more than 10kms from the property for a wonderful day out on the grounds, cheering with each chukka that passes, giddy up, good shot! Rohan Hill is a little closer, only 6kms away.
- Keurbooms beach is only 300m from the property, though you do have to walk around a peninsula of houses to arrive on the sand. Then its kilometres and kilometres of rugged, wild beach to walk. There is also the famous arch rock walk to the left of the beach.
- If you would like to fish for oysters and mussels you will need a license or permit secured prior to foraging.
The Deli Factory and Robberg Fisheries, situated at the Shell service station as you enter Plettenberg Bay, stocks the freshest fish and artisanal delights.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie