Plettenberg Bay Paradise: Santini Village's Stunning 115 Self-Catering Apartment!
Plettenberg Bay Paradise: Santini Village's Stunning 115 Self-Catering Apartment!
Plettenberg Bay Paradise: Santini Village's 115 Self-Catering Apartment - My Take (Brace Yourselves!)
Okay, listen up, because I just got back from a little slice of heaven (or at least near heaven) called Santini Village in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa. Specifically, apartment 115, which, by the way, I’m pretty sure is my future home. Seriously, the pull to just… move there is intense. This review is going to be a bit… different than your standard, vanilla hotel critique. Buckle up, buttercups, because this is gonna be messy, honest, and probably filled with more exclamation points than a teenage girl’s diary.
First Impressions (and a Slight Panic Attack):
Arriving at Santini Village, you're greeted by this Mediterranean-esque vibe. Think whitewashed walls, bougainvillea cascading everywhere – it’s Instagram bait, basically. Parking? Easy peasy. Car park [free of charge]? Yes, please! We also got valet parking if we were feeling fancy, which we definitely weren’t after the 12-hour drive. The exterior corridor leading to 115 felt a bit like a movie set. You know, one of those movies where the hero discovers a hidden treasure… or just a perfectly stocked mini-bar.
Accessibility: (Important Stuff, Don't Skip!)
Now, I didn’t specifically need accessibility features (thank the heavens!), but I made a point of checking things out. The place seemed pretty good on that front. Elevator? Yep. Facilities for disabled guests listed? Yep. And everywhere I went, I saw ramps and wider doorways. Super encouraging. It's a good feeling knowing that people can have a wonderful stay.
The Apartment - My Sanctuary (and Potential Downfall):
Apartment 115… oh, apartment 115. Where do I even start? Okay, so, Air conditioning, Free Wi-Fi, Internet access – wireless (thank you, gods!), and a refrigerator stocked with… well, eventually stocked with my wine and cheese. (Priorities, people!) The kitchen and tableware items were all sanitized, which, in these times, is a massive thumbs up.
The living area was bright and airy, with a sofa perfect for collapsing on after a day of… well, mostly eating and drinking, let’s be honest. The satellite/cable channels kept me well-entertained during my (occasional) moments of downtime. The bedroom was like walking into a cloud. They even had a reading light – a small detail, but it speaks volumes. The blackout curtains were my best friend, allowing me to sleep in to my heart's content. And yes, there was a separate shower/bathtub, which is a MUST in my book. Cleanliness? Spot on. Daily housekeeping kept everything looking pristine.
But let's be real, this place wasn't perfect. I'm not gonna lie, the desk was a bit small for my laptop setup, and I slightly preferred the coffee/tea maker at home. And, yes, I spent a good five minutes trying to figure out the in-room safe box. It was one of those moments when you feel ridiculously incompetent!
Food, Glorious Food (And the Occasional Hangry Moment):
Okay, so this is a self-catering apartment, meaning you're on your own to cook (or order in). But the on-site options are divine!
Restaurants: There’s a selection of food places. The A la carte in restaurant food was out of this world. I could have happily stayed there all day.
Poolside Bar: This was my go-to for Happy Hour (which, let's be honest, was basically all day). The cocktails? Perfection. The view? Breathtaking. I may or may not have spent a small fortune on frozen daiquiris. No regrets.
Coffee Shop: Very well stocked with yummy goodies.
Things to Do & Ways to Unwind (aka My Excuse for Staying):
Okay, this is where Santini Village really shines.
- Swimming Pool [outdoor]: HUGE, gorgeous, and the perfect temperature. I spent hours here, alternating between swimming and lounging with a cocktail. The Pool with a view was just stunning.
- Spa/Sauna: Oh my god, the spa! I treated myself to a massage – pure bliss. Okay, maybe it wasn’t pure bliss. The masseuse was a little too enthusiastic. I didn't leave with a Body scrub but I did come out of there feeling like a new woman.
- Fitness Center : I went once. Let’s just say I spent more time admiring the views than actually working out.
- Steamroom: Yes, there. Yes, amazing.
Safety & Cleanliness: (Seriously Important)
This is a biggie, especially these days. Santini Village takes hygiene seriously. Rooms sanitized between stays, staff trained in safety protocol, hand sanitizer everywhere. They even used anti-viral cleaning products. I felt completely safe and comfortable. The hotel had lots of CCTV in common areas and Security [24-hour]. This is a huge relief.
The Little Things (That Made a Big Difference):
- Breakfast in room. Yes, I'm lazy. Yes, I loved this. Imagine waking up to a spread of fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee in your PJ's. That's the dream. This was definitely a plus.
- Contactless check-in/out: Easy peasy.
- The staff. EVERYONE was friendly, helpful, and genuinely seemed to care.
- The views. The views. Everywhere you looked, it was stunning.
The Imperfections (Because Nobody's Perfect):
Okay, I have to be honest, even though I'm head over heels for this place.
- The traffic getting in and out of the village at peak hours was a bit of a pain, but let's be honest, that's Plett!
- The Internet access – LAN, I don’t even know what that is. Did not use. Not important.
- The Babysitting service wasn't relevant to me, but it's nice to know it's available for families.
- The Happy hour drinks weren't free – my bank account weeps…
Final Verdict: (Prepare for Gushing)
Apartment 115 at Santini Village? Absolutely, unequivocally, a 10/10. It's a perfect combo of luxury, relaxation, and a touch of quirkiness. Is it worth it? My aching (slightly massaged) body says YES. I'm already planning my return. Consider this a public service announcement: Book NOW. And maybe, just maybe, I'll see you there. But don’t steal my apartment!
Metadata & SEO (Because I'm a Professional!):
- Keywords: Plettenberg Bay, Santini Village, apartment 115, self-catering, review, South Africa, luxury accommodation, swimming pool, spa, accessibility, family-friendly, ocean views, holiday accommodation, perfect vacation spot.
- Title: Plettenberg Bay Paradise: Santini Village's Stunning 115 Self-Catering Apartment! My Chaotic Review! (Don't Miss This!)
- Meta Description: Unfiltered review of Santini Village's Apartment 115 in Plettenberg Bay. From spa days to stunning views, find out why this self-catering apartment is pure bliss! Accessibility info included.
- Categories: Travel, Accommodation, South Africa, Plettenberg Bay, Hotel Review, Self-Catering Apartments
- Tags: Plettenberg Bay, Santini Village, Apartment 115, Accommodation, South Africa, Vacation, Holiday, Spa, Swimming Pool, Accessible, Family-Friendly, Luxury, Review, Travel.
Okay, buckle up buttercup. This is going to be less "polished travel brochure" and more "diary of a slightly unhinged South African holiday." Here's my attempt at a Santini Village adventure, Plettenberg Bay, warts and all.
Santini Village, Plettenberg Bay: The Chaos Begins (and Possibly Ends, Who Knows?)
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Apartment Hunt (Oh, the Humanity!)
- 14:00: Land at George Airport. Honestly, after the flight, I felt like I'd wrestled a rhino. Getting the rental car was… well, let's just say the woman behind the counter had a face that suggested she’d seen things. And my driving in South Africa… it's… well, it's an EXPERIENCE. Let's leave it at that.
- 15:30: Arrive at Santini Village! The photos online promised pristine perfection. The reality? Slightly less polished. The gate code didn't work. My phone battery died. Sweat was beading on my forehead. I was picturing myself sleeping on the beach.
- Anecdote: I eventually flagged down a local, a lovely old lady with a smile as sunny as the Plettenberg Bay sky. She knew the owner and even had the right code! She gave me a big hug and asked about my family. Sweetest woman I have ever met.
- 16:00: FINALLY, into the apartment. It's clean, generally. A little bit… "lived in" doesn't quite cover it. The decor is… eclectic. Think 80s beach house meets a slightly forgetful antique collector. The balcony, however, is a godsend. Ocean views. Breathe. Just breathe.
- 17:00: Unpack. Realizing I forgot sunscreen. Rookie mistake.
- 18:00: Wander to the local Spar for supplies. Grab some biltong (essential!), cold drinks – and a map because I have zero sense of direction. Get horribly lost on the way back. Discover a hidden park with monkeys – which, of course, I immediately attempt to befriend. They were not impressed.
- 19:00: Dinner at the apartment. Pasta with the world's hottest chili flakes. Sweat. Regret. Realize I'm going to be paying for this tomorrow.
Day 2: Beaches, Bears, and a Brush with Disaster
- 08:00: Wake up. The smell of coffee and the ocean air is heavenly. Realize that I'd probably eaten a chilli bomb and now I'm paying for it.
- 09:00: Robberg Beach. Oh. My. God. It's gorgeous. But the water's freezing! Still, I take a dip. Feel like a penguin.
- 10:00: Hike Robberg Nature Reserve. It's breathtaking. Seriously. The views! The seals! The sheer, unforgiving sun! I almost get lost again (clue:follow the coastline, genius) and had to be rescued by a very tall, very handsome lifeguard.
- 12:30: Lunch at a beach cafe. Fish and chips. Delicious. Watch a guy attempt to surf and mostly fall over. Laugh a lot.
- 14:00: Decide to explore the Bitou River. Find a secluded spot. Read a book. Bliss.
- 15:30: OH MY GOD! I've locked my keys in the car! Panic ensues. Phone the rental company. Wait. Wait some more. Finally, a guy arrives with a crowbar. The look on his face? Let's just say it wasn't positive.
- 17:00: The ordeal is over. My car is… dented. My nerves? Fried. Go back to the apartment, and drink a bottle of wine. Maybe two.
- 19:00: Dinner. Another attempt at cooking – disaster! Order pizza from a place that promised "local favorites" - a pizza with a single, lonely anchovy. It was a cry for help.
Day 3: Knysna Heads and a Dose of Reality
- 09:00: After a lie-in. I finally feel almost human again.
- 10:00: Knysna Heads. Okay, this is spectacular. The views are insane. The water is a dazzling sapphire.
- Opinionated Rant: Tourist traps? Maybe a few, but the natural beauty OVERWHELMS the greed. Take the boat trip, it is great
- 13:00: Lunch in Knysna. Oysters. Delicious oysters. A bit of a splurge, but worth it.
- 14:00: Drive on the old Knysna road and get lost again. Discover a charming farm stall. Bought a LOT of jam and some truly questionable biltong. Decide I need to learn to say "no" to impulse buys.
- 16:00: Walk around the Knysna Quays - the "touristy" part. It's a bit…polished. But the boats are pretty. And the ice cream is amazing.
- 17:00: Back to Santini. Sit on the balcony, watch the sunset. The sea. It's magical.
- 19:00: Order take-away. This time it has actual food.
Day 4: Adventure and (Almost) Regret
- 09:00: Ready for some action. I've booked a Tsitsikamma Canopy Tour. My stomach is doing weird things.
- 10:00: Drive to Tsitsikamma National Park. The drive is stunning! Mountains, forests, and, oh my god, more stunning scenery.
- 11:00: The Canopy Tour. Okay, terrifying. But AMAZING. The views from up there… unbelievable. I screamed a lot, mostly with fear, partly with joy. I survived. (barely).
- 13:00: Hike to the Storms River Mouth. The suspension bridge… a test of faith. The views are, of course, incredible.
- 14:30. Lunch at Storm's River restaurant. More fish. More happy.
- 16:00: Drive back to Santini, slightly shaky and feeling a bit invincible. Nearly drive off a cliff due to aforementioned overconfidence.
- 18:00: Collapse on the couch. Grateful to be alive.
- 19:00: Decide that cooking is off the menu. Order pizza. Again. But this time I remember to ask for an anchovy free zone.
Day 5: The Great Escape (and the inevitable return)
- 08:00: Wake up. Packing. Sad to leave, somehow.
- 09:00: Last walk on Robberg Beach. Soaking it all in. Trying to memorize the smell of the sea.
- 10:00: Check out of Santini. Actually manage to find the keys this time. Miracle.
- 11:00: One last stop at the Spar for coffee. Goodbye, Plettenberg Bay. You were wild.
- 12:00: Drive towards George Airport. Already planning my return.
- 14:00: Flight home. Exhausted, sunburnt, half-broke, and utterly, completely happy.
Final Thoughts:
Santini Village wasn't exactly the luxury resort of my dreams. But the location? Incredible. The people? Wonderful. The experiences? Unforgettable. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. Just need to remember the sunscreen, the map, and maybe invest in some driving lessons… And maybe lay off the chili flakes. And maybe not let my car keys out of my sight. And… well, maybe that's the whole point. It was perfect in its glorious, messy imperfection.
Goa's Ginger Paradise: Madgaon's Hidden Spice Haven
Plettenberg Bay Paradise: Santini Village Apartment 115 - The Lowdown, The Highs, and the Utter WTF Moments
(Prepare for honesty. And maybe some rambling. It's all part of the experience, right?)
Okay, so, what *is* Santini Village? Should I even bother?
Alright, truth time: Santini Village in Plett *is* pretty darn charming. Think whitewashed buildings, bougainvillea everywhere, and a pool that actually looks like a magazine cover (when it’s not crammed with screaming kids, obviously. More on that later). It's a bit of a labyrinth, honestly. Finding your apartment the first time feels like you're navigating the Catacombs of Paris. Seriously, bring a map (or embrace the 'lost and found' charm). But yeah... bother? Absolutely. Especially if you're after that classic Plett vibe. Just be warned, "peace and quiet" might not always be on the menu.
And Apartment 115... what's the deal? Is it actually nice? Pictures can be deceiving!
Ah, 115! Okay, honestly? It’s pretty decent. The pictures are mostly accurate, which is always a win (I've been burned by the "photoshopped to oblivion" before, trust me). It's a self-catering apartment, which is key if you're on a budget (or just don't want to eat out *every. single. meal.*). It had a balcony, which was crucial because I'm a balcony kinda gal. Seriously, morning coffee on that balcony, watching the sun hit the trees? *Chef's kiss.* But the kitchen... well, it's functional. Don't expect a culinary palace. More like "cook a quick pasta, pray you don't burn anything" kind of kitchen. But hey, if you're not planning on being a Michelin-star chef during your holiday... you'll survive (I did!).
What about the location? Is it convenient?
Location, location, location! This is a biggie. Apartment 115 is pretty well-placed. You're not *right* on the beach (you have to stroll – which is good for the glutes, by the way), but you're *close*. Like, a reasonable walk. Not a death march. And the shops and restaurants? Also walkable. Depending on your definition of "walkable," of course. (I'm a lazy walker, so I considered it a win). There’s a fantastic pizza place practically around the corner. I may have eaten there every other night. Don’t judge me!
But be warned, the "walk" back from the pub after a few too many South African wines... well, that can feel a *little* longer. Just saying.
Okay, the pool. Tell me about the pool!
The pool... oh, the pool. In the photos, it looked *glorious*. Crystal clear, turquoise water, sun loungers... the whole shebang. Reality? It's pretty great, but sometimes... *crowded*. VERY. CROWDED. There's a good chance you'll be battling small children for a sun lounger. I saw one kid *literally* take a dump in the pool. True story. Okay maybe it wasn't 100% in the pool, but it was close enough and the clean-up operation was a mess! So, yeah, go early. Or embrace the chaos. Or, you know, stay in your apartment and drink wine on the balcony. That's a solid option.
What amenities are included in Apartment 115?
Standard stuff, really. Basic kitchen equipment (don't count on a garlic press that *actually* works, though). Bedding. Towels (hooray!). A TV (which I only used for late-night Netflix binges). Parking is usually included. Wifi? Sometimes sketchy. Be prepared to tether to your phone if you're a digital nomad (like me... sort of. Okay, I checked emails once a day. Judge me.) The usual culprits: a hair dryer (thank god!), an iron. Don't get your hopes up for a fancy coffee maker. Seriously. Pack your own plunger if you are a coffee snob like me.
Were there any problems during your stay? (Be honest!)
Oh, absolutely. This is where it gets real. First, the wifi. It was a joke. Seriously. I spent an entire morning trying to download a single email. The blood pressure... it was rising. Secondly, the noise. While I enjoy the "vibe", there was a nearby construction project. Hammering, sawing, the whole shebang. It started *early*. Which, after a night of questionable cocktails, was not ideal. I wanted to scream and throw things... but it wasn't *their* fault. (Ok, maybe it was the cocktails...). And then, there was the time the hot water decided to take a holiday. Took a while to get that sorted, I can tell you that much. So, yes, there were hiccups. But hey, that's life, right? It made it far more memorable, I will say!
The cleaning. how was the cleaning?
Cleaning is a weird one. You get a basic clean, but don't expect a deep scrub. After the first night , I found a rogue hair on my pillow. And it wasn't mine. It's more of a "tidy up and make it presentable" situation. I took the matter into my own hands - mostly, I cleaned. But it's self catering. I cleaned up after myself.
Would you go back to Apartment 115?
Honestly? Yeah, I probably would. Despite the wifi woes, the construction cacophony, and the occasional dodgy plumbing, the good outweighed the bad. The location is great, the apartment itself is perfectly adequate, and Plett is just... magical. I miss the balcony, the pizza place, and the overall chilled-out vibes. Plus, I’ve learned a valuable life lesson: always pack your own coffee plunger. And a good pair of earplugs. Priorities, people! So, yeah. Go for it. Just pack a sense of humour and a willingness to embrace the slightly imperfect. You might just have the best time of your life.
Post a Comment for "Plettenberg Bay Paradise: Santini Village's Stunning 115 Self-Catering Apartment!"