Leisure Isle Lodge

On South Africa’s scenic Garden Route, Leisure Isle Lodge is set in the middle of the Knysna Lagoon. Leisure Isle is connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, yet the vibe is quite disconnected from the bustle of the everyday with life taken at a slower pace.

Set right on the beach, guests at Leisure Isle Lodge can take advantage of the fresh air and serenity that this location offers. In colder weather, the fire will be crackling invitingly in the guest lounge, and during the summer months nothing beats sitting on the veranda looking out to the lagoon with a cold drink in hand.

There are just 11 guestrooms, each one airy and spacious with views of the lagoon or the garden and swimming pool.

Activities include swimming in the bay (or the heated pool when it’s too chilly to take a dip in the sea), taking out the canoes and mountain bikes that are available for guests, unwinding in the spa, golfing at the nearby course (to which guests have full access) or hiking in the indigenous forest. At the onsite restaurant Daniela’s, there is an a la carte menu to browse; alternatively, guests can discover the many restaurants and bars of Knysna.