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TA L K
T H E P O L O M E C C A O F A F R I C A
Melanie Vere Nicoll discovers the delights on offer, both on and off the field,
in South Africa’s spectacular Plettenberg Bay
It is a real challenge to try and convey the
natural beauty of Plettenberg Bay and the
surrounding area.The Plettenberg Polo Club
can be found in Kurland, nestled into the
foothills of an area known as the Crags.
With six fields and a seemingly endless
supply of excellent ponies from Buster
Mackenzie, the polo is fast, friendly and fun.
There are lessons on offer in the mornings,
followed by well-subscribed chukkas in the
afternoons.The South Africans play four-and
a-half-minute chukkas, they do not switch
ends after a goal, but have a knock-in from
the 60-yard line.This makes the game easier
to understand and is better for the ponies.
For accommodation, the family-owned
Kurland Hotel offers an unparalleled
experience. A tranquil oasis located on its
own private 700-hectare estate, the hotel is
Aerial view of the
Kurland Hotel
Below:
the Pavillion
a stone’s throw from the polo fields and the
stables. With the feel of a well-run English
country house, the 14 large, antique-filled
bedrooms offer wood-burning fireplaces,
crisp linen sheets and vases filled with fresh
roses. You can enjoy afternoon tea on the
sun-splashed veranda and, in the elegant
candlelit dining room, some of the best food
and wine on offer in Plettenberg Bay.
What sets Plettenberg Bay apart from other
family-orientated polo destinations is the
sheer amount of things to do once you are off
the field. For thrill-seekers there is swimming
with seals, kite-surfing and whale watching,
while animal lovers will enjoy the huge aviary
and excellent game reserve nearby. During
our stay, two leopard cubs were spotted
near the club, offering an indication of how
comfortably humans coexist with animals in
the area. Walkers will find a beautiful hike on
the Robberg Peninsula, which offers 10km of
spectacular coastal trails. Food lovers will
also be happy: family-run restaurants serving
locally sourced organic food can be found set
in nearby vineyards, on the beach front and in
town.This is an unmissable polo experience
and one that we would do again and again.
kurland.co.za
K U R L A N D H OT E L
