Pezula Nature Retreat

Conrad Pezula

"Built on a dramatic headland, Pezula provides an upscale alternative to the quirky guesthouses found up and down this fashionable stretch of the east coast. There are 83 contemporary African-style suites, four to a villa. Thoughtful touches include fireplaces, indigenous tree-trunk side tables (a nod to Knysna’s timber-logging past), and big TVs. Zachary’s, the restaurant, treads a line between classic comfort food and innovative dishes inspired by local ingredients. A sumptuous lounge, a cigar bar, a library, and an impressive if pricey spa are all part of the imposing public areas. What disappoints is the incongruous exterior architecture—this hotel could be anywhere."