Pezula - From heaven to the deep blue sea
From heaven to the deep blue sea
Pezula can be accurately described as heaven. Not only for its lofty position above one of the Knysna heads overlooking the lagoons and wetlands, but for the fact that as a visitor you feel as if you’ve arrived at the pearly gates.
There are many fine hotels. In my experience, Pezula is unique in its combination of chic uber-luxury accommodation, superlative personalized service and in the availability of various sporting codes from championship golf, to horseback riding; archery to cricket.
Pezula is the kind of place where, if you fancy a spot of cricket, staff will act as your fielders if required.
Although very special, none of this is new. What is new is the incorporation of Noetzie Beach’s famous castles. Pezula has purchased two castles and leased a third, Montrose Castle, to provide luxury access to guests wanting a beach experience.
Montrose Castle is the venue from which picnic food and drinks (in plastic cups to meet beach safety requirements) is brought to sun-worshippers or those, like me, who choose to play backgammon on the beach under umbrellas rather than roast.
It’s a pity they didn’t have a selection of sun-protective creams at the ready. To their credit, staff offered to purchase some from their spa or farther a field in Knysna if necessary, on my behalf. I feel a resort hotel of this standing should have a sunning selection, as well as books and games already thumbed and tattered, thus making them suitable for use on the beach, or at the pool.
The Honeymoon Castle and Pezula Private Castle are only accessible by private, gated road for guests staying there. Being king of the castle is easy but costly.
At around a hundred grand a night you and your ten guests may lay claim to it all – dance around your very own bonfire if you wish or order food and drink to your heart’s fancy.
Although, unquestionably it demands a lot of dosha, this is a value proposition when you consider what you’re getting: heaven and the deep blue sea.
Madiba and Mrs Graca Machal-Mandela were the first guests to stay in the private castle. There is a framed picture of them with Pezula owners Keith and Mrs Stewart on the mantle above the fireplace. Lovett, a former boutique hotel general manager, is now executive butler at the private castles.
He has already played host to many wealthy and famous guests who select Pezula Private Castle for its elegant privacy. If guests choose, there is no need to leave the castle for the main hotel. There’s a fully equipped gym and massage bed at the castle (personal trainers or therapists from the spa are at your beckon call.) Your exclusive chef creates menus on demand. Direct access (again secured by gates, cameras and security staff while guests are in residence) is available to the beach.
Although public land, access to Noetzie beach is restricted to non Pezula guests who have to walk - much more of a challenge than Clifton’s myriad steps.
If you’re planning a honeymoon though, that castle can be secured for you and your lovely. It is elegantly decorated in beach-house tones and features an upstairs bedroom with sea views like none other I have seen.
Also, where other castles have a fireplace in the sitting room, here it is in the bedroom for added romance. Cool-down or clean-up detail is in a bathroom designed for lovers – two showers in either corner to keep each other in sight at all times, separated only by a large porthole-window overlooking the crashing sea.
www.pezulaprivatecastle.com 044-302-3333.
[19-Apr-09]
Brian Berkman
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