Emily Moon River Lodge

Emily Moon River Lodge: A Michelin Key Selected Oasis in Plettenberg Bay

Emily Moon River Lodge, a Michelin Key Selected property nestled in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa, consistently receives high praise for its breathtaking setting, unique design, and exceptional dining experiences. Guests frequently describe their stays as dreamy, magical, and unforgettable, making it a standout destination on the Garden Route.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

Emily Moon River Lodge enjoys an overwhelmingly positive sentiment, with an impressive overall rating of 9.0 on Agoda and numerous "Exceptional" (10/10) and "Superb" (9/10) ratings on Booking.com. The general consensus highlights a feeling of paradise and an unforgettable experience.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several aspects of Emily Moon River Lodge:

• Location & Views: The lodge boasts spectacular, soul-restoring views over the winding Bitou River, wetlands, and distant mountains. It is particularly renowned for its breathtaking sunsets, creating a magical ambiance.
• Design & Decor: The aesthetic is described as eclectic, artful, and chic African contemporary. The owners, Mark and Christine Valentine, have curated an intriguing collection of African, Asian, and Polynesian artifacts and treasures that adorn every nook and cranny, giving the lodge a unique character and a sense of place.
• Dining Experience: Both on-site restaurants, Emily's and Simon's Bar, receive exceptional acclaim for their delicious food and picturesque settings.
• Service & Staff: The staff are frequently lauded for their friendliness, attentiveness, and professionalism, with many guests feeling warmly welcomed and well cared for.

3. Room Quality

The accommodations at Emily Moon River Lodge are consistently praised for their luxurious comfort and distinctive design. The secluded lodges are individually decorated, spacious, modern, and tastefully furnished. Each suite typically features a private viewing deck, separate sitting areas, spacious fully appointed bathrooms, and often includes thoughtful touches like a fireplace, plasma TV, and mini-bar. Views from the rooms, often overlooking the river or surrounding gardens, are a significant highlight for guests. Some specific features noted include mezzanine rooms for children and honeymoon suites with outdoor showers. Comfort levels receive a perfect 10.0 rating.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at Emily Moon is a highlight for many visitors.

• Emily's Restaurant: This exquisite dining hall embodies the spirit of Africa with its eclectic decor and serves an eclectic menu for both candlelit dinners and relaxed lunches by the pool. The restaurant champions a "farm-to-table" philosophy, utilizing fresh produce from its own garden and sourcing other ingredients locally from organic farmers. Popular dishes include Karoo lamb rack, butter chicken samosas, and Bali bowls. Chef Larry (or Alex Olivier) is often commended for the "amazing" and "faultless" food. Reservations are essential for dinner.
• Simon's Bar: Located upstairs, Simon's Bar offers even better sunset views. It's a lively spot known for its wood-fired pizzas, pub-style fare, cocktails, beer, and wine. Service here is typically on a "first-come, first-served" basis.
• Breakfast: Guests enjoy breakfast served on the terrace amidst birdlife, and it comes highly recommended.

5. Service & Staff

The staff at Emily Moon River Lodge generally receive exceptional feedback, with a remarkable rating of 9.1 for staff performance. Guests describe them as very friendly, welcoming, attentive, and professional, often going "above and beyond" to ensure a pleasant stay. The manager, Alex, is specifically noted for his friendly demeanor and helpful suggestions for local attractions. However, one review did mention instances of "erratic" waiter service and felt that the service, while polite, was "average" and "did not feel particularly attentive or refined" given the lodge's premium pricing.

6. Location & Accessibility

Emily Moon River Lodge offers an intimate and tranquil escape near Plettenberg Bay, providing a sense of seclusion while remaining accessible. Perched on the southern bank of the Bitou River, it boasts a serene setting overlooking wetlands, the winding river, and distant mountains.

The lodge serves as an excellent base for exploring the renowned Garden Route. Nearby attractions include:

• Goose Valley Golf Club (3-minute drive)
• Plettenberg Bay Beach (8-minute drive)
• Robberg Nature Reserve (4.3 miles or 17-minute drive)
• Knysna Elephant Park (16-minute drive)
• Tsitsikamma National Park (58-minute drive) Activities such as canoeing (complimentary rental available), mountain biking, whale watching, seal encounters, dolphin watching, and various walks and hikes are also popular in the area.

For transport, the lodge is approximately 100 km (1.5-2 hours drive) from George Airport and a mere 10 km (15 minutes drive) from Plettenberg Bay Airport, with rental cars and taxis readily available at both.

7. Value & Pricing

While positioned as a premium property, Emily Moon River Lodge is often considered to offer "exceptional value for money" for the luxurious experience it provides. An average room price of $250 has been cited, which is slightly above the Plettenberg Bay average of $212, but guests generally feel the unique design, location, and quality justify the cost. However, some current pricing information suggests rates starting around £383.33 (approximately $485 USD) for a one-night stay for two adults, indicating a potentially higher price point depending on the booking period and room type.

8. Common Complaints

Despite overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few recurring issues or criticisms have been noted:

• Noise and Crowds: The presence of two public restaurants directly connected to the lodge can lead to a busy atmosphere with many outside visitors, especially on certain evenings with events or loud music, which some guests found to disrupt the intended tranquility, making relaxation by the pool difficult.
• Service Inconsistencies: Although generally highly praised, some guests have experienced "erratic" waiter service or felt that the service could be more refined and attentive given the lodge's price point.
• Maintenance Issues: A serious concern was raised by one guest regarding a bat infestation in a room, leading to droppings and disturbed rest, prompting a room change.
• Food Portion Sizes: A few guests found the food portions at the restaurants to be "somewhat small."
• Child-Friendly Facilities: While children are welcome and camping cots are available, some older rooms have balconies with gaps that might not be suitable for toddlers, which could be a concern for families with very young children.
• Lack of Poolside Bar Service: One review noted the absence of bar service around the pool area.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. myguidegardenroute.com
3. emilymoon.co.za
4. theblondeabroad.com
5. south-african-lodges.com
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7. booking.com
8. insideguide.co.za
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10. emilymoon.co.za
11. hotels.com
12. audleytravel.com
13. emilymoon.co.za
14. michelin.com
15. booking.com
16. agoda.com
17. expedia.co.uk