St James of Knysna  Verified Listing

Situated in the heart of the Garden Route, it is only 2.5 km from the centre of town – and 2.8 km from the popular The Waterfront Knysna Quays (with its restaurants, shops, etc.)

Guests are treated to a complimentary, 90-minute cruise on our pontoon barge, ‘The Boat,’ which departs from our private jetty to explore the upper reaches of the Lagoon. A romantic, relaxing introduction to the Knysna River estuary in the central region of South Africa’s largest unfenced wildlife preserve: the Garden Route National Park.

Choose accommodation in the Manor House or the Courtyard offering 14 Suites/Rooms furnished and styled for ultimate comfort, most having uninterrupted views of the Lagoon and magnificent gardens. Each Suite/Room features en suite bathroom with bath, shower, and bathrobes; smart TV with Netflix; mini bar with tea and coffee station; electronic safe; direct-dial telephone. Suites in The Courtyard are set at the lagoon's edge with expansive views of the Knysna Lagoon.

The St James offers a well stocked wine cellar, with a good selection of whiskeys and local gins. Guests enjoy exclusivity, individual attention and dedication to personal service. Enjoy a complimentary lagoon cruise on our pontoon Barge.

King size beds, en-suite bathroom with bath, shower, and bathrobes; smart TV with Netflix; mini-bar with tea and coffee station; airconditioner, electronic safe; direct-dial telephone.

The Knysna area consists out of Knysna, Sedgefield, Brenton, Noetzie, Rheenendal, Belvidere and Buffalo Bay. Here nature quite literally knocks on your front door. The town nestles on the shores of an estuary/lagoon and is surrounded by lush indigenous forests. This exceptional nature’s playground of beaches, lakes, mountains, forests and rivers offers an unforgettable holiday. Whether you’re an adventurous type or would simply like to loll around in the sun, Knysna has it all.

The area has a moderate climate that makes it the perfect destination all year round. Peak season is in the height of summer in December, but the area is popular with international tourists from September (spring) to April (autumn). The mild winters on the Garden Route ensure sunny and beautiful wind-still days and are often referred to as the “secret season”. Truth be told, day-time temperatures rival a balmy European summer, with an average winter temperature around 19`C.

With its waterside gardens and awe-inspiring views across the Lagoon to the Knysna Heads, The St. James of Knysna is the perfect place to relax and enjoy our casual and relaxed local lifestyle.

After taking breakfast in our airy, light-filled dining room - with its views of the Lagoon and our Manor House gardens - the hardest decision you’ll have to make while you’re here may well be deciding where to base yourself for the day:

On a lounger or picnic table on our expansive, lagoonside deck;
Basking in the sun at the water’s edge, or by our Courtyard or Manor House swimming pools;
Tucked away with a good book in a secluded spot in our lush, formal and informal gardens;
Or in our chic and modern lounge and bar - where you’ll find a wide variety of great South African wines and locally made gins, as well as an excellent selection of the whiskeys you deserve.

Recreational activities include angling, a complimentary 90-minute cruise on our pontoon barge, ‘The Boat’ from our private jetty, canoeing and swimming.

… But if you’d prefer to spend your time exploring Knysna and the Garden Route - well, our staff will happily advise you, and help make your bookings for local adventures, golf, and other attractions.

In and around Knysna one will find a selection of fine restaurants, activities, cultural and heritage experiences, adventure and natural encounters to match your mood, age, physique and budget. Wine and dine your way through a formidable array of fine restaurants, seafood taverns, pubs, coffee shops, delicatessens and other interesting eateries. The famous Knysna oyster features on many a menu, but your culinary experience need not end there. From fusion food with an Oriental flavour to nouveau cuisine; from traditional South African dishes such as Cape Malay-inspired bobotie to a Xhosa delicacy known as umnqusho; from a meaty braai to a syrupy sweet koeksister, Knysna offers it all.

Golfing enthusiasts have access to a number of excellent 18 hole golf courses. Knysna has the magnificent world class Pezula Golf Course, Simola Golf Course and the very pleasant Knysna Golf Course. Close by there is the Plettenberg Bay Country Club (30km), The George Golf Course (rated one of the top 10 in South Africa - 60km) and Fancourt (65km).