Kanonkop House

There are two penthouse suites, two garden suites, and three lagoon view suites, each with its own carefully chosen name, and all rooms were decorated by some of South Africa’s best designers. Selwyn and Diamond are the two penthouse suites, both with panoramic vistas! The palette involves neutrals with bright splashes, and these suites are perfect for visitors who like plenty of room for relaxation. The two garden suites, Sivuyile and No Matata, provide a simple homeliness, and each comes with its own sundeck overlooking the house’s pool. These are lovely rooms, but, as they are garden suites, they do not have the spectacular views offered by the other rooms at the front of the house.

Finally, there are the three lagoon view suites. Sunbird, a room on the first floor, takes inspiration from the garden, with its leaf-print fabrics and squirrel-print cushions. This option has a private balcony, with lovely views out to sea. Forest also celebrates nature, with its primarily brown-and-green palette and use of wood. As you might expect, the views from this room are of the surrounding forest, and a private deck entices you out into the trees to listen to the sounds of birds. Lastly, Paradise is the room to choose if you are here on honeymoon or a romantic break. With its sleigh bed, plush fabrics, glamorous en-suite facilities, and a private balcony positioned above the forest to maximise vistas over the lagoon, Paradise is pretty special and was voted best room in Knysna!

Small groups and families might consider booking the exclusive-use option, Waterside House, on Thesen Island. This villa is set right on the water and perfectly situated for exploring Thesen Island, as well as the waterfront and town center of Knysna (a 10-minute walk across a causeway and bridge). The villa is fully hosted and its rates include breakfast, beer, wine, and soft drinks. A manager from Kanonkop House is also on standby daily to help plan and organize all the sightseeing, activities, and restaurants. The house itself has a romantic, chic, and contemporary style. The walls are adorned in art and the rooms take full advantage of the views, with extended and wrap-around decks, over-sized windows, and terraces. Kanonkop’s communal areas include a comfortable outdoor lounge, an elegant restaurant, a fantastic little terrace and sundeck, and a swimming pool flanked by sunloungers and parasols! There is additional seating in the gardens, inviting you to relax and marvel at uninterrupted views. The bar area is certainly the place to be for sundowners. Here, guests can sample over 30 local gin varieties, which can be sipped from the boma where regular themed evenings (seafood nights, BBQs, or pizza nights) are hosted. These evenings are often accompanied by live music, cooking classes, and food pairings. There is also a therapy room, and an on-site masseuse. Guests can enjoy a massage in the therapy room, in the privacy of their own suite, or on the deck in the forest.