

Lairds Lodge
A Cape Dutch homestead
Positioned between the towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, Lairds Lodge is an exclusive retreat for those who enjoy the serenity of quiet provincial living. Hidden in the heart of the Garden Route, this delightful country house is set within beautiful landscaped grounds and has a refreshing outdoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy. For those keen to explore the area, the lodge is well positioned to visit the spectacular nearby sites of Thesen Island, Western Head and the artisan shops of Plettenberg Bay. Although rooms are divided into a standard, deluxe or luxury type, every room is en suite and features a charming high ceiling and generous private terrace. Simple, elegant furnishings and a delicate neutral colour scheme create a welcoming ambiance for guests and reflect the natural tranquillity of the estate's verdant surroundings.
The estate has one on-site restaurant, where guests can experience an authentic South African four-course gourmet dinner. The evening begins with pre-dinner drinks, served in the quaint candlelit courtyard or the informal brandy lounge. A delicious set menu is then presented to guests in the dining room, although you can choose to dine in the more intimate wine room if preferred.
Positioned between the towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, Lairds Lodge is an exclusive retreat for those who enjoy the serenity of quiet provincial living. Hidden in the heart of the Garden Route, this delightful country house is set within beautiful landscaped grounds and has a refreshing outdoor swimming pool for guests to enjoy. For those keen to explore the area, the lodge is well positioned to visit the spectacular nearby sites of Thesen Island, Western Head and the artisan shops of Plettenberg Bay.
Although rooms are divided into a standard, deluxe or luxury type, every room is en-suite and features a charming high ceiling and generous private terrace. Simple, elegant furnishings and a delicate neutral colour scheme create a welcoming ambiance for guests, and reflect the natural tranquility of the estate's verdant surroundings.
Lairds Lodge is a tranquil Cape Dutch country estate set within the heart of South Africa’s stunning Garden Route.
A Cape Dutch homestead
Why our experts like it
We've done the exploring, asked the locals, made the mistakes, and found the gems... so you don't have to start from scratch! These are the bits we think you'll love the most. Think of it as travel advice from a friend who just got back and can't wait to tell you everything.

If you love French cuisine, look no further than La Belle Vie

An incredible way to kick off your Maldives holiday
“There's something pretty special about travelling by seaplane. The view from the sky is extraordinary - tiny specs of island and shades of blue that barely look real.”


The iconic, mile-long sandbank
Perfect for isolated sunbathing, dramatic photoshoots, and watching breathtaking Maldivian sunsets.

Snorkelling and diving isn't the only way to catch sight of the underwater world
“If snorkelling and diving isn't for you, it's possible to catch a glimpse of the reef from a glass-bottomed boat instead.”


Kids club at Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Supervised activities through the day, so younger guests get their own adventure while you get a quiet hour by the water.
A Cape Dutch homestead
We book this hotel the way you want it
This Maldives hotel is perfect on its own, but add Sri Lanka, Dubai or the Seychelles and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
Food & drink
Meals use locally sourced seasonal ingredients with mouth-watering fruits served with freshly baked muffins on the breakfast menu. Evening dinner is a grand affair. Pre-dinner drinks are served in the courtyard or in the brandy lounge. The four-course menu specialises in seafood and game dishes and each course is paired with a local Cape wine. Dinner is served in the traditional dining room or, for more privacy, can be served in the wine cellar.



A Cape Dutch homestead
Things to do nearby
Curated experiences to help you do more, see more, or simply switch off while you're here.

Dolphin watching from Plettenberg Bay with Ocean Blue Adventures
You will meet 30 minutes before the boat departs for a safety briefing and to be fitted with a life jacket and, if necessary, a poncho. The boat trip lasts around an hour and a half and begins with an exciting beach launch. The boat gets dragged into the ocean by a tractor and then launched into the waters. As you cruise alongside Keurbooms beach towards Arch Rock, endangered Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins may be seen. There are only about 500 left in South Africa so it’s a special experience if you do get to see them. Bottlenose and common dolphins often surround the boat and occasionally you may see whales. You will get to see plenty of seabirds such as the Cape gannets that dive into the water after fish. As you sail past the cliffs of Robberg, there is a colony of 7,000 Cape fur seals and where sometimes you may see great white sharks. The tour ends with a thrilling beach landing. A proportion of the cost of this tour goes towards the ORCA Foundation to continue vital conservation and research work. This tour operates from December to May.

Close Encounter Whale Tour, Plettenberg Bay
Crossing the bay towards the Robberg Peninsula, you may see whales and pods of dolphins as well as a Cape fur seal colony. Whilst wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, this tour runs between June and November, giving you more chance to see humpback and southern right whales who both visit around these months, alongside the resident Bryde’s whale.

Canopy Tour, Tsitsikamma
After a safety briefing and getting into your harness you will be driven into the forest where your adventure begins. Any fear of heights will soon be lost as you glide along the steel cables above the tree tops to the next platform. On your wired flight, you might even be able get a closer look at the park’s brightly coloured birdlife, including the Narina trogon and Knysna loerie or you encounter a curious vervet monkey, after all you are in their territory now. Please note minimum age is 7 years.
A Cape Dutch homestead
There is more than one way to do this trip
A match made in paradise
This hotel is perfect on its own, but add a second destination and it becomes something even better. Discover our multi-centre holidays and make paradise last longer.
What’s in the area
In the area
Where the hotel sits, and what is within reach of it.

A Cape Dutch homestead
Trip ideas
You've come this far - and the world has more to offer. Why not pair Niva Kuramathi with another island, add a stopover in Dubai on the way for city lights and desert skies, or extend to Sri Lanka for tea, temples and safari? Below you'll find our recommendations for maximising your time away...








When to visit
When to visit
Temperature and rainfall through the year.
| Measurement | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temp | 0°C | 0°C | 0°C | 0°C | 0°C | 0°C | 0°C | 0°C | 0°C | 0°C | 0°C | 0°C |
| Average rainfall | 110mm | 60mm | 75mm | 125mm | 220mm | 175mm | 150mm | 175mm | 200mm | 195mm | 210mm | 215mm |
| Average price | £4,746pp | £4,992pp | £4,149pp | £4,222pp | £4,827pp | £4,835pp | £5,104pp | £5,176pp | £5,176pp | £5,129pp | £3,958pp | £3,958pp |
A Cape Dutch homestead
Current offers
Savings worth having on the departures we think are worth taking. Every offer below applies to this hotel — check each one for the dates and conditions that come with it.

Save up to £300pp
Based on selected departures in September 2026

Save up to 25% when you book by 6th July
Based on selected departures in September 2026

Save up to 35% + complimentary meal upgrade
Based on 20th July 2026 departure

Free half-board upgrade
Based on selected departures in October 2026

Stay 7 nights, pay for 6
Based on selected departures in November 2026

Save up to £200pp on honeymoons
Based on selected departures in January 2027

Complimentary spa treatment for two
Based on stays of 7 nights or more

Free kids' places
Based on selected departures in August 2026
Build your holiday
Choose your dates, your room and where you fly from. Prices update as you go.
Your holiday so far
Flying from
Prices are per person, based on two sharing. Your Personal Travel Expert confirms the final price.
May 2026
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June 2026
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Great offers on Niva Kuramathi Maldives
Escape to Niva Kuramathi and enjoy exclusive savings on your Maldives getaway.
View offersHave you considered a multi-centre?
Maldives pairs really well with other destinations, from Dubai to Sri Lanka.
View multi-centresGood to know
- Includes flights, baggage, and private transfers to and from your hotel
- Total flight time ~ 7 hrs
- Total transfer time ~ 2 hrs
- Overnight in Malé may apply (subject to flights & transfers)
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit the Maldives?
British passport holders are issued a free 30-day visitor visa on arrival. You'll need a passport valid for the duration of your stay, a confirmed onward ticket and proof of your accommodation booking.
When is the best time to visit the Maldives?
November to April is the dry season, with the most reliable sunshine and calmest seas. May to October brings shorter rain showers, lower prices and better surf.
What currency is used in the Maldives, and do I need cash?
The local currency is the Maldivian rufiyaa, but resorts price and bill in US dollars and take major cards. Most guests never need cash — a small amount is handy for tipping.
Is the Maldives good for honeymoons outside peak season?
Yes. Off-peak brings noticeably lower rates and quieter islands, and rain tends to come in short bursts rather than all day. Many resorts add honeymoon extras during these months.
What activities are there for older kids and teens in the Maldives?
Most resorts run watersports centres with windsurfing, kayaking and paddleboarding, plus PADI dive courses from around age ten. Snorkelling safaris, sandbank trips and night fishing all suit older children.
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A Cape Dutch homestead
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