Kurland, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Set amidst emerald green pastures where the foothills of the Outeniqua mountains sweep down to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, lies Kurland, the luxury country hotel, established by the Baroness Dianne Behr on the age-old Behr family estate near Plettenberg Bay, along the famous Garden Route.

Guests will enjoy peace and relaxation in the beautifully appointed and tranquil reception and sitting rooms of a truly hand-made hotel.

Although established in the old Cape Dutch tradition, the hotel is completely modern in all other respects and is surrounded by immaculate polo fields and adjacent stables which form part of the estate.

The tastefully decorated rooms display some enviable objects d'art, antique furniture and original oils. Whether bathed in cheerful sunshine or warmly lit by lamps and firelight, they add a languid glamour to Kurland's spacious, comfortable interiors.

Kurland's well stocked library includes internet and e-mail facilities for those who require them.

Known by their proximities to the rose garden or the paddocks, each of the individually styled en suite bedrooms is a separate living area, with comfortable couches, telephone, satellite television, and mini bars.

Ten of the bedrooms have loft rooms especially designed for children and some have private plunge pools for those hot Cape summer evenings. Children of all ages are welcome at Kurland, being well catered for with tennis, boating, horse and cycle-riding, quad biking, a games room and their own specially constructed swimming pool.

Simple flavoursome cuisine is served at breakfast, lunch and dinner in the dining room or in the adjacent courtyard. A full bar service with snacks is available. Should you feel the urge to work off your sumptuous farm breakfast, relax after a horseback ride or a game of tennis, or simply pamper your deserving self, you need look no further than the hotel's health spa. It includes a fully equipped gymnasium, sauna, steam bath and plunge pool. Beauty treatments and massages are available at the Hotel spa.

Or visit the state of the art stables and magnificent polo ponies waiting in anticipation of polo matches between players of international standing, and participate in the excitement.