February
26
2010
By Robyn Hodson
South Africa’s Garden Route is rightfully popular on account of its plethora of activities and embarrassment of riches in the natural beauty department. Its popularity, however, means that parts of the coastal trip can be crowded, and occasionally err on the tacky side.
Fortunately, here at Trufflepig, our network of spy-pigs have infiltrated this amazing area and report back to Farm HQ from time to time. What follows is the scoop on the latest jewel to be discovered by Robyn Hodson, our pig in the other hemisphere:
Emily Moon is run by Simon—a retired sixty-something who knows the area like the back of his hand and is often around to give solid local advice about where to go and what to do on the Garden Route. His son (a leading collector of African and international art and décor) owns the place, so you can see where it gets its quirky and original style.
The views from all sides are straight over the Bitou River—a gentle, meandering snake of water beset by tall waving reeds and grasses on a liquid landscape filled with water birds. Walk through the Indian gates sign-posted “Emily Moon”, past the inviting blue of the swimming pool, past the laughing group of locals sitting outside in the sunshine getting tipsy on excellent local chardonnay, and step into the restaurant. It’s a large, open-plan space leading out onto a wooden deck with views to the hills and beyond.
The restaurant is the hub for guests and locals alike who come to spend breakfasts, long lunches, early evening drinks and dinners at Emily’s. The food is unpretentious and plays with local flavours (there’s always line-fish and a good steak—either beef or game) as well as combining more exotic tastes from North Africa, Europe and the Far East.
From Emily Moon you can take kayaks down the river or go on bird-watching walks in the area with a guide. And the surrounding area from Plettenberg Bay down to Knysna is host to any number of activities. Emily Moon is intimate and romantic—and known to all those who have visited to be one of those special places where you can relax completely, eat enormously, exercise wildly or simply sit quietly.
www.emilymoon.co.za
Robyn Hodson is a writer and travel editor for justtheplanet.com. She recently visited the Garden Route on a (very successful) quest for Sounder truffles. Keep checking back for more of her digs from the region. And if you're interested in planning a trip of your own, click here.