Oudtshoorn Oasis: La Plume's Luxury Spa & Hotel Awaits You
Oudtshoorn Oasis: La Plume's Luxury Spa & Hotel - Is It Really THAT Luxurious? (A Messy Review)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to dive headfirst into my recent stay at Oudtshoorn Oasis: La Plume's Luxury Spa & Hotel. Let me tell you, "luxury" is a word thrown around a lot these days. Is La Plume really the shimmering oasis it claims to be? Well, let's break it down – and believe me, after the journey I had to get here, you'll be glad you read this.
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Accessibility:
Right, let's get this out of the way first, because frankly, it's important. Accessibility is a big deal, and I'm happy to report La Plume seems to try. They've got some facilities for disabled guests, but the devil's always in the details, isn't it? I didn't personally need those features, so I can't vouch for how well they've been implemented. But I did notice an elevator, which is already a win. Someone needs to check the ramp gradients and make sure the doors are wide enough. They'll need to do better, because the road to hell is paved with… well, you know.
On-site Restaurants & Lounges (and the food – oh, the food!):
Okay, this is where things get interesting. They have a couple of restaurants, a bar, a coffee shop, a poolside bar – so far, so good. They boast "International Cuisine" which always makes me slightly skeptical. You see, it can mean anything from fancy French to… well, let's just say questionable "Asian fusion." My experience? Mixed, shall we say.
- The Buffet: Breakfast buffet. My weakness. And here, they have a Western and Asian breakfast available. I went for the buffet, and… it was a solid, classic buffet. Not mind-blowing, but perfectly acceptable, with that crucial bacon/sausage/eggs combo. They had coffee/tea, which is ESSENTIAL in the morning. The buffet in restaurant setting.
- The Restaurant: This is where the "international cuisine" came in. The menu promised so much, but the execution… well, again, mixed. One night, I had a perfectly delicious soup. The next? A slightly dry piece of chicken. I opted for salad once, which I can confirm was a salad. The desserts were fine, but nothing that made me weep with joy. I'm a sucker for a good dessert.
- The Bar: Cheers to happy hour! I’ll take a bar. Poolside bar. The location was great.
- Food Delivery: I don't know about the food delivery. But I did like that the pool bar kept me fed. The water was cold on arrival but warmed up through the weeks.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (Spa, Spa, Spa!):
This is where La Plume really shines, or at least, where it tries. They've got the whole spa shebang:
- Spa: Okay, the spa. Here's where I went deep. Deep like… a mud bath! They have a spa, sauna, steam room, body scrub and body wrap, and a pool with a view.
- The Pool: Absolutely gorgeous. Seriously, the photos don’t lie. It's an outdoor pool. The only real issue was the slight chill of the early mornings, but trust me, the view is worth it.
- Fitness Center: Gym/Fitness. I’m not a gym rat, but it had the essentials.
- Massage: I booked a massage. This was divine. Seriously, I could have stayed there all day getting kneaded and oiled. It was the highlight. The best part of the whole stay. Foot bath. Pure indulgence.
- Steamroom & Sauna: I did not find myself in those, but there was a spa/sauna.
Cleanliness and Safety (Is it Germ-Free?):
I'm obsessed with cleanliness, so I was watching this closely. They claim to be doing all the right things.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Seemed legit.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Hope so.
- Room sanitization: Seemed to be up to scratch.
They've got anti-viral things going on. They say they sanitize the rooms between stays. They offer the room sanitization opt-out. Cashless payment service is a bonus. Safe dining setup is helpful. And they'll need to actually keep going.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking (Fueling the Relaxation):
We've already touched on the restaurants, but let's delve in a little deeper.
- Room service: I utilized room service, and it was surprisingly quick. 24-hour access is excellent.
- Snack Bar: Basic snacks available.
- Coffee/Tea in the Restaurant: They had them.
- A la carte in restaurant: Check.
- Breakfast Menu: Buffet, or the option to order it to your room (Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service).
Services and Conveniences (The Perks):
This is where La Plume tries to make you feel like royalty. And to be honest, they succeed in some areas.
- Concierge: Generally helpful, although occasionally a little… lost.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes! The rooms were kept spotless.
- Dry cleaning & Laundry service: Thank goodness!
- Elevator: Essential.
- Facilities for disabled guests: See above.
- Food Delivery: Was not able to find it..
- Gift/souvenir shop: Yes.
- Meeting/banquet facilities: Business facilities available.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: Score.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Very handy.
For the Kids (Family Friendly?):
La Plume definitely pitches itself as family-friendly.
- Babysitting service: They offer it.
- Kids meal: Yes.
- Kids facilities: They have some. I didn't see them, being child-free, but they're advertised.
Access (The Invisible Stuff):
This is where things get a bit… nebulous.
- CCTV in common areas & CCTV outside property: Security seemed good.
- Check-in/out [express], Check-in/out [private]: Smooth and efficient for the most part.
- Front desk [24-hour]: Always someone to help.
- Safety/security feature: Smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
- Security [24-hour]: Yes.
- Smoke alarms: Yes.
- Fire extinguisher: Yes.
Available in All Rooms (The Creature Comforts):
Alright, let's talk room details.
- Air conditioning: Essential in the Karoo heat.
- Alarm clock: Annoying, but necessary.
- Bathrobes, Slippers: Luxury!
- Bathroom phone: Weird, but hey.
- Bathtub, Separate shower/bathtub: Nice options.
- Blackout curtains: Essential for a good sleep.
- Coffee/tea maker: Thank goodness.
- Complimentary tea and Free bottled water: Bonus.
- Daily housekeeping: Excellent.
- Desk & Laptop workspace: Good for, well, working.
- Extra long bed, Linens: Comfortable and clean.
- Hair dryer: Praise the heavens.
- In-room safe box: Always a good idea.
- Internet access – wireless, Wi-Fi [free]: Excellent.
- Mini bar, Refrigerator: Useful.
- Non-smoking: Thank you, La Plume.
- Satellite/cable channels, On-demand movies: Options.
- Seating area, Sofa: Makes things feel less cramped.
- Soundproofing: Absolutely necessary!
- Telephone: Useless, but there.
- Toiletries: Provided.
- Wake-up service: Helpful. Getting Around (Ease of Movement):
The basics are covered.
- Airport transfer: Available.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Valet parking: Good stuff.
- Taxi service: Available.
**The
Unbelievable Nanjing Luxury: JI Hotel's Confucius Temple Escape!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-manicured travel itinerary. This is… my La Plume Boutique Hotel & Spa Oudtshoorn adventure. Grab a coffee (you'll need it), and let's dive in. Prepare for the beautifully chaotic reality of it all.
The La Plume Letdown (and then, the Redemption!) - A Messy Odyssey
Day 1: Arrival (and Mild Panic)
- 1:00 PM: Arrive at George Airport, South Africa. The sun is blazing. I'd packed for a slightly nippy London day, naturally. Immediately, I'm sweating, cursing my luggage, and realizing I forgot the sunscreen. Epic fail already.
- 1:30 PM: Hire car…oh god, the driving. Left-hand side. Right-hand drive. I'm pretty sure I almost flattened a flock of ostriches within the first five minutes. Did I mention I'm an anxious driver? Good times.
- 3:00 PM: Arrive at La Plume. The pictures…they lied! Kidding! Sort of. It's beautiful. Really, truly stunning. The sandstone walls, the pool shimmering, the Karoo landscape stretching out forever. But… "Sir, your booking," the receptionist says with the practiced calm of someone who deals with stressed tourists daily, "is for the garden suite." Garden suite? Not the luxury suite I’d splashed out for. My carefully curated travel ego takes a nose-dive. I wanted that bathtub with the view!
- 3:15 PM: Internal meltdown mitigated by a glass of their complimentary welcome drink (a delicious, fruity concoction). The staff, bless their hearts are accommodating and move me in to the suite I wanted, only with a different view and a few imperfections. But who cares?
- 4:00 PM: Dump luggage, find my real sunscreen, and collapse on the balcony. The air smells like… freedom. And maybe a hint of… something vaguely sheep-related. Embrace it. This is Africa, baby!
- 4:30 PM: A quick dip in the pool! The water is blissfully cool, and the view? Utterly Instagrammable. I text my best friend, gloating.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The starter (something involving biltong, which I'd never had before, was interesting, if a bit…gamey?) And the main? Springbok. Okay, I feel a pang of guilt, but it's delicious. (Don't tell the animals). Wine flows. I'm starting to actually relax.
- 7:30 PM: Stargazing. The night sky is a canvas of a million diamonds. I can't even begin to name the constellations. But it's breathtaking. I am very happy.
Day 2: Ostriches, Caves, and Existential Angst
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast. Wonderful eggs, bacon, and a mountain of fresh fruit. Note to self: learn to cook like this.
- 9:00 AM: The Cango Caves Tour! (This is where things get weird.) I am terrible at claustrophobia. The guide, a cheerful chap named Piet, gives us a history of the caves. I'm all "oooh, ahhh," until we squeeze through "The Devil's Chimney." I’m practically hyperventilating. My heart pounds in my ears. I'm pretty sure I'm going to pass out. I cling to the person in front of me. Piet, bless his heart, notices the panic on my face and gives me an encouraging pat on the back. "Almost there, my friend! Just a little bit further!"
- 10:00 AM: I manage to survive. But I'm a sweaty, shaking mess. The caves are undeniably impressive. The formations are beautiful, and the history is fascinating. But, honestly, I’m just glad to be back in the sunlight.
- 11:00 AM: The Ostrich Farm Experience. Okay. This is what I was really excited for. I'm anticipating cute fluffballs, and silly antics. We go to a farm, and it's…intense. Huge, prehistoric-looking birds. The "ostrich derby" is hilarious. I even get to try my hand at riding one. The ostrich is much faster than I anticipated. I’m clutching on like a limpet, and I'm absolutely sure I'm going to fall off.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a roadside cafe. I order a burger - a massive burger. I eat it with the same gusto as the ostrich ride. I don't know why, but I'm starving.
- 2:00 PM: Back to La Plume. I need a nap. Seriously.
- 4:00 PM: Walking around the hotel grounds. I stumble upon a little area with plants and flowers. Strolling around, the scent of something floral fills my senses. I feel the need to write and reflect. Writing is the only thing that helps me in my dark moments. I start journaling. I write deep and painful words about life. It's cathartic. I decide that maybe I am okay.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner again at the hotel restaurant. This time, the menu is a bit different. I order the duck. It's fabulous. I spend a little too much time talking to a couple next to me about the nature of existence. I blame the wine.
- 8:00 PM: Stargazing again. This time, no existential angst. Just the quiet wonder of the universe. I am starting to like South Africa.
Day 3: Departure (and Sadness)
- 8:00 AM: Last breakfast. I eat as much as possible, trying to savor every moment. This is hard to imagine, but I am genuinely sad to leave.
- 9:00 AM: More walking around the grounds. Looking at the different plants and flowers. I think, "I need to get out of my comfort zone more often. I crave it now, to be free."
- 10:00 AM: Check-out. The staff are genuinely lovely, and they wave goodbye.
- 10:30 AM: Driving back to George Airport. I manage to avoid flattening any more farm animals. (Victory!)
- 12:00 PM: Boarding the plane. I stare out the window, feeling a pang of sadness . This beautiful stay feels already remote behind, as if it belonged to another life. I miss the air, the food, the ostriches, and the stars. I want to come back.
- 1:00 PM: Take offf. I go home with a changed heart.
So, La Plume...Is It Really as Luxurious as They Say? My Budget's Screaming!
Okay, let's be honest. "Luxury" is a slippery word. I've seen "luxury" that felt like a cardboard box with a chandelier. La Plume? Does it *generally* deliver the 'Ooh la la' factor? Yeah, probably. The rooms are beautifully decorated, the pool is tempting (though I did see a rogue leaf or two during my trip - gasp!), and the common areas are seriously Insta-worthy. BUT, and this is a big but, it's *pricey*. That said, here's the deal: you're paying for an experience. Not just a bed. You're paying for the historical setting, the feeling of being pampered (most of the time!), and the chance to disconnect. Think of it as an investment in sanity. Seriously. If you're watching every penny, maybe check for off-season deals. Or, hear me out, budget for it! It’s worth the splurge.
What's the Spa REALLY Like? I'm a Nervous Nellie About Massage!
Okay, the spa. This is where things get…interesting. I am a massage-averse person. I get all tense and awkward, like a pretzel that’s been in the microwave too long. The La Plume spa? Divine. Seriously. The therapists are amazing. They have this way of making you feel completely comfortable, even when you're basically naked, vulnerable, and worried about your back cracking. The treatments themselves are...well, let's just say I almost fell asleep during my hot stone massage, which is HIGH praise from someone who usually spends massages desperately trying to calculate how many breaths they’ve taken. It's worth it. Just breathe, dammit! And tip well!
The Food! Is it Pretensious? I'm a Pizza and Beer Kind of Person.
Alright, food. Let me clarify. The restaurant is lovely, and the food is *good*. Not "pizza and beer" good. Think elegant presentation, local ingredients, a wine list that'll make you feel sophisticated (even if you’re not). They definitely put effort in the food. I’ve never particularly enjoyed the food, but the portions were smaller than I am used to, which is really the only negative thing I can say about it. If you are craving something a little bit more on the light side, you may need to opt for something else.
Can I Bring My Kids? (And Should I?)
Mmm, tricky. Officially? Yes, La Plume welcomes children. Should you? Depends. This place is *romantic*. It’s designed for couples, for quiet moments, for sipping wine on the veranda. If your kids are chill and quiet, then sure. If they're the kind who love to run wild and scream with joy at the sight of a chicken, maybe opt for something less…refined. You know your kids best. Just be prepared to be the "shush" parents if you bring the little ones. And maybe request a room away from the main pool – trust me.
What's the Deal With the Gamtoos River? Is it actually pretty?
Okay, let's talk about the Gamtoos River's role in the scenery. Yes, it's beautiful. The river is a whole mood. It adds this element of relaxation and adventure. You can't just dive in when you're staying at La Plume. I would recommend going for a walk along the river, as you will find a lot of interesting things along the way.
The History! What's the Vibe There? Ghosts? Secrets? Tell Me Everything!
Okay, you want the juicy stuff? La Plume is old. Like, seriously old. It’s got a rich history, and that translates to a *vibe*. There are whispers of hidden rooms, of old love affairs, of secrets buried deep in the walls. Are there ghosts? Maybe. (I may have felt a draft in the hallway at 3 a.m… but I'm attributing that to the wine. Mostly.) The whole place has a palpable timelessness, which is either romantic or creepy, depending on your perspective. Embrace the mystery! Look up the history of the area. You might find some really interesting stories.
Is it Worth the Drive? I'm Coming From Far, Far Away!
Oudtshoorn is a drive. No way around it. But is La Plume worth it? Absolutely. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, it's worth it. The Karoo scenery *alone* is worth the journey. Those endless horizons will soothe your soul. The hotel itself is this oasis of calm and beauty. The drive there gives a feeling of being in the middle of no where, and that in itself is worth it to get away. Just plan your route, pack some snacks, and get ready for an adventure. You won't regret it. (Unless you hate beautiful landscapes and pampering, in which case, I can’t help you.)
Okay, I'm Convinced. But What if Something Goes Wrong? Complaints?
Okay, real talk. Hotels, even fancy ones, aren’t always perfect. My experience? Mostly positive, but there was one minor hiccup. The hairdryer in my room conked out. (First world problems, I know). I reported it, it was replaced promptly. The point is, things happen. The staff are generally very attentive. If you have a problem, speak up! They want you to have a good time. Be polite, be direct, and give them a chance to make it right. My biggest takeaway? Don't be afraid to ask.
Anything I Should Pack That Might Be Unexpected?
Here's a pro-tip. Packing is a game of life, innit? Okay, things I wish I remembered to pack: Firstly, a good book. You'll have time to read. Secondly, a travel adapter. Thirdly, extra socks. The weather can be unpredictable. Fourthly, a small pair of binoculars. Fifthly, a decent camera. Sixthly, bug spray, though I didn’t need it, but better safe than sorry, you know? And lastly, a sense of adventure!
The Verdict? Would You Go Back?
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La Plume Boutique Hotel & Spa Oudtshoorn South Africa
La Plume Boutique Hotel & Spa Oudtshoorn South Africa
