Blog - Lilypond Country Lodge

Eight Blue Flags and a Green Coast Award for Plettenberg Bay and Nature's Valley

2025-11-11T00:00:00+02:00

The coveted Blue Flag status is one of the world’s most recognisable voluntary eco labels awarded to beaches, marinas, and sustainable boating tourism operators. Plett received full Blue Flag status for six of its beaches – Robberg 5, The Waves, Nature’s Valley, Lookout, The Dunes and Singing Kettle – and seal-swimming operator Offshore Adventures for its two boats. To qualify for the Blue Flag, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. Robberg 5 and Lookout beaches received special awards celebrating 16 and 11 years, respectively, in the Blue Flag programme, which serves to highlight Bitou’s long-standing commitment to excellence.

Blue Flag Beaches for Plett

Each Blue Flag raised brings more than just recognition; it also brings increased opportunity. From local guides and guesthouses to restaurants and beach services and activities, the award fuels a ripple effect of growth that strengthens families, livelihoods, and the heart of Bitou,” said Plett Tourism CEO Patty Butterworth.

Representing Bitou Municipality, Mr Andile Sakati (Acting Director: Community Services), Mr Mziyanda James (Manager: Facilities and Maintenance) and Mr John Prins (Senior Superintendent Beaches) attended the recent awards ceremony in St Francis Bay to receive the Blue Flag honours.

Two Blue Flag Boats for Offshore Adventures
“This recognition marks a vibrant start to the summer season and reaffirms Bitou’s place as a leader in environmental stewardship. We extend heartfelt thanks to all staff, partners, and community members who contributed to this success,” the Bitou Municipality shared in a social media statement. “These awards are a powerful endorsement of Bitou’s commitment to maintaining safe, clean, and environmentally responsible coastal spaces. They reflect the hard work of dedicated teams who ensure our natural assets remain world-class.”

Consistency is key to the continued success of Blue Flag in Plett as Robberg 5 celebrated 16 years of Blue Flag excellence and eco-marine tour operator, Offshore Adventures and Lookout Beach both marked 11 years, highlighting their longstanding commitment to excellence.

In conclusion, Butterworth said: “A Blue Flag is a stamp of approval to every visitor that treasures the natural beauty of Plettenberg Bay. It tells the world our beaches are safe, clean, and alive with community spirit and a special place that people fall in love with and return to, year after year.”

Introducing BISTRO "LYS" – A New Chapter in Culinary Creativity

2025-10-22T00:00:00+02:00

At Lily Pond Country Lodge, every detail tells a story — of nature, creativity, and connection. Today, we’re proud to introduce a beautiful new chapter in our dining experience: Bistro "LYS", the name now given to our restaurant.

Derived from the French word for lily, Bistro LYS embodies the serene elegance of our surroundings — where the tranquil ponds reflect the lilies that inspired our name. Just as the petals of a lily unfold, so too does this new era of flavour, passion, and artistry in our kitchen.

At the heart of LYS is our new Head Chef, Megan, whose creativity and love for food align perfectly with Lily Pond’s philosophy of mindful, sensory travel. Megan brings a fresh perspective shaped by her deep respect for local ingredients and global inspiration. Her menus change daily, guided by what’s seasonal, beautiful, and delicious — celebrating both simplicity and sophistication.

Expect dishes that balance colour and texture, flavour and story. Whether you’re enjoying a slow breakfast overlooking the lily ponds, or an evening dinner under a canopy of forest stars, every plate at LYS reflects our connection to nature and the art of slow living.

Bistro "LYS" isn’t just a Bistro — it’s a reflection of who we are: elegant yet unpretentious, inspired yet grounded. A place to savour each moment.

We invite you to experience Bistro "LYS" — where nature and nourishment come beautifully together.

Bon Appetit!

Niels & Margret (owners)

Introducing our new management Rynhard & Natasja at Lily Pond Country Lodge

2025-10-22T00:00:00+02:00

At Lily Pond Country Lodge, harmony is at the heart of everything we do — between people, nature, and the experiences we create for our guests. Today, we’re proud to celebrate a milestone that reflects both our spirit and our story.

Rynhard & Natasja, our new management will bring their hospitality experience together with compassion, and creativity. Known for their experiences with several 5 star Game Lodges in South Africa and a deep passion for hospitality and guest relationships.

Our new talented Chef Lushai leads the culinary vision behind LYS, our newly named restaurant. Her food tells stories of place and season — thoughtful, nourishing, and inspired. Margret, co-owner and creative mind behind Lily Pond’s kitchen, interior and landscape design, continues to shape the property’s timeless aesthetic. Together with the broader team who keep Lily Pond warm and welcoming each day, they represent a shared dedication to excellence.

Here’s to the staff who make Lily Pond what it is — and to every guest who becomes part of our story.

Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award 2025

2025-07-29T00:00:00+02:00

Lily Pond Country Loge Named Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards Winner for 2025

Lily Pond Country Lodge Recognized as a Top-Rated Hotel in South Africa

Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape – April 29th, 2025 – Lily Pond Country Lodge is pleased to announce today that it has been recognized in Tripadvisor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2025, ranking No. 2, Lodges in The Crags – Plettenberg Bay. Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award winners are among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor.

As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travelers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of travelers’ favorites.

“We are honored to be included among travelers’ favorites this year again and we would like to thank all our guests for the wonderful reviews and a special thank you to our staff who has worked really hard to make the guests experience wonderful for them to leave us with happy hearts and great memories.” – Lily Pond Country Lodge

“Congratulations to Lily Pond Country Lodge on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2025,” said Kristen Dalton, President, Tripadvisor. “Ranking among the top percentage of businesses globally means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took time to go online and leave a glowing review about their experience. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2025 and beyond.”

Check out all the reviews and discover more about Lily Pond Country Lodge here: https://www.tripadvisor.co.za/Hotel_Review-g1382495-d599947-Reviews-Lily_Pond_Country_Lodge-The_Crags_Plettenberg_Bay_Western_Cape.html

TripAdvisor Travelers Choice Award 2024

2024-05-09T00:00:00+02:00

Lily Pond Country Lodge Recognized as a Traveler-Favorite Hotel/Lodge

Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape – May, 2024 – Lily Pond Country Lodge is pleased to announce today that it has been recognized in Tripadivsor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2024. The award honors businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor.

“Congratulations to Lily Pond Country Lodge on its recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “Travelers’ Choice honors businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. This means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took the time to go online and leave a great review about their experience. People rely on Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice seal to help them navigate the myriad of things to see, eat and do across the globe. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2024 and beyond.”

Father XMas finally found his way to Lily Pond again.

2023-12-16T00:00:00+02:00

After all those years most of the Lily Pond Kids outgrown this festivity but the new generation was eagerly waiting to step in 😊.
Games as tug of war and sack race, even the adults took part in it and had a lot of fun.
Most important was of course Father Christmas with the presents!

Get It Magazine Article - Have a read

2023-09-01T00:00:00+02:00

We are pleased to share with you another Magazine Article in which Lily Pond Country Lodge is featured.

Pre-Season Staff Outing

2023-08-26T00:00:00+02:00

On Wednesday the 16th August 2023 we had a wonderful outing with our Staff, this time we decided to take them out on a Sailing trip through the Knysna Heads thanks to the Team from Ocean Sailing Charters.

For some of our staff it was a first-time experience not only on a boat but on the open ocean waters. We could not have asked for better weather and our experience on-board the Catamaran Sailing LaraBelle was phenomenal. Niels even had the opportunity to steer the boat back into the Knysna Lagoon along with the captain.

It is important for us to provide our staff with knowledge and experience of all the wonderful things to do in our area, this way they can assist guests in making choices about places to see and things to experience during their stay with us.

Our 20 Years Celebration running Lily Pond Country Lodge

2022-11-26T00:00:00+02:00

Lily Pond Lodge celebrates 20 years

Published by Plett Tourism: November 16th, 2022

The 1st of December 2002, Niels and Margret landed at Lily Pond to start their new adventure in South Africa. Both originally from the Netherlands, they visited South Africa on holiday and fell in love with the country, returning in 2002 to purchase Lily Pond.

They have worked side by side to constantly make improvements to the lodge and have developed it into a lovely, tranquil 4-Star Country Lodge and never regret it. Plett Tourism would like to wish them all the best for their committed 20 years in business in Plettenberg Bay!

ABOUT LILY POND COUNTRY LODGE

Nestled on the edge of the serene, indigenous Tsitsikamma forests on the east side of the famous Garden Route, Lily Pond offers a tranquil retreat for even the most intrepid city slicker. It is the perfect synergy of modern “Afro-Zen” architectural influences, set on the banks of the most beautiful lily ponds.

While away the day on beautiful wooden decks, watching the myriad bird species come and go. Try the excellent kitchen with a daily changing small, ever-evolving menu with vegetarian options, focusing on fresh, local, seasonal ingredients, of which a great deal is grown on the property, simply cooked, and beautifully presented.

Contact Person: Niels, Margret or Bronwan
Contact Number: 044 534 8767 / 082 746 8782
Contact Email: info@lilypond.co.za

The Elusive Knysna Elephant

2022-11-19T00:00:00+02:00

KNYSNA NEWS & VIDEO - Forestry workers have again spotted the elusive and last surviving female Knysna elephant, this time between Sedgefield and Wilderness.

The sighting happened early yesterday morning, Thursday 17 November and SANParks has requested that the exact location not be made public.

It is the first sighting since May.
In any event, the sighting was in an area not accessible to the public, said Megan Taplin, Park Manager Knysna Area of Garden Route National Park.

Taplin said SANParks recently completed a public survey survey to highlight different management considerations, such as whether intervention is required, or to leave the situation as is.

She said SANParks has some camera traps to monitor the elephant, as well as field rangers who monitor spoor and dung “ to give us an idea of the elephant’s movements”.

Booking.com Award

2021-09-29T00:00:00+02:00

We are proud to receive the Booking.com Traveller Award 2021. We went up from 9.5 to 9.7.

We thank all our guests that wrote a review to Booking.com and are looking forward to welcoming them again.

Niels & Margret Hendriks(owners)

New: Back up generator for Lily Pond

2019-10-18T00:00:00+02:00

Since September we have a full back up generator installed in case of power failures or load shedding.
Yesterday and today we had the benefit of this investment, as Eskom (our power supplier) had 2 load shedding's and the generator took it seamless over. Yesterday it happened during the late evening and we even could go to bed as it automatically switches on and off. What a relieve compared to the old situation where we had 2 small generators that could hardly cope with the demand and were only running for the room pumps and some light. Especially our guests appreciated this as it is not pleasant to come back after a hike to find out that the shower is cold......