Johannesburg, 6 October 2026 – We are absolutely thrilled to share this exciting news as the results of this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are published today.
This accolade has been a decade in the making, from the acquisition of a derelict heritage site in 2013, through its painstaking transformation from a neglected historical building into the charming seaside hotel you see today.
We are immensely grateful to Condé Nast Traveller, to all of our guests who voted and to our invaluable team – our Old Rectory family – for their passion, humility and kindness in bringing to life a travel experience that offers relaxed luxury, heartfelt hospitality and a welcoming feeling of home.
Thank you for all your support – we can’t wait to see what the next decade brings!
We are delighted to share that The Old Rectory Hotel & Spa has been recognised by Condé Nast Traveler – arguably one of the most respected and discerning travel publications in the world – as one of South Africa’s best hotels in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
Voted for by the magazine’s readers, the ranking is a recognition from the people who matter most – our guests. We strive to not only create a memorable stay but to craft experiences that are unexpected, meaningful and considered; to offer people a sense of belonging in a home-away-from-home. This uplifting acknowledgement from Condé Nast Traveler’s readers is an indicator that the kind of heartfelt hospitality we practice at The Old Rectory is striking a chord.
Built in 1777 as a VOC barracks and later became a home for the local Anglican priest, The Old Rectory is the oldest surviving building in Plettenberg Bay. Rare Earth Retreats acquired the neglected heritage site in 2013, at which time it was painstakingly restored and reimagined into the charming seaside hotel and spa guests know today.
“Being recognised by guests who have stayed with us is what makes this so special. This accolade belongs to our Old Rectory family – the hard-working team whose warmth, care and effortless way of connecting with our guests make this a place people return to.” – Lauren Davies, CEO of Rare Earth Retreats.
We are immensely grateful to Condé Nast Traveler and to everyone who voted.
