The St James of Knysna is an exclusive, owner run, five star Country House Hotel uniquely situated directly on the shores of the famous Knysna Lagoon on the Western Cape Garden Route in South Africa.

The luxuriously appointed Suites & Rooms offer spectacular views across this peaceful lagoon to the dramatic Knysna Heads or over the magnificent 3 acre gardens.

We provide a unique experience of Knysna and its surround while paying attention to every detail of your stay, and providing outstanding bed & breakfast accommodation.

Our policy is one of total exclusivity, privacy, security and dedication to personal service. A privately owned establishment, we set new standards in service and luxury facilities.

The Manor: At the Manor there is the luxurious George Rex Suite and the Lady Anne Suite, both with large lagoon facing balconies. Two Deluxe Garden facing Suites, spacious Double Room, elegant dining room, main lounge with Mezzanine Lounge, Paquita Bar and swimming pool are also located there.

The Courtyard: Here 4 Superior Suites, 3 of which are Lagoon facing and all with balconies are located on the upper floor and 3 Deluxe Lagoon facing Suites and two Junior Suites nestle around the Mediterranean courtyard with a private swimming pool.

Whether you stay in the Manor or the Courtyard, all the rooms and suites feature en-suite bathrooms, mini bars, tea/coffee making facilities, satellite (DSTV), television, safes, irons & ironing boards, direct-dial telephones, bath robes and hairdryers. Should you require adaptor units, all international adaptors can be requested from reception.

The magnificent gardens offer peaceful walks, large Koi pond, 2 swimming pools, croquet, and angling off the private jetty.

We offer a powerboat for water skiing and sightseeing cruises and canoes for those who wish to explore this fascinating eco-system on their own.

St James Restaurant: The hotel boasts a superb dining room and well stocked wine cellar. Country style breakfasts, light lunches, teas and snacks are also served on the various patios and terraces. The Paquita Bar, with its lagoon facing patio is a warm and friendly meeting place. The spectacular and panoramic views of Knysna and the lagoon can be experienced whilst exquisite cuisine is served in the candlelit dining room. Guest can then relax and unwind in front of a crackling log fire in the main lounge whilst savouring a fine port from the hotel's cellar.

Picnics: With its superb location and stunning panoramic views of the lagoon, St James offers many opportunities for picnicking in the outdoors. Order a delicious picnic hamper enjoy with a bottle of wine on the beach where you can spend the day sunbathing, collecting shells and paddling in the natural rock pools or venture into the lush indigenous Knysna forests.

A natural paradise of lush indigenous forests, tranquil lakes and golden beaches adorns South Africa's unspoilt southern coast. Nestling on the banks of a shimmering lagoon in the heart of this Garden Route is the picturesque town of Knysna.

Beaches, lakes, mountains and rivers provide endless opportunity for leisure and outdoor adventure. Within the town, craft shops, flea-markets and cozy cafes beckon with small-town charm and hospitality.

Knysna is synonymous with fine indigenous timbers, and famed for the craftsmanship of its furniture and timber products.

The area is a veritable Garden of Eden: home to the only forest elephant in South Africa, the unique Knysna seahorse and the Pansy shell, the brilliantly colored Knysna Loerie, a plethora of waterfowl and forest birds, dolphins and visiting whales.

The indigenous forests constitute the largest complex of closed-canopy forest in southern Africa, whilst the remarkable richness of the Fynbos vegetation contributes over 8000 plant species to the Cape floral kingdom.

Knysna enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean type climate with Summer from September to end of April, warm sunny days prevail at an average temperature of 25C . Winter is from May to August with an average temperature of 18C. Knysna has far less rainfall during winter than Cape Town and the surrounding coastal area, with most of the rain falling at night leaving the daylight hours warm and sunny.

A temperate climate and a fine selection of accommodation, restaurants and enjoyable activities make Knysna the perfect holiday destination.

Knysna is one of the Garden Route´s best known travel destinations. Situated between lush forests and the shores of the peaceful estuary it offers many activities and attractions to a wide variety of people.

The Knysna area consists of Knysna, Sedgefield, Brenton, Noetzie, Rheenendal, Belvidere and Buffalo Bay. The area is one of the most scenic in the world and offers beaches, lakes and lush forests to play in.

After being South Africa’s favourite town of the year for a few years in a row, it has now received international recognition for the gem it is - it was named as one of the Top 100 Destinations in the World and one of the Top 25 in Africa by the Trip Advisor, 2008 Travellers’ Choice Destinations Awards.

A NATURAL PARADISE: In Knysna, nature quite literally knocks on your front door. The town nestles on the shores of an estuary fed by rivers originating in the Outeniqua Mountains and it is surrounded by lush indigenous forests. This exceptional nature’s playground of beaches, lakes, mountains, forests and rivers offers an unforgettable holiday. Whether you’re an adventurous type or simply like it lolling around in the sun, Knysna has it all.

OUR ANIMAL KINGDOM: Knysna boasts an array of unique species including the Knysna seahorse, the famous Knysna Loerie, the endangered dwarf chameleon and Brenton Blue Butterfly. The area also hosts some of the biggest wildlife creatures - the Humpback and Southern Right whales visit the coastline during the months of May and September to breed in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and Knysna is also home to the only forest elephants in South Africa.

ADVENTURE AND SPORT: Come and play in our forests and dive into outdoor adventures like horse riding, golf, hiking, yachting, fishing and canoeing. For a pure adrenalin rush get into the more extreme sports of abseiling, paragliding, scuba diving or water skiing and some of the best mountain bike routes in the country. Knysna has something for everyone - from the very young to the well matured and for every size, shape and temperament.

MECCA FOR THE GOURMAND: Whether it’s shopping, food or culture. In and around Knysna one will find a selection of fine restaurants, activities, cultural and heritage experiences, adventure and natural encounters to match your mood, age, physique and budget. Do not miss out on Knysna’s famous oysters or beer from local micro brewery, Mitchell’s. Shopping include a quaint Waterfront shopping complex and authentic African traders.

Enjoy a Sundowner cruise, water-skiing or sightseeing on the Knysna Lagoon from our private jetty.

• All rates are subject to change without notice.
• All rates are per Person Sharing per night.
• All B & B rates include a Full English/Continental breakfast.
• All rates include 14% VAT. Should there be an increase, we reserve the right to increase the rates accordingly.
• These rates do not include a Tourism Levy of R 10.00 per night per room.
• All rates are quoted in South African Rands.