Does Plettenberg Bay bring back childhood memories? Do you sometimes you recall those marvellous summer holidays when your parents packed you, your siblings and piles of luggage into the family car to spend a glorious six weeks playing on the beaches and frolicking in the warm Indian Ocean?
As we approach our senior years, childhood memories tend become more vivid, and perhaps some of us dream of living out our retirement in Plett. It would appear that many of us do achieve this, and the good news is that there are a number of delightful retirement villages only too happy to welcome us, where peace, safety, care and comfort are paramount to the enjoyment of our later years.
Formosa Garden Village
FGV is Plett's original retirement village, established in 1984. Hopeful fifty year olds rush to add their names to the waiting list of this popular place. Perched high on the ridge above the town, FGV nestles in beautiful gardens, facing north with lovely views of the Tsitsikamma Mountains, yet only one km. from the shopping centre and CBD.
There are 125 Eastern Cape style cottages with one or two bedrooms, each with its own garden. The frail care unit offers a full medical and nursing service. Transport to town is readily available. The community hall hosts frequent talks and social activities.
Strombolis Retirement Village
Strombolis is in Harkerville, just off the N2, and 11 km from Plett CBD. Strombolis originated as a holiday resort in the sixties and still retains a relaxed, laid back ambience. The stunningly beautiful gardens with their ancient trees, lake, lawns and abundant bird life contribute to the country ambience, as do the charming green roofed timber cottages.
There are 46 life right owned cottages, 6 rental cottages for assisted care and 8 frail care rooms. Main meals are served either in your own cottage or in the dining room. Pumba's lapa by the pool is popular for spontaneous braais and prawn evenings, and social contact with other residents is made easy with the cosy library and lounge.
Glen Eden Retirement Village
Glen Eden is an established village offering freehold ownership to the over 55s. The modern two and three bedroomed homes have pretty gardens surrounding each property which are tended by the estate gardeners.
Primary health care is provided by the onsite clinic, and the village is next door to a Mediclinic as well as a range of health services.
The clubhouse is a magnet for movie fans and bridge players, while fun for all is to be had at the weekly happy hour.
Glen Eden is centrally situated - a stone's throw from the centre of Plettenberg Bay town.
Plett Manor Retirement Village
Plett Manor is an award winning, exclusive retirement village offering peace and proximity to nature. Recently completed, there are 111 luxury houses, 24 luxury apartments, 18 assisted living units and a 24 bed frail care unit and health centre.
Nature lovers revel in the walking trails which include board walks across the wetland, and a path to the unspoilt Keurbooms Beach. Fishing is popular, as is bird watching from the hides dotted around the estate.
The clubhouse includes a restaurant, bar and coffee shop, as well as a hair and beauty salon and a convenience store. There is also a fully equipped gym and swimming pool. A shuttle service is on hand for trips to town - a ten minute drive away.
Quartet Hotel & Retirement Estate
Quartet offers a relaxed, eco-friendly lifestyle with a variety of living units: bedsits and two bedroomed apartments or two bedroomed free standing homes, situated in lovely, landscaped gardens.
With the hotel at its hub, Quartet is able to offer quality, on demand flexible service.
There is a fully equipped medical centre, with frail care as needed, though residents frequently prefer to be looked after in their own homes by qualified caregivers.
Facilities include a heated swimming pool, restaurant, bar, library and hair salon. Golf enthusiasts will be happy to know that Quartet is adjacent to the Goose Valley golf course.
Quartet is 2.6km from Plettenberg Bay town, and in close proximity to beautiful beaches and the Keurbooms River.
Crescent Care Life Wellness and Retirement Lodge
Crescent Lodge prides itself on its warm homey ambience, offering assisted living or private care in en suite rooms.
Facilities include a swimming pool, relaxation area plus a lounge with DSTV and a wide variety of daily activities, which include art and craft, games, gardening and tai chi.
Crescent is centrally situated with transport on hand for trips to the shops and Plett's magnificent beaches.
Peace of Plett Residential Care Home
Peace of Plett provides non-medical custodial care for the elderly in a warm, relaxed atmosphere, with a team of fully trained caregivers offering a high quality of care, and understanding of the unique nature of dementia.
Situated in the pleasant Longships area, the spacious stylish house lends itself well to providing a range of activities for the residents: in addition to the large kitchen /dining room, there are two lounges, a library and an entertainment room. There are frequent trips to town and places of interest.
Family and friends are welcome to visit and share meals with their loved ones.
Plettenberg Bay is one of South Africa's most desirable retirement towns, so it is fortunate that further retirement facilities are presently at the planning stage.