Just Be – In Paradise

The best thing to do at The St. James: Just be...

Expansive views and fresh breezes from the Knysna Lagoon and the Indian Ocean beyond The Heads create the atmosphere at The St. James of Knysna: stress-free and comfortable.

A place where you can Just be …

Just be to watch the lagoon mirror the ever-changing light. Just be to sit in our gardens and listen to the birds. Just be to watch the local fishermen leave for their daily work, and to contemplate the gentle sound of their paddles splashing on the stillness of the water.

Just be to marvel at the sunset, at the stars at night, and at the play of Knysna’s lights twinkling on the water…

Be our guest: Explore the Lagoon by boat

Enjoy a complimentary, 90-minute cruise of the upper reaches of the Knysna Lagoon with our friendly skipper, Alex Mvandaba, on board our pontoon barge, ‘The Boat.’

The Knysna Lagoon – part of the Garden Route National Park – is one of the Cape Province’s largest estuaries, and biologically its richest. And fortunately for us, the upper reaches (where The St. James is situated) are the quietest – and therefore good for sightings of birds like the African fish eagle and the graceful darter. Amongst more than 200 others!

You’ll visit historic places like Belvidere and the Red Bridge (once the only way across the Lagoon, and the site where old George Rex, the founder of Knysna, began building the town’s first, two-masted ship in 1826. A beacon marks the spot).

And you’ll return to our private jetty relaxed and ready for your next exciting adventure.
• Boat trips are subject to availability, and run when weather permits. Please contact reception for schedules and terms and conditions.

Eating in, Eating out

Breakfast

Accommodation at The St. James of Knysna includes full English or Continental breakfast, served in our dining room from 8:00 to 9:45 a.m.

Refreshments

Light refreshments can be ordered from reception throughout the day, and can be served in the dining room, in the garden, at the swimming pool, or in your room or suite.
View our refreshments menu here

Dining out

Knysna loves its food, and its many unusual, independent, and creative restaurants and coffee shops at centres like The Waterfront Knysna Quays (2.8 km from The St. James) or Thesen Harbour Town (4 km) – as well as at local hotels and other interesting destinations.
Please ask at reception for help or advice about dinner reservations, and for ordering taxis if you need them.

Be active

There’s plenty to do at The St. James – and plenty to do in the Knysna and the Garden Route, too:

Be active at The St. James

Looking for a bit of outdoor entertainment here at home? Splash about in one of our two swimming pools, or enjoy a game of boule on our dedicated court (lots of games of boule!) whilst sipping a local gin or two (lots of local gins!)…

Be active out there

If you want more excitement, though, please ask our receptionists for advice and assistance with bookings for any of the adventures and attractions in Knysna and the Garden Route – including golf (Simola, Pezula, the Knysna Golf Club), sailing, boat trips, kayaking, SUP boarding, kite surfing, hiking, cycling, MTB, paragliding, zipline tours, historical tours, sightseeing tours, and the attractions of the Garden Route National Park (some paid, some free).

We’re also here to help you plan your day at the beach (Buffalo Bay’s our closest, and Noetzie’s great for castle hunting!) – and to advise you on that most exacting adventure of all: shopping. (Knysna has great gift and clothing shops, and one of South Africa’s finest contemporary art galleries. Can recommend.)