Set along South Africa’s Garden Route in the Western Cape, Tamodi Estate & Polo Reserve presents a considered approach to rural hospitality. Surrounded by the rolling slopes of the Tsitsikamma mountain range and tempered by a gentle ocean breeze, the estate offers a slower pace shaped by landscape, heritage and design.
Positioned between the Robberg Peninsula and the protected natural areas of Kiaruna and Annex Arch Rock, Tamodi remains largely under the radar. With just ten guest suites, the property feels closer to a private retreat than a traditional hotel. Its location midway between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth makes it a natural stop for travellers moving through the region; and we love how it still manages to feel distinctly removed from it.
The estate’s luscious interiors were commissioned to Studio Ashby, led by Sophie Ashby, whose background between South Africa and the UK informs the project’s understated aesthetic. Shared living spaces and suites are defined by a restrained material palette and an emphasis on comfort and clarity. Bespoke furniture made by specialist carpenters sits alongside handcrafted rugs and ceramics, decorative objects by local makers and a curated collection of contemporary artworks. Each suite spans over 100 square metres and includes a fireplace, bathtub and expansive views across the surrounding countryside.
Social life centres on the main building, designed for relaxed, communal living. A library and reading room, open terraces and a swimming pool create space for quiet moments and informal gathering. Dining follows a flexible, guest-led format, beginning with a breakfast buffet and continuing with à la carte lunches and dinners prepared using seasonal produce from the estate’s garden and nearby suppliers. A wine cellar showcasing historic South African vineyards supports tastings and early evening aperitivo, accompanied by classic and alcohol-free cocktails.
Equestrian culture sits at the heart of Tamodi. The estate is home to twenty polo horses, with stables, training tracks and a full-sized playing field. It hosts invitation-only tournaments and forms part of the Plettenberg Bay polo season, attracting both players and spectators. Beyond polo, guests can arrange guided walks, beach excursions, vineyard visits and wildlife experiences through the concierge.
With future plans for a spa, wellness spaces and environmental rehabilitation focused on restoring indigenous flora, Tamodi Estate & Polo Reserve continues to evolve as a destination quite like no other.
Photography, courtesy Tamodi Estate & Polo Reserve.
