This September, Bayview Hotel had the joy of hosting a select group of travel agents on a FAM trip designed to shine the spotlight on Plettenberg Bay and the Garden Route. Four days of wildlife, wine, waves, and wow-moments later — we think it’s safe to say Plett left its mark!
For the duration of the trip, Bayview served as the group’s home base, offering both comfort and convenience. Adi’s Kitchen right on the premises, quickly became the natural meeting point — a sunny, relaxed space to regroup over coffee, share impressions of the day, and soak up the vibe of the town.
The itinerary was packed with memorable highlights, from being personally escorted by Lucy the spider monkey at Monkeyland & Birds of Eden, to close encounters with magnificent wildlife at Jukani Sanctuary, and a playful archery challenge that brought out the competitive side of the group. Even in rainy weather, our guests remained enthusiastic — thanks to warm hospitality, engaging guides, and thoughtful touches like complimentary highlight videos and boma dinners by the fire.
A stop at Bramon Wine Estate showcased how important personalized service is in shaping guest experiences, while a visit to Mungo highlighted the creativity of pairing experiences with Old Nick’s Market. The key addition of Archery Adventures by Craig and the Robberg Nature Reserve to the itinerary, thoughtfully curated by our Head of Marketing, Tess, beautifully showcased the rich diversity that Plettenberg Bay and its surrounds have to offer.
Last but certainly not least were the unforgettable experiences with Ocean Sailing Charters and the (quite literally and figuratively) touching encounter at the Elephant Sanctuary. The feedback was clear: Plett delivers the full package — from adventure and wildlife to food, wine, and warm hospitality. And for us at Bayview Hotel, it was a privilege to be the welcoming base where the journey began and ended. With a few refinements to pacing and preparation, this FAM trip model has the potential to continue inspiring travel professionals to share our slice of paradise with the world.
