The Secret Idyll of Leisure Isle

Leisure Island is a small island tucked away in South Africa's Garden Route in a small town called Knysna. This historic and multi-cultural city has great beauty and character, and yet is often overlooked by tour operators and tourists alike. Those who were out of town often just stay a night or two are missing the main attractions, not fully understanding why their travel agent to put it on the agenda at all.

What is the Knysna seem to want that I'd stayed longer?

Set in the heart of the famous Garden Route, Knysna offers visitors and locals a wide choice of attractions include water sports, beauty, eco-tourism, history and gastronomic delight.

is a city set in a picturesque valley that is the center of the blue lagoon. Lazing in the sun on the banks of the lagoon lies the city with its colorful waterfront, winding streets and an interesting selection of shops offering everything from souvenirs and trinkets for the gourmet extravaganzas and high fashion.

As you linger in the bistros and cafes often does your ears will pick up the music of multi-cultural language of Knysna is a melting pot of races, religions and classes. It is this diversity that creates the magic that is Knysna.

Why stay on the island of leisure?

Originally known as Steenbok Island Leisure Island is a treasure trove for visitors. It contains about 300 dwellings on the island is flat, making it suitable for walking and cycling - especially for romantic couples! Leisure Island is a nature reserve.

passes under the tree canopy will see the Island Art Gallery and on the right side with its magnificent Coffee Shop where you can sit under an old, bearded trees and enjoy homemade food before the latest review of the exhibition.

In contrast to the local real estate agents and the Tides Restaurant where Michael is preparing culinary delights for dinner crowds. Continuing, you pass the yacht club and tennis courts, a nature reserve and bowls club - all with magnificent lagoon and mountain views

Round the point where, if you're lucky enough, will indicate a local alley on a secluded beach, and then on the other side of the island facing the majestic head. These two shoots were once connected, but now form a natural entrance to the lagoon. Picnic on the grass or continue to Bollard Bay, where soft silver sand slips between your toes and gently laps lagoons, home to rays, seahorses and many species of fish. If you are lucky, you might see dolphins jumping in

as dark falls, black, black sky reveals its gems, and the island falls silent, peacefully in his solitude.

Accommodation on the Isle Leisure

There are a wide variety of accommodation in the city and the surrounding areas of Knysna, but the best is located at beautiful Leisure Island. Unlike the accommodation facilities closer to the city, leisure Isle does not affect the noise from traffic or crowds offers visitors a quiet, safe environment to return after a long day of sightseeing.

accommodation on the Isle of free time varies from well-appointed self catering home in bed and breakfasts and guest houses. Those on the edge of the water are more expensive catering for guests with five-star hotel, but there are excellent four-star establishments such as Amadala Island Lodge just minutes walk from the lagoon. Other B & Bs / Guest Houses are as follows:

Leisure Isle Lodge 5 stars

Knysna Belle 5 stars

Amanzi Island Lodge 5 stars

Cuninghams 4 stars

African Breeze 4 stars

Other self catering while

Turning Tides 4 stars

While most do not accept children under 12 Amadala Island Lodge no. Otherwise contact the letting agent at Sotheby's or Pam Golding to rent a house. Amadala Island Lodge also rents the entire house families with children, if preferred.

tips for booking on the Island of Leisure

There are a few basic tips that will help

* Try not to book through a general travel website to committees of accommodation are high (40%), which they can put off your booking

* Shop around. The island is small and sleep one road back from the edge of the water can save you a lot!

* Use Google to find on the website of B & B you are interested in and e-mail them directly to

* Put everything in writing

* Ask what their time and what they are offering specials

* Let them know that if you have any special requests such as birthdays

* Book a minimum of two nights to ensure that the experience in the field

* research before you arrive and ask for recommendations from the B & B

* Only book with an accredited establishment, ie: Registered with the Tourism

* Owner Accommodation Mali is often the best!

* Ask the host to recommend your next stop. They often know the best structures such as all travel on the route.

What to do on the Island of Leisure

Try to arrive before early evening, say around 16:00. This way you get to walk the island before darkness falls on the 7 - 8:00 and enjoy a romantic sundowner on Bollard Bay or in the garden of your accommodation facility. Chat to the owners / managers after you pay and ask for their recommendations about restaurants. The island has two exceptional gourmet delights - Danielle and tides. Walking into the restaurant on the island is large and allows you to fully enjoy the atmosphere and their wine!

Mornings are tough choice! Lie down, while with the sun peeking in your windows or get up early and walk along the waterfront road before breakfast? Alternate. Both proposals are enjoyable. Breakfasts are a big affair at the Island vacation with continental and English are used in most buildings.

After breakfast, you should ask your host for the local tourist map and tell them what you feel like doing and let them suggest the itinerary. Explore the city or head off to the countryside. Go whale watching or playing a round of golf at world-class Pezula just two minutes drive away. Laze around the island and return home to swim. Play tennis or cycle. It's all at your fingertips.

on

town of Knysna is a fun and varied with their new additions on Thesen and the waterfront. There are lots of shopping centers and attractions, museums, art galleries, cinema, theater, cafes and restaurants, and then there was nature. Take the ferry across the lagoon to the featherbed nature reserve and absorb the history as narrated by your captain.

ask someone to direct Spitzkop. This is the view from the place where you see 360 degrees around your city, ocean and mountains behind you. Take a bottle of champagne and a picnic with you and enjoy the day!

If the wildlife you're after, head to Buffalo Hills on the way to Plettenburg Bay or Rhino base camp for lunch and afternoon drive. As for water sports and beach - well - you're spoiled for choice. There is Buffalo Bay with its miles of pristine white sand and safe swimming, braai areas and rocky beaches. Bollard Bay on Leisure Island is safe and offers a shallow bath - ideal for kids! Brenton on sea is a glorious stretch of pure white sand and the perfect place for a picnic and settle in for the day.

In conclusion,

If you areyou are thinking about South Africa as a tourist destination,ask the Leisure Isle in Knysna . Take a look at some of the web site. Most of the galleries, so you can see what you have to. Book direct and allow at least 3 nights there to absorb and enjoy!