Luxury Hotel

St. James Hotel

Knysna, South Africa

Perched on the banks of Knysna Lagoon in South Africa, The St. James of Knysna is an owner-run, five-star country-house hotel offering luxury suites in a tranquil waterfront setting. Guests enjoy elegant accommodations, generous gardens, a private jetty with a quaint lagoon cruise, and easy access to the attractions of the Garden Route.

he St. James provides an idyllic waterside setting for ceremonies, receptions and special events—from the romantic “yes” moment right through to the “I do”, and all the celebrations in between. Set on the serene Knysna Lagoon, the venue combines five-star accommodation, lush gardens, private jetty access, and a host of trusted event suppliers to help bring each love story to life. Versatile event spaces also make the property ideal for conferences, corporate retreats, elegant private gatherings and milestone celebrations.

Room Types:

Set on the edge of the tranquil Knysna Lagoon, The St. James offers a blend of relaxation, gentle recreation and easy access to local attractions — making it a perfect base for both laid-back holidays and light adventure.

Available Activities

Lagoon boat cruise: Guests enjoy a complimentary 90-minute pontoon barge cruise (“The Boat at St James”) from the hotel’s private jetty, taking you upriver to quieter lagoon sections not accessible by larger boats
Green Tee Putting Green & Mini-chipping platform: A casual putting-green in the garden lets you work on your short game, or just have fun with a relaxed putting session.
Gym & Tonic:A well-equipped fitness centre provides cardio and strength-training options, so you can maintain your workout routine even while travelling.
Swimming: Two inviting pools — one beside the Manor House with lagoon views, the other tucked into the quieter Courtyard garden — are available exclusively to hotel guests. Towels are provided, and poolside drinks/snacks can be ordered.
Complementary shuttle service: A shuttle runs to the Knysna Waterfront, making it easy and stress-free for guests to explore the centre of town, shops and restaurants.
Garden games and leisure: Guests can unwind in the lush gardens with games such as pétanque, croquet or simply settle down with a book and enjoy the peace and natural beauty.
Local sightseeing & excursions: From the hotel you’re well placed to access the highlights of the Garden Route — forest walks and horseback riding, bird-watching, Knysna nature reserves, beaches, boating, and more.

Available Activities

Lagoon boat cruise: Guests enjoy a complimentary 90-minute pontoon barge cruise (“The Boat at St James”) from the hotel’s private jetty, taking you upriver to quieter lagoon sections not accessible by larger boats
Green Tee Putting Green & Mini-chipping platform: A casual putting-green in the garden lets you work on your short game, or just have fun with a relaxed putting session.
Gym & Tonic:A well-equipped fitness centre provides cardio and strength-training options, so you can maintain your workout routine even while travelling.
Swimming: Two inviting pools — one beside the Manor House with lagoon views, the other tucked into the quieter Courtyard garden — are available exclusively to hotel guests. Towels are provided, and poolside drinks/snacks can be ordered.
Complementary shuttle service: A shuttle runs to the Knysna Waterfront, making it easy and stress-free for guests to explore the centre of town, shops and restaurants.
Garden games and leisure: Guests can unwind in the lush gardens with games such as pétanque, croquet or simply settle down with a book and enjoy the peace and natural beauty.
Local sightseeing & excursions: From the hotel you’re well placed to access the highlights of the Garden Route — forest walks and horseback riding, bird-watching, Knysna nature reserves, beaches, boating, and more.