Emily Moon

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Review by a Bride and Groom We are reviewing Emily Moon as a bride and groom who hosted our wedding there, and chose it because of its beauty, atmosphere, and long-standing personal connection to Plettenberg Bay. Emily Moon is undeniably stunning. The location is exquisite, the bohemian aesthetic is magical, and the overall feeling of the space is truly special. The food exceeded our expectations, and the venue itself was everything we hoped for. However, the service and coordination fell well short of what we expected for a venue of this calibre. Communication leading up to the wedding was difficult, and on the day we felt blindsided by a lack of guidance and clear expectation-setting. Despite coordinators being included in the package, we often felt unsupported, particularly around logistics. In addition, small but important service touches were missing, and several guests noted inconsistent drink service despite there being more than enough available. Overall service was disappointing. Simple requests, such as asking for champagne glasses for the bridesmaids, were treated as major inconveniences. The rooms for getting ready were not serviced beforehand (so we had to clean them ourselves) and staff interactions were often curt and unwelcoming. The rooms were also not up to the standard one would expect for the price. Rates feel inflated for an international market: comparable to luxury safari lodges, but without the level of service, inclusions, or attention to detail that typically justify those prices. You are effectively paying premium rates without premium delivery. Emily Moon has all the ingredients to be exceptional, but service and value are what ultimately define the experience. Future couples should be very clear on what is and isn’t covered, and whether the pricing aligns with the level of service provided.

Emily Moon was the perfect spot for a 4-day break in winter. Our Luxury Garden Suite was uber spacious, beautifully decorated with the added bonus of a gorgeous outdoor shower and its own little deck to watch the sun going down over the Bitou river. This place has a unique rustic, African charm, full of soul and character. The staff are all super friendly, professional and helpful. We enjoyed all our meals in both Simon's Bar, as well as in the restaurant. Thank youTeam Emily Moon 🙏

Emily Moon River Lodge has been on my bucket list for years, and when a golfing trip finally brought us to the Plettenberg Bay region, we jumped at the opportunity to stay here. We arrived in the middle of a heavy storm and cold front sweeping through the Garden Route, which probably added to the dramatic first impression. The lodge is certainly unique. The eclectic décor and layout create an atmosphere that feels more like an artistic farm lodge retreat than the luxurious boutique hotel the website may suggest. Some travellers will find this charming and adventurous, while others may feel the contrast between expectation and reality. What stood out most was the inconsistency. Dinner was exceptional — beautifully plated food, excellent service, and a memorable fine dining experience. Breakfast, however, was disappointingly underwhelming and felt completely disconnected from the standard set the evening before. Emily Moon is not really about polished luxury or value for money in the traditional sense. It is for open-minded travellers who appreciate character, atmosphere, and experience over perfection. The setting remains beautiful, but the stay left us reflecting on how powerful and forgiving photography and marketing can sometimes be, especially at this price point.

What a wonderful stay. The room Was lovely and so comfortable. Everything we needed was in the room. The view from Suite 7 was magnificent! Every meal was absolutely delicious. If you are looking for a place to relax and unwind, Emily Moon is the place!