Christmas Eve 2010

It’s the night before Christmas but Santa’s footsteps on the roof wouldn’t be heard at the Beacon Island lifestyle Resort. With the chatter and laughter coming from inside Indigo Bay- a restaurant inside the resort- Santa himself could walk right in and I’m sure no one would notice.

The tables are all full, at some tables, 18 or 19 people are seated, engrossed in conversation. On the smaller tables, near the ceiling to floor windows, wine bottles are glistening in wine buckets and the tinkle of the ice in the glasses sounds almost like Christmas bells in the distance.

For some guests at the hotel, they will be checking out in the morning, getting an early start to return to the rest of their families. For them, Christmas Eve is yet another memorable moment, the culmination of a fantastic holiday in Plettenberg Bay.

Food is flying off the grill, satisfying the demands of the hungry crowd. The food for nineteen people arrives at the same time surprising customers, “ah, the food’s here!”

With great company and conversation, superb food and amazing surroundings it’s difficult to think of a reason not to come back.

Indigo Bay is not the only place in the resort experiencing the Christmas festivities. Downstairs, Coral Reef is also full. The exquisite white and green décor provides a calming and relaxing atmosphere as soft music plays but when full, the cabin-like room erupts into a jubilant, cheery hub. With the waves crashing against the rocks, it feels as though you’re sailing in a boat, without the sea-sickness! Graced with elegance and finery, guests enjoy their Christmas Eve together ordering off the delectable, unique menu.

As the white foam froths between the rocks, the evening simmers to an end. Guests sleepily make their way back to their room with full bellies. As one guest pays the bill he comments on how much he enjoyed his stay at the resort. “You were here almost every night,” the woman behind the counter says. The customer from Hermanus replies, “Normally we search and search for a restaurant to go to but we enjoyed it here and the food was so good.” Reason enough to keep returning in the future I reckon. Wishing all those who are travelling back home a safe trip!

To see the photos from this memorable evening see the Island Diner Facebook page