Isola Bella Guest House
Location: 21 Hart Road, Knysna, za
Star Rating: 4 Stars
Property Type: Guest houses
About this Property
Luxurious Waterfront Location
Isola Bella is a charming guesthouse located on the water's edge of Leisure Isle, offering stunning views of the Knysna Lagoon. Step out of your front door onto a beach on the Indian Ocean by the majestic Knysna Heads.
Stylish and Private Accommodation
The bedrooms at Isola Bella are luxuriously stylish and bright, each equipped with a private bathroom. Perfect for small groups, the guesthouse can be rented out entirely for an exclusive stay.
Abundance of Recreational Activities
Guests can indulge in a variety of adventure and recreational activities in the surrounding area, including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, golf, game drives, forest walks, surfing, and swimming.
Experience the beauty of Knysna at Isola Bella – book your stay now for an unforgettable getaway.
Important Information
Dear visitor, we're currently experiencing drought conditions within this region. Please be aware that certain properties will need to comply with local water usage restrictions.
This property does not accommodate bachelor(ette) or similar parties.
Policies
Check-in: 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Check-out: 10:00 AM
Amenities & Facilities
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Terrace
- Safety deposit box
- Ironing service
- Non-smoking throughout
- Shared lounge/TV area
- Outdoor furniture
- Fruits
- Staff adhere to local safety protocols
- Guest rooms disinfected between stays
- Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
- Physical distancing rules followed
- Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
- Cashless payment available
- Fire extinguishers
- First aid kit available
- Sanitized tableware & silverware
- Contactless check-in/check-out
- Invoice provided
- Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
- Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
- Guest room sealed after cleaning
- Physical distancing in dining areas
- Food delivered to guest room
- Process in place to check health of guests
- Face masks for guests available
- Delivered food - securely covered
- Security alarm
- Thermometers for guests provided by property
- Free wired internet
- Golfing on site
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Offsite parking discounted rates available
- Internet access
- Housekeeping on request
- Wine release events
- Secured parking
- Beach club nearby (surcharge)
- Beach toys
- Guest education on local ecosystems and culture
- Vegetarian menu options available
Rooms Available
-
Economy Studio
1 Double Bed
Features a private balcony/patio
Layout - Bedroom, dining area, and sitting area
Entertainment - Satellite channels
Sleep - Egyptian cotton linens and a down duvet
Bathroom - Shower/tub combination, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Safe and laptop workspace
Comfort - Daily housekeeping, heating, and ceiling fan
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Safety deposit box
- Hair dryer
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Satellite channels
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Separate dining area
- Down comforter
- Balcony or patio
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Heated floor
-
Comfort Double or Twin Room, Ensuite
1 King Bed OR 2 Twin Beds
Features a private balcony/patio
Layout - Bedroom, dining area, and sitting area
Entertainment - Satellite channels
Sleep - Egyptian cotton linens and a down duvet
Bathroom - Shower/tub combination, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Safe and laptop workspace
Comfort - Daily housekeeping, heating, and ceiling fan
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Safety deposit box
- Hair dryer
- Private bathroom
- Heating
- Satellite channels
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Separate dining area
- Down comforter
- Balcony or patio
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Heated floor
-
Superior Studio Suite
1 King Bed
517-sq-foot room with a balcony/patio
Layout - Dining area and sitting area
Internet - Free WiFi
Entertainment - Satellite channels
Sleep - Egyptian cotton linens and a down duvet
Bathroom - Shower/tub combination, free toiletries, and a hair dryer
Practical - Safe and laptop workspace
Comfort - Daily housekeeping, heating, and ceiling fan
Non-Smoking
Max Occupancy: 12 (12 Adults)
- Safety deposit box
- Hair dryer
- Heating
- Satellite channels
- Bidet
- Daily housekeeping
- Ceiling fan
- Premium bedding
- Separate sitting area
- Separate dining area
- Free WiFi
- Down comforter
- Balcony or patio
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Heated floor
-
Three-Bedroom Suite
The unit offers 3 beds.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
-
Self Catering Studio
Located on the water's edge of the famous Knysna Lagoon. Self catering studio in the courtyard of the guest house. Cute, cozy and fully equipped.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
-
Double Room with Private Bathroom
The double room has private bathroom fitted with a shower and a hairdryer. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
- Shower
- Hair dryer
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
-
Villa
This villa comes with 1 living room, 6 separate bedrooms and 6 bathrooms with a shower and a hairdryer. Boasting a terrace, this villa also features a tea and coffee maker and a TV with satellite channels. The unit has 7 beds.
Max Occupancy: 12 (12 Adults)
- Coffee/tea maker
- Shower
- TV
- Hair dryer
- Toilet
- Private bathroom
- Satellite channels
- Terrace
-
Studio with Garden View
The studio has garden views. The unit has 1 bed.
Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)
Guest Reviews
- Joachim (8/5): -
- Gerd (9/5): - Lage sehr gut, Gästehaus mit Flair. Wir werden wieder kommen.
- Paul (9/5): Excellent property and position -
- Oxana (9/5): - The house itself is absolutely stunning, thoughtfully decorated, and very comfortable. The location is perfect, with breathtaking views that made our stay even more special. It’s peaceful, well-situated, and ideal for a relaxing getaway.
- Megan (8/5): Had a great time - Beautiful views and very friendly and accommodating staff! All good
- Peter (10/5): If I won the lottery I would buy Isola Bella! - Absolutely everything! A beautiful residence in a prime position overlooking the Heads, superbly appointed rooms, a lovely lounge and terrace to relax and enjoy the views, and Marissa is just the perfect host, extremely welcoming and full of information about the area. We have been before, will be coming again, and would not stay anywhere else in Knysna. Simply perfect. Nothing.
- Graham (10/5): Great location and friendly host - Fantastic location and lovely host and staff.
We’ll be back next year! Nothing
- Paul (10/5): Outstanding. - A fantastic guesthouse which is still owned and operated by an exceptional lady, who converted this property from her family home. Marisa made us feel very welcome and we shared a wonderful conversation (and bottle of champagne) together in what can only be described as the most stunning location looking out over Knysna lagoon towards the heads. Thank you so much Marisa. Not applicable.
- Scheps (8/5): - Position and the views. Marisa and her staff are friendly and helpful going the extra mile. No outside seating with comfortable chairs and a table, though we could use the communal area. Would have preferred a queen size bed.
- Elisabeth (10/5): -
- Michael (10/5): -
- Adrian (10/5): Lagoon facing, everything was great. - Great location, right on the lagoon. Friendly host and with access to a shared lounge, kitchenette and balcony/terrace it was great for a couple for a short stay.
- RENATO (10/5): Ótimo lugar para ficar em Knysna - A anfitriã foi muito amável e atenciosa com todos nós, e os quartos são excelentes, com muito espaço e conforto. Além disso, o hotel fica em frente à praia e a uma curta distância de carro do Waterfront Eu imaginei que seria um café da manhã, o que não aconteceu. Mas isso não mudou a boa impressão que tivemos sobre a propriedade
- Thomas (8/5): -
- Sally (10/5): Simply superb. The hostess Marisa was one of a kind. -
- John (10/5): -
- MICHAEL (10/5): A very enjoyable, comfortable , special time - Everything! Nothing !
- Yuriy (10/5): - Die Eigentümerin Marisa hat uns überaus freundlich empfangen und unser Zimmer gezeigt. Sie ist immer für ein Gespräch zu haben und ist ansteckend mit ihrer Begeisterung und Euphorie. Unser Zimmer hatte einen sehr hohen Standard. Die Lage würde ich als sehr ruhig bezeichnen. Leider gab es einen unangenehmen Geruch in unserem Zimmer, den wir jedoch mit dauerhaft geöffneten Fenstern lösen konnten.
- Jennifer (10/5): - Spacious rooms, lovely views, excellent coffee & tea facilities with rusks
- Debbie (9/5): -
- Sharon (10/5): - Isola Bella must have the best location in Knysna. The host is wonderful and the staff are the most polite, friendly people you can imagine.
- Pawel (10/5): - We had a lovely stay at Isola Bella. The Host was super and did everything for us to feel comfortable. The lagoon is on your doorstep and was amazing walking around the island. Highly recommended. nothing
- VERONICA (9/5): Oyster festival weekend - The view of the the lagoon and the heads from the upstairs accommodation, but we stayed in the garden suite, very private. So much attention to detail. Beautiful home.
Our host, Marissa was lovely and her staff member Evelyn. Thank you for making our stay special.
- Denis (10/5): -
- Melanie (7/5): Good - The room.ws self catering and cozy The room itself had no view
- Denise (9/5): Superb -
- Petroné (9/5): Fantastic stay and great hostess. - Great location, very clean and beautiful view
- Sally (10/5): Stunning View - There are stunning views of the Knysna Heads. We were visiting friends on Leisure Isle so the position was perfect. We were upgraded so had the very spacious apartment. Wonderful stay!
- Andre (10/5): Exceptional -
- Emma (10/5): Wonderful, comfortable stay on Leisure Island - Beautifully decorated, delightful staff, very comfortable bed and fantastic location just by the lagoon. We had a really wonderful stay.
- Gunther (10/5): Exceptional -
- Beth (10/5): Absolutely perfect! - The property and location are amazing! The host is exceptional and friendly! We will be coming back for sure!
- Frans (2/5): Misleading representation - The property is located in a beautiful and safe area. The house is generally luxurious. Unfortunately the guesthouse we were expecting — based on the impression which the pictures on Booking.com and other platforms created — was not what we got.
From the pictures we saw, it appeared to suggest that we would have our own complete and private cottage with a balcony. What we got was a room in a large house with an en-suite bathroom. The small kitchenette and living/dining area was to be shared with guests in two other rooms. One gets the impression that this guesthouse was forced out of a very large house without any regard for the needs of the guests.
Furthermore, we found the house — or at least the area of the house we stayed in — to be aged and in need of a spruce up. In our “private suite” we found the bedroom okay, but lacking adequate storage. We found the bathroom attached to our “private suite” to be small and dated. The shower was not up to standard and the heated towel rail did not work. The most disappointing part of the bathroom was the large, cheap, and half-used shower gel and hand/body cream. One of the supposedly clean towels also had an inexplicable stain on it.
The shared kitchenette is very small and has limited and dated appliances. It is in need of an upgrade and improvement.
Generally one gets the impression that the owner/manager is trying to cut corners by saving wherever possible (for instance she begged us to switch of all lights when not using a room/area; uses large, cheap products in the bathroom), which results in a quality compromise. This, while the owner/manager charges the same as more modern and luxurious guesthouses in the same area.
Parking is next to the street. The area is, however, safe.
There are many stairs, so pack light.
Generally we were very disappointed in this guesthouse and we would not recommend it at all, especially if you want some privacy.
- Chitjana (10/5): Exceptional -
- Craig (9/5): Great place, great location, helpful and friendly proprietor - Great Guesthouse in a lovely part of the world. The beach is a very short walk away, but you can be in the sea within 30 seconds of leaving your room by way of steps leading in from the very quiet road.
- Kevill (10/5): Exceptional -
- Johnson (10/5): Exceptional - Top ccla
- Mohlomi (10/5): Exceptional -
- Herman (10/5): Exceptional - The view N/A
- Van (10/5): Exceptional - The situation of the guest house right on the Lagoon is spectacular!The guest house is comfortable, luxurious and tastefully appointed.It is peaceful, restful and Marisa is lovely ,warm and welcoming.All the staff are pleasant and always helpful.We had a wonderful,rejuvenating break and would love to come back. Everything was perfect.
- Esther (10/5): Fantastic! - Beautiful appartment, very nice location with beautiful view over Knysna lagoon from the balcony. Our host Marisa was very friendly. We really enjoyed our stay! -
- Thenadu (8/5): Very good - Excellent location, very relaxing and very clean.
- Jacquidk (10/5): Exceptional -
- Nadine (9/5): Knysna Breakaway - Wonderful location, close to the famous East Head Cafe, which is great for breakfast. We enjoyed cozy dinners at the local pub, the Bozun's Arms. And listening to the incoming tide from the balcony. The house and gardens are cared for and clean.
- Nel (10/5): Exceptional -
- Brittany (10/5): Great location with the most welcoming hosts! - Isola Bella is such a lovely guest house in the best location to escape the business of central Knysna! The host Marisa and staff (Evelyn and Edna) are honestly so lovely and welcoming and I would definitely book my accommodation here next time I travel to Knysna :) N/A
- Henry (7/5): Good - Yes very nice. Shower water was a bit cold.
- Aakhil (10/5): it was great - We expected c;leaning services and when you on holiday, you don't expect to still wash and clean the dishes
- Nikolas (10/5): Exceptional -
- King (9/5): Superb -
- Lillian (10/5): Exceptional - I only stayed for one night but wish it could have extended my stay. Isola Bella was a perfect location on the waters edge of the Knysna lagoon. I felt very safe walking around the island and enjoyed the magnificent views. The self-catering unit was quiet and very well equipped. I loved the comfy bed and the lovely en-suite bathroom.
- Claudiaelisarusso (10/5): Exceptional -
- Jenny (9/5): Superb -
- Carl (10/5): Perfect - Superb property in a fantastic location, stunning room spotlessly clean Nothing
- Rafe (8/5): Very good -
- Peter (9/5): Most enjoyable - Lovely spacious and comfortable room. Need a fridge in the room.
- Sue (10/5): Everything was wonderful! Everything so well appointed - We had a Self catering unit and it was everything that we needed! Even a jug of fresh milk in the fridge!
- Olga (10/5): If I go to Knysna I will definitely stay at this place. - Calm, friendly atmosphere in a stunningly beautiful location. It’s a pleasure to communicate with the hostess, who is a very interesting and multifaceted personality. Marisa pays attention to details to make your stay as comfortable as possible. There is an opportunity to be as autonomous as possible and at the same time use a common space. We had the opportunity to have breakfast and dinner overlooking the bay on a beautiful terrace. The room even included beach towels in a bag. At our request, Marisa gave us a beach umbrella and chairs for our trip to the beach. Very quiet. There were no power outages like in many places in South Africa.
- Sophie (10/5): VERY GOOD JUST THE BREAKFAST IS MISSING - THE LOCATION NO BREAKFAST
- Toni (9/5): Superb - Great location. Clean with all one needs to have a great holiday.
- Anonymous (5/5): Passable -
- Anonymous (10/5): Exceptional -
- Bronwyn (9/5): Very hospitable and friendly atmosphere with clean facilities. - I received such a warm welcome on arrival! This was a fabulous first impression which made the stay a pleasant one from the get-go! Very clean and lovely electric blankets. My fiance was locked out of the communal area by other guests. We felt too uncomfortable to go up there again so we ate on the floor of our room to avoid making a mess for the cleaners. This was not the host's fault at all
- Derry (10/5): Stunning views from a special guest house - Isola Bella Guest House is classy, comfortable, and overlooks the Knysna Heads on Leisure Isle. What's more, the hospitality is special.
- Bezuidenhout (10/5): Exceptional -
- Melize (8/5): Very good -
- Debbie (8/5): it's a very pleasant stay - it would be better if there's breakfast. Location is the best. nothing
- Andre (10/5): Exceptional -
- Kevin (10/5): Excellent location and good value - Location was terrific with wonderful views on Knysna heads
Electrical inverter to mitigate load shedding
Emergency lamps in all rooms
Rusks in the morning with easy access to tea/coffee making facilities
Small touches like beach bag and beach towels
Open area with tables to work on Everything was great
- Denise (9/5): Ralaxing stay at Isola Bela right on Knysna Lagoon - Isola Bela is situatuated in the most idyllic spot looking on the Knysna Heads on Leisure Isle, Knysna. We were lucky to have a very large comfortable room, spacious bathroom and a beautiful view. The communal kitchenette was a treat and the sunset deck was lovely to watch the boats and tides coming in and out and to see the glorious sunset.
Thank you Marisa for the warm hospitality, generous room upgrade and the snacks, complimentary tea and coffee. Nothing. A lovely spot to relax.
- Nicky (8/5): Very good -
- Livingstone (10/5): A pity we couldn’t stay longer - Beautiful setting and wonderful, friendly and welcoming host Nothing, it was fabulous
- Russell (10/5): Spent a week and enjoyed every minute! - Location was excellent, right on the lagoon. Beautiful views, lovely balcony to enjoy them! would be useful to have access to a microwave
- Tertuis (8/5): Very good -
- Joan (9/5): Superb - Location was superb Parking was limited
- Salome (7/5): Good -
- David (7/5): Very nice guest house,but make sure you get one of the two rooms upstairs if you want a view - I have mixed feelings about this property. The location was lovely as it was overlooking the lagoon, but the issue was two of the four rooms do not have a view of the lagoon, in fact, one of them only has a view of the back wall, but you have the option to go upstairs to a public balcony and see the view. Apart from that the place was lovely. The quality of furnishing was t very high quality. The location was pretty good but was about 5 km outside the town so you would need a car. It does not have a swimming pool and unfortunately the lagoon may not be deep enough to swim in when the tide is out two of the four rooms do not have a view of the lagoon, even though the view is what is touted by most reviews and the guest house itself
- Jackie (10/5): Exceptional -
- Damian (6/5): Oversold - Clean with a good location Balconies are shared. Rooms do not have sea views which is not the impression created by the photos. Fridge and coffee facilities are shared and inadequate for the number of people staying.
- Joseph (10/5): We had a memorable stay at this beautiful guesthouse in knsyna hosted by a very warm welcoming Marisa . Very comfortable -
- Lusman (9/5): Outstanding BnB suite very homey all appliances worked - Outstanding. hostess by owner Marisa & Evelyn Nothing just perfect
- Alison (9/5): Superb -
- Iain (9/5): Superb - Great location right beside the lagoon. Marisa is an engaging and helpful host.
- Russel (10/5): Exceptional -
- Halperin (9/5): Superb -
- Abigail (10/5): Exceptional -
- Stefanie (8/5): Very good - super hospitality, great location and view. we got an upgrade of the room. everything was really nice. if I could name one thing is that there is no airconditioning, only a fan.
- Christoph (9/5): Superb - Great location. I enjoyed exploring the island on foot. Knysna Heads has a spectacular viewpoint and breakfast restaurant, only a short distance away. We had been to Knysna once or twice but had neglected to explore this area which is definitely worth a visit. Our host made us feel very welcome. The room has nice finishing touches and is bright. The communal kitchen area is rather basic, ok for making hot drinks and warming a meal in a microwave.
- Bnb2012 (9/5): Superb -
- John (9/5): Superb -
- Ajiv (9/5): Lovely beach house which was very comfortable. The host was very friendly. - Location Stairs
- Philipp (10/5): Lovely stay on a relaxing, little island. - The guesthouse is nicely situated in Knysna on the lovely Leisure Island, which is perfect for a quiet and relaxing vacation. We really liked that the beach (with a great view on the Knysna head) was only 5 min away. The hostess Marisa was very welcoming and we would love to come back the next time in Knysna. The fridge in the shared kitchen was a bit small and not working properly. They should change it as soon as possible.
- Alex (9/5): Superb -
- Lenora (10/5): Exceptional -
- Charlotte (9/5): We really enjoyed our stop-over at this well-appointed, beautiful property. - N/a The location was beautiful on Leisure Ilse in Knysna looking towards the Heads.
The balconys and eating area were available for use and were lovely. n/a
- Debby (10/5): Exceptional -
- Nils (9/5): A very comfortable and enjoyable stay. - Location is prime Leisure Isle. It doesn't come much better than Isola Bella. Stunning outlook to the heads and close to eateries on the island. Isolla A very comfortable lounge with a really beautiful outlook from the deck. No catered meals were offered eg breakfast and although the coffee bar was well stocked and equipped, In the absence of a catered breakfast, it would be tricky to self cater for breakfast.
- Fanus (8/5): Very good -
- Ilovetravelling (7/5): Good - The location was incredible. Such a beautiful view from out balcony, over the lagoon, looking out over the Heads. Uncomfortable pillows, short bed, no daily cleaning service.
- Tim (9/5): Bellissima! - This is a gorgeous, sumptuous and large property with a lovely outlook over the Knysna Heads. It far exceeded our expectations and if we are ever in Knysna again we will not hesitate to stay here again. The bed was very comfortable, the linen was fresh and white, plus there was a little living room with tea and coffee - and shelves of books(!) - and an outside verandah and seating area. Everything that could be done nicely had been done, and our hostess was charming and accommodating. Highly recommended. Expect to pay in cash, which may be slightly more than what is stated on booking.com.
Photos