THE BEST HOTELS IN SOUTH AFRICA
- Patience Phatlane
- Jul 23, 2024
- 5 min read
South Africa offers a delightful escape with no jet-lag, just a 12-hour flight away from London. Cape Town is celebrated for its beautiful scenery, making it one of the world's most stunning cities, while the Western Cape and Kruger National Park offer diverse experiences like road trips, wine tastings, and luxury wheelchair-accessible safaris. South Africa is a popular destination for weddings and winter getaways, offering a range of accommodations, from lodges to camps. Click on highlighted links in pink to follow and get a virtual tour of hotel.
Our top pick is Babylonstoren, which doesn't feel like a traditional hotel, thanks to its unique setting in a 17th-century Cape Dutch estate surrounded by picturesque landscapes. Guests can stay in farmworker cottages with modern amenities and a touch of rustic charm. The property also features a farm shop, bakery, spa, and charming cottages nestled in the fynbos landscape. Babylonstoren provides a serene retreat with activities like fishing, kayaking, cycling, and relaxing by the pool.
Future Found Sanctuary stands out as a special project rather than an ordinary hotel. Jim Brett, with an extensive background in retail brands, established this sanctuary after being captivated by South Africa in 2004. The sanctuary offers a unique experience, reflecting the passion of its creators. With a focus on design and aesthetics, Future Found Sanctuary provides a one-of-a-kind stay in South Africa.
The first accommodation highlighted is a modern villa overlooking Table Mountain in a centrally located valley, offering spacious rooms, a small spa, and a professional wellness expert. The property boasts a huge garden, warm local staff, and exquisite design, menu, and garden, creating a unique experience in Cape Town. It provides easy access to various attractions like Chapman’s Peak Drive, Cape Point, Constantia's vineyards, Llandudno beach, and the city center, catering to diverse preferences of guests.
Wind your way through a lush oak-lined drive to the Delaire Graff Estate hotel in Stellenbosch, featuring stunning views of Banhoek valley. The hotel, envisioned by British diamond mogul Laurence Graff, showcases chic bedrooms adorned with contemporary South African art pieces. Ideal for honeymooners or families with children, each lodge offers private pools, heated to a comfortable 28 degrees, ensuring a luxurious and peaceful stay for guests seeking relaxation and privacy.
Nestled in an ancient riverine forest, Londolozi private game reserve offers a safari experience like no other, with five stylish safari camps exuding a deep sense of luxury and African charm. Owned by the Varty family for almost a century, Londolozi combines wildlife conservation with emotional wellness retreats, offering a unique safari experience. Known for its impressive wildlife sightings and heartwarming family ethos, Londolozi stands out as one of the world's best safari destinations, embodying the essence of nature preservation and restoration.
Some Luxurious Hotels in Cape Town
We found some of the three luxurious hotels in Cape Town, that offer unique experiences and amenities. The first hotel mentioned below, is set in the serene landscape of ant mountains, providing a tranquil and scenic environment for guests. With a private chef available to cater to custom meal requests, guests can enjoy delicious dishes both indoors and outdoors. The "car-bar" offers a variety of drinks, including local gin and fine wines, creating a sophisticated and enjoyable dining experience in the peaceful veld surroundings.
Waking up at The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa offers mesmerizing views of the crashing Atlantic ocean waves and Cape Town awakening in the distance. The hotel, nestled between Camps Bay and Llandudno, boasts luxurious rooms with old-school glamour, characterized by ornate bedheads and breezy balconies. Guests can enjoy sundowners at the terrace before indulging in a decadent dining experience at Azure, offering a variety of dishes such as West Coast oysters and rack of lamb. The excellent service and stunning views make this hotel a memorable and inviting place to stay.
POD Camps Bay hotel provides a modern and chic retreat in Camps Bay, away from the bustling beachfront. With minimalist rooms and a stylish pool bar, the hotel exudes a Cape Town meets LA-cool vibe. Guests can enjoy the warm hospitality and personalized service, including thoughtful touches like hot water bottles in bed and movie nights with fresh popcorn. The hotel's proximity to Camps Bay's top restaurants and its staff's willingness to fulfill guests' requests make it a standout destination for a relaxing and enjoyable stay.
It is not a hotel however a reserve. Loapi Tented Camp offers a unique experience of the bush in its rawest form, surrounded by the vast Kalahari.
The camp is owned by the Oppenheimer family, who rehabilitated cattle and sheep farms in the Kalahari.
The camp comprises six private homes, each with its own private chef, butlers, trackers, and guides. The rooms are designed to take in the stunning views of the Kalahari landscape, with the best places to observe the landscape from.
The camp offers a warm and inviting environment, with interior design by Gregory Mellor. The camp offers a variety of meals, including tapas evenings, al fresco lunches, and homey meals. The camp also offers a carbar for sundowners.
Offers a variety of culinary experiences including pect sweet potato slices, gin and sodas, and fine wines.
Klein Jan, a local chef's Michelinstarred restaurant, offers a multi-course tasting menu with Northern Cape wines. Spa treatments are available inroom and at the main camp Motse.The staff is warm, friendly, and knowledgeable about the unique, arid environment. Tswalu is not for firsttime safari goers, but for those who appreciate solitude, silence, and space.
The camp is malariafree, allowing kids of all ages to stay. The camp also offers a Junior Ranger programme for children to participate in archery, animal tracking, and spoor identification. The camp's buildings are light on the land, selfsufficient, and can be easily dismantled and moved. The camp is accessible to wheelchairs with wooden walkways connecting the entrance room to the main house.
Below are also some of the Best Hotels offering the best Views of Mzansi
These hotels offer a wide range of breathtaking views, from ocean views to seaside locations and mountain peaks. These hotels in Mzansi are listed for their exceptional views.
The Kruger Gate Hotel, Kruger National Park, offers front row seats to game viewing and offers a lodgestyle hotel experience.
Views Boutique Hotel & Spa, Garden Route, offers a variety of rooms with ocean views and a variety of views of the Indian Ocean and Wilderness Beach.
Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff, Johannesburg, provides breathtaking views of the city landscape and a chic hillside village feel. The hotel's glass elevator allows guests to meet friends for seasonally inspired dishes and enjoy views of the sunset over the city.The hotel's destination day spa captures the serenity of the region with its natureinspired design.
Located in a working wine estate, offering 53 luxurious bedrooms.
Offers four restaurants: Lanzerac Deli, Manor Kitchen, Taphuis, and Craven Lounge.
Spa treatments available against a stunning backdrop of mountains and vineyards.
Located on the God’s Window escarpment, offering accommodation options from contemporarystyled superior rooms to luxury classic suites.
Features a wedding chapel with breathtaking views of the Graskop region.
Nearby attractions include the Graskop Glass elevator, God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, Blyde River Canyon, Pilgrims Rest, and Kruger National Park.
Now Go on and check out these beautiful places on the links provided, you will definately be amazed. South Africans have a wide range of options available for them to enjoy stunning views.
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