Written by Justin Mewse
July 2023
Why do we love South Africa so much? It’s like discovering a whole ‘world’ within just one country’. The landscapes are diverse, as are the types of holiday you can enjoy there.
…And then there are the luxury hotels and lodges. Each and every first-class stay we’ve featured on this specially curated collection of recommended holiday escapes boast fabulous locations, high-end attentive service and supreme comforts.
Recommended Luxury Safari Stays
Luxury safari stays offer discerning travellers an unparalleled experience, combining gorgeously authentic accommodations, personalised service, and exclusive game drives amidst the captivating wilderness of Africa.
Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, Limpopo Region
Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa is a luxurious, five-star private safari lodge and villa situated within the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg District of the Limpopo Province in South Africa. In an under three-hour drive or a one hour flight from Johannesburg, you can escape into this ideal safari destination to experience the magic of the Big 5 at home here in the African bush.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve, Eastern Cape
A stay at Shamwari Private Game Reserve is one that will remain with you forever. Due to its location in the heart of the Eastern Cape, the reserve offers abundant wildlife, fauna and flora exclusive to the area and unforgettable encounters with nature. Accommodations here range from premier lodges that offer gracious living and luxury explorer tented camps through to private villas.
Gorah Elephant Camp, Eastern Cape
A stay at Shamwari Private Game Reserve is one that will remain with you forever. Due to its location in the heart of the Eastern Cape, the reserve offers abundant wildlife, fauna and flora exclusive to the area and unforgettable encounters with nature. Accommodations here range from premier lodges that offer gracious living and luxury explorer tented camps through to private villas.
Simbambili Game Lodge, Kruger National Park
Simbambili Game Lodge is located in the northern part of the world-famous Sabi Sand Game Reserve in the Greater Kruger Park, an area renowned for its game viewing and prolific leopard sightings. Set amongst the old Knobthorns and Jackalberries, Simbambili offers sophisticated safari accommodation that echoes its unspoilt landscape. The lodge overlooks a waterhole so you’d be hard pressed to leave when you can watch a herd of elephants come down to drink or warthogs playing in the mud.
Saseka Tented Camp, Kruger National Park
Perched on a bend of the seasonal Monwana River, Saseka Tented Camp is one of the most sought-after luxury safari destinations in the Greater Kruger Park area. Saseka means ‘beautiful’ in the local Tsonga language, and everything here from the tented suites to the relaxed atmosphere, the food and personal service, is just that.
Recommended Luxury Garden Route Stays
Luxury Garden Route stays enchant travellers with indulgent accommodations, breathtaking coastal views, and bespoke experiences that immerse guests in the natural beauty and charm of this iconic South African journey.
Tsala Treetop Lodge, Between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay
Ideally situated between the coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay in the Western Cape, Tsala is a wonderful location from which to explore the beautiful Garden Route or just to spend time relaxing at the peaceful lodge. The magical allure of Tsala is irresistible to those who appreciate exclusivity, fine fare, romance and adventure. With beautiful private suites and villas, breathtaking views and forest seclusion, unique architectural design and excellent personal service, it is a fantastic get-away destination.
Hunter’s Country House, Between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay
Hunters Country House combines gracious elegance with sheer comfort and impeccable service with warm hospitality. Far from the madding crowd, yet conveniently close to a wide variety of leisure activities. Enjoy each of Hunter’s Country House luxurious room types, all individually designed and decorated with its own distinctive atmosphere. All have private patios and gardens, while certain suites have their own plunge pools. Guests staying at Hunter’s Country House have access to all the fantastic facilities available, when you’re not out exploring the wonderful Garden Route. You can soak up the sun, shop, read, enjoy a glass of wine or share their adventures with your family and friends.
Fancourt, Between Mossel Bay and Knysna
Fancourt, South Africa’s award-winning golf resort, is situated in the heart of the spectacular Garden Route, 7km from George Airport (GRJ). Spanning across 613 hectares of countryside at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains, Fancourt offers an unforgettable experience. The resort boasts two five-star hotels, the Fancourt Hotel and The Manor House Boutique Hotel.
The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa, Knysna
A boutique 5 star hotel on Thesen Islands which offers guests luxurious Knysna accommodation options, exceptional cuisine, stunning views, and a range of world-class facilities. The Turbine Hotel & Spa was an ambitious project which transformed an old power station into a unique 5 star boutique Knysna hotel. All the old machinery which was used in this power station has been lovingly restored and forms an integral part of the hotel’s aesthetics. Soak up its fascinating history as you walk past massive turbines on the balcony and marvel at the intriguing steel pillars and pipes that now form part of its funky décor.
Recommended Luxury Cape Winelands Stays
Luxury Cape Winelands stays provide an exquisite escape, combining elegant vineyard accommodations, gourmet dining, and exclusive wine tastings, offering guests an unforgettable immersion into the enchanting world of South Africa’s premier wine region.
Last Word Franschhoek
Last Word Franschhoek is the best hotel in Franschhoek for independent, savvy travellers. Explore South Africa’s gourmet capital from this 5-star boutique hotel on Huguenot Road, mere heartbeats away from some of the world’s most celebrated eateries. Discover classic, understated elegance in one of the eight lavishly appointed, spacious en-suite Superior Rooms and two sumptuous Pool Suites. The latter, replete with sparkling semi-private plunge pool and leafy courtyard, ideal for rejuvenating moments that are solely yours.
Oude Werf Hotel & Restaurant, Stellenbosch
As the oldest running hotel in South Africa, with a history spanning three centuries, Oude Werf offers a unique blend of modern luxury and vintage charm, providing guests with an unforgettable experience. Guest rooms boast chic antique style and modern amenities, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere that is designed with your comfort in mind. Located in the heart of Stellenbosch on Church Street, the hotel is the perfect starting point for exploring the town’s world-class restaurants, trendy cafe’s, boutique shops and famous vineyards.
Recommended Luxury City & Suburban Stays
Luxury Cape Winelands stays provide an exquisite escape, combining elegant vineyard accommodations, gourmet dining, and exclusive wine tastings, offering guests an unforgettable immersion into the enchanting world of South Africa’s premier wine region.
Last Word Constantia, Cape Town
Last Word Constantia in South Africa’s first-ever wine region and Cape Town’s sophisticated suburb of Constantia, is a hidden gem. This 5-star boutique hotel’s backyard is a patchwork quilt of noble estates under vines, as steeped in beauty as in historic value, and home to a literal feast of gastronomic delights to boot.
Last Word Long Beach, Cape Town
Imagine endless beach views, fresh air and inspiration on tap in nature’s playground, yours to explore. The Atlantic Ocean sparkles at your feet, inviting you to linger longer, and savour the extraordinary. The incredible seascapes captivate your imagination as swim, surf, stand-up paddling boarding, or stroll along the shore, a shimmering white beach.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, Johannesburg
Set among lush acres of landscaped gardens you`ll find an urban sanctuary right in the heart of Joburg. With close attention to detail and exceptional service, Fairlawns creates an intimate atmosphere where some of the globe’s most vibrant personalities converge. The chic, upscale suites are individually decorated in varying themes ranging from Eastern influence to French provincial, each featuring every desired modern amenity.
