Luxury hotels in South Africa
South Africa is, for most, a direct flight, with little time difference if you are travelling from Europe. This is a country with an excellent climate coupled with breathtaking scenery. The eastern coastline starts off as semi-tropical, however, by the time it has traversed both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans up the western coast to Namibia, it is a vast expanse of hauntingly beautiful sand planes, desert shrub and dunes. The staggering vistas from east to west are awesome. The myriad landscapes of South Africa's inland regions are as spectacularly heterogeneous as its coastline; including the drama of some of the world's most awesome mountain ranges to the vast expanses of African savannah. This country also relishes in some of the sexiest 5 star boutique hotels; as well as imposing luxury landmark hotels; not to mention the flourishing fare in its exotic, animal rich, safari-extravaganza.
We have handpicked South Africa's finest luxury hotels and hideaways, from Cape Town to Hermanus and from the glorious winelands to the Bush. Each is visited and reviewed by us, so you can rely on our recommendations.
Birkenhead House
We arrived at Birkenhead House a little before lunch to a sky turning Atlantic-navy with wispy cirrus streaking the endless ocean's horizon. No sooner had we turned off David Gray than our doors were opened, and thus began some of the most impressive service that I have yet encountered, let alone the most stylish petit-luxe coastal hotel in Southern Africa. Hermanus capitalises, understandably, on its amazing magnetic attraction with the whales, especially the playful Southern Right...
Constantia Uitsig
It is always a return to the soothing balm of Constantia Uitsig. The reasons for this are historical, aesthetical, gastronomical and environmental. When all these key ingredients combine effortlessly, together with the magical consequence of a tap-rooted soul, then you instinctively return, time and time again. For most people wishing to visit Cape Town, the prerequisite sights include mountains and vineyards...
Grande Roche
I think it's hard not to be 'blown away' when you arrive at this palm-and-vine oasis. Situated in the largest town of the Cape Winelands, Paarl, it smoulders with the very essence of this regal region. Historically Paarl is of much consequence, being the third oldest European Settlement in South Africa, with roots dating back to the San and the Khoikhoi. The seemingly endless, jacaranda lined, main street off which Grande Roche sits pretty, is over 11 kilometres long...
Grootbos
The drive to Grootbos from the most spectacular coastal city in the world is awesome. Mountain ranges, lakes, organic farm-stalls, forests, sea-vistas and baboons are merely part of this journey. The overriding sensation is one of unparalleled enormity. This land appears so spectacularly heterogeneous, that you realise this may well be God's own country. Grootbos, at the epicentre of the Cape's Unique Floral Kingdom, is two hours from Cape Town driving east through the lauded Western Cape...
La Residence
La Residence is South Africa's answer to Europe's leading examples of Villa/Chateaux/Palazzo 'extraordinaire' such as Villa Feltrinelli, Chateau de Bagnols, and Ca'Sagredo. The drive from our vineyard pit stops in Walker Bay was outstandingly beautiful. Nature performed, even showed-off en route with traffic stopping sky changes above mountains, lakes, forests, valleys, vineyards, and vertiginous passes...
Mount Nelson Hotel
This grand dame of Southern African hotels opened its doors in 1899 hoping to please its guests in a similar fashion to that of the London classics. This it did. Since its conception it has retained a fundamental attraction, unequalled in Cape Town's grand-luxe circuit: that of inborn spirit. The spirit of the 'Nellie' (affectionate name used by luxe-trotters in the 'know') has aged gracefully, feeding its marrow with timeless idiosyncrasies...
Royal Malewane
My sister was at an Elton John concert in Cape Town recently and couldn't wait to call me afterwards. Why? Because he opened the concert with a chorus of praise for Royal Malewane, which we visited last November. We know why he chooses this paradisiacal bolthole as his special wilderness retreat - but did he have to tell 30,000 fans? It's out: the bag is open, and now you, too, could experience something that really is worth singing about..
Sanbona
Only three hours from Cape Town and it feels like light years from 'urbanity'. Sanbona is a Wildlife Reserve with game. It is not a Game Reserve in the wild, which ignites your adrenalin several rides over. It is, on the beast front, gentle by comparison, though it is as uncultivated, remote, native and as indigenous in feel as any bush adventure you could wish for. What's more, there are no flights, no transfers, just a cruise of a drive, alongside some of the Cape's most humbling scenery...
Steenberg Hotel
Nestled within the tranquil Constantia valley in the foothills of the Steenberg Mountains near Cape Town lies the beautiful Steenberg Hotel. This lovingly restored farm, the oldest on the Cape, overlooks its own vineyards and golf course providing a perfect relaxing haven...
The Westcliff
The Westcliff provides spacious, individually appointed rooms and suites set in lush gardens on the outskirts of cosmopolitan Johannesburg. With a fine restaurant and a new Conference Centre, it is the ideal choice for corporate and special events...
Read other Luxury Explorer Guides:
Romantic Weddings Luxury Honeymoons Romantic Luxury Hotels Luxury Hotels in London Luxury Hotels in Mallorca Luxury Hotels in Venice The Luxury Hotel Guide to London, Italy, France, Mallorca, Bali, Venice and more Luxury Hotels in Bhutan Romantic hotel suites Luxury Guide to ProvenceThe Luxury Guide to the Cote d'AzurExclusive Luxury Offers for SummerLuxury Travel in South America
Why not join our Luxe-trotter's Club? Membership is free for a year! Click here >
