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Top 10 South Africa Luxury Hotels Overview
Indulge yourself with an exotic South African experience with the help of our list of Top 10 South Africa Luxury Hotels. We’ve highlighted the best this 11-languaged country has to offer; from chic island resorts situated in the heart of renowned Cape Town and an elevated style of living on Table Mountain, to the untamed African bush, where befriending wildebeest is not unheard of. Sumptuous spas, heart-pounding safaris and everything in between are waiting for you in South Africa!
The Table Bay Hotel - Cape Town
Yes, you read right. You don’t have to be from South Africa to be impressed by the fact that you are just mere footsteps from Robben Island Prison, home of Mandela during the greatest part of his 27 years of political embodiment. We suggest you get a closer look at the Cape Town attractions and the harbor from beyond the hotel property, but, if you just can’t drag yourself from your luxe room or suite, it’ll be okay. You can see both right from the comfort of your own super-plush hotel bed! And meals at The Table Bay Hotel are attractions of their own. Here, you’ll be licking your chops at the sight of succulent South African cuisine and regional wines that will make you woozy with delight. For a satisfying dessert, opt for a chocolate treatment at the onsite Camelot Spa.
Thanda Private Game Reserve - Hluhluwe
We have to admit that we were pretty skeptical about the so-called luxury African safaris this Zululand hotspot so assertively boasts about. But we were thinking more along the lines of miles of backpacking under the sweltering sun, not a lavish ride on a big, cushy open-topped Land Rover. You’ll be racing right from the airport landing strip to Thanda Private Game Reserve to see the furry warthogs, cheetahs, hyenas and wild dogs roaming the plains. And don’t think since you’ll be roaming the wild that you won’t be fed a good and hearty meal! Start your adventure with a tasty African bush breakfast while the fuzzy inhabitants are kept at bay by experienced rangers. And a bush dinner lit by paraffin lanterns and candlelight is the perfect way to end your day of South African excitement.
Alta Bay - Cape Town
Voted as one of the best hidden gems in Africa, we whole-heartedly have to agree. Unlike Alta Bay’s fellow hotel and our No. 1 choice, The Table Bay Hotel which is not on the shoreline, at Alta Bay you’ll be treated to endless views of the surrounding Table Bay while you laze by the outdoor pool or on the top terrace. And the boutique suites are the epitome of urban, understated luxury. Instead of gaudy chandeliers and loads of sateen fabric draping the windows and bed, the seven suites offer a simpler yet lavish sense of style including locally handcrafted furniture and natural meranti headboards all set in a soothing neutral color palette.
Thornwood - Bela Bela Limpopo
How do plush, canopied beds sounds? We loved living in the lap of luxury in the lap of the wild at Thornwood, and we’re positive you will too. Why? Let’s just say we have an inclination that you’ll much prefer warming your toe-toes around a luxe fire pit on the sprawling deck overlooking the pristine landscape than gruelingly searching for wood to build a fire on your own. But for those of you who don’t mind getting a little dirty, we highly recommend traversing the self-guided walking trails surrounding Thornwood. You’ll have a chance to see true African wildlife like wildebeest, zebra and giraffe. And don’t forget to explore the famous Phinda Game Reserve right next door!
The Palace of the Lost City - Vlaeberg, Western Cape
Happiness here comes from mosaic marble floors, 80-ft. frescoed ceilings and an enchanted staircase lined with lanterns that leads to the Hidden Cave Falls at this African wonderland. Really, we were shocked by how much this place has to offer besides its shining location in Sun City. Not only does it feature 338 luxury rooms and suites, The Palace of the Lost City is home to not one but two world-class, 18-hole championship golf courses designed by South African golfing god, Gary Player. And did we mention The Valley of Waves – one of the most advanced waterparks in the world? But the true star here is the famous Shawu. Be sure to give homage to the immortalized, life-size statue of one of the Kruger National Park’s magnificent seven elephants, famous for his tusks. He resides in the meticulously-gardened open courtyard.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa - Cape Town, Western Cape
Okay, so maybe there’s no such thing as the edge of the world, but if there was one, this would be it. This heavenly hotspot not only features amazing views of but proximity to The Twelve Apostles mountain range and the endless Atlantic. We know we should be bragging about how posh and pretty the inside of the five-star hotel is, but we just can’t stop gushing about the locale! Nearby Table Mountain National Park offers a wilderness escapade for the off-road adventurers and the vibrant shops and eateries of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront are just 15 minutes away! It would be doing this hotel a grave injustice of we didn’t mention the more-than-comfortable guestrooms and suites. Decorated in an eclectic mix of contemporary African style and classic European influences, they will be a welcome sight for sore eyes – and feet! – after a daylong tour of the Cape Windlands.
Singita Ebony Lodge - Cape Town, Western Cape
This is African bush living at another level. If you thought you needed a Land Rover to take you to the wildlife, think again! Of course you’ll be perfectly safe at this all-suite lodge, so there’s no need to fret about a wiry wildebeest crawling into bed with you at night. In fact, there is nothing scratchy or uncomfortable in any of the 12 secluded, thatched suites. You’ll feel safe and snug in the colonial-style accommodations bedecked with cozy African throws, fine Egyptian linens and antique accents. Just because you can see buffalo and other wild animals from the deck of your suite’s private pool doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a full-fledged safari during your stay at Ebony Lodge. Morning and sundown safaris are offered daily. And don’t worry about meals – your stay is all-inclusive!
Arabella Western Cape Hotel and Spa - Overberg
With so many options to unwind under the South African sun, we didn’t know where to rush to first when we got to Arabella, until we laid eyes on the 18-hole championship golf course overlooking the turquoise waters of the Bot River Lagoon and the Kogelberg mountain range. Play on rolling fairways and in challenging water traps, then put your clubs down for one of the most excellent spa experiences you’ve ever had. Fusing Far Eastern and Western rituals and techniques together, Arabella Spa is a must-do on your South African vacation. Here, you’ll rest upon mosaic slabs underneath heated aromatherapy towels after you are showered down by a therapist during the 15-step African Rainforest Experience. We swear, you won’t want to skip this royal treatment!
The Plettenberg - Plettenberg
Besides an African safari through the untamed bush lands, we couldn’t think of any better way to spend a South African vacation than soaking in a heated outdoor infinity pool and watching dolphins play in the bay. And at The Plettenberg, you can do both! We aren’t going to lie, however; once you see your luxury room or suite aglow in soothing vanilla tones, you may not make it off the property grounds! You shouldn’t feel bad if you don’t; just sit back, relax and summon your waiter to pour you another glass of aged vino straight from The Plettenberg’s award-winning wine cellar, stocked with delicious local favorites.
One and Only Cape Town - Cape Town, Western Cape
As the newest hotel on our list, we had high expectations for this Victoria and Alfred Waterfront getaway. Luckily, our grand aspirations for this resort were far from thwarted. How could we be disappointed with 40 Island Suites to choose from? Yes, One and Only Cape Town offers two lushly landscaped islands at the center of the waterfront, giving you 360-degree water views as well as views of Table Mountain and Signal Hill. With the One and Only Singita Package, you can enjoy both urban island living and the wild ways of the African bush during your South African vacation! This hot deal includes your stay at One and Only, plus an additional three-night stay at a lodge in the Singita Game Reserve, like Ebony Lodge.
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