Introducing South Africa

Overview

The Grand Dame, heritage property of Cape Town, the Mount Nelson comes with bags of history and is perhaps the most famous hotel in the city. It’s set in large grounds and is made up of a number of different smaller buildings. Most rooms have been refurbished with a contemporary refresh, adding comfort and modern touches to the historic décor. The bar and restaurant have had a similar treatment making them a popular place to visit for Capetonians (a great sign for any hotel restaurant, particularly in the fickle and competitive Cape Town restaurant scene).

From their vermiculture project and on-site beehives, to their use of locally produced organic vegetables, the hotel puts a strong emphasis on having a positive impact on the environment and local community.

Rooms are very comfortable and spacious and are located in several buildings dotted throughout the large property and gardens. This makes it stand apart from other larger hotels in Cape Town as in this most outdoor of cities it’s great to have large, green gardens to take a stroll through and outdoor pools (and for the more active, there are also tennis courts).

Though The Mount Nelson is very much a location in itself, the large grounds sit just a short stroll away from downtown and also the Kloof Street Area, which is famous among locals for excellent new restaurants and boutiques. Afternoon Tea at the Nelson (or Nellie as it is affectionately known) is a Cape Town institution and well worth trying.

Overview

A beautiful, contemporary style boutique hotel, Kensington Place is set on a hillside close to the Kloof Street area offering fabulous views across the city.

Decoration is very contemporary with a mixture of dark woods and bright linens; a sense of place is provided by the collection of Modern African art throughout the hotel. Despite the small size of the hotel, service is extremely good here with staff looking to take care of all the little details for you (as well as 24-hour room service).

Though close to Kloof Street, the hotel maintains a little distance, giving it a sense of calm and tranquility, with just eight rooms sharing a pleasant communal area and an outdoor pool.

Overview

Situated in the heart of the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Grace is one of Cape Town’s most famous luxury hotels in a location perfect for enjoying the restaurants, boutiques and entertainment of this upmarket area. The hotel also has a strong focus on contributing to community upliftment and has various measures in place to improve their water and energy consumption.

Reflecting its location, the décor has a nautical theme and is full of local detail, with antiques and maps adorning the hallways. In a playful touch, sumptuous chandeliers are adorned with unusual items (such as crockery and kitchenware in the Restaurant area). The 112 rooms and suites are spacious, comfortable and elegantly decorated, offering views out to Table Mountain, Signal Hill or the Marina.

For dining, savour South African dishes at the Cape Grace’s restaurant Heirloom, where the unhurried spirit and bountiful terroir of South Africa is celebrated. The Bascule bar draws on the city’s contemporary speakeasy culture, offering an immersive journey into the essence of the Cape with whiskey tastings and carefully crafted cocktails.

The hotel also features a heated pool and outdoor deck, along with a spa on the top floor. Immerse yourself in the serene ambience of the stylish treatment rooms, unwind in the sauna and refresh your senses in the salt room. You can walk straight out into the waterfront area here making it a perennial favourite.

Overview

Located in the popular V&A waterfront, the One&Only is the most contemporary of Cape Town’s top hotels. As one might expect from the top luxury resort specialists, the service is excellent.

The very spacious rooms and suites (107) have an elegant style, fabrics and textiles taking an African influence with rich colourful hues. The main hotel area sits around a lagoon in which an island has been created. This is where the outdoor pool, jacuzzis and spa are located, to give more of a ‘resort’ style feel to the hotel. Special Island suites are also available here. Inside the hotel itself there are large communal areas including a vast lobby and bar area as well as restaurants from South African celebrity Chef Reuben Rifell and Nobu.

The resort also has a particularly good kids club, which they can be left in comfortably for the day as the adults go out exploring.

Overview

Leeu House is situated in an enviable position on the main street of Franschhoek, a country guesthouse in the midst of the hustle and bustle of this vibrant village, surrounded by award-winning restaurants, wine farms and boutique shops.

Stylish interiors are a 21st century take on the traditional Cape Dutch heritage of Franschhoek. The twelve individually styled rooms feature goose-down duvets and fine linens, air-conditioning, flat-screen smart televisions, unlimited Wi-Fi access, Nespresso machines and private bars. The en-suite bathrooms have marble floors, showers and vanity tops, freestanding baths, vast showers and underfloor heating. Three of the suites open onto their own private gardens, while others boast small intimate terrace courtyards.

Dine inside in The Conservatory or al fresco on the terrace, enjoying Leeu Collection wines and spirits from the complimentary bar. Innovative cuisine is prepared by the talented culinary team headed by Oliver Cattermole. Committed to sourcing organic and ethically farmed ingredients, his globally influenced menu features the freshest local produce.

All Leeu House guests have full access to the facilities and spectacular grounds at nearby sister property Leeu Estates, such as the on-site spa, inspired cuisine, or make use of the gym facilities and heated infinity swimming pool. Leeu Estates also features an extensive network of walking, jogging and cycling trails, and a world-class wine cellar.

In addition to this, Leeu House is recognised for its fantastic work in the local community, where they do everything from providing tasty snacks to local schools and also sponsor a learning centre for disadvantaged children.

Overview

The most contemporary luxury property in the wine region, Delaire sits on a privileged vantage point, perched on the hillside along the magnificent Helshoogte mountain range between Stellenbosch and Franschhoeck.

There are 16 individual lodgings, each very private, decorated in elegant neutral tones and modern art. Each boasts a separate lounge and bedroom as well as a large deck and private infinity pool.

At the centre of the property sits the large communal area, with a large pool, Jacuzzi and deck outdoors (from which one can enjoy spectacular views) as well as a peaceful interior decorated with a fantastic modern art collection. There is also an in-house cinema that screens documentaries and two restaurants, where the service is exemplary.

Overview

Located in Franschhoek, a traditional vineyard town known as South Africa’s food and wine capital, Mont Rochelle is part of Sir Richard Branson’s hotel portfolio and features a fabulous 37 hectare vineyard.

This beautiful property features 22 bedrooms including six spacious suites – two of which can accommodate families, two restaurants, a cosy bar, a spa with Hammam facilities, a gym, an outdoor heated pool and a wine cellar. The luxurious rooms are divided into five categories: Shiraz with king-size beds and courtyard or valley views; the larger Merlot with valley views; Cabernet with a private terrace overlooking the valley; the huge Pinotage Suites with separate lounges; and the Cap Classique Suites with a lounge, private terrace and their own plunge pool.

The hotel’s decor is contemporary, light and airy, and rooms feature superior touches such as Africology branded bathroom amenities, mini speakers and a complementary minibar.

With a superb location just a short walk into the centre of Franschhoek, Mont Rochelle is perfectly placed for exploration. But there’s plenty to do at the hotel itself too: be sure to take advantage of personalised tasting sessions at the wine cellar, horse riding, picnics in the stunning grounds, mountain biking and golf.

Overview

Set inside the peaceful, pretty town of Franschhoek, Le Quartier Français is a tranquil, luxurious base from which to explore the town and winelands beyond. This is by far the best hotel in town with a fantastic level of service and a relaxed, modest atmosphere that belies the level of comfort and attention to detail.

17 of the 21 rooms and suites are set around the central courtyard, with four others around a private garden.

The white exteriors contrast with the warm, colourful interiors of the rooms, all very comfortable and spacious. The hotel also has two excellent dining options which front onto the main high-street of Franschhoek. Guests can also enjoy a pleasant lounge area, herb garden and private cinema. The ‘La Petite Colombe’ restaurant is among the best in South Africa.

With the excellent service, comfort and cuisine one would expect, however, what elevates it above all, is the friendly personal aspect to the service here.

Overview

Set on one of the oldest Cape Dutch Farms in the wine region, Babylonstoren is a 200-hectare working fruit farm with an exclusive hotel and restaurant set amongst the vineyards orchards and beautiful kitchen gardens. This is a beautiful and relaxing sanctuary, effortlessly blending its colonial, pastoral past with modern contemporary design.

There are 14 cottages spread out through the grounds, a spacious blend of restored Cape-Dutch architecture and sophisticated modern touches. This is modern design at its very best with a deft lightness of touch giving a feeling of space and modernity whilst remaining very true to the historic style of the buildings. It’s no surprise therefore that Karen Roos (former editor of Elle Decoration) is one of the owners.

Guests can enjoy the outdoor pool area, restaurant, eight-acre kitchen garden, spa and gym. The farm is also to be explored, walking through the 200 hectares of land or perhaps taking a canoe out on the farm dam.

Overview

One of the most famous hotels in South Africa, La Residence is a truly opulent and stately base from which to explore the wine region. From the moment one enters the grand hall at the entrance, it is obvious that you have entered a very special place. Works of art and antiques from all over the world adorn the lavish interiors.

Set close to the pretty town of Franschhoek on a backdrop of rolling hills, the hotel sits in thirty acres of working farm with immaculately manicured gardens, vineyards and orchards. There are eleven suites set in the main building, each very individual from the other and themed around a colour, with an eclectic but cohesive mix of antiques and art lending both character and opulence to each of the rooms.

Further down the hill are the newly constructed villas. These have a slightly more contemporary feel, with brighter colours and are also very suitable for families as they range from two to four bedrooms each. The villas also share a separate pool area and a communal open kitchen and dining area, encouraging a more informal mingling of guests in this part of the property.

Overview

Harry Kirkman’s original 1920s homestead has been beautifully restored and now comprises 12 suites that look out over the bushveld. Perched on a ridge above the Sands River, guests can enjoy unspoiled views as they relax at this atmospheric and charming lodge.

Kirkman’s offers the perfect balance of old and new with all the amemities you would expect from a luxury lodge alongside plenty of touches that hark back to days gone by. Each suite comes with a private verandah from which to relax with a glass of wine or afternoon tea while soaking up the unique atmosphere of the African bush.

Curl up in front of the roaring fire in the sitting room, relax with a book in the library then sink into your claw-foot bathtub after a day of game drives. When you need to cool off, take refuge from the sun with a dip in the outdoor pool.

Nestled in the world-renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve, Kirkman’s Kamp shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park, and enjoys an abundantly rich local concentration of fauna, including the Big Five.

It is a particularly good spot to base your safari activities if you want to spot the most elusive of cats, the leopard. Strict vehicle limits at sightings ensure the exclusivity of your game viewing experience.

Overview

Located in the western sector of the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve and bordering the Kruger National Park, is Leopard Hills. Spectacularly situated atop a rocky outcrop, this luxurious lodge offers magnificent views over the bush and an active waterhole on the plains below.

The property boasts eight beautifully decorated and entirely luxurious glass-fronted suites. Complete with sundecks and rock plunge pools, the suites enjoy amazing African bushveld views.

When you’re not out spotting the exciting game on your drives and walks, watch the animals from the pool and main deck with a pair of binoculars or the spotting scope. This tranquil spot is the perfect place to enjoy a sundowner or cool down with a crisp glass of wine as you take in the sights and sounds of the African bush.

The elegant dining room offers further views alongside decadent meals, while a cosy lounge and massage sala provide even more sumptuous spots to relax. The library is a peaceful spot and guests are welcome to browse through the large selection of literature and African journals.

Overview

Between thickets of tall jackalberry and knobbly knobthorn trees that seasonally bloom with soft, sweet-scented flowers, Simbambili Game Lodge looks onto the meandering Manyeleti River in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, part of the world-renowned Kruger National Park. With such nature all around beloved by wildlife, including the numerous watering areas, sightings of giraffes, elephants, warthogs and more are delightfully plentiful.

All nine suites, each honing into a modern aesthetic focused on natural hues and materials like wood, stone, and thatch, open out to the surrounding savannah. While the al fresco decks of the ‘Thatched’ suites oversee the dry riverbed, those of the ‘Honeymoon’ and ‘Waterhole’ suites face the excitement of the bush; they all come fitted with private plunge pools and shaded sala beds for stargazing or afternoon lazing. Inside, suites feature luxurious ensuite bathrooms with standalone baths and his and her sinks.

Beyond, the main lodge invites you to unwind with a stylish bar and wooden outdoor deck, complete with a fire pit, that boasts dramatic sunsets. Take advantage of a dedicated wellness area too, and a lengthy infinity swimming pool; the best place to listen to melodic birdsong. Out in the bush, your ranger and tracker team will astound you with their ability to track big five game, whether on foot or from an open vehicle safari. The lodge also seriously commits to supporting the local community through programmes like a gardening co-operative, supporting a local high school and being part of the Pack for a Purpose initiative.

Overview

This gorgeous lodge is situated in the southern part of the internationally famous Sabi Sand Reserve.

The ‘Big Five’ sightings are so frequent, it is not unusual to see lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino in a single game drive. Numerous nearby dams and a series of waterholes in front of the lodge attract many species, especially in the dry winter months when elephants are daily visitors.

There are seven suites – three executive and four luxury, all with their own private plunge pools. The executive suites feature canvas roofs for an authentic safari feel as well as large bathrooms with a free standing tub, double vanities, double shower and toilet as well as outdoor shower. There are glass doors that open onto covered patios where your private plunge pool faces waterholes in the bush.

The four luxury suites are nestled among indigenous trees that attract a variety of bird life. They have the same facilities as the larger suites in a more compact space.

There is also the two-bedroom Savana Suite where the bedrooms lie on either side of an inter-connecting lounge. Each bedroom has the same bathroom facilites and the luxury and exutive suites, while the living room features a cosy reading nook in front of the fireplace. The outdoor patio is perfect for candle-lit dinners or private pre-dinner cocktails. This suite is perfect for families or groups of friends.