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

This historic hotel in colourful Cape Town has just 19 rooms, offering an intimate escape from the neighbourhood’s buzzy streets. It’s all about local artisans here, with artworks, crafts and striking pieces of furniture that create a bold but beautiful maximalist aesthetic. Expect emerald greens and distinctive printed wallpapers, accented with gold trimmings. 

The property is perfectly placed for exploring the restaurants and bars on popular Kloof Street, or for getting outdoors and atop Table Mountain, where views of the city are truly awe-inspiring. There’s plenty of pleasure to be found inside the hotel, too, though, with two prettily tiled swimming pools and a handful of loungers that invite you to laze around in the sun for at least a few hours. 

Food here is served in Upper Union, where a carefully curated menu offers seasonal produce by way of small plates and larger dishes, and the cocktails are a highlight for locals and visitors alike. 

Overview

With sweeping views of the Atlantic, Table Mountain as a backdrop, and the buzz of a working harbour, the Victoria and Albert Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s prime locations. It is here that you’ll find The Silo.

The grain silo was the tallest building in Sub-Saharan Africa when it was built in 1924, and the luxury hotel is located in the former elevator tower. The creative brain behind the project is that of prominent British designer and architect Thomas Heatherwick, whose iconic works include the Cauldron for the London 2012 Olympic Games and London’s new Routemaster bus.

The Silo occupies six floors above the Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. A partnership between the V&A Waterfront and Jochen Zeitz, this cultural institution focuses on exhibiting cutting-edge contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, with the Zeitz Collection forming its founding exhibition.

Taking its place on Cape Town’s skyline, the hotel is a beacon of modern design. The industrial aesthetics remain with the addition of pillowed glazing panels which bulge outwards as if gently inflated. At night, this transforms the building into a glowing lantern.

Each of the 28 rooms, which include a magnificent penthouse suite, are individually designed and strike the balance between industrial, stylish and comfortable. The creative team have been busy sourcing pieces from Cape Town and across the world, to ensure each room tells its own story without detracting from the natural beauty of the city, which can be seen through the 18-foot windows. Another key feature is the huge grain-shaped atrium carved out of the interior of the grain silos. The art in the hotel is in keeping with the collections in the museum.

Appreciate the 360 degree panoramic views from the restaurant, champagne bar and glass swimming pool located on the rooftop while casting your eye across the ocean, city bowl and mountains. There is also a café, piano bar, spa and fitness centre and when you want to go exploring, the Waterfront itself offers a wealth of shops, restaurants and bars.

Overview

Whether you live in an Apartment in a city or a 4 bedroom House, More Quarters can give you that ‘home from home’ feel while still being immersed in the cultural centre of Cape Town. Nestled in a residential suburb away from the main tourist bustle, the Kloof Street area is often referred to as the heart of Cape Town by the locals. Enjoy the privacy and homely feel of your own apartment styled in a rare combination of historic exteriors with classic modern bohemian interiors, with all the conveniences and amenities of a hotel experience staffed by a family of professional, passionate people. The Redcliffe House is ideal for large groups or families, it being an immaculate 4 bedroom/bathroom home.

This historical building is actually one of the owner’s personal homes, utilized by the family for three months of the year. The remaining nine months the house is available to accommodate guests. The house is serviced daily by the staff of the Hotel, allowing your stay away from home to include being away from the house work. It also features an exclusive swimming pool, solely for your private use. With the ability to safely walk to local restaurants and boutique shops, you really feel as if you are a Cape local and experience the local cosmopolitan lifestyle. All the other amazing opportunities that the Mother City offers are an easy traffic free drive away.

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

Surrounded by vineyards and gardens and just minutes from the village of Franschhoek is Leeu Estates, a boutique hotel, winery and wellness spa. Set within 68 hectares between the Dassenberg mountains and Franschhoek River, it offers guests the opportunity to enjoy stunning natural beauty in total luxury.

Each room is individually styled and upholstered in natural linens giving a relaxed yet sophisticated feel. The luxury en-suite bathrooms have marble floors with underfloor heating and some feature a freestanding bath tub. You’ll enjoy your beautiful surroundings from the moment you wake up, with windows that look out over the gardens and orchard.

Located within the Manor House is The Dining Room, where uncomplicated dishes let the locally produced ingredients shine though. In the warmer months, choose to dine al fresco and enjoy soaking up the sun from the garden terrace.

For when you want to simply relax and unwind, The Reading Room is an intimate space with a fireplace, opening onto a veranda with views of the gardens, vineyards and Franschhoek Valley. There is plenty of reading material and enough board games to keep you occupied, but if you do fancy engaging in something more active then make a beeline for the gym, pool and spa.

Overview

Tucked away in the heart of South Africa’s renowned Cape Winelands, Boschendal offers beautifully restored orchard cottages that are a haven of stylish simplicity. Each space invites you to relax and reconnect, surrounded by the serene beauty of rolling vineyards and the dramatic mountain backdrop.

Stroll along meandering trails that weave through verdant orchards and the fragrant mountain fynbos. For those seeking adventure, world-class mountain biking and hiking routes crisscross the estate, offering a great way to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes. Afterward, indulge in a curated wine tasting that showcases the character of Boschendal’s acclaimed wines. Young explorers can engage in the thoughtfully curated Tree House kids’ club, a hands-on adventure that blends education and fun as they learn about sustainable farming.

At the heart of Boschendal lie lush vegetable gardens that embody the estate’s dedication to ethical and environmentally conscious farming. These elements form the foundation of its renowned farm-to-table cuisine, where every dish is crafted with the freshest, locally sourced ingredients.

Overview

Originally a private retreat of the Brink family, Chitwa Chitwa was transformed by Charl into an oasis of conservation and harmony. With an extremely strong approach to conservation and land management, this beautiful lodge offers you a fabulous experience while visiting the Sabi Sands. The Chitwa Trust actively supports the local community through an educare centre as well as adult educational initiative. You’ll also find several environmental programmes in place at the lodge itself.

As a family owned and run lodge, you will receive excellent service as well as comfort when staying here. With just eight luxury suites each stylishly decorated and spacious, this lodge is a nice and intimate experience for family and honeymooner alike.

The Chitwa House is a private villa with just two beautifully appointed en-suite rooms with private decks and out-door showers. It has a massively spacious common room and benefits from private meals, driver, guides and chef. Magic.

Overview

Saseka is the Tsonga word for ‘beautiful’ and this stunning camp, situated in the exclusive Thornybush Nature Reserve within the greater Kruger National Park, is certainly that. The camp is constructed from natural materials; polished stone and wooden roofs are complemented with soft furnishings in natural muted tones and large glowing globes made of rice paper.  

There are just 9 luxurious rooms at the camp and, although the nostalgia of a classic safari tented camp has been respected, there’s a distinctive modern and fresh feel at Saseka. The addition of floor to ceiling glass doors means natural light floods in and guests have a privileged, stunning view over the bush from the comfort of their room. 

The little touches of comfort and modernity continue with air conditioning in the tented suites and large ensuite bathrooms (also with beautiful views) that feature double basins, large roll top bath and rain shower. Each room has its own private outdoor deck with a shower, plunge pool and large comfortable deck chairs.

The camp offers guests a comfortable main social area with split level decking, a bar and restaurant. The camp is in a game-rich and Big Five area so expect excellent wildlife viewing either from camp or on a variety of safari experiences such as game drives, night drives and bushwalks. 

For small groups or families, look no further than Little Saseka, a perfect private residence that includes a main tented suite for 2 adults and 2 children, a sunken outdoor lounge and fire pit as well as an indoor lounge area. The surrounding tents can be booked for exclusive use for larger groups.

Overview

Located along the banks of the Sabie River inside the Lion Sands Reserve, Ivory Lodge has six large ultra-luxurious suites spaced out from one another and at 165m2 each enjoy their own courtyard, lounge with fireplace, viewing deck and plunge pool.

Offering the utmost privacy, there are only six ultra-luxurious, spacious suites. With contemporary Afro-European interiors and a neutral colour palette, the sleekly designed suites have sliding glass doors and oversized windows merging into the surrounding bushveld. Each of the suites offers a separate lounge with a fireplace and well stocked minibar. The bedrooms are en-suite with sumptuously large bathrooms including a free-standing bath, and indoor and outdoor shower. All this opens onto a private deck and rim flowing plunge pool. Set a short walk away from the suites the thatched main lodge offers a dining room, bar, lounge and library with satellite TV and WiFi. There is a boma and shaded viewing deck.

As well as morning and afternoon game drives and guided bush walks, you can visit local village, indulge in spa treatments or spend a night out under the stars in one of the reserve’s luxury tree houses.

Overview

Tanda Tula, which translates to “love the quiet,” draws its inspiration from the captivating blend of people and abundant wildlife in the Greater Kruger National Park region. With a legacy spanning over 30 years, this safari accommodation has earned its reputation as one of South Africa’s premier camps.

Located strategically along the banks of the Nhlaralumi River, Tanda Tula Safari Camp offers an unparalleled vantage point to admire the breathtaking wildlife and natural splendour that surrounds it. 

Each suite overlooks the picturesque Nhlaralumi riverbed, offering sweeping views of the surrounding bush. Every detail, from the fine linens to the thoughtfully curated decor, has been carefully chosen to provide the utmost comfort. The front of the suite consists of sliding glass doors and canvas sliding walls, allowing the natural light to cascade in and envelop the space. Step out onto the outdoor covered deck, where a private plunge pool awaits, inviting you to indulge in moments of relaxation and al fresco dining.

Powered by solar energy and equipped with water-wise systems, the accommodation seamlessly integrates sustainability with luxury, ensuring a harmonious coexistence with the environment.

Overview

From elegant, luxury accommodation to sublime cuisine to an animal filled reserve, Thornybush Game Lodge offers a first class safari experience. Found in the famous Thornybush Nature Reserve beside the Kruger, your game drives and walks here promise plenty of Big Five experiences.

When you’re not out exploring the open savannah, your stylish, self-contained suite offers the perfect place to relax. Take in views of the seasonal Monwana River from your private deck or, if you opt for a family suite, from your private plunge pool.

The friendly team here at Thornybush welcomes all ages, with family accommodation and a special safari program designed just for the little ones. Tailored drives, meals and activities will keep the kids entertained, while babysitters and childminders ensure you can enjoy some romantic safari moments to yourselves.