Luxe Cape, Safari and Mozambique Beach

Overview

Ellerman House is a class act throughout. It feels very much like your own home but with top class service befitting a five-star hotel. Perched in one of the most spectacular and privileged settings in Cape Town overlooking Bantry Bay, it is the epitome of comfort and class with a relaxed, elegant style. Decoration is colonial, with a nod to the contemporary and recently refurbished to provide thoroughly modern comforts.

Where Ellerman House excels above others is the excellent house staff, who in these grand surrounds create such a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Taking a (complimentary) evening cocktail from the lounge and strolling out onto the peaceful gardens overlooking the sea for sunset is the perfect end to a day in Cape Town as one feels both special and relaxing.

There are just 11 rooms, two suites and two private contemporary villas. Communal areas include a spacious lounge, large garden area (with outdoor pool) and a huge spa. There is an open kitchen you are invited to visit, a pantry that you can raid as well as the complimentary evening cocktails.

A particular feature of the property is its private art collection. This is simply outstanding, one of the best in South Africa with works from African masters inside the main building and then, underneath is a contemporary gallery. For anyone interested in art this will add an extra element to their stay.

Guests are also able to book Sleep Rooms at Ellerman House. A concept created by wellness expert Harry Jameson, each of the 13 rooms at the property can be converted into wellness rooms specially designed to optimise both sleep and recovery.

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

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

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

For a dose of cosy luxury, check in to the Tintswalo Atlantic. Perched right on the edge of the South African shoreline, this boutique hotel is tucked away between the rugged cliffs and gentle waters of Hout Bay, providing you with a degree of isolation from the bustle of Cape Town yet remaining close enough to allow easy access to the area’s sights and activities.

This hotel makes for a great base camp in the region; from here you can enjoy watching the busy local harbor unloading their catch each morning, indulge yourself in some retail therapy at the V&A Waterfront, explore the nearby Constantina Winelands or head slightly further afield and trek through the Table Mountain National Park, just a short car journey away.

There are a host of themed suites to choose from, each with its own individual decor and ambiance. All come with stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean stretching from horizon to horizon. When you’re not sampling the plush bedding, then take a dip in the saltwater pool on the hotel decking, or sip cocktails in the bar at sunset at the waves lap against the shore.

Overview

Future Found Sanctuary, sitting on the slopes of Cape Town’s Table Mountain, is made up of two luxurious villas: Maison Noir and Villa Verte. Mason Noir is a five-suite villa decorated with elemental design and a collection of local art, allowing you to experience sensory rejuvenation. It has five suites, sleeping a maximum of sixteen people, with all rooms including garden and mountain views, private bathrooms, and access to Mason Noir’s heated pool and wine cellar.

Villa Verte has four suites, blending a contemporary urban aesthetic with intricately detailed South African interiors. This villa sleeps eight people, and the stay here would include valley and mountain views, access to Villa Verte’s heated pool, and your own balcony. Both villas allow guests access to the fully equipped kitchens, or you can hire a Future Found Sanctuary chef for all your culinary desires.

The sanctuary prides itself on being one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet, with their Sensorium Spa, natural pools, and the gardens spread across the sanctuary being a few of the spaces that allow you to indulge in tranquility. Future Found Sanctuary also offers a guided exploration of the land, during which you can trek to a waterfall in the Table Mountain Nature Reserve. There are a multitude of activities to choose from during your stay at the sanctuary, including Middle Eastern Rasul, Tai Chi, and sound healing.

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

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

Spread under a leafy canopy of ebony trees, six spacious stone cottages grace the banks of the Mabrak River in the western part of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.

As one of only twelve guests at Dulini Moya, one feels instantly at home in this quiet retreat. The beautifully appointed suites boast generous plunge pools, shady decks and classic interiors that celebrate the signature style of the Reserve. From the privacy of your own plunge pools, you can enjoy watching game explore the dry riverbed just a few metres away. Your sitting area is an elegant space filled with big welcoming sofas and interesting African sculptures.

Dine under the ancient jackalberry tree where skilled chefs serve delicious Pan African meals, or steal away for a romantic candlelit dinner in the well-stocked wine cellar.

Overview

Sitting alongside the meandering Sands River, set amidst wild bush and enormous trees in the middle of South Africa’s ‘big cat country’, is Singita’s original Ebony Lodge. Unrivalled hospitality is blended with the heritage of an English county home to create a timeless and most welcoming safari experience.

The 12 suites, two which have two bedrooms and are perfect for families, all feature en-suite bathrooms and indoor-outdoor showers, private heated plunge pools and spacious game viewing decks.

Your suite has been decorated according to a black and white colour scheme in homage to the big ebony trees that surround the lodge and interiors are furnished with vintage campaign furniture from Luke Bailes’ (the founder of Singita) family collection, sepia photography, tribal print murals and imitation leopard and zebra-print fabrics. Interior walls have been replaced by canvas or glass to create a light and airy atmosphere and to capitalise on the amazing views outside, to beautiful effect in the bedroom where you’ll enjoy an uninterrupted view out onto the terrace.

The food here is exquisite yet unpretentious, fitting of the lodge’s homely feel, and is paired with an extensive range of handpicked South African wines. Free time at the lodge can be spent indulging in the Bush Spa, relaxing in the library, using the well-equipped gym or cooling down in the pool.

Of course the highlight here is the rich array of wildlife. Species such as leopard, lion, rhino, large herds of buffalo, elephant, reedbuck, hyena, hippopotamus, nyala, cheetah, wild dogs and many types of birds can be spotted on expertly guided day and night game drives, and thrilling walking safaris. Other activities such as stargazing will get Africa even further under your skin.

Overview

Set along the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River, Boulders Lodge harmonises effortlessly with its surroundings, designed to reflect the light, colours and textures of the African wilderness. Each of the twelve suites features interiors that open onto expansive wooden decks, offering uninterrupted views of the Sand River or the bush. The expansive glass-fronted suites create a seamless transition between the indoors and the wilderness outside. Inside, handcrafted furnishings made from fossilised tree stumps, solid stone and wrought iron are softened by luxurious details such as natural flax linens and cloud-like cotton towels.

The lodge offers access to 45,000 acres of wilderness within the renowned Singita Sabi Sands Reserve. This area is famed for its abundant wildlife and frequent leopard sightings, making game drives and bush walks an exceptional part of the experience. Led by expert guides, these excursions offer encounters with Africa’s rich animal and birdlife.

The communal spaces at Boulders Lodge are equally inviting. The Copper Bar, a warm and intimate setting, serves freshly pressed juices, artisanal espressos and expertly crafted cocktails, providing the perfect spot to gather after a day of adventure. The lodge’s extensive outdoor dining and lounge areas, complete with a stone fireplace, offer further opportunities for relaxation, while the on-site wellness and fitness centre provide spaces for rejuvenation. Additional amenities include a main swimming pool set within the lodge’s lush grounds, a boutique and gallery offering curated African art and design pieces and a premier wine boutique showcasing a selection of fine South African wines.

Overview

Located within the Sabi Sabi Reserve, the Earth Lodge stands as a beacon of environmentally sensitive luxury, seamlessly blending cutting-edge design with the rugged beauty of the African bush. This avant-garde lodge, with its innovative bunker-style architecture, mimics the natural folds of the landscape, creating a harmonious and serene retreat that feels both sophisticated and intimately connected to its surroundings.

The lodge features twelve ultra-modern suites and a luxury villa, each a testament to contemporary elegance and minimalist design. These suites offer a unique blend of luxury and nature, providing a warm, almost burrow-like ambiance that enhances the sense of tranquility and sophistication. The Earth Lodge’s state-of-the-art design ensures that its presence is both subtle and respectful to the environment, aligning perfectly with its rich, wild surroundings.

Guests of the Earth Lodge can embark on extraordinary safari experiences within the Sabi Sabi Reserve, renowned for its rich concentration of wildlife, including the legendary Big Five.

Overview

This all-inclusive sanctuary is set within 300 hectares on the southern tip of Benguerra Island in the Bazaruto Archipelago – Mozambique’s first marine national park. Here, a dedicated personal service team stands ready to cater to your every whim at any time of the day or night.

A cap on the guest count means Kisawa feels perennially quiet. Just 11 bungalow residences are spread across the island, some of which sit on the calmer side of the cove, others perched amidst the dunes by the ocean. Each residence comes complete with an exclusive stretch of soft-sand beach, an infinity pool and an eclectic mini moke.

The range of bespoke experiences and activities at Kisawa includes hikes with a nature guide to spot more than 150 bird species and climbing the red dune for sunrise.

As night falls, moonlight barbeque dinners on the beach and wild dune glamping beckon, or the “pizza tuk tuk” delivers slices to your residence.

If you travel in search of natural wonders, you’ll find them in astonishing quantities in Mozambique. Dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, dugongs: you never know what you’ll see in these waters. Adding to the spectacle, humpback whales grace the seas with their majestic presence during their annual migration from July to October.

The wealth of wildlife here has captivated oceanic researchers. As a guest at Kisawa, not only does your stay contribute to vital research funding, but you also have the opportunity to join marine scientists from the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (Africa’s first permanent ocean observatory) as they strive to protect the future of this delicate ecosystem.

Overview

Azura is the most stylish and contemporary of the lodges in this area. The entirely beach-front property consists of 14 villas, each with their own sizeable private plunge pools from which to enjoy the sunset with a cocktail.

Service is excellent, with great attention to detail from the staff who are always looking to add the little touches that will make your stay even more special.

The quality of the extra activities organised by Azura are exceptional and well worth taking part in.

Overview

Step into the Indian Ocean paradise of swaying palms, bejewelled marine life and luxuriously rustic accommodation here at Benguerra Island Lodge. Wake up to views of endless turquoise waters from your thatched casita or cabana’s private veranda. Dressed in rich, earthy tones, the simple and elegant lodgings are strewn throughout powder white sands and boast open-air showers and plunge pools for a refreshing break from the sun-drenched beach.

Delicious seafood, shaded sun loungers, hammocks and an indulgent spa ensure complete relaxation. However if you fancy some activity, expert guides are on hand to take you to unspoilt coral reefs that teem with aquatic life – including the rare and mystical dugong. Children are particularly well entertained here with bundles of fun, interactive adventures to get them involved with new experiences and cultures.

What’s more, supporting the conservation of local wildlife and communities is of the utmost importance to Benguerra Island Lodge and plays an important part in the lodge’s work.

Overview

The clean design of the luxurious Santorini Mozambique reflects the pale sands of Vilanculos Bay and the hue of the sea it overlooks. White washed walls, touches of blue and several airy levels evoke images of idyllic Greek islands.

Each of the five en-suite bedrooms feature private balconies with spectacular sea views. Set over multiple levels can be found two dining areas, a martini deck with an intimate pool area, a TV room with a library and a children’s play room. A shaded, central pool courtyard with al fresco seating, an expert head chef, a pizza oven and gas BBQ offer splendid opportunities for entertaining.

A staircase leads from the villa directly to the beach and the warm Indian Ocean, and located just a 20 minute drive from Vilanculos International Airport, the villa is well placed for exploration. The picturesque town of Vilanculos is a unique blend of African, Portuguese and Arab influences and just beyond the Bay of Vilanculos lie the chain of five islands comprising the Bazaruto Archipelago and a Marine National Park, hosting over 1200 species of fish.

The villa is ideal for families and friends and can be booked either in its entirety or on a per room basis.

A separate stand alone villa, ‘The Chapel’, is also found on the property. This one bedroom villa faces the ocean and is complete with its own lounge, kitchen, dining room, private pool and outdoor patio dining area. The Chapel is Ideal for honeymoon couples or romantic getaways.