Best hotels in South Africa

Set in an arboreal glen in the bustling seaside suburb of Camps Bay, Camps Bay Retreat offers a collection of different suites and rooms around the beautiful grounds. A historic manor house built in 1929 is at the heart of estate; externally, the architecture is grand and impressive, and internally, the classic décor will make you feel as if you’ve stumbled into an 18th-century explorers lounge. Accommodation-wise, choose from the classic rooms in the house itself, or one of the more modern suites in the Deck House. And then all that’s left to do is lounge in the garden, stroll to the beach or play a lazy game of tennis...

The Alphen is an elegant boutique hotel in Cape Town's historic Constantia Valley, one of the oldest and most renowned wine producing regions in the Cape. With a history dating back to its origins as a wine farm in the early seventeenth century, this beautiful hotel still has a timeless Cape Dutch feel, with a modern designer edge and exceptional facilities. Accommodation consists of 19 plush suites in glorious park-like grounds, and the three restaurant are simply fabulous, as are the eateries in the surrounding vineyards. In fact, you might not even have enough time to try them all!

Hotels at Cape Town’s world-famous V&A Waterfront tend to be of the large and sprawling variety. Nothing wrong with that, but sometimes you just want some peace and quiet… Enter the Dock House, a rather splendid boutique hotel with just six uber-luxurious rooms. Restored by interiors guru Francois du Plessis, the pretty Victorian house is cool, creamy and very contemporary and the whole glamorous picture is completed by dazzling postcard-perfect views; the vibrant harbour to the front and Table Mountain and Lions Head behind. And the best bit? Some of the city’s best shopping, wining and dining is a mere stroll from the front door.

Located on Orange Street, right in the heart of Cape Town, 15 on Orange couldn't be any closer to the city's trendy shops, restaurants and bars. In fact, it's also pretty close to the city centre museums and markets, vibrant Long Street, and the beautiful Company's Gardens. A big tick, then, for a fantastic location, but what about the hotel itself? Well, we don't think you'll be disappointed - there's a fine-dining restaurant, swimming pool and spa, and 129 Afro-chic bedrooms, with views of the iconic Table Mountain straight from your bed.

Villa Zest is a small boutique hotel in the lively district of Green Point, one of Cape Town’s most fashionable suburbs. What sets this hotel apart is its strong retro feel throughout. Each of its seven rooms has a unique 70s-themed design teamed with modern state-of-the-art technology, and unexpected touches like the somewhat bizarre collection of vintage radios on display. Green Point is renowned for its Riviera-style palm-fringed coastline, upbeat urban vibe, café culture and non-stop nightlife, and Villa Zest is perfectly positioned to experience the very best that this part of Cape Town has to offer.

Set on the edge of Cape Town's beloved V&A Waterfront, where designer shops attract the chic set and everyone else comes to stroll, listen to music and enjoy pretty fine pizzas and other delights, is the uber-polished Queen Victoria Hotel. This small inn is indeed fit for royalty, with its intimate spaces and service that's both discreet and personalised. Visitors here generally want high-end accommodation and hospitality, and they get it in spades. There's a glut of shops on the doorstep, and sweeping beaches and mountains within easy reach by road. And the views from the hotel warrant a "Wow"!

Luxurious hotel suites, ideally situated in one of Cape Town’s most coveted locations. With easy access to Sea Point’s top work and play hotspots, Station House is the preferred second home of bleisure travellers from around the world.

In the heart of Sea Point stands The Cole - a sanctuary built for those travelling through life with intention. At its core is The Sun Seeker, a figure that grounds and carries the essence of The Cole, where bold design meets effortless luxury.

Like the modern traveller, she is a lover of both ocean and city. She echoes through the walls of The Cole, shaping moments of quiet meaning: the morning sun spilling onto crisp linen, the soft glow of candlelight over dinner, the hum of conversation against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.

Sitting on a quiet street in Cape Town's Sea Point suburb, Pineapple House is a pastel-pink gem with an eternally sunny atmosphere. In fact, pineapples are considered an expression of welcome and the sense warmth and hospitality never fades, whether you're enjoying chilled cocktails on the pool deck or chatting about the bright, bohemian artwork on the walls. The quirky yet totally chic rooms are all decorated in vivid colours with plenty of patterned fabrics and high-end furnishings to go around. Plus, you couldn't wish for a better location for discovering the magic of Cape Town...