Best hotels in South Africa

Book this exclusive-use villa for the perfect escape in the winelands. Guest are invited to unlock the secrets to living like a local in Franschhoek. At La Clé, they want you to feel that their home is your home during your stay. A short walk from the village, the French-accented retreat has a working vineyard, orchards and lavender-flecked gardens, located in the heart of Franschhoek village. Loved by extended families and groups of friends, Domain’s light and airy interiors combine the purity of African colour with vibrant Moroccan style. All three suites lead out to a traditional farmhouse verandah with uninterrupted views over the pool to the mountains and vineyards. For those travelling in larger groups, inquire about the twin bedroom that connects to the far end of the villa and opens out onto the back terrace.

This villa offers the perfect harmony between historic charm and modern refinement. Be transported to a world where time dissolves at Manoir with its book-lined library, lounge and candle-scented reception rooms, and farmhouse kitchen. Breakfast is served in a beautiful sun room with French doors opening to the back garden and pool. Complete with a dining room fit for a banquet and fully-equipped kitchen-scullery, your villa is cool in summer and wonderfully snug in winter. Manoir is an exquisite example of the traditional Cape Dutch architecture of the Western Cape and French linens, antiques, unexpected furnishings, and muted colours compliment the charming character.

Scattered across Sterrekopje’s 50-hectare farm are 11 Sanctuaries, each a private retreat that’s rejuvenating yet calming, eclectic yet serene. Everything here has been carefully curated to foster deep restorative sleep and inspire gentle contemplation and creativity. You’ll find beauty in every detail of their Sanctuaries, each of which is filled with a precious collection of one-of-a-kind art and furniture from some of their favourite destinations around the world. Four-poster beds from Kenya are topped with hypoallergenic mattresses and your choice of natural linens or Egyptian cotton. Hand-carved trunks have travelled the world from India, and elaborate murals have been masterfully painted by local artisans. Just like the guests, no two rooms are the same. A stay at Sterrekopje captures the senses, nurtures the soul, and invigorates the body. Created by a family of holistic practitioners, the rituals and daily Farm Rhythms are inspired by the purity of nature and the wisdom of our ancestors. Embark on a Journey to slow down, recenter, and reconnect—with yourself, with others, and with Mother Earth.

Experience art, food and wine – the best of both valley and village on your doorstep. With an upstairs loft perfect for young ones under 12, this villa is the perfect exclusive-use holiday home for multigenerational get togethers. Complete with breakfast and a butler to cater to your needs at the villa, sit back and slow down for an indulgent vacation in the winelands. Everyday cares slip away as you settle into your light and airy homestead. With sociability and song set in the walls, Grange has a rich history. Formerly a village barn turned lively restaurant and jazz bar, the building has been converted with soaring poplar-beamed ceilings and indulgent double-sided fireplaces. Your every comfort is catered to in the open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge areas, which opens onto a laidback terrace. Breathtaking views overlook the pool to the vineyards and mountains beyond and three separate bedroom suites open onto a second terrace, at the far side of the house, ensuring plenty of space to spread out and enjoy.

Wake up to birdsong and wide mountain skies. Wander into the garden to collect fresh eggs from the chickens or harvest vegetables for breakfast. Meander along the private walking trail, take a dip in the 20-metre lap pool, or enjoy a game of tennis before lunch. Afternoons stretch out across manicured lawns, with long, lazy meals under the trees or a quiet book in hand beneath their generous shade.

Set on five hectares of landscaped grounds, the estate is a place to unwind, entertain, and savour a slower pace in complete privacy, framed by breathtaking views of the Franschhoek valley.

Step into the private corner of the Sabie Game Reserve, where humans and nature coexist in harmony. You’ll have a front-row seat to the untamed African wilderness at Umkumbe Bush Lodge, an unassuming yet luxurious tented camp. Enjoy breathtaking views of a drainage basin, watering hole, and open plain right outside your doorstep. From listening to the hyenas from your tented suite to venturing through the canopy of Tamboti trees, at Umkumbe Bush Lodge, you'll be part of the incredible habitat that surrounds you.

Knysna Hollow Country Estate is set on a secluded 3-hectare country retreat just 5 minutes from the centre of Knysna, a quaint seaside town widely regarded as the jewel of the Garden Route. Knysna Hollow re-opened in October 2018 as a brand-new contemporary country estate offering stylish accommodation with warm personal service and authentic dining in our casual restaurant, Social Eatery. A standout amongst Knysna hotels, the 44 contemporary Garden Suites are situated in lush gardens and offer all modern amenities in a spacious and serene environment. The modern Cape Country Manor House is the focal point of the estate and houses a restaurant, bar, reception, sun deck and internet library - overlooking the gardens with two sparkling swimming pools.

Perched on the tip of Leisure Isle - a connected peninsula that feels decidedly more island than mainland - this boutique hideaway gazes directly at those famous Heads standing sentry over Knysna Lagoon. It's the sort of spot where you can paddle a kayak to breakfast, then cycle home for sundowners, all whilst feeling rather smug about your location choice. The property occupies prime waterfront real estate where the Indian Ocean mingles with the lagoon, creating a rather dreamy backdrop for doing absolutely nothing at all. With just 15 rooms, it manages that clever trick of feeling intimate without being claustrophobic, and the multi-award-winning status (Africa's top luxury guesthouse, no less) suggests they're doing something right beyond just the postcard views.