Best hotels in South Africa

Perched majestically atop the sparkling waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and out of sight of the city crowds, the Clarendon Bantry Bay is a cool fusion of ultimate boutique luxury and local flair. Privacy and exclusivity are the name of the game and with views like this, you can’t fail to be seduced into a chilled-out Cape Town state of mind. And with absolutely every detail taken care of by the friendly team, all that’s left to do is lie back, pull up a sun lounger and gaze at the vast cerulean ocean stretching as far as the eye can see….

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"!

From its humble beginnings on the then outskirts of Cape Town in 1994 to the 4* B&B experience it offers today just a stone’s throw away from Cape Town’s most famous strip, Ocean View House has remained true to its foundation: family. A family business which welcomes each and every guest as the newest member of the Ocean View family. With breath-taking views of the Atlantic Oceans before you and the 12 Apostles mountains standing watch behind you, our guests can find peace under the ancient Milkwood trees that shade our park-like gardens while exploring the mountain stream and koi ponds that dot the terrain. Retreat to one of the spacious 24 guestrooms and enjoy your delicious breakfast in the solitude of your balcony or terrace while you decide whether to take a tour of the peninsula or perhaps heads towards the nearby Camps Bay and enjoy a luxurious dining experience amongst the beautiful young things of Cape Town’s own Hollywood. Whatever your choice, Ocean View House remains your home away from home.