This article, written by Fiona Rossiter, was originally published on her lifestyle website:
Inspired Living, SA
South Africa is a stunning location, that serves as the perfect destination for a getaway, whether it is romantic, for the family, involving business, or geared to get your adrenaline pumping. At the end of every day, after hours spent building precious memories, comes the time when you need to kick off your shoes, relax, take a deep breath and get some shut eye. This is a list of the Top 10 hotels in South Africa, some I have had the pleasure of visiting , while quite a few are still on my wish-list! They all offer a degree of luxury and welcoming hospitality, assuring you of nothing but the very best accommodation, to use as a base after a long day of exploration.
1. Grande Roche Hotel, Paarl
Set in an elegant Victorian Manor House, The Grande Roche Hotel is the perfect mixture of both historic and contemporary style. The establishment has been restored its original Cape Dutch style, and transformed itself into a luxury hotel which was declared a national monument in 1993! The hotel is set in the Cape Winelands, making for stretches of lush scenery. Grande Roche is the type of place where guests are waited on hand and foot receiving attentive pampering, magnificent catering and is a spot where serene relaxation can be enjoyed. Utter bliss.
2. 15 On Orange Hotel, Cape Town
15 on Orange Hotel is the proud winner of the title of the ‘best hotel in the South Africa’ thanks to the House and Leisure Magazine awards. The establishment oozes with luxurious finishes and offers nothing but the highest standard of service, accommodation and facilities with a unique African ambience. Luxuriously inviting accommodation a stones-throw away from the bustling Cape Town CBD and surrounding plethora of attractions and activities. Table Mountain, the Waterfront and a trip to Robben Island are mere minutes away from the hotel making this a prime location.
3. Steenberg Hotel, Constantia Valley
Steenberg Hotel is nestled at the foot of the Steenberg Mountain, on the Steenberg Estate. Steenberg forms part of the Constantia Wine Route. From the moment you arrive at the Hotel, you are swept up in the magic that is Steenberg! The attention to detail is first class and nothing is too much trouble. The decor is sophisticated elegance at its best.
Steenberg Hotel boasts 24 rooms, which includes striking heritage suites, contemporary premier rooms, family rooms and the charm of sunny barn rooms, as well as those in the original Manor House.
4. Alpine Heath Resort, Drakensburg Mountains
The Alpine Heath Resort is great for family getaways. Offering comfy chalets, exquisite dining, and loads of things to do both indoors and outdoors! Sport and leisure activities can be enjoyed and include a fully furnished gymnasium, squash courts, tennis courts, volleyball, putt-putt and even mountain biking are at your disposal. Crystal clear streams and crisp fresh mountain air surrounds the resort while you kick back and relax with the kids. The see-through swimming pools are surrounded by awesome views and state of the art conference facilities are available if you’re keen to mix business with pleasure.
5. Views Boutique Hotel & Spa, Wilderness
Views Boutique Hotel & Spa is aptly named with a stunning view of Wilderness beach. This establishment is the only one on the seafront of the Garden Route graced with a 5 star grading. A lush, contemporary interior style gives you maximum comfort and luxury while the exterior look is designed to fit in with the seafront location. It’s a truly tranquil and stylish seaside venue.
6. The Marion on Nicol, Sandton
The Marion on Nicol is a boutique hotel that offers a tranquil and lavish retreat from busy nearby Sandton. No detail has been spared to ensure that this establishment drips with luxury, offering top-notch customer service. High Tea and the convenience of a chauffeur,on request, as well as monitored access, ensure guests privacy throughout their stay. Luxurious hospitality at its best, a mere stones- throw away from the city.
7. Hamilton’s Tented Camp, Kruger National Park
Indulgence and pure luxury are encompassed within Hamilton’s Tented Camp in the Kruger National Park, where it is surrounded by the sound, smell and energy of the African bush. Themed along the lines of a big game hunter’s camp, this establishment provides a warm slice of wild Africa at its most luxurious.
8. The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga
Standing majestically on ’s beachfront overlooking the Indian Ocean and the iconic lighthouse, The Oyster Box, a Member of Red Carnation Hotel Collection, is the ultimate in colonial charm and style.
Stay in one of 86 luxurious rooms and suites, choose one of their perfect venues for dining, cocktails or a light meal or indulge yourself at the Spa.
9. Forum Homini, Cradle of Humankind
The Forum Homini is a 5-star boutique hotel situated within the Cradle of Humankind. The décor is awesome and the dining experience is out of this world. Designed to give you the best view of the bush landscape, this luxury hotel delivers on scenic beauty and offers bathrooms which encompass the stunning view. As well as fully kitted out double baths or double showers and grassy roofs. With their unique design, each room offers exquisite 5 star luxuries.
Gourmet dining is offered at the hotel’s restaurant, ‘Roots’. The eatery has proudly scooped up many accolades including the national ‘Eat Out Top 10 Restaurants’ award, for 4 years in a row.
10. Davinci Hotel and Suites on Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton
The Davinci Hotel is simply exquisite with a strong, luxurious feel about its décor. Fitted with a fitness gym and a rim-flow heated pool, the hotel offers an indulgent yet practical stay. The convenient location allows you easy access to Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton City and the Sandton Convention Centre, as well as the Michelangelo Towers Mall and Legacy Corner Mall.
These top 10 hotels in South Africa offer a unique degree of luxury, geared to make sure that your stay in South Africa is just like you… simply extraordinary.
About the Author
Fiona Rossiter, a proud resident of beautiful Cape Town, runs the digital publication, Inspired Living SA. This magazine style website, which was Fiona’s personal blog a few years ago, was recently awarded awards in the Fashion and Beauty, as well as Lifestyle categories, in the African Blogger Awards. Follow Inspired Living, SA on Twitter.
