Best Luxury Hotels in South Africa

This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries on earth; from the Garden Route to Table Mountain, the Kruger National Park, Cape of Good Hope and the wine lands of Stellenbosch, South Africa will take your breath away. You’ll need several weeks to cover a lot of ground in this diverse and expansive nation, but a standalone city break in Cape Town, Durban, Joburg or Pretoria is equally worthwhile. The accommodation in all of these locations is of a very high standard and you can take your pick from uber-modern airy beach hotels, safari camps and traditional grand properties.

Western Cape, Cape Town, Cape Town CBD

Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 7 Suites Including A Three-Bedroom Penthouse With Private Plunge Pool & Two Terraces.
Amenities On-Site Caf Serving All-Day Breakfast & Lunch Menus With Indoor & Terrace Seating Options.
More Located In A Historic 17th-Century Building On Church Square In Cape Town's City Centre.

Labotessa, opened in Cape Town in 2019 and has firmly positioned itself as one of the region’s leading boutique hotels. The hotel comprises just eight suites, and perfectly encapsulates European charm. Guests are presented with an elegant blend of its 17th Century heritage along with sleek modern design showcased in large open plan living spaces whilst impeccable service and exceptional attention to detail form part of the hotel’s many finest attributes. Labotessa is also home to the largest Presidential Suite in the city, which spans 310 square metres and delivers unrivalled views of the historic setting and mountain backdrop. Located in Church Square, adjacent to the historic Groote Kerk, the oldest Christian church in South Africa, the hotel offers easy access to Cape Town’s endless attractions and hotspots; including the city’s creative bars and restaurants, the vibrant V&A Waterfront, the extraordinary cultural attractions including Iziko South African Museum and Zeitz MOCAA (Museum of Contemporary Art Africa), and the famous African sunsets at the city’s beaches.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Labotessa Luxury Boutique Hotel

Western Cape, Cape Town, Camps Bay

12 Apostles Hotel & Spa

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 70 Rooms & Suites, Including a Presidential Suite
Amenities Fine Dining Azure Restaurant, the Relaxed Caf Grill, & the Leopard Bar; Wellness Facilities Feature the Award-Winning Sanctuary Spa, Fitness Centre, & Two Outdoor Pools, Complemented by a Helipad, Complimentary Shuttle Service
More Positioned Between the Atlantic Ocean & the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range

Offering panoramic views of the ocean, 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa is on the edge of Table Mountain National Park, and just next to Oudekraal Beach. Every room has a unique style, and offers a flat screen TV and free WiFi, as well as a balcony and patio. The more premium rooms have an ocean view and a private living room. Parking and breakfast come free for all guests, as does a shuttle to the waterfront, which is 12 km away. Diners can enjoy food at two luxury restaurants, one of which is open 24 hours a day, as well as heading down to the spa, gym, bar, garden, screening room, and outdoor pool.

BOOK YOUR STAY
12 Apostles Hotel & Spa

Western Cape, Cape Town, Bantry Bay

Ellerman House

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 13 Rooms & Suites, Two Private Villas
Amenities Fine Dining Restaurant, Tranquil Spa, Fitness Centre, Outdoor Pool with atlantic Ocean Views, Extensive South African Art Collection & Wine Cellar
More Located in a Secluded Oceanfront SettingLocated in a Secluded Oceanfront Setting

Converted from an Edwardian era mansion, Ellerman House offers a pristine view of the Atlantic Ocean and littoral. It is right by Clifton beach, and only a few kilometres away from both Cape Town city centre and Table Mountain National Park. Every room offers you heated floors, a flat-screen TV and a minibar. The more premium rooms come with a balcony, antique furniture, and an ocean view, as well as a private lounge and dining areas. The villas include a private pool and your own staff. Free to every guest is parking, breakfast and a shuttle, as well as a pantry and cocktails in the evening. The restaurant offers food that comes straight from farm to table. You can also take advantage of the spa, art gallery and outdoor pool.

Western Cape, Franschhoek

Le Quartier Francais

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 21 individually Styled Rooms & Suites
Amenities Two Distinguished Restaurants, Protég & Pice, Access to the Leeu Spa & Fitness Centre at Leeu Estates, Outdoor Pool, & Proximity to Art Galleries & Wine Tasting Experiences
More Located in the Picturesque Village of Franschhoek

As the name would suggest, this boutique establishment has strong French connections, as seen in the classic, fresh approach to the rooms’ decor. Its restaurant, Protégé, offers an on-trend dining experience, with small plates calling on Asian, French and Italian influences. Diners can watch the chefs at work via the interior’s central show kitchen, or take advantage of the balmy South African evenings with a meal on the terrace. Guests can also enjoy a meal at the intimate Épice. Leeu Spa by Healing Earth provides wellness treatments using local natural resources, such as the Pinotage grape, which contains many therapeutic properties.

Western Cape, Franschhoek

La Residence Franschhoek

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 11 individually Designed Suites & 5 Spacious Vineyard Suites
Amenities Dining Area Serving Farm-to-table Cuisine, Wellness Treatments, Fitness Centre, Outdoor Pool
More Located Amidst the Picturesque Vines of the Franschhoek Valley

Set on 30 acres of private land, this five-star hotel is flanked by majestic mountains, with a backdrop of Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz vineyards, olive groves and plum orchards. The main building houses 11 suites designed for couples, while five further suites for families and groups are accommodated on the grounds. Each has been individually styled by Liz Biden, incorporating grand mirrors, chandeliers hung from beamed ceilings, exotic antiques and velvet and silk textiles. Meals are also lavish at La Residence, and are either formally served in the Great Hall or alfresco at the Persian Alley. The hotel has an award-winning spa too.

BOOK YOUR STAY
La Residence Franschhoek

Western Cape, Franschhoek

Leeu House

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 12 individually Styled Rooms & one Suite
Amenities Conservatory Restaurant offers innovative Fusion Cuisine, Access to Leeu Spa & Fitness Facilities at Nearby Leeu Estates, 15-metre Heated Outdoor Pool
More Located within walking distance of the Village's attractionsLocated within walking distance of the Village's attractions

Leeu House is a sister hotel to Le Quartier Francais, benefiting from access to the same holistic wellness sanctuary and gym. It’s set in the village centre and has its own relaxed restaurant, The Conservatory – a light-filled, glass-ceilinged construction, with an additional alfresco terrace for mealtimes and drinks. The building looks and feels much like a contemporary country retreat, with a quaint white frontage, a roaring fire in the bar lounge, a convivial pool area and individually styled carpeted bedrooms in natural hues. It has just 12 bedrooms, ensuring a boutique, five-star experience.

Gauteng, Johannesburg, Sandton

Sandton Sun

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 326 Rooms & Suites, including a Duplex Presidential Suite
Amenities Features Dining at San Restaurant, San Deck for Cocktails, a Rooftop Pool, a Spa, Business Facilities
More Located in the Heart of Sandton

A popular choice for the business traveller needing a prime city-centre location, this large property offers 326 rooms and suites, as well as an in-house convention centre and direct access into Sandton Mall. Those booking the top tier of room, benefit from split level accommodation with a private Jacuzzi, a bar, and alfresco dining space. The rooftop pool and spa offer an opportunity to relax and unwind, while a rooftop restaurant, Jozi-style fine dining establishment, the Library Lounge and a further bar, provide high-quality food and drinks. Guests at the five-star hotel also have access to a gym, a free Gautrain station shuttle and a three-hour laundry service.

Gauteng, Johannesburg, Sandton

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 41 individually Decorated Suites, including a Two-bedroom Tree House Studio & a Self-contained Private Residence
Amenities Features include Amuse-bouche Fine Dining, Seven Colours Traditional African Cuisine, a Balinese-style Spa, & Tranquil Garden Settings
More Located in the Heart of Johannesburg

Found in the Morningside district of the city, Fairlawns (once a manor house) places guests a little further away from the centre, in a leafy, residential area. The 42 suites and large villa make up the guest accommodation, with a homely meets contemporary-grand look. Meanwhile, the spa area has a Balinese theme, with Asian-inspired treatments. Outside, a pool area is flanked by plush loungers and tropical-style foliage. And when it comes to dining, guests can choose from the fine dining Amuse-Bouche, Manor House Bistro, Into the Woods and the Muse Champagne Room, the latter created in association with the French Champagne house, Perrier-Jouët.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Gauteng, Johannesburg, Sandton

Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 53 Suites offer African-Inspired Decor with Private Patios & 24h Butler Service
Amenities Facilities Include Multiple Dining Venues, Spa with Hydrotherapy, Two Outdoor Pools, Fitness Centre, Tennis Courts, a Helipad & Chauffeur Services
More Located in Sandhurst, Johannesburg, within Ten Acres of Indigenous Gardens

Famed as the property in which Nelson Mandela stayed following his release from prison, this was the place in which he put the finishing touches to his autobiography. It was then a private family home, now it’s a boutique hotel with 10 acres of grounds, an infinity pool and a spa. Even after this change in ownership, it was visited by the South African President – a suite has been named and designed in his honour. The hotel and spa have a strong, stylish modern African theme throughout. Guests receive 24-hour butler service and can dine in two restaurants, both serving authentic local cuisine.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa

Gauteng, Johannesburg, Randburg

Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 117 Rooms & Suites offering Panoramic City Views
Amenities Multiple Dining options, Flames Restaurant, a Nature-inspired Spa, Fitness Centre, Adults-Only Lap Pool, Club Floor Amenities, Personalised Butler Service
More Conveniently Located in the Heart of the City

Westcliff village is an affluent district and it’s here that the Four Seasons established their hotel. Set on a hillside and surrounded by gardens, fountains and courtyards, the accommodation is stylish, with classic hints and nods to African culture. The restaurant, Flames, serves fine regionally inspired dishes (including braai food) and has a terrace offering far-reaching views. There’s also an alfresco spa lounge, where guests can order lighter bites and healthy dishes. The spa itself provides harmonising relaxation experiences, with a dreamy 25-metre adults-only lap pool. Families have their own pool area to enjoy, as well as excellent facilities catering to children.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff

South Africa, Gauteng

Steyn City Hotel by Saxon

Hotel
(5 stars)

Steyn City Hotel by Saxon is situated in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg within the lavish Steyn City lifestyle resort. The hotel is comprised of 50 luxurious one- and two-bedroom apartments in addition to the three-bedroom Penthouse and four-bedroom Presidential Suite. There is a range of dining venues throughout the resort to choose from, offering a variety of cuisines. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s scenic rooftop pool and enjoy access to the rejuvenating Saxon Spa at Steyn City where you can indulge in unique treatments. There are plenty of leisure activities to keep you entertained throughout your stay including a Jack Nicklaus design championship golf course and a 300m lagoon, perfect for water sports. The Clubhouse Gym overlooks the golf course and the river while there are padel courts and walking routes available for you to keep active during your holiday.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Steyn City Hotel by Saxon

Western Cape, Cape Town, Waterfront

Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel

Hotel
(5 stars)
At a glance
Rooms 112 Rooms & Suites offering Views of the Harbour, Marina, or Table Mountain
Amenities Heirloom Restaurant & Bascule Bar, a Serene Spa, Heated Outdoor Pool, Fitness Centre, Complimentary Chauffeur Service, Family-friendly Amenities
More Located in Cape Town's Vibrant V&A Waterfront

Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel, has reopened on Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront following a design transformation by 1508 London, celebrating South Africa’s heritage and artistry. The hotel, now the first Fairmont Hotel in South Africa, features interiors showcasing local artwork and materials that harmonize with the natural surroundings. Each of the 112 rooms and suites offers views of the Marina or Table Mountain, with the Cape Grace Suite providing an expansive terrace and luxurious amenities. Chef Gregory Czarnecki leads the culinary vision at the new Heirloom restaurant, featuring a Tasting Menu of South African-inspired dishes. Additional dining options include a Pool Bar, Library Lounge, and the revamped Bascule Bar & Lounge. The hotel presents guests with the serene Fairmont Spa with treatments inspired by local natural elements ​​including tailored bath rituals, jet lag recovery, detox massages, a salt room experience, guided meditation and tailored packages to help guests benefit from the ultimate relaxation.

BOOK YOUR STAY
Cape Grace, A Fairmont Managed Hotel




Sign up for our newsletter for inspiration, exclusive previews & luxury tips