Best Luxury Hotels in South Africa

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.

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.

Found nestled in the middle of the inner city on St George’s Mall, not far from all the most popular attractions, Taj Cape Town is a truly luxurious place to spend your stay. From the window, you’ll get a beautiful view of Table Mountain and the city skyline. The restaurant has the best Indian food in Cape Town, as well as a renowned buffet breakfast. Taj Cape Town also offers you a library, gym, conference spaces, and an indoor pool with spa.

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.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town. Situated on the city’s Atlantic coastline, brings a new level of contemporary refinement to Cape Town’s high-end hospitality landscape. The 175-room hotel draws design inspiration from its spectacular surroundings — the meeting point of Table Mountain, ocean, and sky. Natural materials like stone, timber, and brass are paired with oceanic hues and earthy neutrals, creating interiors that are both calming and tactile. Locally sourced art, a curated in-house gallery, and bespoke design touches celebrate Cape Town’s vibrant cultural and natural heritage. Guest rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies offering views over the marina or Atlantic, with interiors blending metallic finishes and organic textures for an elevated, tranquil stay. Dining options include the iconic Tobago’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace, known for fresh, local cuisine and panoramic ocean views. The Waveside Café adds a more casual offering, serving light meals and artisanal deli items. Leisure facilities include an infinity pool, 24-hour fitness centre, and the Amani Spa & Wellness Centre.

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.

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.