Embark on a journey through the exquisite landscapes and opulent retreats that define South Africa's hospitality scene. In this immersive exploration, we unveil the crown jewels of accommodation, showcasing the best hotels in South Africa that epitomize luxury, artistry, and the unparalleled beauty of the country. From the untamed African bushveld to the vibrant cityscape of Johannesburg, to the picturesque valleys between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, these luxuries promise unforgettable experiences. Join us as we delve into the heart of these enchanting destinations, where words like 'tranquillity,' 'adventure,' and 'luxury' come to life, inviting you to explore the best places to stay in South Africa.
KILIMA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE & SPA
Courage and Luxury Unleashed in the Heart of the African Bushveld
Kilima Private Game Reserve & Spa, nestled deep in the African Bushveld at the base of the Murchison Mountain Range, is a beacon of courage and luxury. This luxury establishment sets a standard of excellence in accommodation, wildlife encounters, wellness, spa experiences, and culinary delights.
As one of the best luxury hotels in South Africa, Kilima Private Game Reserve & Spa boasts a 5.0 LUXEClarity rating. Guests are welcomed to a world where courage meets tranquillity, and the African wilderness serves as a backdrop to an extraordinary experience.
The Section XV Restaurant, featuring two Springbok Culinary Medallist Chefs, takes pride in serving authentic cuisine made with passion and locally sourced produce. The Game Reserve and Spa is just one facet of the Kilima Collection, with sister establishments Kilima Franschhoek and Kilima Garden Route, forming part of the Schütte Legacy crown.
The amenities at Kilima Private Game Reserve & Spa go beyond the ordinary, offering a Kukura Wellness Spa, bespoke weddings, a well-stocked bar, wellness retreats, conservation courses, and scenic and cultural tours. The Section XV Restaurant, with its culinary excellence, stands out as a highlight, showcasing the commitment to providing guests with a memorable and delightful dining experience.
With a philosophy rooted in "COURAGE ABOVE & BEYOND," Kilima Private Game Reserve & Spa is part of the Schütte legacy that endures against all odds. The hotel features 20 ultimate luxurious en suite rooms with air conditioning and thatched roofs, providing guests with a stylish and comfortable haven. Each room offers a beautiful view of the bushveld and the sparkling pool, enhancing the overall experience of relaxation and luxury.
For those seeking the best places to stay in South Africa, Kilima Private Game Reserve & Spa stands out as an oasis of courage, luxury, and natural beauty, where guests can immerse themselves in a world-class escape.
KOLOLO GAME RESERVE
Untamed Adventures and Tranquil Retreats in Limpopo's Wilderness
Nestled in the heart of the protected Waterberg nature area in Limpopo, the northernmost province of South Africa,Kololo Game Reserve offers an adventurous escape into the African bush. Boasting a 5.0 LUXEClarity rating, this game reserve provides an immersive experience where guests are surrounded by untamed wilderness.
Kololo Game Reserve is conveniently located near the village of Vaalwater, with a scenic 36 km drive, including 29 km on an untarred road. For those arriving from Oliver Tambo International Airport, the journey takes approximately 3.5 hours. A stay at Kololo promises encounters with freely roaming game such as kudu, wildebeest, impala, and wild boar. These animals often grace the terrace of each chalet or villa, creating a unique and authentic connection with the African bush.
Guests can choose from 15 chalets and villas, each accommodating 2, 4, or 6 people, positioned in picturesque locations within the bush or park-like landscape. Every accommodation unit features a private shower and separate toilet per bedroom, a private terrace, and a well-equipped (outdoor) kitchen, complete with tea/coffee facilities and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Kololo Game Reserve offers a range of activities, including game drives, biking, the Kololo Kids Safari, Big Five walking safaris, and unforgettable bush braais and bush breakfasts. The reserve is large, malaria-free, and child-friendly, allowing guests to freely and safely walk and cycle within the northern part of the reserve.
As part of the Welgevonden Game Reserve, Kololo is connected to an even larger nature reserve, home to the Big Five and various other African wildlife. Kololo has its own gateway to this expansive area, serving as the starting point for open safari car tours, allowing guests to witness the diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Kololo Game Reserve offers an enriching and comfortable experience for those seeking a genuine connection with nature in the heart of South Africa.
RADISSON BLU GAUTRAIN HOTEL, SANDTON JOHANNESBURG
Business Elegance and Cultural Marvels at the Gateway to Johannesburg
Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel in Sandton Johannesburg welcomes you, a luxurious retreat that seamlessly combines business and cultural experiences in the vibrant city of Johannesburg.
With a 5.0 LUXEClarity rating, this hotel stands out as one of the best in South Africa, offering 220 rooms and suites with modern amenities. Strategically located near Sandton Gautrain Station, the high-speed train ensures quick access to the city's premier business district and cultural attractions.
Johannesburg, as the largest city in South Africa and the second largest in Africa, is a thriving economic hub with towering buildings in the Central Business District. For business travellers, the hotel provides state-of-the-art facilities that can accommodate up to 220 guests for conferences and meetings. The proximity to the Gautrain train station ensures easy accessibility, with a 20-minute journey from O.R. Tambo International Airport. The high-speed railway also connects guests to popular attractions like the Johannesburg Art Gallery, Neighbourhoods Market, and Constitution Hill.
The Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel offers a range of amenities, including a rooftop swimming pool, wellness facilities, dry cleaning, express check-out, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and running trails. Indulge in South African cuisine and international favourites at the on-site Central One Restaurant, while the Central One Bar and pool deck provide the perfect settings to unwind.
Whether for business or leisure, the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel, Sandton Johannesburg, stands as a beacon of luxury, earning its place among the best hotels in South Africa, particularly in the bustling city of Johannesburg.
THE VIVARI HOTEL AND SPA
Nature's Uncovered Beauty: Luxury and Wellness in Johannesburg's Leafy Valley
The Vivari Hotel and Spa is a haven of luxury and environmental wonder nestled in a leafy valley in Johannesburg, near the Cradle of Humankind.
Boasting a perfect 5.0 LUXEClarity rating, The Vivari Hotel & Spa is far from standard. The name, derived from Sanskrit, loosely translates to "uncovered," reflecting the hotel's commitment to uncovering the beauty of its natural surroundings. The property is an environmental marvel, adorned with over 300 species of trees and 150 artworks from local artists.
The hotel offers 48 luxury rooms and suites that seamlessly blend into the tranquil natural surroundings. Three modern and well-equipped conference rooms cater to business needs, accommodating between 10 and 150 delegates. The Jala Pavilion, a glass-enclosed venue on the banks of the Crocodile River, is a popular space for bespoke celebrations and conferences with a seating capacity of up to 200.
The Vivari Spa, adorned with trendy and modern offerings, has earned multiple awards. Using Kneipp therapy, it treats the body, mind, and soul. The spa features a hydrotherapy suite with a steam room, an ice fountain, a heated vitality pool, and an infrared sauna cabin. Vivari Aesthetics collaborates with Vivari Aftercare, providing post-surgical aftercare services, including hyperbaric oxygen treatments, IV therapy, and lymphatic drainage massage. The hotel's Aesthetic clinic, Medi Sculpt, sets it apart as one of the only hotels in South Africa with a department of health-accredited day hospital, specifically for cosmetic and weight-loss surgery.
Amenities at The Vivari Hotel and Spa also include a restaurant, event rooms, a wedding venue, and a pool. The property's unique features, from the Pecan Bar surrounded by 30-year-old pecan trees to the Brambles Restaurant named after thorny bramble bushes, add to the distinctive charm. Noteworthy items like the volcanic rock Buddha from Bali and a 1930s Steinway piano with a rich history contribute to the hotel's character.
Whether indulging in "farm to fork" cuisine at Brambles Restaurant, enjoying rooftop cocktails, or experiencing the award-winning Vivari Spa, guests at The Vivari Hotel and Spa are immersed in a world of luxury, making it one of the best hotels in South Africa.
DELAIRE GRAFF LODGES & SPA
Art, Wine, and Unparalleled Luxury: A Jewel in the Cape Winelands
Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa is the Jewel of the Cape Winelands, where luxury and artistry converge in one of South Africa's most picturesque valleys.
With a perfect 5.0 LUXEClarity rating, Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa stands as one of the best hotels in South Africa, a collaborative work of art shaped by nature and perfected by Graff over the last 60 years.
The estate, situated between the historic towns of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, offers an unparalleled destination celebrating wine, art, food, and escape from the everyday. Backed by mountains and surrounded by vineyards, the estate comprises the recently launched Owner's Villa and six Superior Lodges, designed by DHK Architects with interiors by David Collins Studio. These join the original Garden and Deluxe Lodges, providing a range of accommodation options that maximize views and privacy.
Visiting the estate is an unforgettable experience, but staying on-site and waking up to its daily renewal offers an immersive experience of life's finer pleasures. The amenities include a spa, restaurants, a wine cellar, boutiques, art installations, gardens, and private dining and event spaces.
Delaire Graff Estate, with its luxurious accommodation, tranquil spa, exceptional wines, and landmark boutiques, truly lives up to its reputation as the jewel of the Cape Winelands. The estate serves as a gallery for Laurence Graff's personal art collection, featuring works by renowned artists like Vladimir Tretchikoff, Lionel Smit, Cyrus Kabiru, Yves Dana, Dylan Lewis, and William Kentridge, adorning the walls and gardens.
For those seeking the best places to stay in South Africa, Delaire Graff Lodges & Spa offers an unmatched blend of natural beauty, artistic expression, and luxurious hospitality, making it a standout choice among luxury hotels in South Africa.
