Experience bespoke luxury travel at these top South African hotels
South Africa is fast becoming a destination of choice for wealthy travellers looking for bespoke travel experiences. The country boasts world-class hotels, resorts and restaurants providing the best in hospitality and tourism.
When it comes to luxury travel, wealthy travellers are often looking for exclusive leisure travel that comes at a significant cost and entails a high level of comfort and tailored experiences.
Some of these experiences include early morning safari drives, bush dinners in the wild or waking up to the sound of the waves on a private beachfront property.
Whatever the need, South Africa is more than capable of fulfilling it. Here are some of the most expensive luxury hotels in Mzansi worth checking out.
Malewane Lodge at Royal Malewane (Limpopo)
Royal Malewane is an exclusive private safari lodge in the Greater Kruger National Park.
As a safari destination, the lodge’s guiding team is known as one of the most qualified in Africa. This means that travellers can look forward to a once-in-lifetime Big 5 safari.
Royal Malewane has six luxury suites, two Royal Suites and Africa House. The Royal Suites comprise two bedrooms while Africa House is an exclusive use six bedroom bush villa.
As part of The Royal Portfolio, Royal Malewane offers guests the highest levels of luxury, exceptional cuisine and personalised service. A stay at the lodge starts from R96 020 a night for 2.
The Royal Madikwe Safari Lodge (North West Province)
The Royal Madikwe Safari Lodge in the North West Province is where 5 star service, lavish accommodation and adventurous game drives come standard.
The bespoke resort offers an unforgettable luxury safari experience for families, groups of friends or couples seeking to soak up the splendour of the African Bush.
The lodge in Madikwe Game Reserve is an hour-long flight or 4 and a half hour drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
It is the ideal safari destination teeming with encounters of Southern Africa's famous Big Five as well as the endangered wild dogs and cheetah.
The safari lodge also offers the option of exclusive use of the whole lodge, providing a more personal and intimate experience ideal for small groups or families, which is available on request.
A stay here costs R50 000 a night for 2.
Ellerman House (Cape Town)
The elegant mansion Ellerman House lies perched on the slopes of Lion’s Head in Bantry Bay in Cape Town.
The luxury hotel features panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean while it boasts a lush garden and outdoor swimming pool. Ellerman House has individually decorated rooms with classic furnishings that come with a balcony or terrace.
It also has a restaurant that serves breakfast daily and offers a variety of cuisines with the influence of Cape Malay spices and fresh organic fruit and vegetables.
The spa features a sauna, steam room and a selection of treatments available upon request. Facilities include a fitness centre, wine cellar and an art gallery. A stay at Ellerman House starts from R42 521 a night for 2.
Makakatana Bay Lodge (KwaZulu-Natal)
Makakatana Bay Lodge is on the shores of Lake St Lucia within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in KwaZulu Natal.
This luxury lodge offers spacious and exclusive accommodation within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Makakatana Bay Lodge has private, elegantly decorated suites and rooms that are interconnected on raised walkways. Its elegantly decorated suites and rooms feature wooden furniture and parquet floors whilst each of the air-conditioned units has an outdoor shower and a work desk.
This 4-star property offers wealthy travellers a unique experience when it comes to safaris as they can enjoy drives and boat safaris to explore the wetlands and admire hippos and crocodiles.
Other safari options include trips to the Indian Ocean while you will also have the opportunity to see many different animals, including elephants, hyenas, buffaloes and antelopes.
A stay starts from R18 341 a night for 2.
Shamwari Private Game Reserve (Eastern Cape)
Shamwari Game Reserve is one of the most successful private conservation initiatives in Southern Africa coupled with responsible tourism and the most luxurious means of experiencing your African safari adventure.
The private lodge in the Eastern Cape is perfect for those looking for a safari holiday in an off-the-beaten-track destination. It’s ideal for family, friends, or business associates and the lodge’s facilities coupled with its spectacular location and passion for the environment, make this an unforgettable destination.
Shamwari Game Reserve incorporates six luxury lodges, all of which are 5-star graded. Each one has it’s own unique energy and essence, designed in harmony with it’s surroundings, where guests can experience nature in supreme comfort.
A stay at the lodge starts from R27 522 a night for 2.
Delaire Graaf Estate (Cape Town)
For travellers looking for luxury in the Cape Winelands, Delaire Graaf Estate is the ideal destination. Inspired by the landscape, culture and natural beauty of its Cape Winelands setting, Delaire Graff Estate is a destination devoted to beauty in its many forms.
The hotel is ideal for travellers who want to experience flawless hospitality, cuisine, wine, art and spa and embrace the peace and serenity of your breathtaking surroundings.
Each of its lodges has a private heated pool and a butler’s kitchen and all bedrooms are en-suite with a separate seating area.
With four elegant spa suites, expert spa specialists provide luxurious, fully personalised skin and body care treatments using the finest products from Swiss Perfection, Aromatherapy Associates, Margaret Dabbs and Terres d’Afrique.
A stay at the luxury wine estate starts from R35 000 a night for 2.