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It’s easy to see why people and whales are attracted to the place. Hermanus is a huge natural bay with rolling surf, big beaches, grassy dunes and the odd chunk of volcanic rock standing guard, sticking out of the sand. Birkenhead House has, without a doubt, the best location on the entire beach. Not surprisingly, this hotel started life as a beach house.
Originally, it was Liz Biden’s family home in Hermanus.
“Personally, I can’t imagine ever giving up a house such as this to be converted to a hotel, but I am certainly grateful that they did”
Situated at the edge of the surf, it’s the beach hotel of your dreams; warm, welcoming, stylish, with dramatic views all around.
Photos of Birkenhead House
Prices from:
£1,299 pp
Go in peak whale watching season!
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Situated on the most spectacular position on Kloof Road in the premium Cape Town suburb of Bantry Bay, Ellerman House is a reminder of Cape Town’s geographic and historic splendour. The Ocean is the big attraction with shaded verandas and tiered gardens overlooking the Atlantic and Robben Island.
It’s not surprising that this Relais & Chateaux property is so popular with honeymoon couples. Large balconies, sea views and the levels of personal hedonism that Relais & Chateaux usually guarantee make this elegant, historic mansion one of the most romantic hideaways in Cape Town. The 3 bedroom villa in the gardens of the House is a 21st century contrast designed to fully open out into its stunning vistas. Apart from the architecture and the location, there is also the art collection that comprises an intriguing overview of South African art of the past 100 years.
A former aristocrat’s home in Bantry Bay combines magnificent sea views with refined elegance and hedonistic luxury.
Photos of Ellerman House
Prices from:
£1,499 pp
One of Cape town's most luxurious hotels
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Franschhoek Valley, South Africa
Surrounded by tall, jagged mountains that attract the odd snow flurry in winter, Franschhoek is the perfect combination of rugged natural beauty and the refined ambience that can be found in areas famous for making wine. The village is a charming collection of small boutiques, splendid little restaurants and cute cafés, mostly executed in the very distinct style known as Cape Dutch.
Although the colonial splendour of its great hall gives the impression it’s been around since the French arrived, it was actually created recently to be able to host visitors to Franschhoek in a style equal to the surrounding area. The property has only 11 suites, although these are suites where the bathrooms are the size of a normal hotel room.
Franschhoek is a sophisticated location – perfect for a place like La Residence.
Photos of La Residence
Prices from:
£1,679 pp
Enjoy fantastic South African wine tasting!
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Nestled on the banks of the Sabie River on the border of Kruger national park, the Game Reserve is limited as an experience only to guests. With a lot of land and very little foot traffic you will have a great shot at seeing the Big Five in your daily game drives. Also included are hippo tours, bush walks, astronomy, open-fire dinners and lectures from Lion Sands’ own ecologist.
Accommodation is in the ultra luxurious but uncluttered Ivory Lodge – 6 villas with plunge pool and views of the Sabie river and its wildlife. Or the more earthy 1933 Lodge is available for exclusive use, which is set directly on the canopied banks of the Sabie River and comes with its own rangers and sleeps up to 17.
The story of Lion Sands is like something from Out of Africa – an American fortune hunter stumbled across the untouched beauty of the Kingstown Estate in the early 1900s and the property has not left the family since.
Photos of Lion Sands
Prices from:
£2,955 pp
Special offer available when combined with Cape Cadagon
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Special Offer
In a Georgian house that is actually a national monument, Cape Cadogan is for people who prefer a certain level of style, sophistication and comfort with magnificent personal service. There is a lounge room where you’ll find port and snacks pre-dinner, a library, a garden with small pool for hot days and an indoor outdoor breakfast room. Two minutes walk takes you onto fashionable Kloof Street. Trendy cafés, shops and restaurants define this part of Cape Town so it’s a location for self-exploration.
This is a chic, bohemian bolthole that feels like an elegant home from home.
Photos of More Cape Cadogan & More Quarters
Prices from:
£985 pp
Includes 1 free night. Or from £1,165 pp based on 5 nights (1 night free).
Read more details about More Cape Cadogan & More Quarters
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Special Offer
Cape Town is without question one of the most charismatic cities. It is blessed with dramatic geography, surrounded by white sandy beaches, pounded by blue water surf, and it sits under the looming presence of Table Mountain. Like Sydney and Rio, it is one of the few cities that is able to combine a beach culture with the trappings of a cosmopolitan metropolis.
At One & Only, you get views of Table Mountain and the benefit of being right on the waterfront. Guests can choose between the urban or escape options that this collection of suites puts on offer and with two famous restaurants, a spa and a bar with a real buzz, the One & Only adds to the excitement of this city in a sophisticated way.
Situated on the waterfront in Cape Town’s picturesque Victoria and Alfred docks this contemporary urban resort combines the signature style of a One & Only retreat with the convenience of being in the heart of one of Africa’s most famous cities.
Photos of One&Only Cape Town
Prices from:
£1,249 pp
with our Stay 3 Pay 2 this summer
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With a name like Phantom Forest, this is not going to be your average South African hotel. Situated in the heart of the Garden Route, guests are accommodated in treehouses, and the inspiration for this 137 hectare nature reserve is to offer guests a chance to experience the unique biodiversity of the Forest. Drawing inspiration from this unique setting, the ingredients of the camp, from the ragged thatch of forest canopy to freshwater nature pools, furniture, roofs and boardwalks, were all made in a sustainable way from cleared, alien vegetation. Meandering boardwalks snake through the trees leading to magical places such as the private ‘tree-suites’ (which come in Classic, Upper or Moroccan varieties), the Body Boma spa, the Eyrie bar lounge with superb views, the award-winning Boma restaurant and the north African inspired Chutzpah.
A magic world of romantic eco-sensitive treehouses nestled in the wooded magnificence of the Afromontane Forest, on the edge of the exotic Knysna lagoon.
Photos of Phantom Forest
Prices from:
£1,099 pp
stay in your very own Tree House
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Contemporary design, a modern health spa, indulgent cuisine and a wine cellar with a wine list that encompasses approximately 200 labels: these are things not normally associated with a safari expedition. But at Singita Sabi Sands they are exactly what you get. This is an African experience for people who have no interest in sacrificing creature comforts for the sake of adventure. Singita is split into two separate lodges, each situated on the banks of the Sand River, and in both, the accommodation is an elaborate 'all suite' affair.
I don't care how long you've subscribed to National Geographic or how many wildlife documentaries you've seen – nothing, absolutely nothing can hold a candle to the adrenalin rush of experiencing the African wilderness at first hand. And luckily for Singita, no amount of luxury and pampering can deflate the thrill.
Be prepared for the shout 'there's a hippo on the lawn’, because at dusk they're often found feeding in the grounds.
Photos of Singita Boulder Lodge
Prices from:
£3,495 pp
Includes all game drives
Read more details about Singita Boulder Lodge
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Contemporary design, a modern health spa, indulgent cuisine and a wine cellar with a wine list that encompasses approximately 200 labels: these are things not normally associated with a safari expedition. But at Singita Sabi Sand they are exactly what you get. This is an African experience for people who have no interest in sacrificing creature comforts for the sake of adventure. Singita Sabi Sand is split into two separate lodges, each situated on the banks of the Sand River, and in both, the accommodation is an elaborate 'all suite' affair.
I don't care how long you've subscribed to National Geographic or how many wildlife documentaries you've seen – nothing, absolutely nothing can hold a candle to the adrenalin rush of experiencing the African wilderness at first hand. And luckily for Singita, no amount of luxury and pampering can deflate the thrill.
Be prepared for the shout 'there's a hippo on the lawn’, because at dusk they're often found feeding in the grounds.
Photos of Singita Ebony Lodge & Singita Boulders Lodge
Prices from:
£3,495 pp
Includes all game drives
Read more details about Singita Ebony Lodge & Singita Boulders Lodge
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Kruger Park, South Africa
Sweni and Lebombo, give you all the ingredients that have made the Singita name famous worldwide; the flawless logistics, the knowledgeable rangers, the abundant wildlife, the sophisticated food, more luxury than a five-star city hotel, plus an eye for design and architecture that is simultaneously innovative and eco-sensitive – a daring approach that has taken the safari camp to the next level.
In terms of location in north-eastern Kruger, Sweni is not far from Lebombo, but in terms of ambience and atmosphere, it is vastly different. Where Lebombo is light, open and bright, Sweni is dark, cool and sexy.
Singita combines the expansive beauty of the African veld (bush) with the adrenaline rush of coming face-to-face with the planet’s most charismatic and fascinating wild beasts.
A successful game drive is still rewarded, in the manner of the British colonials, by drinks and dinner in refined style.
Photos of Singita Lebombo
Prices from:
£2,379 pp
Enjoy fantastic safari experience in gaming season!
Read more details about Singita Lebombo
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Kruger Park, South Africa
Sweni and Lebombo, give you all the ingredients that have made the Singita name famous worldwide; the flawless logistics, the knowledgeable rangers, the abundant wildlife, the sophisticated food, more luxury than a five-star city hotel, plus an eye for design and architecture that is simultaneously innovative and eco-sensitive – a daring approach that has taken the safari camp to the next level.
In terms of location in north-eastern Kruger, Sweni is not far from Lebombo, but in terms of ambience and atmosphere, it is vastly different. Where Lebombo is light, open and bright, Sweni is dark, cool and sexy.
Singita combines the expansive beauty of the African veldt (bush) with the adrenaline rush of coming face-to-face with the planet’s most charismatic and fascinating wild beasts.
A successful game drive is still rewarded, in the manner of the British colonials, by drinks and dinner in refined style.
Photos of Singita Sweni
Prices from:
£2,379 pp
Enjoy fantastic safari experience in gaming season!
Read more details about Singita Sweni
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Special Offer
Sir Richard Branson’s Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is set in the heart of the Sabi Sand reserve on the border of Kruger National Park. Here, guests enjoy the privilege of 13,500 hectares of game-rich bush in near solitude. Ulusaba has 21 rooms spread over 2 lodges and guests can share their time between each. Rock Lodge is perched high on the summit of a koppie with views of the dramatic Drakensberg Mountain range in the far distance. Safari Lodge is built along the banks of a dry riverbed, where guests cross swing bridges between exquisite tree house rooms.
When not occupied on a walking safari or twice daily game drive, take a dip in the swimming pool, indulge in a beauty treatment; for the more active there are tennis courts available. Try a few South African wines from the cellar, and after dinner enjoy a spot of stargazing at the bush observatory.
Ulusaba is a once in a lifetime experience, (although you'll want to go twice!)
Photos of Ulusaba
Prices from:
£2,599 pp
Stay at Rock Lodge from £2,739pp
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