South Africa

7 hip hotels in South Africa

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  1. Birkenhead House

    Hermanus, South Africa

    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 house of your dreams; warm, welcoming, stylish, with dramatic views all around.

    Photos of Birkenhead House

    • Hermanus is a huge natural bay with rolling surf and Birkenhead House has, without a doubt, the best location on the entire beach.

    Prices:

    From £1795pp in Low Season (Apr-Jun) / From £1875pp in High Season (Jan-Mar)

  2. La Residence

    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

    • The idea of La Residence was to create a level of luxury that once would have been reserved only for the most prosperous of the Cape Dutch Boers.
    • The idea of La Residence was to create a level of luxury that once would have been reserved only for the most prosperous of the Cape Dutch Boers.
    • It has only eleven rooms and these are suites where the bathrooms are the size of a normal hotel room.

    Prices:

    From £ 1785pp in Low Season (Jan-Mar) / From £1855pp in High Season (Aug-Dec)

  3. Singita Boulder Lodge

    Sabi Sand, South Africa

    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

    • Chances are you will be roused on your first morning at dawn – dawn and dusk are when the veld comes alive.
    • Chances are you will be roused on your first morning at dawn – dawn and dusk are when the veld comes alive.
    • Boulders features twelve guest suites (air-conditioned, of course) each with their own living area, double-sided fireplace and private swimming pool.
    • Indulgent cuisine and a wine cellar with twelve thousand vintage bottles: these are things not normally associated with a safari expedition.

    Prices:

    From £649 (Jan-Dec) / n/a

  4. Singita Ebony

    Sabi Sand, South Africa

    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 Ebony

    • This is an African experience for people who have no interest in sacrificing creature comforts for the sake of adventure
    • This is an African experience for people who have no interest in sacrificing creature comforts for the sake of adventure
    • The accommodation is an elaborate 'all suite' affair,it's a miracle that guests can be lured from their sumptuous suites at all
    • Extending over 45,000 acres of the Sabi Sand ecosystem, it is in the very heartland of Africa and is home to giraffes, lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and zebras

    Prices:

    From £649 (Jan-Dec) / n/a

  5. Singita Lebombo

    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

    • By way of originality and creativity, Lebombo has conceived a new way to experience Africa’s wildlife. It’s as if everything has been amplified; as if you’re floating above the bush on your own cloud, all-seeing and all-hearing, while remaining undetected and unthreatened. For the guest, it’s an alm
    • By way of originality and creativity, Lebombo has conceived a new way to experience Africa’s wildlife. It’s as if everything has been amplified; as if you’re floating above the bush on your own cloud, all-seeing and all-hearing, while remaining undetected and unthreatened. For the guest, it’s an alm

    Prices:

    From £649 (Jan-Dec) / n/a

  6. Singita Sweni

    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

    • The six-room Sweni Lodge gives you all the ingredients - the flawless logistics, knowledgeable rangers, abundant wildlife, sophisticated food, more luxury than a five-star city hotel, plus an eye for design and architecture.
    • The six-room Sweni Lodge gives you all the ingredients - the flawless logistics, knowledgeable rangers, abundant wildlife, sophisticated food, more luxury than a five-star city hotel, plus an eye for design and architecture.

    Prices:

    From £649 (Jan-Dec) / n/a

  7. Ulusaba

    Sabi Sand, South Africa

    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 19 rooms spread over two 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

    • Rock Lodge is perched high on the summit of a koppie and provides panoramic views over miles of bush, the wildlife roaming within and the beauty of the lowveld below.
    • Rock Lodge is perched high on the summit of a koppie and provides panoramic views over miles of bush, the wildlife roaming within and the beauty of the lowveld below.
    • The Makwela Suite is named after a very special leopard who’s territory is around the hills of Rock Lodge. This beautiful suite features a spacious bedroom and lounge area complete with outdoor deck and infinity plunge pool.
    • The Rock Lodge bar is set in front of the large panoramic windows offering incredible views over miles of bush as well as nearby Xikwenga Dam.
    • The contemporary African Safari Lodge Dining Room is built on stilts above the bush overlooking the Mabrak dry riverbed and waterhole, great for spotting passing game.

    Prices:

    From £322 (Jan-Dec) / n/a

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