Few countries can rival South Africa for variety, where extraordinary wildlife, acclaimed wine estates, spectacular scenery and vibrant cities come together with remarkable ease.
South Africa is a country of remarkable contrasts, where world-class cities, celebrated wine regions, dramatic coastlines and extraordinary wildlife come together within a single destination. Few places offer such variety, allowing travellers to move effortlessly between safari lodges, vineyard estates, mountain landscapes and some of the most beautiful coastal scenery on the continent.
Cape Town remains one of the world's most spectacular urban settings, framed by mountains, ocean and a coastline that stretches towards the Cape Winelands and the Garden Route beyond. Elsewhere, rugged wilderness, historic towns and vibrant cultural influences reveal a country shaped by both its natural beauty and its complex, fascinating history.
Wildlife experiences rank among the finest anywhere in Africa, with private reserves and national parks offering unforgettable encounters with the continent's most iconic species. Across South Africa, luxury safari lodges, boutique hotels, vineyard retreats and coastal hideaways provide exceptional opportunities to experience a destination that continues to reward travellers with its diversity, energy and sense of adventure.
Moments of discovery often become the most memorable part of any journey, whether found through an exceptional hotel, a remarkable landscape or an experience that reveals a destination in a new light. The places that stay with us longest are those that create a genuine sense of connection.
Across islands, coastlines, mountains and vibrant cities, every destination offers its own character and rhythm. Some invite adventure, others encourage slower exploration, but the most rewarding journeys are often those that combine comfort, authenticity and a sense of place.
From luxury hotels and boutique retreats to safari experiences, rail journeys and small-ship voyages, our collection celebrates travel that feels considered, inspiring and memorable long after returning home.
The Last Word Long Beach, a romantic five-star hideaway in the charming lobster-fishing village of Kommetjie, offers an exquisite coastal retreat. Facing the Atlantic Ocean, it provides a serene alternative to Cape Town's bustle. The six ultra-luxurious suites, each with stylishly comfortable interiors, feature plush beds, flat-screen televisions, spacious seating areas, and floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto private patios with breathtaking ocean and garden views. Every suite is spectacularly appointed, ensuring refined elegance and a deep connection to the sea's ever-changing beauty. Guests can relax by the inviting outdoor swimming pool or on the sun deck, perfect for seasonal whale watching, while the tranquil ambiance enhances the romantic escape. The hotel's attentive staff can arrange horse riding trips or windsurfing sessions, capitalising on Kommetjie's status as one of South Africa's premier surfing hotspots, offering adventure amidst the coastal splendour. With complimentary parking and a prime location just 31 km from Cape Town International Airport, The Last Word Long Beach seamlessly blends sophisticated luxury with the tranquil allure of Kommetjie's seaside village, creating an unforgettable haven for discerning travellers seeking romance and serenity.
From £230 per night
Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, a luxurious five-star retreat dramatically set above the Atlantic Ocean, is framed by the majestic Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain. Its flora and fynbos-lined trails offer breathtaking exploration near Cape Town's vibrant heart. The elegantly appointed rooms, adorned in soothing hues, feature modern amenities and serene ocean or mountain views, ensuring refined comfort for discerning travellers. Each guest is greeted with a complimentary drink, enhancing the warm hospitality that defines this coastal haven, perfectly positioned for both relaxation and city adventures. The Azure Restaurant, with its panoramic outdoor setting, serves exquisite indigenous and international cuisine, crafted from the finest organic ingredients and home-grown wild vegetation, particularly in its unique desserts. Guests can unwind at the award-winning spa, featuring tranquil rock pools, or explore the nearby Table Mountain National Park, immersing themselves in the region's natural splendour. Complimentary transfers to Camps Bay and the V&A Waterfront ensure seamless access to Cape Town's attractions, while free private parking adds convenience. Nestled between mountains and ocean, Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa delivers a seamless blend of sophisticated luxury and the captivating allure of Cape Town's iconic landscapes.
From £265 per night
Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, an iconic five-star oasis in Cape Town's bustling heart, offers refined luxury amidst a lush garden estate. Just steps from Company Gardens, it exudes timeless elegance and exceptional service. The hotel's distinct accommodation wings, each with unique character, feature private gardens, marble bathrooms, and bespoke furniture, creating exclusive retreats of sophisticated comfort. Guests can savour the elegance of their rooms with in-room dining, ensuring a serene escape after exploring the vibrant city. The renowned afternoon tea, served on the picturesque terrace, complements the tranquil ambiance, while two sparkling pools and a tennis court enhance relaxation. Extensive wellness facilities provide a rejuvenating haven, and the multilingual concierge team expertly arranges visits to iconic attractions like Table Mountain and Robben Island, tailoring experiences to guest desires. Located in the heart of Cape Town, Mount Nelson seamlessly blends historic grandeur with modern indulgence, offering a tranquil sanctuary and effortless access to the city's cultural and natural highlights, ensuring a truly memorable stay.
From £555 per night
Kapama River Lodge, nestled within the expansive 15,000-hectare Kapama Private Game Reserve, offers a luxurious safari escape in the Greater Kruger area. Its stylish accommodations blend modern elegance with the untamed beauty of the African bush. The lodge's 64 spacious, air-conditioned suites, each with a full en-suite bathroom featuring a bath and shower, are adorned with complimentary amenities including a minibar and coffee machine. Every suite boasts a private terrace with uninterrupted views of the leafy-green Big 5 reserve, framed by the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, ensuring a serene and sophisticated retreat. The central guest areas feature a large rim-flow swimming pool with sun umbrellas and recliners, perfect for leisurely afternoons, and a long L-shaped relaxation lounge and bar under a double-volume thatch, creating an open yet intimate atmosphere with a grand double-sided fireplace. The award-winning Spa & Wellness Centre offers rejuvenating treatments, while two daily game drives and a guided bush walk, included in the rates, provide thrilling encounters with the Big 5 and diverse wildlife. All-inclusive dining showcases exquisite cuisine paired with selected local and premium beverages, served in elegant settings that enhance the safari experience. Guests are required to complete an indemnity form via an online check-in link or upon arrival. Located in the heart of Kapama Game Reserve, Kapama River Lodge delivers a seamless fusion of luxurious comfort and immersive wilderness adventure.
From £1025 per night
Leeu House, an intimate five-star oasis in the heart of Franschhoek village, offers luxurious serenity amidst secluded gardens. Its prime location invites exploration of the Cape Winelands' vibrant attractions. The 12 elegantly appointed rooms and one suite, adorned in soothing neutral tones, feature air-conditioning, espresso machines, minibars, flat-screen televisions, and electronic safes. Luxurious en-suite bathrooms, with marble floors, underfloor heating, double vanity tops, and heated towel rails, ensure refined comfort, blending contemporary sophistication with the tranquil charm of the surrounding valley. The Conservatory restaurant delights with innovative fusion cuisine, crafted from organic, fresh produce, served in an elegant setting that enhances the dining experience. Guests can unwind by the 15-metre outdoor swimming pool or relax in the meticulously landscaped gardens, soaking in the serene ambiance of this private retreat. With a 24-hour front desk and airport shuttles available, Leeu House ensures seamless hospitality. Just 350 metres from the Huguenot Memorial Museum and within walking distance of Franschhoek's art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques, with Cape Town International Airport an hour's drive away, this exquisite haven combines luxurious comfort with the vibrant allure of the Winelands.
From £445 per night
Walkersons Hotel & Spa, a luxurious five-star retreat in Dullstroom, offers serene elegance amidst the Mpumalanga Highlands' breathtaking landscapes. Set on an 800-hectare private estate, it provides captivating mountain views and warm hospitality. The beautifully appointed guest rooms, each with a comfortable seating area, flat-screen satellite television, electric kettle, and private bathroom with a shower, exude refined comfort, with some featuring fully equipped kitchens with ovens and fridges. The hotel's Scottish manor-inspired design blends contemporary sophistication with the tranquil allure of the surrounding trout-rich dams and rolling hills. The Flying Scotsman restaurant serves exquisite fine-country cuisine, showcasing local produce, while The Terrace offers relaxed all-day dining with garden vistas, complemented by a stylish bar. Guests can unwind at the serene spa with curated treatments, relax by the outdoor pool, or maintain their routine in the well-equipped fitness centre, all enveloped by meticulously landscaped gardens and terraces. Popular for hiking, fishing, and bike hire, the area offers abundant outdoor pursuits, with the Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre 17 km away and Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve 18 km away. Located 16 km from Dullstroom Railway Station and 158 km from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, with complimentary private parking and room service, Walkersons Hotel & Spa delivers a seamless blend of luxurious indulgence and the natural splendour of Mpumalanga.
From £250 per night