Our favourite lodges for a luxurious holiday in South Africa

South Africa is an amazing place to experience a luxury holiday. Here you can relax on incredible beaches with the famous Table Mountain as a backdrop or hike through unique mountain fynbos and enjoy the view from above. Accommodation ranges from colonial hotels with a nostalgic ambience to contemporary properties with modern facilities.

Many will offer relaxing spa treatments, superb wine tasting, gourmet dinners and – occasionally – even top-notch game-viewing. Regardless if you are looking for a luxury safari providing a high standard of service or an exclusive stay in the vibrant city of Cape Town, here you can find great choices for very luxurious holidays in South Africa.

The top 19 lodges for luxury in South Africa

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Babylonstoren
|96% (5 reviews)

Once a farmhouse, now a luxury hotel; Babylonstoren’s sprawling grounds are beautifully manicured offering an abundance of impressive gardens and vineyards. From contemporary, modern décor to inspired, fresh food from their own gardens, this hotel is unique and full of character... More about Babylonstoren
Birkenhead House
|100% (2 reviews)

Birkenhead House’s plush interior boasts a mix of contemporary and quirky décor. Opulent Persian rugs on cream marble floors, imposing chandeliers and impressive antiques are scattered around the property and provide a unique ambience that contribute to its luxurious feel. More about Birkenhead House
Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve
|97% (14 reviews)

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness brings great luxury with emphasis on guest comfort and generous hospitality. Indulge yourself at the award-winning spa and enjoy delicious organic cuisine in special and unusual locations; Bushmans Kloof’s offers a first-class experience in a beautiful setting... More about Bushmans Kloof
Cape Grace
|100% (8 reviews)

This luxury hotel combines modern comforts with traditional Cape culture in an exclusive waterfront setting. At Cape Grace you can expect individually-designed rooms with sumptuous beds and extravagant throws. Flamboyant décor and colonial artworks complete the luxurious feel. More about Cape Grace
Cellars-Hohenort
|92% (5 reviews)

Cellars-Hohenort is the perfect place for those seeking an idyllic holiday with a luxurious feel. Its delightful, old-fashioned character combined with high-quality furniture/furnishings and unique features like its own vineyard, add to its exclusive ambience. More about Cellars-Hohenort
Grootbos Forest Lodge
|100% (8 reviews)

For opulence and exclusivity amidst natural surroundings, spend a few days at Grootbos Forest Lodge. The deliciously meals here use often organic, locally-sourced produce. Meanwhile activities are run by experienced guides who can help you to understand the local environment ... More about Forest Lodge
Grootbos Garden Lodge
|97% (14 reviews)

Enjoy panoramic views of the sparkling distant ocean and unique fynbos vegetation whilst relaxing on sumptuous canopy beds or at the swimming pool. Grootbos Garden Lodge provides an exceptional level of comfort and luxury set amidst beautiful and interesting scenery. More about Garden Lodge
Kwandwe Ecca Lodge
|100% (22 reviews)

Kwandwe Ecca Lodge successfully melds modern comfort of a luxury lodge with inventive architecture and trendy, yet thoughtful details. Add to this: superb service and food, highly flexible staff and first-rate guiding; this is truly a luxury escape in a pristine private wilderness... More about Ecca Lodge
Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge
|99% (26 reviews)

Floor-to-ceiling framed glass doors offer unmatched views and sumptuous, but understated, furnishings lend a luxurious feel to Kwandwe Great Fish River Lodge. You can expect an elegant and sophisticated ambience and uninterrupted wilderness: perfect for an outstanding luxury safari... More about Great Fish River Lodge
Kwandwe Melton Manor

Natural materials, plush furnishings and neutral tones blend together beautifully at at Kwandwe Melton Manor to give this exclusive, private home-away-from-home a luxurious, elegant atmosphere. Each of the large suites features underfloor heating, an added luxury during the colder months... More about Melton Manor
Kwandwe Uplands Homestead
|100% (1 review)

Reminiscent of a stately Settler home from the 1820s, Kwandwe Uplands Homestead features authentic antiques, old-fashioned luxury and classic architecture whilst ensuring an exceptional level of comfort; the perfect choice for an exclusive holiday with a lovely bush-country feel... More about Uplands Homestead
Long Beach
|98% (10 reviews)

The luxurious Long Beach provides a high-level of comfort in a tranquil setting – the in-house chauffeur and dining under the stars all add to the feeling of being spoilt. It is decorated in neutral tones with blue and cream touches, reflecting its beautiful beach setting perfectly... More about Long Beach
Mount Nelson Hotel
|100% (2 reviews)

Timelessly elegant with English colonial décor, Mount Nelson Hotel is perhaps South Africa’s top hotel and offer classic luxury in a tranquil setting. The hotel’s soft pink exterior, heated swimming pools and indulgent afternoon teas highlight the hotel’s attention to detail. More about Mount Nelson Hotel
River Bend Lodge
|92% (5 reviews)

Reminiscent of nostalgic and colonial opulence, River Bend Lodge offers a high-quality stay in a rural location. Experience wildlife viewing from your own veranda, African-themed evenings with fine dining and cozy nights at the fireplace. More about River Bend Lodge
The Constantia
|98% (20 reviews)

The Constantia provides the perfect luxury escape from the hustle and bustle of Cape Town. It is truly a place of indulgence offering champagne breakfasts, sunken swimming pools and magnificent gardens. Thoughtful décor throughout the property illustrate the outstanding ... More about The Constantia
The Last Word Franschhoek
|95% (24 reviews)

The Last Word Franschhoek’s location in the French corner of the Cape proves to be a perfect setting for an idyllic, luxurious holiday. High levels of personalized service and comfort in a region with a fine tradition of wine-making make this a perfect base for wine lovers. More about The Franschhoek
The Marine
|100% (6 reviews)

From fresh seafood, fine wines and an impeccable dining atmosphere, to browsing through exquisite jewellery at the hotel’s boutique and relaxing in luxuriously appointed and individually decorated rooms; the attention to detail at the Marine is apparent in every aspect. More about The Marine
The Plettenberg
|96% (15 reviews)

The attention to detail is a remarkable feature of The Plettenberg. From handpicked elegant décor to the inviting spa and secluded, candle-lit dinners for two in the wine cellar. Treat yourself to a relaxing and luxurious stay at the Plettenberg. More about The Plettenberg
Tsala Treetop Lodge
|93% (3 reviews)

Set in the forest canopy of the Western Cape, Tsala Treetop offers unique and opulent accommodation with a bird’s eye view of the treetops. A luxurious choice for your holiday, the lavish offerings include wraparound decking and private infinity pools for each suite. More about Tsala Treetop Lodge