Something that never goes out of season on the travel front? The art of true escapism. Whether you’re seeking a blissful beach holiday or a stellar safari experience – or even a staycation close to home – it’s all about complete and utter relaxation from the moment you arrive. From breathtaking locations to state-of-the-art spas and culinary delights, these destination hotels are the places to go to feel worlds away from reality. Discover our top picks to whet your appetite for travelling Southern Africa this year.
The Plettenberg Hotel
Best for the epitome of seaside intimacy in the Garden Route
There are few places quite as iconic as this grande dame in Plettenberg Bay. Perched high above the frothy ocean waves, The Plettenberg Hotel is set against a backdrop of the craggy Tsitsikamma Mountains, with cascading views to the coastal headlands and Lookout Beach below. Timeless, stately and serene. The hotel has been the go-to spot for those seeking a sophisticated Plett escape for years (it opened in 1988), and it continues to grow from strength to strength. The property is located along the Garden Route, South Africa’s most famous stretch of lush coastline. This 300-kilometre-long journey is a compilation of the Western Cape’s greatest hits, from indigenous forests to deep-blue lagoons to dramatic rock formations and cliff faces. Not to mention, for wildlife aficionados, this is the perfect stretch of coastline from which to spot whales, seals and white sharks, best seen between May and September. At its core, The Plettenberg is still the opulent seaside palace it’s always been, complete with pristine white rooms and affable, discreet service. The turquoise infinity pool is truly incomparable. But guests now have more choices to ensure that their stay features all their personal creature comforts. There are 35 elegantly appointed rooms and suites and two family-style villas to hole up in undisturbed. Most are similar in décor, with sandy woods and splashes of blues and greens mirroring the region’s azure waters and vegetated cliff edges. The impeccable taste of the late Liz McGrath, the original owner, is still evident. Expect a king-sized bed, plump cushions and plush carpets, a flat-screen TV, a complimentary minibar, a Nespresso machine, heating and air conditioning, towel warmers and in-room treats. The sea-facing Premier Suites are much sought-after for their private terraces with spectacular views. Waking up to the sound of crashing waves can only be described as mesmerising. Breakfast (included in the room rate) is served in the boldly decorated Amelia’s restaurant, which is also a fabulous choice for lunch with drop-dead gorgeous views. Don’t miss the tempura prawns and stir-fried vegetables, which pack a spicy punch, followed by an impressive seafood platter featuring fried calamari, mussels in a fragrant broth, catch of the day, grilled prawns, a trio of sauces and classic accompaniments. Finish up with the frangipane tart with flavours of toasted almonds, apple and cinnamon compote and vanilla bean ice cream.
40 Church Street, Plettenberg Bay
021 794 5535
reservations@collectionmcgrath.com
The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
Best for animal encounters with the falls’ spray in full view
Check in to this legendary hotel where wild animals roam free, and you could be sharing your breakfast table with giraffes, lounging poolside with zebras or peering out from your window at a herd of impalas. Located within a stone’s throw of Victoria Falls, The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara offers guests up close views of the Zambian side of the falls and the wildlife that resides within the surrounding bush. Victoria Falls (known in the local Lozi language as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke that Thunders”) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO-protected site – a bucket-list destination for most visitors to southern Africa. In just 25 minutes, you can leave Livingstone International Airport and be within the tranquil grounds of this hotel, named after Sir David Livingstone, the explorer who gave the falls their name in honour of Queen Victoria. For those seeking a more exhilarating journey, arriving by helicopter and landing on its exclusive helipad is even faster. Offering 173 colonial-style rooms and suites, The Royal Livingstone is more of a luxury resort than a safari lodge, with practised staff and all the advantages that come with its scale. A pool lined with ample thick-cushioned sun loungers? A gin cocktail with those thunderous falls crashing within earshot? A romantic table for two on a floating pontoon on the Zambezi? A riverside spa with a menu of massages and an air-conditioned gym overlooking lush vegetation? Check. The 93 newly renovated rooms are brought together by jungle-themed wallpaper, natural materials and an array of blues and greens. Executive Zambezi River Rooms are spacious and well thought out; the enclosed sunroom is a peaceful place from which to listen to the rustles of wildlife and marvel at glittering constellations. Activities range from a sunset cruise, with hippos and crocodiles lurking beneath the river’s surface, to dinner aboard the splendidly vintage Royal Livingstone Express steam train. A must-do is the Zambezi Dining Experience – a multi-course culinary journey that takes guests from the hotel’s herb gardens to the banks of the Zambezi and finally Victoria Falls, celebrating Zambia’s local flavours, traditions and storytelling along the way. The whole bream baked in paper is a standout. But the most anticipated adventure is undoubtedly exploring the falls by foot – a special entrance for unlimited complimentary access means you can come and go as you please.
Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone, Zambia
Angala Boutique Hotel
Best for a nurturing, therapeutic wine country retreat
On a paradisiacal slice of mountainside in Franschhoek is Angala Boutique Hotel – a well-being sanctuary surrounded by the Simonsberg Mountains and abundant fynbos gardens. The fresh, earthy smell of fynbos mingles with the minty scent of eucalyptus. Luminous dragonflies buzz, butterflies flit their kaleidoscopic wings and reed frogs croak in the distance – rather than interfering with its environment, this hotel honours it. There are 11 free-standing rooms, including four recently refurbished Luxury Rooms, each equipped with outdoor showers and wood-burning fireplaces. These intensely private rooms have been reimagined through contemporary interiors, use of natural light and stacking doors opening onto private decks, creating a stay that’s both design-forward and connected to nature. A colour palette of beige and duck egg blue feels instantly calming. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the super-king-size beds (exceptionally pillowy, dressed in cloud-soft linens) and generous bathrooms (featuring underfloor heating and deep-soaking tubs) to the Healing Earth amenities (fragranced with lemon verbena), drinks (a tea- and coffee-making station plus a complimentary minibar) and snacks (delicious artisanal treats). Particularly delightful is the comfy couch in the lounge area of the room – perfect for lounging at sunset with a book, enjoying the ever-changing light. The walk-in shower also deserves a mention. It would be difficult to leave the rooms, if not for the unmatched beauty of the grounds. Throughout the property, spaces have been set aside for wellness activities. Guests can soak in the ozone-treated outdoor pool or heated plunge pool, take a dip in the natural swimming pool kept clean with purifying aquatic plants rather than chemicals, as well as sweat it out in the infrared sauna and steam room. In addition, there’s a food garden designed by internationally acclaimed landscaper Leon Kluge – it’s impossible to wander through here in the late afternoon sun without feeling inspired. In the morning, an in-house chef creates fresh juices, fruit salads, honey-drizzled muesli, baskets of just-made pastries – and, if wanted, richer dishes such as poached eggs on sourdough toast with avocado, smoked trout and hollandaise sauce. Three-course dinners can be arranged. Whether it’s your body, mind or indeed your soul that needs a little tender loving care, Angala will certainly provide it – and much, much more. A repeat visit already feels overdue.
Corner of R45 Main Road & Simondium-Klapmuts Road, Simondium
021 300 3395
