South Africa
Get exclusive offers in the best premium hotels in South Africa by the personal concierge manager RaiSky Travel Concierge, who has checked personally each of them.
Get exclusive offers in the best premium hotels in South Africa by the personal concierge manager RaiSky Travel Concierge, who has checked personally each of them.
Our expert will consult you and organize your trip
National parks with the “big five”, primitive tribes, unique vegetation, history, a heart-wrenching ocean, many options for activities and adventures on another continent. All this is the Republic of South Africa, which we will show you and give you the opportunity to fully admire it. Welcome to the world of South Africa!
The time from November to March is considered the African summer in those regions. At this time, for example, Durban is experiencing intense heat, while Gauteng Province (including Johannesburg and Pretoria) and Kruger Park are experiencing hot and rainy weather. However, this time is ideal for visiting Cape Town and enjoying the coasts of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. If you are going on a safari, then the best time to go is from June to November.
South Africa is suitable for all categories of travelers – for a company of friends, a romantic vacation, a vacation with children and with parents. But when traveling with children, as well as elderly people, it is necessary to take into account the distance of the flight. This is the only thing, because in everything else – they will be delighted, just like you.
South African Rand. It is a freely convertible currency. It is also the common currency of the Multilateral Monetary Agreement countries, which include Lesotho, Namibia and Eswatini. 100 rand equals approximately $5.64.
Africa and beaches…sounds amazing, right? But it only sounds, because, for example, the Western Cape province is famous for its beaches, lush vineyards, rocky rapids. From December to February, all the beaches in Cape Town are full, full of surf schools and many other sports. Watch only for the flag with the shark (it should be green), because in these regions these predators appear periodically.
A visa is required. To visit South Africa, citizens of Ukraine need to issue a visa (it is placed in a foreign passport), which can be obtained at the Consulate of South Africa in Poland. The term of registration is from 10 working days.
South African cuisine is a mix of different peoples of the world. It is believed that real African cuisine is a little bit extreme – fried locusts, crocodile kebabs and other delicacies. But if we talk about what is worth eating without harming the psyche, as well as what is still considered common to “try”, then do not miss biltong (meat appetizer), waterblommetibredi (meat with lily buds , served only in South Africa), amarula liqueur (tastes like Baileys, very popular).
Resort: Pilanesberg
Recognized as one of the best resorts in South Africa, if not the entire continent. The Palace of the Lost City (this is how the name of the hotel is translated) is a creative holiday in a monumental building, a playground for all ages.
Per two people for 7 nights
An impressive architectural landmark, decorated with frescoes, sculptures and works of art, among which the life-size sculpture of Shavu the elephant takes pride of place. Beautifully planted gardens and parks have acquired botanical status, they have a large selection of restaurants and bars, including “Crystal Court”, “Royal Tower”, “Grill Room” and others. The palace itself is surrounded by the “lost city”; a haven of activity and entertainment that includes two 18-hole golf courses (designed by the esteemed designer Gary Player), an amphitheater for concerts and a spectacular water park – Valley of the Waves. Water sports enthusiasts can also go to the Sun City Water World, where you can learn to ride a wakeboard, jet ski or jet ski under the guidance of experienced instructors. Waterworld lets you experience both the adrenaline rush of parasailing and the soothing serenity of a stunning sunset lake cruise. If that’s not to your taste, the visitor grounds have several tennis courts for sports fans and a kids’ club for younger players. The Palace also features five-star amenities with high-quality room service, Internet access and a safe.
The hotel is part of Sun International’s most prestigious SunLux collection – a group of the most amazing luxury hotels in Africa. It is located in Mount Pilanesberg on the site of an extinct volcano in South Africa, which means that its unique architecture blends beautifully with the surrounding nature.
With all the sunny climates there is, there’s never really a bad time to visit Sun City. It all depends on how busy you want to be during your stay. Peak season at Sun City is usually late summer from December to January and then the high season when you can expect even warmer weather than before, but be aware that The Palace may have fewer rooms available during this busy period. The autumn months from May to September are a little cooler and quieter, but if you want to visit the Valley of the Waves, be sure to check in advance before booking, after which the park usually closes for a month for maintenance.
Resort: Cape Town
One & Only Cape Town is a large luxury city resort located on the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, with views of Table Mountain from most rooms, first-class staff and excellent facilities, including a huge swimming pool, daily children’s and teenagers’ programs and a SPA.
Per two people for 7 nights
The hotel is located on the popular Victoria and Alfred Waterfront with its wide selection of shops (don’t miss the Watershed) and restaurants. It consists of a seven-storey hotel block overlooking an artificial marina with two artificial islands and surrounded by simple modern apartments. It’s a very urban place, but it’s positioned in such a way that most of the windows frame Table Mountain as a surreal backdrop. It’s convenient: You’re within walking distance of all the waterfront attractions, including the Aquarium, the Museum of Contemporary African Art, and the ferry to Robben Island.
The main body of the hotel is centered around a vast atrium space that includes a chic lounge bar with floor-to-ceiling windows offering views of Table Mountain.
Vista Bar is an attractive evening spot for a sunset cocktail and people-watching. Lounging by the pool on Maine Island is a little surreal: it’s successfully designed to mimic a luxury island resort with a huge winding pool and man-made waterfalls. It’s hard to believe that the bustling waterfront and working harbor are just a three-minute walk from the hotel.
The staff are efficient, warm, knowledgeable, happy and helpful. Service standards and a wide range of amenities are what you’d expect from One&Only, with one of the best concierge teams in town and some special features such as early morning SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board) canal tours. The award-winning SPA-island deserves a special mention – many pools, “shower experiences”, wonderful relaxation areas and 12 treatment rooms, in which the most caring therapists work. You should order treatment here, even if you are not staying at the hotel.
Choose from the Marina Rise unit with views of Table Mountain or the harbor or the more spacious Island Suites (including several two-bedroom suites) located on the first floor near the pool. The best deal is a room on the third floor in Marina Rise – with a more interesting view, for the same price as a room on the first or second floor.
All rooms are equipped with the usual amenities (TV, Nespresso, mini bar, air conditioning), a choice between a king-size bed or two queen-size beds, dressed with superior quality linens. Marina Rise rooms have sliding doors leading to a balcony with two chairs and a table, with views of Table Mountain or the harbour. Large bathrooms, with an egg-shaped bath, rain shower and two marble vanities – pull back the carved wooden partition to create a single open-plan space.
The hotel has three restaurants, the most famous of which is Nobu, an elegant two-story space where Michelin-starred chef Nobuyaki Matsusis infuses a signature Japanese menu with Peruvian flavors. The only Nobu in Africa, it’s a restaurant for diners, and it’s worth the price, if only to remind you what sushi should taste like.
Ocher is a large restaurant serving breakfast. It opens for dinner at 6:30 p.m.
Isola, a pizza and seafood restaurant by the pool (open in summer only), is a great place to relax, as is Vista, the hotel’s glamorous lounge bar, which serves a great brunch.
Resort: Madikwe Game Reserve
The most magical thing will be the arrival. Jumping out of the safari vehicle, you are offered a drink and taken through the entrance. Here you are greeted by the sound, smell and sight of elephants splashing around the reservoir right in front of you. Each private villa promises more stunning views and a plunge pool.
Per two people for 7 nights
Madikwe Game Reserve is a relatively young addition to the safaris of malaria-free South Africa. It was brought to life by Operation Phoenix in the 1990s, when the world’s largest translocation of wild animals (more than 8,000 animals) took place in a former livestock region. Jamala is located in front of a watering hole in the eastern part of the reserve, a 25-minute drive from Molatedi Gate and 40 minutes from the western airstrip.
This boutique lodge has a refined, elegant atmosphere, combining traditional lodge style with modernity. When you pass through the entrance, you are greeted by a wonderful view of the watering hole. Right in front of you is the sofa safari area. Here you can sit all day and watch wildlife without even leaving the house. A large deck runs along the front of the stone and thatched main house, with a fire pit and boma to the left and dining tables, a swimming pool with sun loungers and a small SPA to the right. There is also an indoor lounge/library, bar, gift shop and watchtower.
The service here is impeccable. Every employee has a ready smile and can lighten the mood with a joke or two. The SPA salon is small, but functional, and the pool is refreshing. The safari deals are obviously the highlight.
Jamala has just five luxurious detached villas, making for an incredibly intimate and secluded retreat. Each of them overlooks a watering hole and a savannah, and wide terraces allow you to make the most of the views. Here you’ll find a cool bath, deck chairs and a separate outdoor shower, so you can watch the elephants while you bathe. The linear layout allows for stage views through floor-to-ceiling windows from the living room, freestanding bath and four-poster bed. There is also a dressing room (with a free minibar), a shower, wash basins and a wooden dining table.
Snacks and coffee are available at 5am and a main breakfast is served upon return to the lodge. Dinner is always private, refined, with an individual menu that offers a choice between two or three dishes – depending on what is fresh that day (kudu, game and even fish).
Resort: Hluhluwe
Experience the Kruger wilderness without the crowds at this stylish and cozy boutique hotel. A total of 7 luxurious stone and thatched suites and a two-bedroom villa blend into the bush, with amazing wildlife sightings right on your doorstep.
Per two people for 7 nights
Rich in wildlife, the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve borders the Kruger National Park, free of fences, allowing wildlife to roam the area freely. From your own terrace and dining on the deck, you can watch hippos, elephants and even white rhinos at their own watering hole.
The British owner has shared his dream of safari in spacious suites that blend into the landscape, with interiors of wood, leather and fabrics with an African motif – more modern safari chic than old colonial style. Like the suites, the high-ceilinged main loggia is an open-plan opulence, decorated with African artefacts and photographs of local wildlife, with plenty of seating, a festive bar and a communal table.
The service is individual, friendly and relaxed. Two safaris with knowledgeable and interesting guides are included in the price. Bushwalking, fishing and stargazing are also included, and the resort can also arrange scenic helicopter, airplane or hot air balloon flights. There’s a pool to cool off in, as well as a small gym and SPA – try the deep Intonga Amasatchi massage with wooden sticks. In the Mezzanine Library, you can pay to have your favorite safari shot printed on a large canvas that you can roll up and take with you, and there’s also a gift shop.
A snack – homemade muesli, freshly baked muffins – is served before the morning safari, and after returning – a full breakfast – fruits, pastries, eggs. Lunch consists of daily changing salads and pasta with a view of the watering hole, followed by an afternoon of homemade lemonade, iced tea and pastries before the day’s walk. An à la carte dinner, perhaps a juicy ostrich steak and a delicious mallow pudding under a starry African sky. Twice a week, communal dinners are arranged around the fire in the boma, including a Saturday evening braai. Sunset drinks are served in the bush or in the lodge, and connoisseurs will enjoy tasting local craft gin.
Resort: Sabie Game Reserv
Living up to its name, the contemporary low-rise form of this renowned eco-lodge of 13 self-contained suites is in harmony with its bush surroundings. Experienced guides will help you get up early for your safari tours.
Per two people for 7 nights
Fly from Johannesburg approximately 30 minutes to the open-air, thatched Skukuza Airport, and from there you will be picked up by 4×4 open-top vehicle and delivered to an unfenced 60,000 hectare private biodiversity reserve on the edge of Crewe National Park. Even on the way to the house, you will have the opportunity to see several animals from the big five.
More modern than the typical colonial-style luxury safari, Earth Lodge’s architecture makes for an impressive entrance. The suites are designed to satisfy both modern discernment and classic preferences, but the real show is the open bush views. Take a look at the exquisite open-air living rooms and you’ll appreciate how they complement the bushes in palette and perspective, right down to the textured rendering of the straw-flecked ground.
The perfectly curated organic backdrop features an intriguing mix of elegant furnishings and African artwork handpicked by the owner with impeccable taste, including kudu horn, handcrafted metal sculptures, rich woods and copper. Not only is the lodge committed to environmental sustainability and conservation and the protection of endangered species, the hosts here also invest a lot of energy in education, increasing literacy and encouraging local entrepreneurship. The heart and soul of Earth Lodge will make you feel a real connection to the Shangaan communities.
One of the highlights of a luxury safari is not only game watching, but moments like pausing to enjoy your morning coffee or your favorite aperitif, prepared in the most stylish way right outside your jeep. This is an early start in an open car with your knowledgeable (and armed) ranger and alert Shangaan tracker, followed by an afternoon drive, possibly including a walking safari. The spirit of Sabi-Sabi is as compelling as the love of nature, and when you talk to the staff, you understand it. In addition to wild nature, the Amani SPA center offers wellness and excellent massage; the gym, overlooking the bush, has air conditioning and good cardio equipment. In the boutique, you can buy high-quality locally produced souvenirs.
Elegant apartments, ideal for couples who want to celebrate an important event. The design of each of the 13 romantic individual suites is very sensitive. All have outdoor showers, large terraces and private full-size pools. The highlight is observing the watering hole inhabited by hippos from a hanging chair. Inside, everything is thought out to the smallest detail, from an easel with art materials to a ridiculous fully stocked drinks cabinet. A huge bathroom with two polished stone sinks, a huge shower and a bathtub is pure magazine design.
For lunch and dinner, choose South Africa’s best small-batch wines from the country’s most impressive cellar. The air-conditioned bar is cool in every sense, here you will be offered expertly mixed cocktails and many drinks on tap. African-themed evenings invite you to fill your plate with grilled meat.
Resort: Stellenbosch
An experience, not just a hotel, on a journey that sweeps through an unspoiled garden to reach what is perhaps the most amazing view of Cape Town’s mountains.
Per two people for 7 nights
Moored on the vineyard-covered slopes of Botmanskop, high above the magnificent Helshogte Pass (which connects Stellenbosch with the largest concentration of award-winning red wines in South Africa), DelAire offers 360-degree views that take in the far horizon. rocky peaks to the east.
Intelligent, intuitive service and staff who seem to know what you want before you even ask for it. Excellent attention to detail – from the selection of films on offer (an exclusive list) to the exquisite canapés at sunset; from the blanket and champagne waiting on the golf cart to the innovative way the sommelier adapts the wine to your personal taste, this is hospitality at its best.
State-of-the-art facilities include a swimming pool with stunning views, cinema room, fantastic SPA, 2 fine restaurants, exceptional wine tasting and picturesque gardens.
The rooms here are called “lodges” and no wonder: each the size of a small cottage, it’s a delightful extravagance, with a separate living room, huge bathroom and a terrace with a private heated pool. Cotton bed linen so fine it feels like silk, a selection of pillows, a well-stocked mini-bar (included in the price), a music station and even a tiny kitchenette to keep things tidy.
2 excellent restaurants: the Delaire Graff restaurant is more popular because of its breathtaking view of the mountains. The second breakfast restaurant is regularly ranked among the top 30 restaurants in South Africa – if you’re a fan of fresh, tangy, complex Asian flavours, this is a must. Its menu includes a selection of soups, salads, fries and curries.
Any restaurant should be booked in advance.
Resort: Hout Bay
Tintswalo is the only luxury hotel in Cape Town located on the territory of Table Mountain National Park. Located at the foot of steep Chapman Peak, it occupies the highest point in the city, right on the ocean, with magical views, great food and authentic, warm service.
Per two people for 7 nights
If you are a fan of remote and beautiful places, this is the best option in Cape Town – it is located in Table Mountain National Park, with a private path that leads to a pebble beach. The place, almost completely hidden from prying eyes, consists of 11 deceptively simple wooden and glass huts, hidden under milk trees, and the ocean is their constant lullaby.
All major tourist attractions are within a 20-45 minute drive. The only caveat: the longer you look at the mesmerizing ocean and mountain views, the less you want to go outside.
When you arrive at Tintswalo Atlantic, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into your own personal fiefdom, with just 11 rooms spread between the lounge and dining area on one side and the pool terrace on the other. With new plantings of milk trees and thoughtful landscaping, the bungalows continue to blend in perfectly with the dramatic sea and mountain surroundings. The modest scale of the buildings made of wood and glass contrasts with the luxury of the decor – it’s all about creating relaxing spaces, in a cool natural palette using tactile materials.
Amenities include a heated pool, multiple viewing decks, mountain walks and excellent on-call therapists.
The talented owner-decorator made the most of the renovation opportunity and created 11 individually decorated suites. Each has complete privacy with large sliding doors opening onto a terrace directly over the ocean, fireplaces and every possible in-room amenity, including a Nespresso coffee machine, a great selection of herbal teas, a well-stocked mini-bar and a large TV. The bathrooms are large, with an open shower and a bath with slippers. The windows offer the same ocean view that you enjoy from a king-size bed. The rooms are named after the islands – looking across the bay at the looming Sentinel, you really feel like you’re shipwrecked in a mountainous archipelago.
You won’t want to leave this region with a door that leads to a large wooden terrace that seems to almost hang over the ocean. Stop in for the breakfast buffet – cut fruit, yogurt, cereals, pastries, assorted meats and a selection of cheeses – then order from the varied cooked breakfast menu, from a healthy omelette to a hearty South African breakfast.
Delicious sunset canapés are followed by a three-course set menu with a choice of three starters, three main courses and a dessert or cheese plate. Guests can make menu suggestions in advance, specify exact dietary restrictions, or give the chef complete freedom of action – either way, get ready for a feast.
Resort: Sabie Park
This luxurious, exclusive safari lodge is located in a private game reserve on the edge of the Kruger National Park. Come here for exceptional accommodation and excellent wildlife viewing within easy reach of Johannesburg.
Per two people for 7 nights
Mala Mala Game Reserve shares an unfenced border with the southern part of the Kruger National Park, just a five-hour drive or 35-minute flight (and 40-minute drive) from Johannesburg.
Surrounded by bush, Rattrays sits on the banks of a riverbed where game gathers to drink and eat. You can see zebra, giraffe, warthog, several species of antelope, elephants, hippos, eagles, monkeys and even before the safari begins.
The place (at least visually) looks like something out of Africa. The walls are decorated with wildlife reproductions, paintings and photographs where hunting trophies might once have hung; In 1964 Ratrays replaced the famous hunting lodge, leading to the transition from hunting to photographic safaris.
Everything at Rattrays is guest-centric – you’ll get a personalized experience. Safaris, food and drinks, relaxation time in the magnificent infinity pool overlooking the riverbed and possibly a massage are all arranged according to guests’ needs and wishes.
It is important to note that the rangers are extremely knowledgeable (as well as representative) with a real understanding and concern for the animals. Just over three cars are allowed on the tour at a time and, unlike the Kruger Public Park, cars can also drive off-road. This can greatly improve visibility and you may even be lucky enough to see a majestic leopard just a few meters away.
There are only eight guest khayas (a Zulu word for house). Each is a scaled-down version of the main building with its own veranda overlooking the river and fountain. Inside, an entrance hall leads to a large bedroom-sitting room with four-poster bed, elegant dark wood desk, sofas, sideboards, etc. All windows open onto verandah and river views.
To either side are his and hers bathrooms, each with a dressing room and separate toilet, and two bathrooms, one with a double shower and the other with a freestanding clawfoot tub. There is a free minibar, mosquito repellent, tea and coffee, and a well hidden (few people use it) TV.
From sunsets in the bush to three-course dinners and snacks on request, food and drinks are included. A bush breakfast after an early walk is a special treat with eggs, sausage and bacon cooked by the rangers over an open fire, combined with a buffet of fresh fruit, cereals, smoked salmon and croissants.
Dinner is often held on the verandah or in the boma, an atmospheric traditional round fenced enclosure with an open fire, where the meal is served under the sausage tree, a favorite shrub. The food is African-international, and the springbok carpaccio is particularly delicious.
Resort: Durban
The hotel is located on the coast of Umhlang, where the Indian Ocean foams and splashes against the coastal rocks and the red and white lighthouse twinkles at night, welcoming ships entering Durban Harbour. The beaches surrounding it, such as Umdloti and La Lucia, are great for dolphin watching, surfing and diving. Durban city center is a 20-minute drive away and the airport is a 17-minute drive away.
Per two people for 7 nights
The hotel’s walls sparkle with bright and socially provocative works by KwaZulu-Natal artists such as Sibusiso Duma, whose paintings, executed in bold shapes and primary colors, depict a mother playing soccer and a woman carrying a man on her back. Look out for realistic artwork from Welcome Danka depicting everyday scenes, from villagers gathered to watch TV to friends braiding their hair.
This is a lively and popular hotel. The relaxed smiles of all the staff are contagious and they are always ready to help you – especially with directions if you get lost in this amazingly confusing boutique hotel.
Facilities include two restaurants, an afternoon tea lounge, three bars, one of which is a rooftop watering hole overlooking the lighthouse opposite, a cinema, two swimming pools, a spa and a gym.
The SPA is something special, with many treatments using ingredients and techniques specific to KwaZulu-Natal, such as the signature Our Journey to Africa treatment, a massage using Himalayan salt crystals and an African rung (wooden club). The center uses B|Africa’s own products made from African plant extracts. Amenities include a hammam, a hydrotherapy bath, a plunge pool and an infinity pool overlooking the hotel’s gardens. The SPA Lounge is filled with a variety of savory treats, such as carrot cake topped with whipped cream and strawberries, and moist slabs of banana bread, amid wedges of melon and ginger water.
Entry-level rooms are small, with a large bed taking up most of the space, but they’re beautifully decorated and usually color-coordinated; sky blue and yellow buttercup are among the options. Expect richly embroidered floral fabrics, antique beds with twisted posts, fresh orchids, vases of fruit and complimentary cookies from the kitchens. The rooms offer a wonderful view of the Indian Ocean or the hotel’s gardens. The spacious marble bathrooms have soaking tubs and separate rain showers.
There are two main restaurants: The Grill Restaurant, which offers traditional fine dining, and the curry buffet at The Ocean Terrace, a casual alternative to Durban’s Indian cuisine. Lunch at the Oyster Box is famous throughout the country and should be booked months in advance. Breakfast is an all-you-can-eat buffet – extras include oysters, a waffle maker and sparkling wine.
Resort: Kruger Park
Modern luxury, first-class amenities, intuitive service, excellent cuisine – this is what has made Singita the most respected safari brand in Africa. But the deciding factor here is the location: in a wild and remote concession, with breathtaking lion sightings, it’s as luxurious as the Kruger.
Per two people for 7 days
The owner built Lebombo on an elevated hillside overlooking the Nwanetsi River, frequented by numerous birds and animals, against the backdrop of the Lebombo Mountains. A total of 24 bedrooms share the exclusive right to use this concession, which borders the Mozambique National Park all the way to Limpopo.
This place is remote and wild, with real luxury and incredible encounters with lions. The lodges, which are separate but a few minutes’ walk from each other, are a 45-minute drive from Satara Airstrip and a three-hour drive from Hoedspruit Airport.
Both lodges (including Sweni – Singita’s younger brother) designed by GAPP Architects, with Cecile & Boyd acclaimed interiors, have been featured in numerous design volumes and luxury travel magazines and are synonymous with the best in modern safaris. A total of 7 suites are hidden in the canopy of the forest on the banks of the N’vanetsi River.
Singita offers more entertainment than most safari lodges, especially at Lebombo (to which Sweni guests have access), where there are daily wine tastings in a secluded location (Singita is famous for its premium wine collection, by the way). This building has a small library and a roof terrace for private dining. Lebombo has two swimming pools on the decks, a small library, a rooftop terrace with star views, several dining rooms and the excellent Singita Community Cooking School. There is also an excellent SPA center, a gym and a wonderful boutique. Binoculars are provided during the twice-daily safari, and guided bush walks are also offered.
Staff is Singita’s trademark with enthusiasm.
Located on a hillside or along a river bank, the lodge rooms are huge open-plan boxes with glass walls, spaced far apart for privacy, with sliding doors leading to sleeping decks. Perched on a rocky hill, Lebombo’s rooms offer panoramic mountain views. Rooms are equipped with all the essentials you’d expect from a city hotel and more: Nespresso coffee machines, solar power outlets, Bose audio systems, ponchos, sun hats, bags, a generously stocked mini bar and excellent Wi-Fi. Lebombo offers a self-contained four-bedroom villa that can be split into two separate two-bedroom suites.
Liam Tomlin, the acclaimed Cape Town chef behind Chef’s Warehouse and Thali, is at the helm, preparing the fine contemporary cuisine you’d expect to find in his fabulous city restaurants.
An all-day deli bar with delicious snacks and a tapas-style lunch menu – the curries are always great. Dinner is a romantic candlelight affair with a choice of four appetizers and four main courses. Vegetarian dishes are worth attention. Desserts are suitably decadent and all meals are accompanied by fine South African wines.
Resort: Thornybush Game Reserve
This cozy boutique hotel combines colonial and modern style, exquisite cuisine and first-class service. Exciting wildlife sightings are right on the doorstep, but what really keeps guests and celebrities coming back are the world-class guides, the most experienced in Africa.
Per two people for 7 nights
A 45-minute drive from Hoedspruit Airport or a 10-minute drive from the private airstrip means the safari begins as soon as you land. Thornybush Private Nature Reserve borders the Kruger National Park without fences, so wildlife can run free. There is a lot of space to explore and few vehicles – in other words, you don’t really need to leave the lodge to be closer to the elephants visiting the watering hole.
The owner expertly combines classic safari style with bold colors – such as a lime-green sofa or a bright print – hand-picking each item. You will be greeted by a pair of huge bronze leopards, while the open living room is mixed with oriental vases and African art. And with plenty of seating and dining areas spread over three levels, it’s never crowded.
The service is individual and refined, but unobtrusive. Here is an unsurpassed guide with many years of experience. He can also book helicopter tours and much more.
De-stress with a Royal Thaba massage in the award-winning SPA, then indulge in gastronomic delights in the small gym or in the 25-metre heated pool. There’s a library filled with glossy wildlife books, and for shopping, head to Patrick Mavros’s boutique for African-inspired jewelry, handcrafts, and colorful kaftans.
Beneath the high thatched roofs of the seven luxurious suites, huge four-poster beds are draped in high-thread-count Egyptian cotton, antique Persian rugs lie on polished cement floors, and there’s a fireplace for those chilly evenings. Floor-to-ceiling windows look out onto a cushioned sofa, while the TV is tucked away in an antique cabinet, along with a Nespresso coffee machine, complimentary snacks and a minibar. The spacious limestone bathrooms feature double sinks, a roll-top bath, indoor/outdoor shower and Penhaligon toiletries. On the wooden terrace there is a place for relaxation and dining, as well as a small swimming pool.
Start the day with coffee and snacks, and after a morning safari in the shade of huge jackal trees, a full buffet breakfast is served. A personalized à la carte lunch can be prepared to order, with salad, meat and vegetarian dishes, which will soon be followed by a sweet and savory afternoon. Dinner can be a five-course tasting menu. Dinner in the forest is special, surrounded by flickering candles. Before and after dinner, Masia’s Bar offers an impressive selection of craft gins, whiskeys and South African wines. And all this with a view of the watering hole in the first row.
Resort: Cape Town
Perched on a stunning cliff overlooking the sea, this Edwardian mansion is Cape Town’s most exclusive hotel, offering understated glamour, exquisite solitude and breathtaking views. It is also one of the most important repositories of South African art – part of Ellerman’s rich experience.
Per two people for 7 nights
Ellerman House is located on the site of some of the most expensive real estate in Africa. Due to its elevated position overlooking Bantry Bay and the ocean, it is often referred to as the Cape of the Riviera, and the views will delight even the most discerning traveller. Despite the location on the cliff, the terraced gardens are large, with a large swimming pool and an art gallery.
The only potential drawback is that you are not within walking distance of any restaurants or beaches, but even in this situation everything is provided – the hotel staff arranges a free shuttle to the city center, promenade or beach (all within a 10-minute radius ).
The elegant Edwardian mansion features antiques and original architectural details, while accent colors and contemporary fabrics give the classic structure a more glamorous look. Only 13 rooms – it is more like a luxury house than a hotel.
The extensive collection of South African art – on every wall of the house, including the bedrooms, as well as a purpose-built modern gallery in the garden – rivals that of South Africa’s best art museums, and can be explored with an art guide or on your own from the hotel’s iPad.
There are only 13 rooms, but the service standards are at the level of any world-renowned five-star hotel, as evidenced by numerous awards. The staff have an uncanny ability to sense where you are and when you need them without resorting to hanging around, but the homely atmosphere makes normally no-go areas like the kitchen very accessible.
The facilities are simply fantastic: the bar, built around the granite cliffs and opening onto a terrace overlooking the sunset, is very glamorous; the fitness center offers the same beautiful view as the large swimming pool that shines in the terraced garden below. Then there’s the “pantry” stocked with sweet and savory treats, sunset cocktails and canapés, evening wine tastings, complimentary transfers… In short, you’ll want for nothing.
Each of the 13 rooms is completely different in character, but decorated with luxurious carpets, precious works of art and a combination of modern textiles and objects associated with the past. All but two (numbers 5 and 6) have the same wonderful sea view, which is definitely worth it.
Rooms 2 and 4 are spacious, bright and have balconies. The decor in Room 9, with deft touches of red against deep blues, warm greys, natural wood and seaweed, is perfect. There are also two exclusive villas located in the garden – they have a modern design and laconic decor.
Breakfast is a predictably amazing buffet with a great variety of food. In good weather, lunch is served on the terrace; dinner in the dining room decorated with works of art, the menu changes daily.
Guests can discuss specific interests or needs with the chef; when discussed in advance, the kitchen can create a completely customized dining experience. You’re unlikely to be disappointed with the quality of any food here, but be aware that the atmosphere can be a little subdued given that the hotel is closed to the public. The 24-hour “snack bar” adjacent to the kitchen is well stocked with a variety of freshly prepared savory and sweet treats, and the selection of drinks served at the bar or on the sunset terrace is top notch.
Resort: Sabi Sand Game Reserve
Incredibly beautifully designed basalt beach complex with luxurious pavilions and private villas with a pool, surrounded by tropical gardens in Turtle Bay. One of the island’s most romantic hotels with mountain views, gourmet restaurants, a holistic spa and first-class service.
Per two people for 7 nights
Granite columns, marble floors and glass strips help create a natural and rustic yet stylish indoor and outdoor living area with open public areas under temple roofs and wooden walkways. Comfortable sun loungers and plenty of umbrellas, as well as a couple of hammocks to enjoy your time in the Turtle Garden.
190 spacious rooms, including 38 suites, with large bathrooms with separate bath and shower. The elegant design of the open-plan rooms with partially transparent glass doors in the bathrooms add a special atmosphere. The rooms are clean and equipped with comfortable beds. The deluxe beachfront rooms are the most popular for couples.
Seaview junior suites have spacious balconies with sun loungers and a separate dining area.
The five restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisines, from contemporary Indian and Mauritian fusion to Pan-Asian, with healthy options on every menu, including organic produce. American-style breakfasts are served in the main glass-walled restaurant by the sea.
Our expert will consult you and organize your trip
Other world. It was wonderful! We walked in Bokaap, flew in a hot air balloon, went on a safari, walked by the ocean, drove a car in the countryside… This is one of the most exciting trips of my life!
Briefly talking about this country is a crime. The only thing that upset me was the long flight, I generally have a hard time with them. But it’s worth it. So many emotions in one trip, so many smiling people. By the way, I did not expect to see so many “whites” there.
Everything was at the highest level! Thank you! Great hotel, loggia, excursions. The family was very satisfied. Well, I’m with them too)
Do you know how many people I have already recommended this country to in these couple of days?))) You ask. Everything is great) It was very informative. Of the places – capes, most likely, and parks. I like visuals and romance)) And the stars at night, far from the city, are also another sight. I have almost never seen such beauty. Only in the desert.
RaiSky is a travel company that specializes in luxury travel and services. We help people to get desired vacation. In RaiSky, we don’t just sell tours to expensive hotels at expensive resorts. Its’ not so hard to book a Four Seasons Maldives. You can do it without our help. Much more difficult is to satisfy unexpected and bold wishes during the vacation or resolve any appeared issues. We will help you to book a table for two at a neighboring’s island restaurant. Or to book a restaurant for any celebration for your company only. Or, maybe, even rent an island for a week if you want to seclude in your own thoughts. So you will need us to realize such desires.
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19/1 Hetmana Pavla Skoropadskoho St.,
Kyiv 01033,Ukraine
пн - пт 09:00 - 21:00
сб - вс 10:00 - 19:00
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