A travel writer’s top 5 South African stays

With around 250 South African destinations under my belt as a travel journalist, some will always stand out as absolute favourites. Here’s a selection of my top stays in South Africa, each unique and utterly enticing. 

The luxury lodge: Silvan, Kruger National Park

The Sabi Sabi is home to a series of slick lodges, and Silvan is one of the cleverest of its stays. A short walk through the lodge areas, and it’s almost hard to believe your eyes: The lodge occupies an enviable elevated position along a riverbank, where the modern communal lodge areas all offer generous views. The dark wood exteriors blend with the surrounding bush, and then the bright interior elements speak into the vibrant South African culture – and playfulness of owner David Ryan.

The suites (of which there are exclusively only six) are hands down the most spacious I’ve experienced in the Kruger – so much so that it feels like you have your own house in the wilderness. Custom artworks adorn the inside spaces, and outdoors the decks and private pool offer prime wilderness views. Every suite is unique, my favourite being The Tree Wisteria Suite with perky interiors and an outdoor bathtub.

Then of course, let’s not forget that this proud Relais & Châteaux property is located in arguably Kruger’s best wildlife viewing areas, so be prepared to be transfixed with wildlife sightings like never before.

The boutique hotel: Camissa House, Cape Town

Since almost all South African itineraries include the Mother City, ensure that your days spent in Cape Town are in absolute style. Camissa House is one of the city’s slickest boutique offerings and is quietly tucked away in one of Cape Town’s most sought-after suburbs – and at the very base of Table Mountain itself – a location hard to rival.

After a day’s exploring the city, you have the privilege of retreating to Camissa for sanctuary and sleep. The Luxury Terrace Rooms are my favourite – lying in bed at night, the city’s thousands of lights sparkle away in the distance. And then, at the flick of a curtain, it’s a deep night’s rest at the foot of the mountain.

In between exploring, Camissa House offers plenty, from the outdoor rooftop bar and pool terrace – and rates inclusive of all house beverages and afternoon tea. If you head out for dinner, they’ll safely transfer you to your restaurant and back.

The Castle: Noetzie Castles (Knysna)

South Africa is a land full of surprises, and few international visitors know that on the famed Garden Route – the green corridor that stretches along the Western Cape’s Eastern coastline – there’s an utterly remote and picturesque beach that features a series of rentable castles. International Hospitality group Buccara is the proud custodian of these unique castles, each distinct in their own rights.

First up is Pezula Castle with its lush gardens, large pool, and three suites (one of which famously had Nelson Mandela as a guest). Honeymoon Castle is a double-story romantic two-sleeper with a private pool. Craighross Castle boasts the most modern interiors and is a generous 14-sleeper split over three levels of luxury. Lastly, Lindsay Castle is a twelve-sleeper with more traditional castle interiors and also the most remote of all the fortresses.

All have direct beachfront access, and since the castles can be booked together, they make for impressive destination weddings or other group celebrations with guests spread over the various castles.

The villa: Bordeaux on Britannia, West Coast

The West Coast is one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets. Twenty minutes outside of Cape Town, the North-bound freeway leaves behind all civilization, with the fynbos-flanked hills occasionally giving a glimpse of the wild ocean waiting behind.

Britannia Bay is one of the villages on the coast (I say village because there isn’t a single shop or restaurant) that is home to a string of white-washed houses with direct beach access. Here you find a piece of Greece in Africa, and at Bordeaux on Britannia, the villa’s owners add a little French touch with their penchant for French reds (the villa even has its own labelled Bordeaux red blend) and a Greek meets Morrocan curated interior style from their other travels abroad.

Downstairs, a large open-plan living area beckons for relaxation, with a pool and games room – and the veranda that spills out directly onto the sand. The upstairs space has four bedrooms, all leading off from a central lounge and balcony with killer views. There’s also a kids’ room with stylish bunks and beach access through the shower. Laid-back luxury at its best, with every creature comfort taken care of – including the wondrous housekeeper, Joseph. With this level of luxury, you’ll likely do as I do when I visit: park the car and forget about it as you unwind in your sliver of ocean paradise.

The wine estate: Quoin Rock, Cape Winelands

When abroad, people rarely believe me when I say that within a two-hour drive of Cape Town, there are over 600 wine estates. With endless choices, however, there are several that have distinguished themselves above the rest with their unique terroir, exceptional hospitality, and of course, exceptional wines.

Quoin Rock is one of these – so much so that if visitors have time for only one wine estate visit, I send them to Quoin Rock. The estate is renowned for the wines its unique terroir gives, particularly the Red Blend. The frontispiece is a multiple-volume glass mirror that, depending on the time of day, both frames and mirrors parts of the estate’s breathtaking vistas.

But there’s more than just the wine and views. Firstly, Quoin Rock’s restaurant, Gåte, is a fine dining experience par excellence (make sure to book ahead) – headed up by celebrated Chef Paul Prinsloo. Secondly, seemingly floating on one of the highest sections of the farm is the magnificent Cape Dutch-styled Manor House, available for exclusive use bookings. Surrounding the luxury property are perfectly manicured gardens – grand and sprawling. At sunset, the walk through them is not only rewarded with glowing garden beds but also a postcard view of Table Mountain in the distance.