Stunning beaches and sunsets, breathtaking sceneries, groovy nightlife, enchanting food and music partly define Mzansi. But that’s not all; the most romantic hotels South Africa indulge you in the niceties of life. Johannesburg alone is a treasure to behold – which is why it’s christened the ‘New York’ of Africa. Cape Town doubles up as the home of picturesque views of Table Mountain and long-stretching vineyards rolling into its horizon.
At the centre of all this beauty is the South African hospitality industry that thrives on the country’s nature. There are numerous state-of-the-art lodges, resorts, tented camps and luxurious urban hotels spread throughout Mzansi. Amid your stay in these magnificent hotels, you also get a chance to tour the width and breadth of Kruger National Park and a dozen game reserves. Therefore, these are the best and most romantic hotels in South Africa you should add to your bucket list.
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Most Romantic Hotels South Africa
Kapama River Lodge
Kapama River Lodge. Photo/SA Venues.com
Kapama River Lodge sits still at the Kapama Game Reserve and it offers an ideal fusion of opulent safari lodging. It has 64 guestrooms, each featuring a large accommodation topped by a large terrace with clear views of the lush green reserve. On a good day, you’ll sight some of the big five. Further, Kapama River Lodge’s room comes with an en suite bathroom while a large, outdoor swimming pool with rim flow and lounge chairs welcome your lazy days.
There is also a long, L-shaped relaxation area and bar, surrounded by a double-volume thatch that arcs around the pool. These features create a wonderful open-plan, yet cosy ambience with massive fireplaces on either side making Kapama River Lodge among the most romantic hotels South Africa has. For a night you will part with at least $696.
Derwent House Boutique Hotel
Derwent House Boutique Hotel. Photo/TripAdvisor
Derwent House Boutique Hotel is one of Cape Town’s best bets. Situated at the heart of the bustling Tamboerskloof/Gardens neighbourhood, Derwent House gives you a blend of historic charm with modern Afro-chic flair and all the modern conveniences for a distinctive Cape Town feel, warmth, and comfort. A restaurant, stylish stores, bar, spacious rooms, and friendly staff are at your beck and call. A night here costs $184 which changes depending on the time of visit.
South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel
South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel/Agoda
Amazing ocean views make South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel add to the most romantic hotels South Africa prides in. Located in Camps Bay, this award-winning 5-star hotel treats you to a perfect beachfront ocean adventure.
With its Miami-inspired look and feel, South Beach offers the perfect blend of self-catering accommodation in a 5-star hotel, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds. All of its 21 suites have incredible views of the blue ocean waters with large windows and a balcony or private patio. In addition, there are two Olympic-sized, large outdoor swimming pools, a gym a guest laundry, and complimentary bicycles for sporting guests.
Prices per night range from $283.
POD Camps Bay Boutique Hotel
POD Camps Bay Boutique Hotel. Photo/POD.CO.za
If you are looking for the most romantic hotels South Africa ever had, POD Camps Bay Boutique Hotel features prominently for two things. It gives you a raw and a refined African feel of vacation, luxury, style and comfort.
A major hallmark of it all is the absolute collection of African décor which infuses a beachside sophistication sense with reality, something many travellers always look out for. POD Camps Bay has magnificent mountain and ocean views all seen from its 17 contemporary apartments and rooms. The famed Camps Bay coastline has a line of chic restaurants and bars that add to the zest and beauty of the hotel. Condé Nast Hot List 2011 listed POD Camps Bay Boutique Hotel and Tatler included it in the 101 Best Hotels in the World.
A night costs between $266 to $332 depending on the booking platform that you use.
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge in South Africa. Photo/Wetu
The foothills of Swartberg Mountains house the luxurious and expansive Buffelsdrift Game Lodge. This lodge is 60 minutes away from George Airport and a cool five-hour drive to Cape Town. Astoundingly, Buffelsdrift offers nine waterfronts, 20 luxury and five family tents, each featuring an en-suite bathroom, and a private outdoor shower. Additionally, the rooms come with
- A mini-bar
- Digital safe
- Tea/coffee-making machine
- A deck to enjoy wildlife sights
- A stone fireplace
Buffelsdrift Game Lodge offers a wedding chapel which is the crème de la crème of the most romantic hotels South Africa talks about. If you choose to have your wedding here, enjoy the sights of over 217 bird species and an array of wild animals. For $177, you have a chance to immerse yourself in the goodness of nature.
Conclusion
From the heart of Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town cities to the game reserves, there is a romantic-themed hotel waiting for you. Should you prefer an urban view, or a wild view while enjoying your vacation, you will always have it.
