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Luxury and Charm: The best boutique hotels in South Africa

The best boutique hotels in South Africa ~ A great option for some romantic time with your favourite person is Boutique Hotels. These intimate hotels offer luxurious, private suites and exceptional facilities for a couple to enjoy, often including heated pools, spa facilities, a restaurant or bar at which to enjoy delicious cocktails.

Boutique hotels stand toe-to-toe with luxury hotel chains, offering not just comparable quality but a unique blend of simplicity and style. Their smaller size allows for a more personalized experience, catering to the individual needs and preferences of each guest.

As South Africa continues to attract a growing number of visitors, the criteria for an exceptional stay have evolved. Today’s travelers seek out accommodations that embody simple sophistication and a distinctive flair.

South Africa has mastered the art of the boutique hotel, creating spaces that are both elegant and original. Experience it for yourself – we’re confident you’ll be impressed.

Western CapeEastern Cape
GautengKwaZulu-Natal
Garden RouteLimpopo
Mpumalanga

The best boutique hotels in WESTERN CAPE

Camissa House Boutique Hotel

This boutique hotel in Cape Town is a marvel of experiential design, combining intimate luxury with innovative aesthetics. Situated in Oranjezicht with the iconic Table Mountain as its backdrop, it offers breathtaking views of the lively cityscape below, redefining the concept of a luxury stay.

Camissa House meticulously curates every detail to create an enchanting ambiance. In a city renowned for its breathtaking scenery and vibrant culture, Camissa House emerges as a symbol of elegance and refinement. There is truly no more magnificent setting for a luxury boutique hotel.

Akademie Street Boutique Hotel

Akademie Street offers five luxurious, private and peaceful houses of which three have their own enchanting garden and pool. From this retreat one can stroll to the village centre and its famous restaurants and historic wine farms.

There are four sun-kissed swimming pools and shady, gardens where one can lie in privacy and listen to the splashing of the fountains, the cooing of the Cape Doves – sounds so evocative of the Cape Winelands. This is coupled with the personal service that only a very small, family owned and managed, five-star boutique-hotel can give.

Pineapple House Boutique Hotel

Pineapple House Boutique Hotel in Sea Point is where enchantment and luxury intertwine in perfect harmony. Our boutique gem boasts uniquely designed bedrooms, each exuding its own distinctive charm.

The pineapple, a universal symbol of hospitality and warmth, embodies the very essence of our hotel—friendship, welcome, and genuine care. Every corner of Pineapple House is a feast for the senses. Quirky fabrics and inspiring artwork blend seamlessly with modern, luxurious amenities, ensuring your stay is nothing short of unforgettable.

iGadi House Boutique Hotel

Nestled in the heart of Gardens and just a short stroll from popular Bree Street, iGadi House is a beautifully preserved Victorian-era guest house. This charming historic home blends vintage architectural features, such as the original balcony and courtyard, with modern design and bespoke furnishings from South African artisans.

The guest house offers various well-appointed rooms with modern amenities, including TVs, workspaces, and personal safes, ensuring every comfort for guests.

Compass House Boutique Hotel

Compass House, perfectly positioned on the shores of the Atlantic Seaboard, promises it’s guests the ultimate in style and comfort. Located in Bantry Bay, just two minutes from the beach-front and ten minutes away from the city centre, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the ocean from every room.

A large swimming pool and patio lend themselves brilliantly for day-time relaxation and witnessing the beautifully blissful sunsets.

Noah House

A Dutch couple fell in love with an 1860s farmhouse and Cape Town and transformed into a grand home. They’ve opened a chic small hotel with a European-style pavement café in a coveted inner-city neighborhood.

The décor is “modern Victorian Zen,” featuring a serene palette of desert tones, crisp whites, and wood, with light-filled spaces, soft artwork, and smooth, curvy furnishings. This luxurious urban oasis is perfect for a tranquil retreat. Book the Balcony Suite for stunning views of Signal Hill, Lion’s Head and Table Mountain.

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel in Cape Town epitomizes discreet elegance and luxury. Housed in a grand 19th-century Georgian and Victorian building, a National Monument since 1984, the hotel is renowned for its personalized service and comfortable ambiance.

Guests benefit from expert local knowledge to enhance their daily excursions. Each room is individually designed around her historic uniqueness.

The Andros Boutique Hotel

Nestled in Claremont, The Andros Boutique Hotel is an historic Cape Dutch homestead, built in 1908, combining old-world charm with modern luxury. The hotel features unique rooms, each adorned with antiques, Persian carpets, and contemporary artwork, ensuring elegance and comfort.

Guests can unwind in the immaculate gardens with old oak trees, enjoy the outdoor pool, or indulge in spa treatments and the indoor heated pool. Dine, the hotel’s restaurant, is famous for its exquisite cuisine, offering intimate dinners and garden picnics.

Sea Five Boutique Hotel

Situated in an outstanding location and just 300 meters from South Africa’s most glamorous beaches like the four Clifton beaches and Camps Bay, Sea Five Boutique Hotel offers exclusive en-suite rooms with incredible mountain and ocean views.

Each bedroom has been individually styled and guests can look forward to the rare treat of sleeping between the sheets of 100% pure Italian linen and waking up to the scent of freshly baked bread and croissants and the most extraordinary service.

Carmichael House Boutique Hotel

Carmichael House Boutique Hotel is a fully renovated Victorian mansion offering comfortable en-suite rooms in Cape Town. Located on the slopes of Table Mountain and within walking distance of the University of Cape Town, the guesthouse features seven uniquely decorated rooms, each named after a gemstone color.

Guests can choose from Twin, Double, Family Suite, or Loft accommodations. Enjoy a delicious breakfast on the sunny veranda or in the lush garden, with a light lunch option available for those relaxing by the pool or in the garden.

Rouge On Rose Boutique Hotel

Rouge on Rose is for the traveller who wants to be right at the centre of all things Cape Town. With its meticulously decorated suites, it opened its doors in the Bo-Kaap in 2008. This historic neighborhood is famous for its colourful homes, mystical chanting from the Mosques and its warm, Malay community.

A short walk will take you to the V&A Waterfront, Cape Town International Convention Centre, bustling Bree and Kloof Street, trendy De Waterkant, top-rated fine dining and bistro restaurants, art galleries and museums and Company Gardens.

The Three Boutique Hotel

The Three Boutique Hotel seamlessly blends old-world charm with modern elegance. Housed in a converted National Monument in Oranjezicht, Cape Town, this stylish and affordable hotel offers exceptional service from arrival to departure.

Owners Justin and Natalia, with their cruise ship hospitality experience, have assembled a remarkable team. The Three strikes a perfect balance between homely comfort and hotel sophistication, providing chic surroundings, 4-star amenities, and friendly service in a trendy central location.

Sea Star Rocks Boutique Hotel

Sea Star Rocks offers luxury bed and breakfast style accommodation in Camps Bay. From here you can enjoy views over Camps Bay, Table Mountain and Lions Head.

Although this is a very tranquil spot, when staying at Sea Star Rocks you are within close proximity to Cape Town’s attractions and the main strip in Camps Bay along the beach front, boasting a number of restaurants, bars and cafes.

The Thatch House Boutique Hotel

The Thatch House Boutique Hotel, perched on the Hermanus Lagoon, offers stunning views of the Cape Fold Mountains. This serene retreat features luxurious suites, cozy indoor and outdoor living spaces, a games room, and a gym.

Explore two hectares of manicured gardens, a putting green, tennis court, and children’s play areas. Enjoy the swimming pool, kayak around the lagoon, or take a private boat for sunset cruises and water skiing.

The best boutique hotels in MPUMALANGA

Highgrove House Country Hotel

Nestled in Hazyview within 64 acres of serene Mpumalanga Lowveld, Highgrove House Country Hotel, Restaurant and Spa provides an idyllic retreat surrounded by lush forests and flourishing orchards of macadamia and avocado trees.

Located a mere 20 minutes from the renowned Kruger Park, this tranquil haven offers secluded suites, each with a log fireplace and views of the gardens. The two Executive Suites boast private gardens with saunas and pools for an added touch of luxury.

Akabeko Boutique Hotel

The location of this peaceful boutique hotel in Dullstroom on the Highlands Meander, is enough to lure one to Mpumalanga. That it lies close to the Kruger National Park, is yet another reason to stay here.

Situated on Waterfall Farm, on the edge of the Hoppe River, the hotel combines stone, modern glass, and wooden floors effortlessly with indulgent décor and mosaic sunken baths to provide seven elegant suites with king sized beds.

umVangati House

umVangati House can be found at the heart of the Blyde River Canyon, approximately 35km from Hoedspruit. This owner run retreat offers luxury with personal service and a friendly environment.

Whether you’re celebrating a special event like a honeymoon or anniversary, or simply looking for a weekend getaway, umVangati House offers a perfect escape from the daily grind. It’s the ultimate sanctuary for those wishing to unwind, de-stress, and relax.

Welgelegen Manor

Located less than an hour’s drive from the city of Johannesburg, Welgelegen Manor offers luxury accommodation in Balfour, in the heart of Cosmos countryside.

This country retreat combines 19th century old world charm with modern hotel luxury. Coupled with a warm South African welcome, you will enjoy a truly unforgettable stay.

The best boutique hotels in GAUTENG

The Peech Hotel

The Peech Hotel is Joburg’s ‘chic’ boutique hotel. Situated at 61 North Street, in Melrose it offers sixteen bedrooms and suites, a Bistro restaurant with champagne bar and a boardroom and events space.

WiFi, iPod docking stations, access to adjacent Planet Fitness Gym (for a small charge), swimming pool & gardens, Bistro @ The Peech – contemporary bistro restaurant & champagne bar.

The Residence Boutique Hotel

A warm, hospitable welcome awaits you at The Residence, located in the historic suburb of Houghton, which is and was home to many famous residents including former president Nelson Mandela.

The air-conditioned suites are generously proportioned and designed for ultimate comfort and privacy, leading out to spacious balconies with tables, chairs and sun loungers shaded by large sun umbrellas.

Hyde Park Guest House

Hyde Park Guest House is ideally set in the peaceful, leafy upmarket suburb of Hyde Park in Johannesburg. Within close proximity to both the Sandton and Rosebank business and shopping centres; our location makes it the ideal venue for the discerning business traveller or leisure-seeker.

This 5 star guest house offers luxurious accommodation with personalized attention to all the important details. For bed and breakfast accommodation, Hyde Park Guest House is your home away from home.

Cradle Boutique Hotel

Cradle Boutique Hotel, set in a stunning 9,000-hectare nature reserve, is uniquely situated on an active anthropological site. The hotel offers air-conditioned room types, each with a tea/coffee station, hair dryer, electronic safe, free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and a private deck.

The Cradle Restaurant, a modern marvel of stone, steel, and glass, features retractable floor-to-ceiling glass doors and a wide veranda, offering 180-degree views of the game-filled valley and the Highveld landscape under the blue African sky.

Best boutique hotels in KWAZULU-NATAL

Canelands Boutique Hotel & Spa

With 180 degree views over the ocean and the sound of waves crashing meters away you enter a world of utter tranquility, when you escape to Canelands Beach Club and Spa.

Guests can enjoy views over the ocean, the sound of waves crashing metres away, and a feeling of tranquillity while enjoying cocktails and culinary delights prepared by the executive chef.

The Vineyard On Ballito

The Vineyard on Ballito is inspired by the beauty and grandeur of the magnificent South African Vineyards and the country’s viticultural history.

Located 5 minutes from the beach, The Vineyard offers the perfect North Coast stay with Bed & Breakfast accommodation in luxurious suites with ocean views.

Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House

Contemporary yet warm, within minutes’ drive from the hustle and bustle of both Umhlanga and La Lucia Ridge, we offer the best in location, style and comfort, with our sweeping exquisite ocean view roof-top deck being a piece de résistance.

Rare find, Ocean Vista Boutique Guest House is perfect for couples seeking a memorable coastal weekend getaway whilst fully catering also for business travellers.

Beachwood Boutique Hotel

Beachwood Boutique Hotel, in Ballito on KwaZulu Natal’s Dolphin Coast, offers a prime location just a stroll from the beach and near the town’s attractions.

Enjoy one of the uniquely styled rooms which includes a balcony with views of the landscaped gardens or the inviting communal pool.

Avondale Boutique Hotel

Avondale, a luxurious hotel in Morningside, provides a serene retreat for leisure and business travelers. Enjoy the perfect spot to immerse yourself in Durban’s natural beauty and culture, with elegance in every detail from reception to your spacious room.

Choose from Queen rooms, King rooms, or Family Suites, all featuring free Wi-Fi, smart TVs, hair dryers, tea/coffee facilities, laptop safes, fridges, and air conditioning. Avondale also offers luxurious spa treatments.

Saint James on Venice

Nestled in Durban’s leafy Morningside, The Saint James on Venice luxury guesthouse offers a historic retreat with old-world charm. Originally built in 1892 by Corobrik founder Robert Storm, this guesthouse is a perfect base for city exploration.

The elegantly decorated rooms feature classic style, with some offering views of the century-old St. James church. Enjoy personal service in an intimate, friendly setting.

The best boutique hotels in EASTERN CAPE

Prana Lodge Boutique Hotel

Located just 40 minutes from East London on South Africa’s Wild Coast, Prana Lodge Private Beach Estate and Spa offers a luxurious escape. Nestled along 21 km of pristine beach, this 5-star retreat features lush gardens and the warm Indian Ocean at your doorstep.

Enjoy exceptional cuisine, direct beach access, and the region’s premier award-winning spa, all under the warm hospitality of the Davidson family.

Intle Boutique Hotel

Discover Intle, a chic boutique hotel set on 800 hectares of stunning hills, valleys, and thickets, ideal for hikers and cyclists. Just a 45-minute drive from Port Elizabeth Airport, Intle sits atop a hill with breathtaking views over the grasslands.

Relax on the wooden deck poolside, or enjoy seasonal, locally inspired dishes at the Signature restaurant. With only nine exclusive rooms, guests can explore the reserve and its wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and birds of prey. Each room boasts a private balcony with panoramic views of Jeffreys Bay or the mountains.

The best boutique hotels in GARDEN ROUTE

Barringtons Boutique Hotel

Barrington’s, a cornerstone in Plettenberg Bay, features one of the area’s first craft breweries, a beautiful garden, a chic brasserie, a cozy bar, and an intimate hotel. Perfect for families and couples, it offers an ideal retreat.

Guided by the motto “Honesty Before Splendor,” Barrington’s Hotel delivers an authentic, artisanal experience. Enjoy craft beer brewed on-site, organic produce from the garden, freshly baked bread, and smoked free-range meats, all reflecting a commitment to quality and tradition.

Sky Villa Boutique Hotel

Sky Villa Boutique Hotel in Plettenberg Bay offers unrivaled tranquility and 360-degree views of the ocean and Keurbooms Lagoon from its elevated perch on Baron Estate.

Discover the unexpected joy of Sky Villa, a hilltop retreat with stunning views of Plettenberg Bay. This passion project exudes opulence and striking design, providing five-star facilities and warm hospitality for a truly unique experience.

Head Over Hills Boutique Hotel

Head over Hills, a boutique hotel on the edge of Knysna Heads, offers luxury accommodation with world-class views, perfect for special occasions, honeymoons, or nature-filled vacations.

This intimate retreat features en-suite bedrooms with handcrafted Hästens beds from Sweden, ensuring a luxurious and revitalizing stay. Enjoy the ocean-view swimming pool, loungers, and an honesty bar stocked with fine wines and refreshments.

The best boutique hotels in Limpopo

Aerotel Boutique Aviator Hotel

Aerotel, a boutique aviator hotel, offers unique accommodation in Hoedspruit, Limpopo. Experience the thrill of spending a night on-board a Boeing 737-200, or Boeing 727 private jet overlooking the African bushveld and the northern Drakensberg mountains.

The hotel is located 64 km from Kruger National Park’s Orpen Gate for those wishing to visit the park. Aerotel rooms offer air-conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, bar fridge, hairdryer, safe and bathroom amenities.

AM Lodge

AM Lodge is an Exclusive, Luxurious Five Star Safari Lodge that is situated in the heart of the African Bush on a 20,000 HA Private Game Reserve which is home to four of the BIG 5; only meters away from the Kruger National Park, near Hoedspruit, Limpopo.

With exclusive all-inclusive packages, AM Lodge offers an Intimate African Experience to individuals or families of all ages who are looking to emerge their senses into the African Heartbeat.

African Flair Boutique Safari Lodge

This boutique Safari Lodge is an intimate and luxurious lodge which provides a unique, superior experience in the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate for only two guests. This is an ideal choice for a proposal, special celebration or bespoke Honeymoon.

The Lodge is spaced over two levels. The lower level is furnished with a King-size bed and there is a star bed available on the rooftop linked with a staircase from the inside of the suite.

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