South Africa’s landscape hotels offer an extraordinary way to experience the country’s diverse and breathtaking natural beauty. Nestled in some of the most iconic locations, from the dramatic cliffs of the Western Cape to the expansive savannas of Kruger National Park, these hotels are designed to blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Whether perched on a mountainside or tucked away in a private nature reserve, they provide guests with immersive, uninterrupted views of South Africa’s rich landscapes. The architecture often incorporates natural materials like wood, stone, and thatch, creating a sense of harmony with the environment while prioritizing sustainability and low-impact development.
Each property offers a unique connection to the land, combining luxury with the raw beauty of nature. Guests can enjoy world-class amenities such as infinity pools overlooking the bushveld, private decks for stargazing, and spa treatments inspired by local flora. Activities like guided safaris, mountain hikes, and vineyard tours allow visitors to fully engage with their surroundings. From the coastal cliffs of the Garden Route to the serene beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains, South Africa’s landscape hotels provide not just a stay but an unforgettable journey into the heart of its natural wonders.
POD Camps Bay
Camps Bay
Photo property of POD Boutique Hotel
Pod Camps Bay is a masterpiece of modern design and architecture, seamlessly blending contemporary aesthetics with its natural surroundings. The hotel’s minimalist design features clean lines, open spaces, and an emphasis on natural materials like wood, stone, and glass. Floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies offer unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and the iconic Twelve Apostles mountain range, creating a sense of harmony between the interior spaces and the landscapes beyond. The architecture is not only visually striking but also environmentally conscious, designed to maximize natural light and ventilation.
Nestled in the vibrant beachfront district of Camps Bay, the hotel is surrounded by some of Cape Town’s most spectacular scenery. Guests are just steps away from the sandy shores of Camps Bay Beach, while the dramatic cliffs of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head provide a beautiful backdrop. The lush, natural beauty of the area invites exploration, whether it’s hiking the nearby trails, enjoying scenic drives along the coast, or simply relaxing on the hotel’s sun deck, where the infinity pool seems to merge with the ocean.
Morukuru Beach Lodge
De Hoop Nature Reserve
Photo property of Morukuru Beach Lodge
Nestled along the untouched shores of De Hoop Nature Reserve in South Africa, Morukuru Beach Lodge offers an exclusive escape where luxury meets pristine wilderness. Surrounded by rolling sand dunes, rugged cliffs, and the sparkling Indian Ocean, this eco-friendly lodge seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings. Designed with sustainability in mind, the lodge is entirely off-grid, powered by solar energy and committed to minimizing its environmental footprint. Guests can enjoy stylish accommodations with panoramic views, indulge in locally inspired cuisine, and explore the breathtaking reserve through activities like guided nature walks, whale watching, and sandboarding. Morukuru Beach Lodge is more than just a destination—it’s an immersive retreat that celebrates the harmony between nature and refined comfort.
Babylonstoren
The Cape Winelands
Photo property of Babylonstoren
Babylonstoren, located in South Africa’s Cape Winelands, is a historic farm that offers a seamless blend of natural beauty, thoughtful design, and luxurious amenities. The estate is centered around an expansive, meticulously maintained garden that forms the heart of the property. Covering over eight acres, the garden is home to a diverse array of fruit orchards, vegetable patches, and fragrant herb beds, all laid out in a visually stunning yet functional design. Guests are encouraged to explore and even pick fresh produce, deepening their connection to the land and its seasonal rhythms.
The architecture at Babylonstoren reflects a harmonious balance between heritage and modernity. The whitewashed Cape Dutch-style buildings are complemented by contemporary structures made from glass and steel, allowing for stunning views of the surrounding vineyards, mountains, and gardens. Every detail, from the reclaimed wood furniture to the minimalist interiors, is thoughtfully curated to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape. Large windows and open spaces invite natural light and blur the lines between indoor and outdoor living, providing a serene and immersive experience.
Babylonstoren’s amenities further enhance its appeal as a wellness and leisure destination. Guests can indulge in farm-to-table dining at the property’s acclaimed restaurants, where dishes are crafted using ingredients sourced directly from the garden. The spa offers a range of treatments inspired by the natural surroundings, while the outdoor pool and hammam provide opportunities for relaxation. For those seeking adventure, the estate features scenic walking and cycling trails that meander through vineyards and along the Berg River. Babylonstoren is more than a retreat—it’s a place where nature and design come together to offer an unforgettable escape.
Tsala
The Garden Route
Photo property of Tsala
Tsala is a luxury treetop lodge in the largest tract of natural forest in South Africa, located along the Garden Route - a 300km stretch of the coast from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to the Storms River in the Eastern Cape. The retreat is surrounded by ancient indigenous trees, rolling valleys, and velvet hills. Stay in one of ten Treetop suites or one of six two-bedroom Treetop Villas, built into the canopy, and complete with wraparound verandahs and infinity plunge pools. Enjoy glass walls with views to the surrounding forest, free-standing tubs, and sun loungers. The design echoes natural fabrics, earthy colours, and raw textures, resembling stone and ebony. Tsala works hard to preserve the animals and the environment within the property as well as support the local community.
Angala
The Cape Winelands
Photo property of Angala Boutique Hotel
Angala Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, in the upper reaches of Vrede en Lust wine estate. Between mountains, near a lake, and surrounded by lush trees, you will find a personal oasis of peace and indulgence. Choose between a suite or a cottage, with views to the mountains or the valley. Look out onto a secluded garden or the pond from your balcony or a private veranda. Cool off during the day in the Eco Pool - where the ecosystem mimics the streams, rivers and ponds. Warm up by the fireplace in your private lounge once the sun goes down.
Lion Sands
Kruger National Park
Photo property of Lion Sands
Lion Sands is an award-winning safari retreat in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, on the edge of Kruger National Park in South Africa. The reserve consists of four lodges, built with their surroundings in mind, incorporating steel, wood, thatch, glass, water & sand. Stay in the River Lodge, the only private reserve to have access to the Sabie River, with the rooms connected by wooden walkways, offering unparalleled game viewing. The ultra-lux and modern Ivory Lodge consists of 9 villas, complete with lounge areas and private swimming pools. Choose The Tinga Lodge for retro safari design and wooden viewing decks or the Narina Lodge, located under 100 year old trees and overlooking the Sabie River. For a once in a lifetime experience, spend the night under the stars in one of the Lion Sands’ Treehouses. Listen to wildlife come alive around you. Take in the views of the iconic African plains at dusk.
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