Summer is here in South Africa, and gorgeous beach holidays beckon. South Africa is fortunate to be able to boast incomparably beautiful coastlines in several parts of the country. Whether you choose a hotspot beach destination on Cape Town’s acclaimed Atlantic seaboard, or prefer to sneak away to a shoreline more remote and unpeopled, we have our Big Five of beach holiday choices for 2013/1014.
Twelve Apostles, Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town
This is an opulent beach holiday option which places you very near to some of Cape Town’s most celebrated beaches, yet a short drive away from the crowded hotspots, which greatly enhances the tranquility factor. This world-class hotel stands between the Atlantic ocean and the soaring granite peaks of Cape Town’s majestic Twelve Apostles. Enjoying a prime spot away from the holidaying crowds, the hotel is also just minutes from idyllic Camps Bay beach in one direction, and a short drive from Hout Bay beach in another direction. Lavish luxury, gold-standard hospitality and holistic wellness are hallmarks of the hotel, and all this is offered in an environment of immense natural beauty – a tonic for body and soul. Enjoy world-class service from welcoming and attentive staff at the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa. Treat yourself to contemporary Cape cuisine, and unique therapies at The Spa. Mail us.
Ellerman House, Bantry Bay, Cape Town
This sublime mansion has pride of place above the vast ocean at Bantry Bay. The Atlantic panorama – which stretches out to include famous Robben Island – is utterly supreme. Not only is this a seaside destination par excellence, it is also one of the world’s top boutique hotels from an art perspective – the private art gallery houses a truly magnificent collection. Tiered gardens, ocean-facing verandahs, exquisite interiors and the finest lodging, cuisine, service and wines add up to an experience of supreme luxury and refinement. Ellerman House Villa One and Villa Two are sole-use options, offering unrivalled privacy and opulence. Mail us.
The Plettenberg Hotel, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route
Lookout Beach has finally returned to Plettenberg Bay and it’s right beside The Plettenberg! This glorious and just-refurbed hotel basks beside a glinting ocean in Plettenberg Bay, offering immediate access to Lookout Beach, and easy access to the Garden Route’s other beaches, forests, animal sanctuaries and local adventures. Hotel facilities include the chic Sand Bar, SeaFood at The Plettenberg, The Wine Cellar, and an in-house spa and stylish boutique. For guests in search of uncompromised privacy, The Lookout Villa and The Beach House are excellent options. Mail us.
Prana Lodge, Wild Coast, Eastern Cape
Escape the bustle of the cities and head for Prana Lodge – it’s the Wild Coast’s five-star luxury hideaway, right beside the beach. If peace on the beach is what a holiday is about for you, then this is the choice to make. The lodge has just seven suites, each one luxurious and offering a private garden and plunge pool. The Thai Wellness Centre and Spa providing a range of treatments, yoga and meditation – and all of this greatly enhances the sense of tranquillity. Enjoy direct access to 21km of unspoilt beach. Mail us.
The Oyster Box, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal
The Oyster Box is a grand beachside holiday at Umhlanga Rocks, on the alluringly warm Indian Ocean. It is opulent, palatial and all its five stars gleam brightly. Here, you can step onto the beach from the hotel, indulge in soothing spa experiences, enjoy fabulous dining at several restaurants, sit back to a grand afternoon tea or a cocktail in an open courtyard, take a movie in-house at the cinema, and live lavishly in your room or suite with excellent in-room technology at hand. Children and pets are also accommodated in grand style. Mail us.
Thonga Beach Lodge, Mabibi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal
Chill on the pristine, uncrowded coastline of Mabibi Bay, at sublime Thonga Beach Lodge. This fantastic beach hideaway – consisting of a handful of luxurious thatched suites – is concealed in lush tropical dune forest just metres from the beach. The lodge offers an exclusive experience of barefoot luxury and includes snorkelling on a protected reef; diving with launches in front of the lodge; swimming with whale sharks, dolphins and manta rays; kayaking on Lake Sibaya; and seasonal turtle tracking (November – February). Mail us.
We have many other ideas for beach holidays in South Africa – please feel free to ask our consultants. Alternatively, call us on +27 21 797-7122 (international) or 0860 102 907 (local).
