Africa, for all its wild and exciting glory often conjures up images of safari tents and small mud villages, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, many high-end, exquisite, luxury African hotels can be found dotted throughout the continent amongst its fifty-four countries. This article looks at a few of these exotic, luxury options in a bit more detail.

Courtesy of constancehotels.com
Luxury African Hotel: Constance Lemuria, The Seychelles
Amongst the white sand beaches of the Seychelles are a number of first class, luxury resorts, prime for special getaways or honeymoons. One such place is the Constance Lemuria, an extensive hotel and resort with over one hundred rooms ranging from junior to presidential suites. An array of culinary delight is served in their impressive dining area, and hotel staff are on hand to entertain the children, ensuring you get a bit of relaxation in yourself with one of their custom spa treatments. Lemuria itself is known as a mythical “lost land”, often thought to be highly nature-based, and beautiful, much like this gem of a resort.

Courtesy of Diamond Star of the East/Tripadvisor
Situated on Zanzibar’s north coast, near Nungwi, the Diamond Star of the East is a true sensual delight. With eleven executive villas on the beach, each with private butler service, this African hotel is sure to excite even the most discerning of travellers. Each villa comes equipped with its own private botanical garden, plunge pool and terrace, on which to watch the fantastic Zanzibari sunsets in pure bliss and privacy.

Courtesy of greensafaris.com
Maybe tomorrow, the Anglicized name for this luxurious resort and villas on the southern tip of the island, suggests in itself the pure relaxing feeling of this resort. With each room handcrafted to have its own unique feel and design as well as amazing views across the lake towards Mozambique, Kaya Mawa is sure to please any visitor. With private access to your very own plunge pool or to the lake itself, many find it difficult to part with such a lovely, scenic spot. In addition to all that the main villas of this African hotel have to offer, the cherry on top is its fully staffed, luxury villa, Ndomo House – featuring its own boat jetty and private beach – true luxury.

Courtesy of Grasslandbushmanlodge.com
Travellers looking for an authentic experience need look no further than De Graaf Grassland Bush Lodge. Guests staying at the lodge will get the opportunity to visit and spend time with the San tribe of the area, a true wonder as they teeter on the edge of extinction. Guests will additionally be greeted with spacious chalets with all the comforts of home, as well as friendly staff and fantastic dining facilities. An added delight is relaxing by twilight to watch various Kalahari animals drink at the water hole, just yards away from the lodge.

Courtesy of cleopatraluxurysharm.com
It’s no secret that when you think of Egypt, you think of the beauty and elegance of Cleopatra, coupled with her adventurous spirit and love of indulgence, hence this resort borrowing her name. A luxurious resort for not just those seeking to get away from it all, Makadi Bay is also a treasure trove for the more adventurous and thrill-seeking traveller. Its lush gardens and Red Sea accessibility make this an ideal base for those looking to unwind, or looking to take off.

Courtesy of mamounia.com
This signature hotel in the heart of Marrakech is rated amongst the multi-millionaires as one of the top African hotels in which to relax, unwind and play. The Mamounia boasts a variety of rooms, including its own exquisitely decorated riads, each providing a true and unique sensory experience for the visitor. Relax in luxury and style amongst the marble walls and floors of the Mamounia.

Courtesy of lamaisonarabe.com
Described as an ‘Oasis in central Marrakech’, this five star luxury riad is rated number one on Trip Advisor under its 25 Luxury Hotels in Africa search. With over one thousand reviews rated “excellent”, this riad is a sure bet for visitors looking to relax and unwind while having the option of exploring the city a bit as well. A central plunge pool is on hand to help relieve the heat of the day, and lit candles throughout gives an ambience that is unparalleled.

Courtesy of lapetite.co.za
Luxury African Hotel: La Petit Dauphine, South Africa
Rated number one amongst multi-millionaires in all of the African continent, La Petit Dauphine is a gem for the traveller looking for an idyllic locale from which to base themselves for exploring the South African countryside in style. Described as a ranch or guest farm, La Petit Dauphine has been detailed as one of the nicest holiday destinations in the Franschhoek area of South Africa. With prices ranging from around $150 to $350 a night, there is something here for even the budget-minded luxury seeker.

Courtesy of 12apostleshotel.com
Class and elegance are paramount at the 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, South Africa. From classic rooms to a grand master suite that overlooks the sea, this hotel has a variety of quality, luxury rooms that are sure to delight any traveller looking for a bit of pampering. A member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, the 12 Apostles, South Africa joins other prestigious hotels in places such as London, Ireland, Geneva and Florida. The only problem to tackle with 12 Apostles is whether to get a mountain or sea view.

Courtesy of royalmansour.com
The Royal Mansour in the bustling city of Marrakech is a perfect homage to real Arabic hospitality. With an array of riads to choose from, picking the right one for you is seamless. Exquisitely decorated, spacious private riads are available, purely decorated to the highest Arabic standard, with options for private tour guides to show you through the streets of Medina. Sumptuous dining experiences rival those of five star restaurants elsewhere, surrounded by pristine imagery, served at twilight. An experience truly fit for royalty.

Courtesy of hemingways-collection.com
Luscious swimming pools adorn this Kenyan gem that is complemented perfectly with your own personalized butler who ensures every detail of your entire experience at Hemingways is idyllic to your specific personal tastes. Featuring personalised in-room check-in and check-out, packing and unpacking service, 24-hour press service, shoe shines, concierge, in-room dining, personal shopping service et-al, the sky’s the limit for how pampered you want to be. This African hotel truly caters for the high-end, luxury traveller looking for that special something.
So whatever your reason for seeking a bit of pampering throughout the African continent, you are sure to find something to suit your tastes as these are only a few highlights of the luxurious experiences Africa has to offer.
Courtesy of 12apostleshotel.com