Courtesy of capegrace.com

Luxury African Hotels: Cape Grace, Cape Town

This 5-star hotel is particularly special for its location: In a serene, private quay serving as an international yacht marina on Cape Town’s main harbour. It opened its doors in 1996 and has gradually built up its capacity to an impressive 120 rooms and 13 luxury suites. The hotel also has numerous banqueting rooms ideal for smaller groups or business meetings. These rooms include a wine and whiskey bar, a restaurant, and a conservatory. It also includes a boardroom that can accommodate 14 people with an outside terrace. Other highlights include an outside heated pool and an on-site spa and fitness studio, including a yoga and Pilates instructor. Beaches are only ten minutes away and visits to the Grandwest Casino and Wineries can be arranged through the hotel. 

Courtesy of oysterboxhotel.com

Luxury African Hotels: The Oyster Box, Durban

Opened in 1947, this well-established hotel has become one of the most famous and well-loved hotels in all of Africa. It has a colonial charm about it, combined with excellent service, and it is located right next to the ocean amongst lush, tropical gardens, next to an old, charming lighthouse. Special highlights include the on-site, 24 seat cinema, where food and refreshments are served to you in your seat and 2 swimming pools, one of which is a rim-flow pool with spectacular ocean views. Business travellers will also delight in the four modern and immaculate conference and function rooms. The restaurants, “The Grill Room” and “The Ocean Terrace Restaurant”, serve fresh seafood alongside Indian and European influenced South Africa cuisine. Additional highlights include a pet-pampering service that will groom and look after any pets you bring along with you, a fitness club and a traditional Hammam. Nearby are excellent beaches and some of the best fairway golf courses in South Africa.

Courtesy of ellerman.co.za

Luxury African Hotels: Ellerman House, Cape Town

Ellerman House is an exclusive, private retreat located on the shores of the Atlantic, offers majestic views of the endless blue ocean. The hotel has only 9 rooms and 2 suites, but they are both elegant and truly exquisite. One of the hotel’s special highlights is the truly spectacular wine cellar, with a staggering 17,000 bottles of South African wine to choose from. Ellerman House is also unique in that it has its own Art collection and a new contemporary art gallery. Other amenities include an outdoor heated pool, a spa facility, and fine dining on-site; serving extravagant South African inspired dishes. The dining room also has the added bonus of having magnificent views over the ocean. The hotel also offers guided winery tours and can arrange drop-off and pick-up services for nearby shopping. 

Courtesy of saxon.co.za

Luxury African Hotels: Saxon Boutique House and Spa, Johannesburg

Located in an elegant landscaped garden setting, the architectural design is one of the defining aspects of this African hotel; It makes extensive use of water features, at the heart of which lies the awe-inspiring ‘Infinity Swimming Pool’. The grand entrance hall also provides a spectacular introduction to this prestigious hotel, with a huge glass dome that allows natural light to illuminate the stately, sweeping staircase, piano lounge, smoking library, and dining room. The hotel has 24 suites, all with huge bay windows that overlook the gently rolling hills in the distance and the pool area, but all equipped with laced shutters if you want privacy. The suites are also equipped with large screen televisions, DVD players, surround sound systems, and wifi access. The three Presidential Suites are particularly impressive, with entrance halls, guest bathroom and separate lounge and dining areas that open onto a grand balcony, plus a fully-equipped butler’s kitchen. A special fact about this African hotel is that Nelson Mandela wrote his infamous autobiography here, “A Long Walk to Freedom”. Other amenities include a superb fine dining restaurant, an inside heated jet pool and a cold plunge pool. An outside heated hydro pool even plays underwater music, and there is an on-site world-class spa offering state of the art hydrotherapies and wellness treatments.

Courtesy of belmond.com

Luxury African Hotels: The Belmound Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town

Widely touted as the most iconic luxury hotel in Cape Town, The Belmound is located within a lush garden estate, right in the heart of the city’s buzzing cultural centre, and also close to V and A Waterfront and only a few minutes from some of Cape Town’s best beaches. Despite being in the heart of all the action in Cape Town, it still manages to be a quiet and serene oasis within the city’s urban centre, and manages to maintain a romantic ambience. The hotel has a whopping 144 rooms and 57 suites, which can accommodate a total of 400 people. It also features small meeting rooms for up to 60 people, two on-site restaurants, and an outdoor lounge ideal for afternoon teas. The nine acres of land around the hotel are enclosed gardens ideal for children to play in, with babysitting services and child-friendly tours to see penguins and butterflies. Other notable amenities include a body clinic that offers massages, facials, body wraps and hot stone therapy, two tennis courts, and three golf courses nearby. The hotel also offers wine tours and is close to cricket, rugby, and soccer stadiums.

Courtesy of fourseasons.com

Luxury African Hotels: Four Seasons First Residents, Cairo

Located on the west bank of the River Nile, this “Four Seasons” has phenomenal views of the Great Pyramids over the forest canopy of Cairo’s ancient Zoological and Botanical Gardens, and is nestled in heart of the new First Residence apartment and shopping complex. The hotel has 269 guest rooms and suites, which makes it by far the largest in Cairo. It is also only a stone-throw away from Cairo’s bustling downtown. Activities on offer include cooking classes, fortune-telling sessions, and sailing on the river Nile. Notable amenities include fine dining, a fitness centre and spa, an outdoor pool and a business centre ideal for business meetings and clients. Nearby, tours can be arranged for golf courses, theatres, and museums, as well as the opportunity for horseback riding. 

Courtesy of kempinski.com

Luxury African Hotels: Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay, Hurghada, Red Sea

This spectacular resort destination on the shores of the magnificent Red Sea features a picturesque landscape that includes polls, waterfalls, and lagoons, that all flow down 400 metres to a stunning sandy beach overlooking the breathtaking Soma Bay. The architectural design is also very special, drawing on ancient Moorish fortresses, the hotel features 325 luxurious rooms and suites. Rooms are elegantly designed, with an eastern flavour including marble floors and bathrooms, mixed with contemporary décor leading to balconies with panoramic views of the sea. The hotel has an impressive 5 restaurants on-site, serving everything from Asian to Tapas to Western food, and the hotel pool has a river running around it that leads to grand Jacuzzi. The Cascades Spa and Thalasso spans over an area of more than 7500 square metres, with a plethora of treatment options including; a large seawater facility, an Aqua tonic pool, numerous hydrotherapy treatments, and seaweed wraps and underwater massages, as well as beauty treatments. A squash hall, four tennis courts, a beach volleyball court, and a Golf and Country Club will keep sports enthusiasts more than occupied and entertained for the duration of their stay. Finally, Soma Bay itself is known as a world-class dive and snorkelling centre and is the dive-centre at Soma Bay is one the most well-established in the Red Sea, located on a 1km stretch of beach that includes a house reef that is packed with tropical fish and coral gardens galore.

 Courtesy of sofitel.accor.com

Luxury African Hotels: Sofitel Legend, Old Cataract, Aswan

Sofitel hotel is a luxury 5-star hotel built in a 19th-century Victorian palace dating back to British Colonial times, situated on the banks of the river Nile. It offers an impressive 100 rooms and 138 suites. The hotel rises from the pink granite of the Nubian Desert, and the décor blends Pharaonic treasures with French art de recevoir, with the architecture comprising of Moorish arches and upholstery including ruby red chandeliers, Persian carpets, and soft armchairs. The hotel features such amenities as an Infinity Pool which overlooks the Nile, a spa that offers hot stone massages, a Hammam, a Jacuzzi, a stylish boardroom (ideal for business meetings), and a fitness centre. Activities include guided tours to the nearby Tomb of Nobles, Kalabsha Temple, and the Nubian Museum.

Courtesy of mamounia.com

Luxury African Hotels: Hotel La Mamounia, Marrakech

The Mamounia has just gone through a 3-year, $176 million makeover, and it is now reborn, more beautiful than ever before. Mamounia is a firmly established and infamous hotel in Morocco, being the haunt of royalty, presidents, and celebrities over the years since it was first built in 1929. The special amenities here include a massive 7,500 square foot swimming pool filtered with ozone, a 27,000 square foot Spa, and a choice of rooms that either look over a beautiful Mosque or an equally impressive courtyard. Activities include 2 on-site clay tennis courts, a state of the art fitness centre, and an on-site driving range. In addition, trips to nearby destinations can be arranged, such as to two major 18 hole golf courses, an equestrian centre, and even ski slopes only a 45-minute car drive away! 

Courtesy of palaisfaraj.com

Luxury African Hotels: Palais Faraj, Fes, Morocco

Featuring 26 rooms and 25 suites, the Palais Faraj sits atop a hillside overlooking the historical Medina of Fez. The architecture is special in that it includes marble floors, royal arches, and stucco laces, reflecting a part of Morocco with an ancient culture rich in art and history. The real highlight, however, is probably the 400 square metre Oriental Spa; It has an air of genuine authenticity, with a traditional hamman, three luxury rooms for massages and treatments,  two scrub rooms and a relaxation room with a tisanerie for herbal tea and infusions, plus a hairdresser. The dining is also world-class here, with the L’Amandier Restaurant offering stunning views of the Fez’s medina, while you gouge yourself on traditional Fassi cuisine. There is also a second restaurant located on the roofs of the palace that serves breakfast or dinner.

Courtesy of banyantree.com

Luxury African Hotels: Banyan Tree, Tamouda Bay, Fnideq

The location of the Banyan Tree is spectacular enough in its own right, nestled between the Rif Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea in the far north of Morocco. As such, it offers a grand mix of waterfront views and luxury resort comforts. Banyan Tree’s architectural design pays homage to the region’s traditional Andalusian/Moorish heritage, with its landscapes, courtyards, gardens, fountains and reflecting pools. This makes for a villa-resort that blends traditional Moroccan heritage and ambience with a Mediterranean vibe. Each villa here provides private plunge pools, master-crafted kingsized beds, and all the mod-cons. You can choose from a Waterfront Villa, Spa Pool Villa, or a Two-Bedroom Pool villa. The amenities here are generally focused on water-focused designs and the award-winning Banyan Tree Luxury Spa, offering numerous relaxing treatments. But diners will not be disappointed either, with the restaurant serving a mix of Moroccan, Mediterranean and international dishes. Additional activities and amenities include a ‘Kid’s Club’ and pool to keep children entertained, a library, gym, yoga room and a conference room ideal for business conferences.

Courtesy of constancehotels.com

Luxury African Hotels: Constance Le Prince Maurice, Poste de Flacq

Set amongst green lush tropical plants and trees, this African hotel was designed to exude a romantic ambience by Architects Jean Eynaud and David Edwards. Warm lights are set up around the hotel, illuminating and giving a tranquil feel to the features such as the infinity pool and the numerous natural reserves. Guests have the choice of three types of room; 64 Junior Suites, 12 Family Suites, 12 Villas, or the sole, lavish Princely suite. Each includes all the mod-cons, plus individual balconies. But what makes them unique is that they were designed along the lines of the Feng Shui principles to create a perfect sense of balance and harmony. Amenities include the extravagant U Spa, which is set in a serene and tranquil corner of the gardens, all centred around a stone courtyard with a relaxing heated pool. This is the ideal place to relax and rejuvenate. While the dining includes the Archipel restaurant which overlooks the main pool and the beach, and the Le Barachois, which is a unique floating seafood restaurant with 5 ‘decks’, located on a natural fish reserve, reached by a wooden pathway. It also overlooks a lagoon and has a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. The sunsets here are very special. The third restaurant is in the Laguna bar area and serves Asian food and a dinner selection of Japanese food such as sashimi, sushi, and maki. Other on-site amenities include 2 golf courses, meeting rooms, and an on-site shopping centre.

Courtesy of oberoihotels.com

Luxury African Hotels: The Oberoi Mauritius, Pointe Aux Piments

Located on the shores of Turtle Bay, a natural marine park with world-class coral gardens and tropical fish, The Oberoi sits within 20 acres of sub-tropical gardens. It has access to 600 metres of combed white sand beaches, each affording beautiful sunset views. The pavillions and villas on offer for guests here grant unrivalled views over the Indian Ocean and the hotel’s own subtropical gardens. They are built in a rustic-style with oak and natural cane furniture, but with luxury marble bathrooms. Amenities include the spa, which is enclosed by tropical trees, and it offers a range of international therapies. Also on offer are hatha yoga, t’ai chi, and meditation sessions. The restaurant and bar here offer magnificent views over the ocean, and diners can almost dip their toes in the ocean, such is it’s close proximity to the sea. A particularly unique feature is the ‘Gunpowder Room’, open only twice a week for dining, which is a spectacular French Colonial battery lovingly restored and is actually a recognised national monument in Mauritius. Other amenities and activities include a fitness centre and tennis courts, as well as the opportunity to arrange hiking, fishing, sailing, and scuba diving trips.

 Courtesy of feriahotels.com

Luxury African Hotels: Royal Palm Hotel, Grand Baie

The Royal Palm Hotel is set along with one of the finest beaches in Mauritius – if not the world – along the protected northern coast of Mauritius. All rooms and suites come with all the mod-cons, and the amenities here include a spa, outdoor pool, a Kids Activities Programme, some lovely fine dining mainly comprising of traditional Mauritian food, on-site tennis courts, and a business centre. However, it’s the wonderful array of activities on offer here that make the hotel extra special. The hotel can arrange guided tours and lessons in sailing, scuba diving, snorkelling, water skiing, windsurfing, and numerous other aquatic-based activities. A particularly special feature here is when you order a honeymoon package: The privacy of the resort combined with the powdery white sand beach and endless turquoise waters creates the perfect setting for newlyweds, and the package comes with extras including free champagne, a secret gift for the couple, and a romantic candlelight dinner setup.

Courtesy of constancehotels.com

Luxury African Hotels: Constance Lemuria Seychelles, Praslin

Built-in 1999 into a hillside, amongst lush vegetation and flora and overlooking the stunning and secluded white sand beaches of ‘Anse Kerlan’, Constance offers the usual levels of a luxury 5-star hotel: An on-site 18 hole golf course, 2 tennis courts, a ‘Kid’s Club’, a gym, an excellent spa and a well-stocked wine cellar with wine tasting. But the special features of this African hotel are undoubtedly the range and of activities, it offers – being located right on one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines – and it’s a wonderful 3-tiered swimming pool. The pool has three levels, starting at the hotel, then flowing all the way down to the ocean. Whilst activities on offer through the hotel include windsurfing, bodyboarding, kayaking and of course, scuba diving the Seychelles infamous reefs. The hotel also boasts four restaurants, offering cuisine from traditional local delicacies to barbecued seafood. The standard rooms and suites include all the mod-cons, but go the extra mile with mini-bars, whilst the 8 Senior Suites go even further by offering whirlpool bathtubs in a master bedroom, and huge balconies and terraces.

Courtesy of tsogosun.com

Luxury African Hotels: Maia Luxury Resort and Spa, Anse Louis

As the name suggests, the special feature of this luxury hotel is its dedication to Spa treatments and as such is a wonderful place for blissful relaxation and rejuvenation. The Spa features ambient bird song music, miniature waterfalls trickling down moss-covered rocks, and is designed in the lavish Balinese-style of Spas. Each secluded room is separated by natural rock formations, giving each guest maximum privacy to really let go and relax, and feature their own garden, changing room and shower. But it isn’t all about the world-class Spa facilities: Also on offer here are scuba diving and fishing trips that can be arranged by your personal butler, and the restaurant is a particular delight, serving a fusion-style cuisine using fresh, organic and locally sourced ingredients. With all this set in 12-acres of award-winning gardens full of colourful flowers and fruit trees, lovingly maintained by 12-full-time expert gardeners, it really is the perfect hotel on the Seychelles for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Courtesy of  marriott.com

Luxury African Hotels: North Island Seychelles, Mahe

Located on a private island with four truly mind-blowing white-sand beaches, the 11 luxury villas on offer here are each a whopping 450 metres squared and were handcrafted by Seychellois master craftsmen, using an eclectic combination of driftwood, bamboo, stone and glass. Each villa includes wifi, a private plunge pool, butler service and a all-terrain sand buggy for your own private use to get around the island! But perhaps the special feature of this idyllic island paradise is the resort’s efforts towards the island’s conservation: Its programme has ensured a safe haven for endangered species, and has reintroduced Seychellion tress previously extinct from the island. And of course, this conservation effort has extended to the islands beaches and pristine reefs: This, scuba and snorkelling trips to these reefs are available through the hotel.   

Courtesy of theelephantcamp.com

Luxury African Hotels: The Elephant Camp, Victoria Falls

Located within a private area, Victoria Falls is only a 10 minute, 10km drive away. Indeed, you can actually see the mist and spray from the falls from the camp. The camp has 12 luxury tents ideal for couples and honeymooners, and 4 luxury ‘exclusive’ tents for larger groups, such as families or groups of friends. Each unit has indoor and outdoor showering, a mini-bar, and a bath, and all meals and local alcoholic beverages are inclusive in the price. The fine-dining showcases the very best of traditional African dishes such as Sadza (African-style Polenta), and you can choose to have your meals delivered direct to your luxury tent to eat in romantic privacy or eat and socialise with other guests at the main lodge, which also has spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Savannah and Falls. 

Courtesy of therhinoresort.com

Luxury African Hotels: The Rhino Resort and Spa, Mbour

Arguably the best hotel in Senegal, many visitors come back from here raving about the Spa – and indeed, it is certainly it’s special highlight here. The Spa and it’s treatments are centred around an ethos know as ‘Alqvimia’: A secretive practice that came from Asia to the West via Egypt, it focuses on ecological chemistry, and as such the treatments centre on utilising the scents and healing properties of exotic plants and flowers. Treatments available are body treatments for aches and pains, facial treatments for skin, and packages that include various combinations of each. Additional amenities here include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness room, beauty salon, a Kid’s Club, and each room has all the mod-cons plus personal minibars and large private balconies overlooking the hotel’s green lush gardens. And the two restaurants here serve traditional African food as well as international cuisine. Special excursions that the hotel offers include quad biking or horse riding in the nearby Somone Reserve or at the beaches. Plus Nianing Forest, is only a 20-minute drive away.

Courtesy of serenahotels.com

Luxury African Hotels: Mara Serena Safari Lodge, Maasai Mara Game Reserve, Narok, Kenya

Located in a deep and secluded part of the infamous Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, this Boutique, luxury Safari lodge combines the 5-star luxury service, with one of the greatest wildlife shows on Earth. Its design is something quite special too; The architecture draws on the traditional, local Massai motif of domed-styled, mud-coloured huts, circled by brushwood, but mixed with a contemporary flair, which gives it a real air of authenticity. This is also reflected in the décor within each hut, with sun-burst colours and Maasai wall art adding to the traditional ambience. But this traditional style does not clash at all with the lodge’s air of luxury: Each room has it’s own balcony overlooking the National Reserve overlooking a watering hole where a plethora of animals come to quench their first. The lodge also features a swimming pool and some excellent fine dining, including international cuisine and traditional safari favourites. Some very special activities the lodge offers is hot balloon safaris with a complimentary ‘champagne breakfast’, evening entertainment with authentic Masai dancers, wildlife films and talks given by the resident naturalist. Bush barbecues, game drives and hippo watching are the other unmissable activities on offer.

Courtesy of Diamond Star of the East/Tripadvisor

Luxury African Hotels: Diamonds of the Star East, Zanzibar

With a private sanctuary of 11 exclusive villas, each with their own plunge pool, jacuzzi, personal butler service and a Makuti patio with a large tropical garden, Diamonds Star of East really does afford unparalleled luxury on the stunning island of Zanzibar. Located on a private stretch of one of the most pristine beaches on the island – Nungwi beach – this is really paradise within paradise. The amenities include a world-class spa, on-site tennis courts, a fitness centre, and a volleyball court, while the hotel offers activities such as canoeing and boating. The on-site bar and restaurant offers fine dining in a fusion of cuisines and commands fantastic views on the sun setting over the Indian Ocean every evening whilst you dine.

Courtesy of marriott.com

Luxury African Hotels: Sheraton Addis, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Built on a high hill overlooking the capital city of Ethiopia, the Sheraton Addis is the epitome of African luxury and elegance, having been the first African hotel to join the Luxury Collection. A mere seven kilometers away from the Bole International Airport, this hotel boasts over 1,500 square meters of conference/meeting and banqueting space, the most prestigious in Ethiopia. If you are looking for more rest and relaxation, the attentive personal service is evident at our on-site Aqva Club, which is home to an outdoor swimming pool with sauna and underwater music, in true, ageless surroundings. Visitors to the Sheraton Addis will enjoy our personal touch with 24-hour room service, exquisite amenities such as our fine linens, deluxe bath products and detailed, African furnishings throughout our nearly three-hundred guest rooms. 

Courtesy of thewheatbakerlagos.com

Luxury African Hotels: The Wheatbaker, Lagos, Nigeria

Destined to become one of the top entertainment addresses in Nigeria, The Wheatbaker offers the corporate traveller all the aspects of a boutique, luxury hotel including comfort and convenience, with its location being right at the heart of Ikoyi in Lagos. Featuring a conference centre which can seat up to 200 business delegates, and 24-hour secretarial service, this is the ideal location from which to conduct all your travel business needs. On the hotel grounds, there is a fully-treated pool for adults and children, as well as a fully-equipped gymnasium and wireless internet throughout. The on-site restaurant ‘The Grill Room’ takes inspiration from surrounding countries and tastes, incorporating a truly unique flavour into some of its main dishes, both local and international including seafood, steaks, delivering the absolute best in service and food. With a terrace that connects to the pool patio, this is an ideal location for both social and business meetings. 

Courtesy of pestana.com

Luxury African Hotels: Pestana Bazaruto Lodge, Bazaruto Island, Bazaruto Archipelago

Perhaps one of the most luxurious hotels in Mozambique, this African hotel is located 600 kilometers north of the capital city, Maputo, on the island of Bazaruto, one of the very few exclusive luxury hotels on the island. With a number of attractions on the island ranging from its pristine white sands to a variety of wildlife, and turquoise blue waters, which makes it the ideal location for relaxation. The hotel itself boasts ethnically styled thatched-roof villas, set amid tropical gardens with views of both garden and the beaches with awe-inspiring views of the oceanfront. The rooms are exquisitely decorated, with a mix of local designs and natural ambience, alongside wood furniture, outdoor porches and direct access to the beach. The hotel is comprised of 12 garden view rooms, 24 beach view rooms, 4 luxury family rooms and one private family villa. There is something for everyone to be found within the hotel itself, from its well-equipped games room, outdoor pool, and its business centre with internet access and an exclusive spa with a range of treatments to help you unwind. A  range of activities can be arranged, including snorkelling, diving, fishing, wakeboarding and water skiing. It’s useful to note that this African hotel may have both room rate only as well as all-inclusive rates.

Courtesy of constancehotels.com

Luxury African Hotels: Constance Tsarabanjina, Hellville, Madagascar

With 25 private beach villas at the hotel, the Constance Tsarabanjina is the perfect place to relax and while away the time. With exquisitely decorated rooms, private terraces, and ecologically friendly roofing, you can rest easy knowing you’re in the hands of luxury professionals. The sands here are as soft as powder and the seas are a deep turquoise, living up to the expectation of beauty and quality. Dine on fresh seafood and local cuisines in the beautifully decorated restaurant, and retire to your private villa, equipped with fans, minibars, safes, and kimonos, just adding to the luxury. The villas are built on two different beaches, North and South and each villa comes with deck chairs and their own assigned loungers and umbrellas on the beach of this private island. The island is known as a prime area for snorkelling and diving, and other activities such as private cruises can be arranged. Guided walks are a favourite, allowing you to soak up the vast biodiversity of the area.