The wild beauty and natural wonders of South Africa make it a prime target for leisure travelers and families looking for adventure. Find a hotel that can not only accommodate, but elevate, your stay by showcasing the best of the area and catering to your family’s needs.
Use this list as a trusty guide before planning your vacation.
Based on looks alone, The Palace of the Lost City is a clear knockout. Doing the name Palace proud, this impressive stay will blow the kids away at first sight, let alone the fun amenities inside.
Sun International Pilansberg National Park offers a 5-star stay in South Africa with over-the-top luxury, five on-site restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, a day spa and sophisticated rooms. Located on the border of Pilanesberg National Park, the resort offers close proximity to amazing safari tours, making it easy for your family to book, tour the reserve and get back to the hotel in time for dinner, or book something more extensive. The hotel also offers families and guests easy access and concierge assistance.
Spa-roof of the luxury Cape Grace Hotel. Photo: Michael Müller | Dreamstime.com
Part of the Legacy Hotels collection, the Michelangelo Hotel is another top-rated, 5-star stay with all the extras. Just a few of the many family-friendly amenities worth noting: an indoor pool with glass-dome ceiling; traditionally sophisticated guestrooms with all the extras; fine-dining options; quintessentially South African excursions and tour options; a fitness center; and Gautrain network connecting guests to Pretoria and Johannesburg, or Tambo International Airport and Sandton.
Take in the iconic waterfront views of Cape Town at Cape Grace. This 5-star stay boasts stunning, chic guestrooms and a wide variety of wellness options after long days spent exploring the city and nearby attractions. Check out the fine-dining restaurants on site focusing on innovative cuisine, or head to the Afternoon Tea Room for a lesson in timeless tradition with the kids.
Cape Grace Hotel and Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa. Photo: Joe Sohm | Dreamstime.com
Something you might picture more on a luxury family getaway to Cape Cod, but with truly over-the-top elegance, design and high-end services, The Oyster Box Hotel is a lesson in overstated extravagance — in the best way possible. This waterfront stay uses the natural landscape as a backdrop, literally, as nearly one whole side of the building is open to the water. Sit by the pool with the family enjoying light bites and cocktails all with best view in town, or get out and about exploring the surrounding locale.
Another Sun International stay and 5-star hotel, Table Bay Hotel boasts fine dining and views for days. Get out in the city on tours with the family or explore at your own leisurely pace, but definitely stick around for some hotel amenities. Take in sweeping views of the mountainside or waterfront with a cocktail; splash around with the kids; head to the spa for a lineup of treatment options and alone time; and take high tea like royalty.
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