Africa is a well endowed and resourceful continent; from tourist attraction sites, to game parks, to minerals, and to climate conditions. African countries are reshaping and revamping the hospitality industry, in a bid to tap into its lucrative returns and attract tourists. From Cairo to Nairobi, and all the way down to Johannesburg, structures that are made with every fine detail at hand, splendid and magnificent in their own way, are on the rise. In Africa, you can;t miss something spectacular.
Here are the top 10 best luxury hotels in Africa.
1. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel
Cape Town, South Africa
The Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is the most iconic luxury hotel in Cape Town situated within a sprawling lush garden estate in the heart of the city’s vibrant cultural centre and close to the bustling V&A Waterfront and some of Cape Town’s best beaches. The hotel is an urban sanctuary with a romantic heritage, a unique sense of style, and a commitment to unparalleled service excellence. Whether travelling for business or leisure in Cape Town, a family holiday, a honeymoon or a solo adventure, the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is an elegant oasis in a world where privacy is the new luxury and pleasure is all about peace and serenity.
2. Palais Faraj
Fes, Morocco
Set on a hilltop overlooking the historic Old Medina of Fez, Palais Faraj Suites & Spa sweeps guests into a magical world where the enchantment of a bygone time blends harmoniously with modern inspiration. The building is an architectural gem that features stucco laces, marble floors, and royal arches that ensure each guest experiences exquisite refinement and discovers an ancient culture rich in art and history.
With 25 suites, a swimming pool, spa, two restaurants and a panoramic lounge, Palais Faraj offers a comfortable and relaxing stay. For your dinners, L’ AMANDIER Restaurant, located on the hotel terrace, with stunning views of the old Medina of fez. It serves cuisine rich in flavors respecting the traditional Fassi cuisine. There’s also La Terrasse Restaurant, on the roofs of the palace, for breakfast or dinner.
All suites are air-conditioned and include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, minibar, sitting area walls decorated with Zellige tile work, and a private bathroom with bathtub. The Oriental Spa has 400 sqm reserved for well-being. An authentic setting offers rest and relaxation with a traditional hamman, two scrub rooms, three luxury cabins for massages and treatments, relaxation room with a tisanerie for herbal tea and infusions, and a hairdresser.
3. The Nile Ritz-Carlton
Cairo, Egypt
Set in the heart of downtown, between the Nile and the iconic Tahrir square, experience Cairo like never before at The Nile Ritz-Carlton. Discover gracious spaces and enjoy exclusive views of the river Nile and the Egyptian Museum from the rooms and suites. The luxury guest room accommodations provide a private oasis where marble bathrooms and generous living space encourages guests to relax and unwind.
The spacious hotel suites are designed for guests to spread out, entertain, and to be completely comfortable within superior surroundings. Every dining experience at the restaurants at The Nile Ritz-Carlton offers something unique. The diverse dining options include a rooftop bar, afternoon tea service, and a rustic Italian restaurant. Relaxation enjoys a traditional Egyptian twist at The Nile Ritz-Carlton Spa.
Guests have access to the five-star facilities, including the state of the art gym, the sauna and steam room, and the swimming pool. Spa services include massages, facials, body treatments, and the Peloid Therapy Chamber. The closest neighbor to the Arab League and adjacent to several government ministries and the US, UK and Canadian embassies, this luxury Cairo hotel is the ideal location for meetings and events.
4. Six Senses Zil Pasyon
Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles
Surrounded by the Indian Ocean 30 nautical miles from the Seychelles International Airport, the secluded island all-villa retreat has a rock-edged pool, beaches, spa, chef’s kitchen, cinema, cooking classes, children’s activities, and water sports. Guests arrive via the property’s helipad or boat. Tucked away on the private island of Félicité, the Six Senses Zil Pasyon consists of contemporary villas designed to offer premium comforts and sea views. Situated on one of the satellite islands of La Digue, the property is the only resort on the island.
Guests can select from one-bedroom and multiple room villas surrounded by tropical vegetation, each with private pools and sundecks. The luxurious villas offer an upscale, modern island feel, with premium amenities including GEM (Guest Experience Maker) butler service, climate controls, bow windows, 55-inch flat-screen TVs with streaming services, Marshall bluetooth speakers, wine cellars, and minibars. Naturalmat organic mattresses feature mosquito netting, there are yoga mats, good night biological LED lamps, and coffee makers.
Plus, spacious bathrooms have outdoor showers, bathtubs with swings, electronic toilets, Babyliss hairdryers, and Organic Pharmacy bathroom amenities. Drawing from the diverse heritage of the island with African, Chinese, French, English, and Indian influences, there are several gourmet dining options on-site. Guests can choose from an eclectic mix of dining options serving produce from the resort’s on-site organic garden and nearby islands.
The Six Senses Spa Zil Pasyon offers an oceanfront location, elevated saltwater pool with sundeck, and yoga and meditation pavilions. Offering an extensive menu of signature treatments combined with integrated wellness programs, there are five double treatment villas. Guests can reach the property via the resort’s own jetty helipad or a boat trip from the nearby La Digue and Praslin islands. A variety of water sports activities are available including diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and island-hopping boat trips.
5. Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel
Nairobi, Kenya
Fairmont The Norfolk Hotel has played a leading role in Kenya’s colorful history, and continues to be Nairobi’s finest and best-known luxury hotel. The town and later the modern city of Nairobi grew up around Fairmont The Norfolk hotel, which still has its own private tropical gardens. The hotel is still the traditional starting point for safaris and the Lord Delamere Terrace is modern Nairobi’s most famous meeting place, where drinks and light meals are served continuously from morning until midnight.
Fairmont The Norfolk was expanded in 1999 and subsequently renovated in time for its centennial, which it celebrated in 2004. The Nairobi hotel now offers accommodations in 165 guest rooms and suites, has eight conference rooms, the largest seating 175 delegates, a heated outdoor swimming pool, health club with gym, sauna and steam room, beauty salon, book shop and gift shops.
6. Saxon Boutique Hotel and Spa
Johannesburg, South Africa
The Saxon Boutique Hotel and Spa redefines the ultimate in luxurious African elegance. From the moment you arrive at this magnificent home away from home within its breathtakingly landscaped garden setting, you are enveloped in a world that belies its close proximity to Sandton, Johannesburg’s prestigious business hub. Here time ceases to be relevant. No intrusions, no interruptions, while your every wish is met with discreet service that leaves nothing to be desired.
The architectural design has made extensive use of water features, the central point being the spectacular infinity swimming pool. The stately entrance hall exudes an air of majesty, with its feature staircase sweeping around a huge glass dome that allows an abundant flow of natural light. Looking towards the piano lounge, smoking library and dining room, there are magnificent contemporary African artefacts.
Accommodation at the Saxon is designed to satisfy the most discerning tastes. The 24 suites have large bay windows overlooking the rolling landscaped gardens or pool area, with latticed shutters ensuring quiet privacy. Each suite is equipped with large-screen television, VCR and DVD player, together with state-of-the-art surround-sound music systems and fully equipped workstations, complete with multi-telephone, fax and wireless on demand internet access.
7. The Oyster Box Hotel
Durban, South Africa
From the moment the Oyster Box Hotel opened its doors in 1947 the hotel rapidly became one of Africa’s best loved and most distinguished hotels. The combination of colonial charm, impeccable service, lush tropical gardens and breathtaking seaside setting swiftly gained it a reputation that was legendary the world over. This iconic landmark has been lovingly refurbished to offer guests a vibrantly contemporary experience, whilst still evoking feelings, memories, and the warm nostalgia of days gone by.
Meticulous attention to detail ensures that former guests will be delighted to discover the old glory has not just been retained, but carefully enhanced. All of the warm hospitality and gracious elegance which guests so fondly remember are harmoniously blended with a wealth of modern facilities and contemporary touches to satisfy today’s most discerning of tourist, business person and honeymoon couple.
The Oyster Box, like its famous lighthouse, once again acts as a beacon of exceptional hospitality, luxurious accommodation and personal service unmatched in all Africa and the world at large. The setting, the architecture, the decor, the cuisine – everything conspires to create a magical experience that affords a wealth of exceptionally pleasurable experiences and warm memories.
Whether it’s a complimentary glass of Oyster Box’s signature iced tea which welcomes you on arrival, a relaxing treatment in the beautifully designed Oyster Box Spa, the way your children and pets are made to feel immediately at home, the chef’s inspired selection of culinary delights, complimentary transfers to the nearby shopping centre, or that long cool cocktail on the Oyster Bar terrace at the end of another blissful day under African skies, there’s no shortage of special moments you’ll fondly remember for a lifetime.
8. Singita Ebony Lodge
Mpumalanga, South Africa
As the original Singita Ebony Lodge, Ebony stands steadfast amongst enormous trees on the banks of the Sand River in the heart of South Africa’s ‘big cat country.’ A blend of European heritage and African boldness welcomes visitors with the down-to-earth warmth of a much-loved family home. Spacious interiors are styled with a varied mix of rich colours, and inviting textures and layers, making Singita Ebony Lodge an idyllic retreat.
The lodge comprises just 12 secluded suites, each of which are the epitome of elegant comfort, and two of which are perfectly suited to accommodate families. En-suite bathrooms, an indoor-outdoor shower, private heated plunge pools, and spacious game viewing decks complete the luxurious accommodation. Singita Sabi Sand is a privately owned game reserve in the Sabi Reserve, adjacent to the Kruger National Park in South Africa.
Spanning more than 45,000 acres, Singita Sabi Sand is renowned for high concentrations of big game and frequent leopard sightings. Here you will find Singita Ebony Lodge. During your stay at Singita Ebony Lodge, you are likely to spot a great variety of wildlife, including species such as leopard, lion, rhino, large herds of buffalo, elephant, reedbuck, hyena, hippopotamus, nyala, cheetah, wild dogs and man y types of birds.
The luxury lodge offers 10 one-bedroom suites, each with a private plunge pool and 2 two-bedroom family suites (2 adults and 2 children) each with a private plunge pool. Children of all ages are welcome. There are babysitting services available and tailor-made activities to suit each family. In the interest of safety, children’s participation in game activities is at the discretion of your guide.
9. Fairmont Mara Safari Club
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
The luxury Masai Mara accommodations at Fairmont Mara Safari Club offer a traditional safari experience with the comfort and amenities of a luxury resort hotel. The well-appointed Mara Safari Club is set by the Mara River at the foot of the Aitong Hills in the Ol-Choro Oiroua Conservation Area that borders the Masai Mara Game Reserve. All the 51 luxury tents have their own private viewing deck from where hippo and crocodile are regularly seen.
Each room has four-poster beds with pillow-top mattresses and fine linens, 3-piece en-suite facilities with solar-heated hot and cold running water, a refreshment center, in-room safe, and wireless telephone that allows you to set up dining on your deck or ensures no request is left unfulfilled. The main lodge houses a warm reception area, retail shop, library equipped with Internet access, a beautifully decorated lounge area, and a lovely dining room.
A large deck is cantilevered over the river and seats go quickly here as the joy of watching the hippos play or gazing up at the stars after a day of wonder is unmatched. Dining at The Mara Safari Club is a safari in itself, made from the abundance of fresh Kenyan produce. At the Club, the pool, al fresco buffet lunches, and nightly activities of Maasai dancing, presentations, and discussion on the Mara’s ecosystem and Maasai culture, all add up to create a truly unique experience.
Guests can choose from a wide range of activities at Fairmont Mara Safari Club resort hotel, including game drives and balloon safaris over the Mara plains or a stroll in the footprints of the hippo-trodden path escorted by a Masai Moran. The location provides a perfect base for visiting the Masai Mara, one of the world’s richest wildlife reserves, and home to an astounding array of animals including zebras, cheetahs, wildebeests, gazelles and of course the “Big Five” (African lion, African elephant, Cape buffalo, African leopard, and White/Black rhinoceros).
10. Cape Grace
Cape Town, South Africa
Situated on a private quay, nestled between the working harbour of Cape Town’s bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the serenity of an international yacht marina, Cape Grace showcases the essence of the Cape with designs that reveal local creativity, whilst staying true to the warm atmosphere and personalized levels of service that have for years defined the hotel.
With a genuine passion to champion distinctive standards in service, Cape Grace is dedicated to surpassing expectations and making your stay, whether work or pleasure, the most memorable ever. The preferred choice for international travelers, Cape Grace opened its doors in 1996 and is centrally located, with quick and easy access to the airport, city centre and popular tourist destinations.
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