Lion Sands River Lodge

With sweeping views of the Atlantic, Table Mountain as a backdrop, and the buzz of a working harbour, the Victoria and Albert Waterfront is one of Cape Town’s prime locations. It is here that you’ll find The Silo. The grain silo was the tallest building in Sub-Saharan Africa when it was built in 1924, and the luxury hotel is located in the former elevator tower. The creative brain behind the project is that of prominent British designer and architect Thomas Heatherwick, whose iconic works include the Cauldron for the London 2012 Olympic Games and London’s new Routemaster bus. The Silo occupies six floors above the Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. A partnership between the V&A Waterfront and Jochen Zeitz, this cultural institution focuses on exhibiting cutting-edge contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora, with the Zeitz Collection forming its founding exhibition. Taking its place on Cape Town’s skyline, the hotel is a beacon of modern design. The industrial aesthetics remain with the addition of pillowed glazing panels which bulge outwards as if gently inflated. At night, this transforms the building into a glowing lantern. Each of the 28 rooms, which include a magnificent penthouse suite, are individually designed and strike the balance between industrial, stylish and comfortable. The creative team have been busy sourcing pieces from Cape Town and across the world, to ensure each room tells its own story without detracting from the natural beauty of the city, which can be seen through the 18-foot windows. Another key feature is the huge grain-shaped atrium carved out of the interior of the grain silos. The art in the hotel is in keeping with the collections in the museum. Appreciate the 360 degree panoramic views from the restaurant, champagne bar and glass swimming pool located on the rooftop while casting your eye across the ocean, city bowl and mountains. There is also a café, piano bar, spa and fitness centre and when you want to go exploring, the Waterfront itself offers a wealth of shops, restaurants and bars.

Tswalu Kalahari Reserve’s main camp, Motse, sits at the foot of the Korannaberg mountains. The architecture is inspired by and reflects the landscape, fully enveloping you into the safari experience; local smoothed stone, red clay and traditional Kalahari thatch are surrounded and hung with natural textiles, thick linens and seagrass that contrast well with varying textures and woven patterns. The effect is authentic, earthy, neutral, yet with a luxuriously refined feel. Making your stay here even more special is the fact that the camp is fully committed to protecting the wildlife and environment and supporting the local community, as evidenced by their ongoing projects. There are eight small houses in the camp: six one-bedroom suites and two two-bedroom family suites. All have indoor and outdoor showers, en-suite bathrooms, fireplaces, WiFi and private sundecks where you can sink into your cushioned rattan armchairs to watch one of the stunning sunsets or stare at an ever-clear night sky.  

Surrounded by vineyards and gardens and just minutes from the village of Franschhoek is Leeu Estates, a boutique hotel, winery and wellness spa. Set within 68 hectares between the Dassenberg mountains and Franschhoek River, it offers guests the opportunity to enjoy stunning natural beauty in total luxury. Each room is individually styled and upholstered in natural linens giving a relaxed yet sophisticated feel. The luxury en-suite bathrooms have marble floors with underfloor heating and some feature a freestanding bath tub. You’ll enjoy your beautiful surroundings from the moment you wake up, with windows that look out over the gardens and orchard. Located within the Manor House is The Dining Room, where uncomplicated dishes let the locally produced ingredients shine though. In the warmer months, choose to dine al fresco and enjoy soaking up the sun from the garden terrace. For when you want to simply relax and unwind, The Reading Room is an intimate space with a fireplace, opening onto a veranda with views of the gardens, vineyards and Franschhoek Valley. There is plenty of reading material and enough board games to keep you occupied, but if you do fancy engaging in something more active then make a beeline for the gym, pool and spa.

The Forest Lodge is a fine piece of sophisticated contemporary design, reflecting the breath taking natural beauty of the Grootbos Private Reserve’s landscape. Part of what makes Grootbos extra special is the property’s commitment to making a positive impact through various projects. The clean lines, high ceilings and large windows frame and accentuate the incredible sweeping views across the rolling hills of fynbos and the whale sanctuary of Walker Bay beyond – on a clear day, it’s possible to see all the way to Cape Point. Orientated towards the setting sun, every evening offers another grand spectacle of light and colour. The 16 freestanding luxury suites are accessed via an enchanted cobbled pathway beneath the ancient forest canopy. Each are stylishly furnished with luxurious canopy beds, spacious en suite bathrooms, separate lounges with cozy fireplaces and private wooden decks with spectacular panoramic views. The main lodge features a variety of elegant dining venues, a bar, lounge, curio shop and conference centre. Spacious wooden decks and an infinity pool beckon you to relax, unwind and enjoy the soothing tranquility. As the evening descends, open fires and subtle lighting create a warm, romantic atmosphere for the perfect dining experience.