In the world of travel and hospitality, the standard maximum rating a hotel can achieve is 5-stars.
However, in the quest to push the envelope when it comes to luxury travel, there hotels that offer 7-star experiences. These bespoke experiences provide the ultimate in luxury and hospitality services.
From the Cape Winelands to the Zulu kingdom, South Africa has beautiful hotels offering experiences fit for a royal.
These hotels redefine the widespread understandings of opulence offering comfortable rooms, high-quality restaurants and well-maintained pool areas or gyms, concierge services and beauty.
As we wrap Tourism Month, here’s a guide to the hotels that guarantee an unforgettable experience.
Sungulwane Private Game Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal
Sungulwane Private Game Lodge lies on the game-rich Western Lebombo Mountains in Northern Zululand.
Inspired by the isiZulu word for “the view of the eye”, Sungulwane overlooks the exquisite, unspoiled wilderness of Zuka Private Game Reserve.
This exclusive Big 5 safari lodge with eight private chalets and a Big Five game conservancy also borders the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which is a world heritage site and authentically encapsulates the true spirit of Zululand.
A safari destination, there is plenty to experience in the world of Sungulwane from watching the sunrise over the mountains, taking a leisurely bush walk through the savannah, sitting in peace in your very own bird hide, game drives, starlit bush dinners and informative photographic safaris.
An exclusive experience, the lodge only caters for a maximum of 16 guests. The unique experience starts from R15 860 a night for 2.
Morukuru Beach Lodge, Western Cape
For those looking for a private beach holiday experience, Morukuru Beach Lodge is a luxury boutique style 5-suite lodge in the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape.
The beach lodge offers endless ocean views and is just a few 100 metres from the pristine beach, surrounded by fynbos.
There are plenty of activities to do from land-based whale watching (July-October), tidal walks, mountain biking and dune boarding and swimming.
The beach lodge also has a pool and a hot tub at the lodge whilst down at the beach, protected rock pools offer great snorkelling and swimming opportunities as well.
Morukuru Beach Lodge is on a remote location, fully off the grid has been built with the greatest sensitivity to the environment.
The lodge’s electricity is generated entirely by solar panels and hot water is produced by pellet burners and the whole lodge has water based underfloor heating showing that luxury can indeed be sustainable.
A stay at the lodge starts from R15 000 a night for 2.
AtholPlace Hotel & Villa, Johannesburg
AtholPlace Hotel & Villa is a luxury 5-star boutique hotel and private villa with contemporary glamour and understated elegance in a tranquil suburban setting.
The boutique hotel in the heart of Atholl, one of the most beautiful parts of Johannesburg and only a short distance from the commercial centre of Sandton is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the city life that comes with being South Africa’s economic hub.
The hotel accommodates 26 people and has spacious rooms with garden views. It has a temperature-controlled swimming pool and an intimate bar with built-in fireplace.
Being in the heart of the city, breakfast is included and the optional all day dining menu offers a limited selection of comfort food options available from 11am till 9pm, which guests can order and enjoy in the dining room, on the terrace or in the comfort of their room.
The hotel is perfect for both business and leisure travellers looking for ultra comfort on their journey. A stay starts from R8 500 a night for 2.
Delaire Graff Lodges And Spa, Cape Winelands
In the Cape Winelands, lies Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa on the highest crest of Helshoogte Mountain Pass.
Delaire Graff Lodges and Spa features luxurious accommodation with private pool, fitness centre and spa facilities perfect for those looking for a bespoke experience of the Cape Winelands.
Indochine restaurant at the Lodge offers modern Asian fusion cuisine, using products from organic farms and the on-site greenhouse.
The restaurant’s outside decking provides the option of al fresco dining with delightful views of the surrounding gardens. Guests can also relax in the spa and enjoy a variety of treatments, like hydro-massage baths and aromatherapy.
A stunning heated infinity pool is located on the spa’s terrace, with a hot tub and large garden area.
You can also choose from a variety of activities in the surrounding area, including hiking, horse riding and fishing and of course,wine tasting.
A stay at the lodge starts from R23 668 a night for 2.
Biyela Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal
As KwaZulu-Natal continues to prove itself as a noteworthy safari destination contender, Biyela Lodge provides a bespoke experience in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The lodge is built into the hillside of the untouched mFulaWozi wilderness, perfectly positioned to maximise the sweeping views of the imposing flood plains of the White uMfolozi River.
Biyela Lodge exemplifies African luxury and celebrates its unique landscape with a colour palette derived from the surrounding flora for its interiors.
The 5-star lodge consists of 12 luxury stabs-alone suites, most with their own private plunge pools, and private wooden decks. The lodge is a secluded shelter of privacy and eco-luxury, and is one of the two completed lodges in the mFulaWozi Wilderness Reserve.
Guests are able to choose an active and adventurous day with game drives, birding, wilderness walks and many other activities.
Or simply relax by the suite’s private infinity plunge pool, imbibing the sights and sounds of the surrounding wilderness.
A stay at Biyela Lodge starts from R19 074 a night for 2.