Waterlily pond at Fancourt Hotel ©Olivia Greenway
With the rand weak, South Africa - apart from being sun filled for most of the year, having superb locally grown food, excellent wine and high standards of hospitality - is a good value place to visit. Even the relatively well off appreciate a good deal. Whilst none of these hotels could be described as cheap, compared to Western Europe and even parts of the United States, they offer exceptional value for money and can easily hold their own with the best luxury hotels in the aforementioned places.
Fancourt Hotel, George
On the famous Garden Route at George, Fancourt is the place to visit if you want to really indulge yourself. Choose a room in the Manor House - a suite-only exclusive separate building with only 18 rooms and butler service. Here, your every whim is pandered to. Inclusive services include a romantic turndown with rose petals, chocolates and a decanter of sherry; a freshly filled bath after dinner with pampering bathing products; monogrammed pillowcases, fresh flowers and exotic fruits; unlimited spirits; your national newspaper printed off, and full breakfast. There is a small balcony overlooking the secluded pool with birdsong and the scent of jasmine. There's a superb spa and three golf courses too. www.fancourt.com
The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks, near Durban
Right on the coast, with direct access from the hotel gardens to golden sands, the sea view rooms have balconies and an uninterrupted vista of the ocean. Sounds of the sea rock you to sleep. Wowing guests since the 1950s, the hotel has upped its game since, being bought by Red Carnation, one of South Africa's premier luxury hoteliers. Attention to detail is everywhere, from the chandelier bought at auction from the Savoy, London to the hand painted wall tiles depicting monkeys. Food is superb and varied, rooms are fresh yet indulgent and families are particularly welcome. http://www.oysterboxhotel.com
The Belmond Mount Nelson, Cape Town
Cape Town's distinctive grand dame was painted pink to celebrate the end of the First World War. There is much more to this hotel than its famous, yet exquisite afternoon tea, however. Oozing history, the hotel has terraces and flower filled gardens, art displays and sculptures, a wide choice of rooms from traditional in the main building to English cottage style and contemporary, two swimming pools, award-wining spa, tennis courts, a unique chef's table with options for up to ten people to be at the culinary heart and has both a children's room and teen room for its younger guests. http://www.belmond.com/mount-nelson-hotel-cape-town
The One and Only, Cape Town
The group's only hotel in Africa, it occupies a prime location right next to the famous Victorian and Alfred Waterfront with its entertainment, restaurants and shops. Unashamedly modern, the large salon, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking Table Mountain, offers lounge, bar reception and social space. Oversized standard lamps, large planters and huge animal artwork complement the streamlined look. The hotel offers larger than average guest rooms, beautifully appointed. In the gardens, a waterway surrounds a landscaped island housing the hotel's popular island rooms. There are two pools, complimentary kids club, award winning spa, and numerous terraces for outdoor dining, gourmet or casual. http://www.capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com
The Twelve Apostles, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Named after the famous mountain outcrops behind the hotel, it is situated in a tranquil position overlooking the sea at Camps Bay. If it's peace and relaxation you are after, with perhaps a little hiking from trails starting in the hotel grounds or a picnic in the hills, this is the one for you. Cape Town is only a 25-minute drive away with regular complimentary shuttle services. Cinema screenings, a superb large spa, rope hammocks for lounging around and a rock pool for cooling down are some unique features of this Red Carnation hotel. With terraces to take advantage of the sea views, numerous dining options and its child and pet friendliness, the hotel is suited to both couples and families alike. http://www.12apostleshotel.com
Cape Grace, Cape Town
An independent family owned hotel, Cape Grace is situated overlooking the yacht marina in central Cape Town, a short walk over a footbridge to the V & A Waterfront. The hotel is modelled on an old passenger liner with its attendant glamour. Interesting chandeliers hang from most ceilings and a special antiques concierge - Aunty Jane - personally looks after the large collection. Stylishly designed, much is made of local produce. Yellow wood and stinkwood, both an indigenous variety are found throughout; the hotel mini bar contents are all South African brands; bathroom toiletries are from Cape Town; and local flowers are used from their own florist. A BMW courtesy car is available for guests for trips in the local area. http://www.capegrace.com