Feature: Ocean view

The Twelve Apostles Hotel

One of our favourites – this is luxury personified with views over the Atlantic ocean and the Twelve Apostles mountain range

The 12 Apostles has one of the most spectacular locations nestling beneath the Twelve Apostles mountain range, forming the spine of the Cape Peninsula behind Table Mountain and beside the beauty of the Atlantic Ocean. The rooms are in a larger than suite format with a large bathroom and have either a mountain or ocean view – the choice is yours.

About the Location

The pool complex is tasteful overlooking the sea and here you can relax, eat lunch or you may prefer to dine in the excellent restaurant. The service is very attentive. There is  a second pool complex next to the charmingly casual bistro, which serves light meals. There are walks in the grounds up to the mountain; bustling Camps Bay is 5 minutes drive and the centre of Cape Town is 15 minutes over the spectacular Kloof Nek pass near the Table Mountain Cableway.

Leisure Isle Lodge, Knysna, Garden Route

Leisure Isle Lodge is one of the few lodges in Knysna on a beach

Leisure Isle Lodge is situated close to The Heads, where the Knysna lagoon meets the Indian Ocean, this small, luxurious hotel is just a few metres from the beach. You can walk across a very quiet road to the beach and relax under one of the hotel’s umbrellas. This is one of the best beaches for swimming in Knysna. As you wade into the lagoon  you will see an amazing number of shells coming alive and moving around at great speed. Alternatively you could decide to relax beside the pool with a book from the lodge’s library.  All 11 rooms are exceptionally well appointed,  vary in size, and suites are available. One of the suites is a large penthouse complete with entrance hall and lounge with fireplace. Every room has a ceiling fan and underfloor heating for those chilly winter nights. Accommodation is provided on a B&B basis but you can book for lunch and dinner at the lodge’s own restaurant. Picnics can also be arranged.

About Leisure Isle Lodge’s Location

This is a quiet residential location set apart from the bustle of Knysna. The town is a 10 minute drive and here you will find plenty of good restaurants.   For Golfers, the hotel has preferential rates at Simola Golf Course which is a 15 minute drive. Knysna’s indigenous forest is a short drive away. You may see the impressive local bird – the Knysna Loerie – or you may be fortunate to spot one of the last wild forest elephants. A short drive away, you can visit Millwood which is the site of one of the first gold rushes in South Africa. At the weekends there are several interesting craft markets from nearby Sedgefield to the Saturday Market near Plettenberg Bay. The wonderful beaches and the Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve are a 20 minute drive. The various animal sanctuaries at the Crags are an easy 30 minute drive. In short, there is so much to do and Leisure Isle Lodge will provide the perfect base.
Colona Castle

Colona Castle, Lakeside, Cape Town

Colona Castle is an exceptionally luxurious and very stylish gem with spectacular views of False Bay, fabulous rooms and great hosts

Colona Castle is one of the most sumptuously luxurious small hotels in the Cape. Situated 3 kms from the centre of Muizenberg and the head of False Bay and just 25 minutes’ drive along excellent roads into the centre of Cape Town. This hotel is high up on the mountainside with extensive views of False Bay, Table Mountain and the lake (vlei) that gives Lakeside its name. The eight suites are larger than usual and they all have a theme. Some are exceptional suites whilst others are larger rooms all with excellent en suite facilities. Most of the accommodation has a porch from which you will get stunning views. Breakfasts are sumptuous in the stylish dining room and lounge.  Everywhere you will be surrounded by antique furniture collected from all over the world. Dinner is available but on a request basis.

About Colona Castle’s Location

There are numerous good restaurants locally including some of the great, historic wineries close by in Constantia.  These include one of our favourites – Buitenverwachting Winery. This is just a 15 minute drive and provides fine dining during the evening and picnics most days, with some great wines. One of the Cape’s oldest wineries, Groot Constantia is a 20 minute drive. The winery has some excellent wines, a great museum in the splendid old Cape Dutch Manor House. There is also a good restaurant for casual eating. All  these restaurants can be booked through the hotel. For people wishing to see Cape Town, the Peninsula and Winelands from a single location Colona Castle is perfectly situated close to the Constantia Winelands and with the centre of the Cape Winelands (Stellenbosch & Franschhoek) just 40 minutes’ drive away. It is a good location from which to explore Kirstenbosch Gardens (15 minutes drive) and the Peninsula. The penguins at Boulders Beach are a 20 minute drive. The centre of Cape Town, the Waterfront and the Table Mountain Cableway are a 30 minute drive. This is truly a perfect hotel for those wanting something a little different.

MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa, Anse Louis, Mahe

An extraordinary level of luxury awaits romantic couples with the budget to match

There are very few properties worldwide that can match the sophisticated luxury and attention to personal service provided by Maia. Each beautifully appointed villa has its own dedicated butler. Your own personal butler ensures your every whim is catered for and  complete uninterrupted privacy if this is your wish. Each villa has wonderful views over the bay and a beautiful infinity pool set in your own private tropical gardens.  No expense is spared in the provision of toiletries and even the sound system is provided by Bose.  The resort has an excellent central restaurant but guests are invited to arrange their own menu to be served in their villa – even in bed if required! The resort’s slogan is “Whatever, Wherever, Whenever”.

About the Location

The resort hides among the tropical foliage overlooking Anse Louis. The spa and wellness centre provides Balinese massage complete with local products. Couples therapy sessions are provided in a lush garden setting. The remoteness of the location ensures complete relaxation punctuated only by the natural sounds on the islands.

Hilton Northolme, Mahe

This is a great hotel for travelers used to Hilton and its consistency

The hotel has a high standard  with some of the familiar Hilton touches. The location is attractive but the beach area close to the hotel is relatively small. The rooms are well appointed with lavish use of darker woods reminiscent of a more nautical theme. Some rooms benefit from a private pool.

About the Location

The hotel is positioned on the cliffside and complimentary buggies transport guests to the central amenities. There is an attractive infinity pool although it is close to the road way just by reception.

Acajou Beach Resort, Cote D’Or, Praslin

Acajou has great accommodation and is perfect for families on a budget

Acajou is family owned and run and  we are constantly impressed by the high standard of cleanliness, décor and attention to detail. The accommodation is attractively priced compared to many hotels of equivalent quality in the Seychelles.  The  rooms are spacious, the beds are beautifully appointed and comfortable and the bathrooms are exceptionally well appointed. There is a large pool and poolside bar. The extensive beach is adjacent. The grounds are beautifully landscaped and exceptionally well kept.  The hotel has a large restaurant and a resident chef.

About the Location

The hotel is situated on the  Cote D’Or beach. The extensive white sands and gently shelving bay are the very essence of the Seychelles. You will be able to walk out quite far and see a myriad of fish following you. In the evening you will be able to see hermit crabs scurrying into their burrows. The beach has views across to the island of Curieuse. The hotel will arrange excursions  for scuba diving and snorkeling in the pristine turquoise waters and also across to Curieuse.

Coco De Mer, Anse Bois de Rose, Praslin

Coco de Mer is a great family hotel and the Black Parrot Suites are perfect for couples

The main hotel is by a wide sandy beach which feels very remote. Accommodation is in beautifully appointed huts right by the beach in exotic landscaped tropical gardens. The recently refurbished rooms are reasonably sized and have well appointed bathrooms. The restaurant has a well deserved reputation and serves breakfast and a la carte dinner. For lunch there is a pretty beach and poolside restaurant which serves delicious lighter fare. The hotel has a pier that juts out into the bay. There are a number of comfortable swinging hammocks as well as an infinity pool. The Black Parrot Suites are co located on the hillside and offer very private accommodation for couples. They have their own restaurant and there is a small sandy cove just below the suites. The feel of this property is exceptional. The management and owners look after their staff and you can sense this in the atmosphere around the hotel. The service is impeccable and among the best we have encountered anywhere!

About the Location

Although the hotel is only 20 minutes from Praslin airport, the location feels very remote. There are no villages close by so the beach is very private. Boats are provided for guests and there is a diving school. Guests can also hike in the extensive grounds which border the Vallee de Mai National Park.

The Plettenberg Hotel, Plettenberg Bay

Top of the range hotel with a true South African ‘feel’ in a stunning location

This is luxury accommodation at its finest, equivalent to the top international hotels but distinctly South African. The rooms are beautifully decorated in the unique, luxuriously restful style established by the late Liz McGrath. This is a sister company to  The Marine (Hermanus) and The Cellars – Hohenhort (Cape Town). These are all top of the range 5 star hotels with a level of service that is second to none. There are a number of room options ranging from a luxury room that may have a view of the car park, to sea facing luxury rooms with incredible views across the bay. There is also a house that can be rented on a self-catered basis. Enjoy the infinity pool with an amazing view of the Indian Ocean.

About the Location

Beaches are very close and a further appeal is that the centre of Plett is just a 5-minute walk away. You can choose to eat at one of the many good restaurants locally or indulge yourself in the hotel’s own, elegant, if a little formal, restaurant – Sand. From here you can enjoy the many activities in Plett including whale watching, in season, hiking on the beautiful Robberg Peninsula or just relaxing on one of the many beaches.

Aquavit, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route

Aquavit is a beautiful property with one of the best views in Plettenberg Bay from your room!

Aquavit is all about luxury, comfort and spectacular views. The property has one of the top ratings on Trip Advisor of any establishment in South Africa and clearly deserves its 5 star rating. Aquavit has five exquisitely appointed rooms. Each room has its own semi private balcony or poolside patio. The owners have decorated each room in light earthy tones which, with the crisp white bed linens and huge windows gives a very airy and spacious feel. The large sliding windows open onto the balcony or poolside patio. Here you can relax in a lounger over looking one of the best views of Plettenberg Bay we have encountered. Aquavit is a small property and very popular so in the main season you should book well in advance to ensure availability. We at South Africa Sun are sure you won’t be disappointed.

About Aquavit’s Location

Plettenberg Bay is the gem of the Garden Route. The three main beaches are among the finest in South Africa. All the beaches are within a 5 minute drive of Aquavit. The town of Plettenberg Bay has some excellent restaurants so you will not be short of fine places to eat. If you enjoy a relatively easy hike choose the Robberg Peninsula Nature Reserve. The location offers a variety of hikes from the relatively easy to the fairly challenging. With each hike, however, you will be rewarded with some of the best photo opportunities. Robberg Peninsula was the site of the first semi permanent settlement in South Africa when  a Portuguese ship foundered in 1630. The survivors stayed for nine months before departing on the two ships they built.

You can drive from Aquavit to the numerous activities close by. Plettenberg Bay has its own wine route featuring 17 wineries and just 15 minutes’ drive away you can enjoy the fascinating animal parks at The Crags. Drive 30 minutes to the world’s highest bungy jump. A further 20 minutes will take you to the spectacular Tsitsikamma National Park and Storms River where you can enjoy a Tree Top Canopy Tour.

On The Beach, Wilderness, Garden Route

On the Beach is a stunning all suite boutique hotel set on the spectacularly photogenic Wilderness beach

This is a relatively new hotel with 7 beautifully appointed suites. 6 rooms overlook this amazing beach while 1 has a mountain view. You can enjoy the relaxing and restful sound of the Indian Ocean as you lie in bed and wake up to breakfast served in the sun lounge overlooking the pristine beach. Lunch and dinner can also be provided but the center of the little town of Wilderness is a 5 minute stroll. Here you will find interesting shops and restaurants. This is rated 5 star.

About On The Beach Location

Wilderness is a great location to use as a base to explore the Garden Route and the Little Karoo. Wilderness is adjacent to a beautiful nature reserve and at the start of South Africa’s Lake District. While rip tides make Wilderness beach unsuitable for swimming, Victoria Bay close by is perfect for swimmers and surfers alike. Trendy, bustling Knysna is a 35 minute drive set around a spectacular lagoon and here you will find interesting shops and restaurants. The upmarket resort town of Plettenberg Bay with three stunning beaches, great hiking and some of the best restaurants in the Garden Route is a 45 minute drive. In the other direction, drive over the spectacular Outeniqua Pass close to the principal Garden Route town of George and after an hour’s drive you will arrive in Oudsthoorn which is the center South Africa’s Ostrich industry. Here you will be able to learn about these fascinating birds and buy ostrich leather goods at very competitive prices. The world famous Cango Caves are just a 15 minute drive from Oudsthoorn.