We're always on the lookout for fresh and exciting new places to stay, so we've collaborated with travel writer My Lime Boots to bring you the latest hotel news, trends, new venues and enticing local travel offers you don't want to miss. Here's a look at some of the many reasons to explore South Africa this month.
The Oyster Box Hotel Umhlanga. Photo: The Oyster Box.
What once was the site of the first cottage in the coastal haven of Umhlanga is today the world-renowned Oyster Box Hotel. Elements of timeless luxury on the Indian Ocean's shores, views for days and an iconic, red lighthouse are all woven into the very fabric of your stay. Take in the African sun on Umhlanga beach, followed by a stroll into town to continue your gastronomic exploits. We loved our meal at Grimaldi's, offering authentic Italian cooking; the grilled lamb chops were a definite winner. The legendary curry buffet at The Oyster Box Hotel is a must on any Umhlanga stay, offering insight into Indian culture so intrinsic to this region of South Africa. The Oyster Box Hotel is currently running a stay for four, pay for three nights special on select rooms.
The eco-friendly, fully self-catering Camomile Cottage at Picardi Place. Photo: Ryan Enslin.
Carved out from within the vineyards of a working wine farm in the small Western Cape town of Rawsonville lies Picardi Place, owned by gastronome Jaco Brand. The Breedekloof Valley property boasts a guesthouse and eco-friendly cottage, complete with a wood-burning hot tub. Brand offers pasta-making classes on select days, which start with a wine pairing in the veggie garden and culminate in a superb meal in the renovated barn. If you're hankering after Italian flair in the Cape, book your stay at Picardi Place.
The fishing village of Paternoster has long been a firm favourite of many a Joburger. A gentle stroll from your private garden at Gonana Guest House to the Atlantic Ocean (just a few steps) is the ideal way to absorb the slow-living ethos espoused by locals. The arts are alive and well in this village too – pop in at Die Koelkamers Teater, a unique theatre in a converted cold storage facility in the harbour, or enjoy fine dining at Wolfgat, Leeto or Gaaitjie restaurants, all internationally acclaimed. Remember to book in advance. Paternoster is also a great base to take in the upcoming wildflower season spectacle. Save 33% when you book for three nights at Gonana Guest House and only pay for two (between 15 Jun, 2023 – 15 Sep 2023 on selected rooms); book here.
Madwaleni River Lodge at Babanango Game Reserve Photo: Supplied
Babanango Game Reserve, now a Big Five destination set in the undulating hills of Zululand in northern KwaZulu-Natal, has just launched its luxury tented offering, Madwaleni River Lodge. Located along the banks of the White Umfolozi River, Madwaleni is unfenced, allowing the discerning traveller true immersion in nature. The reserve occupies over 20,000 hectares steeped in Zulu history, with a diversity of birds, plants and wildlife, including the elusive aardvark and aardwolf. Book your stay here.
Gigi Rooftop at Cape Town's Gorgeous George Hotel. Photo: Ryan Enslin.
Cape Town has a profusion of accommodation offerings that are as diverse as they are quirky. We recently spent time at the Gorgeous George Hotel, located in the old United Building Society building on St Georges Mall. Long on our must-visit list, we were thrilled to finally enjoy a stay in the only hotel in Cape Town included in the internationally acclaimed Design Hotels programme. The hotel has an exceptional art collection and plenty of eye-catching design features throughout the public spaces, which kept us enthralled as we wondered about her hallways. Be sure to visit the Gigi Rooftop for sundowners with the locals; and keep an eye out for the hotel's gig listings, as the Gorgeous George Hotel is a fervent supporter of local music talent. Book your stay at the Gorgeous George Hotel for your next time out in the Mother City.
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