WRITTEN BY: DEBBIE HATHWAY AND EVERYTHING PROPERTY
According to New World Wealth, these are the top five exclusive hotels that draw centimillionairesto South Africaand Africaas a luxury travel destination
Luxury hotels in Africa and South Africa have become increasingly popular among centimillionaires with a net worth of over $100m. While Africa is often overlooked as a luxury travel destination, these hotels offer a unique blend of adventure, culture, and unparalleled luxury that has attracted the world’s wealthiest travellers. From the sweeping savannas of the Serengeti to bustling Cape Town, Africa has something to offer even the most discerning guests.
New World Wealth research into the movements and spending habits of centimillionaires visiting Africa ranks five hotels as the most popular destinations since 2015. Selected mainly on location, views, gardens and scenery, these are Ellerman House in Bantry Bay, Cape Town; the Red Carnation Group’s Oyster Box in Umhlanga, Durban; Royal Livingstone, managed by Anantara of the Minor Hotels Group, in Zambia; Royal Mansour in Marrakech, Morocco and Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt.
Luxury travellers who frequent the continent for holidays hail mainly from the UK, USA, France, Switzerland and Germany. In South Africa, they also love visiting Franschhoek, Plettenberg Bay, Hermanus and the Kruger Park area (especially Sabi Sands). Further afield, significant attractions include prestigious game lodges in Tanzania, Kenya, and Botswana.
TOP FIVE LUXURY HOTELS IN AFRICA
ELLERMAN HOUSE: JET-SET APPEAL
With only 13 rooms, this magnificent hotel is a magnet for the rich and famous who value privacy and tranquillity above all else. Ellerman House delivers the best of everything from gastronomy and elaborate wine lists to swoon-worthy spa treatments and investment art displayed in the gallery as well as sculptures dotted through the manicured gardens. Guests lose themselves in the natural beauty of their surroundings, whether admiring the panoramic views of the ocean beneath towering palms or reclining at the immaculate pool.
THE OYSTER BOX: ICONIC HOTEL
The Umhlanga lighthouse and distinctive red-and-white striped canvas loungers poolside are instantly recognisable features of this cherished hotel. For decades, The Oyster Box has been creating unforgettable memories for its visitors. The original building, constructed around 1863, served as a navigational aid for ships passing by. In 1952, a local family acquired the property and transformed it into a tea garden, which later evolved into a restaurant and eventually a hotel. The Tollman family bought the property in 2007, instilling the high standards of service and hospitality for which they are renowned. The hotel has an award-winning spa and is minutes from the 18,000-year-old Hawaan Coastal Dune Forest or the ever-popular beachside promenade.
ROYAL LIVINGSTONE: PRIME LOCATION
The Royal Livingstone combines modern convenience with explorer-era charm. On the Zambian side, it boasts a stunning view of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The gardens, home to free-roaming wildlife such as zebra, extend all the way to the edge of the falls. Guests have unlimited free access to the Falls. River safaris and helicopter flights over the Falls entertain thrill-seekers. Travellers intent on relaxation and leisure invest in self-care at one of the world’s best spas.
FOUR SEASONS RESORT SHARM EL SHEIKH: ADVENTURES IN SAND AND SEA
Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts gravitate to this destination on one of the best stretches of the Red Sea. After a day exploring miles of desert on horseback or quad bike, there’s nothing better than cooling off in one of four swimming pools. Four Seasons has a diving centre with expert instructors who will take you on a guided dive to explore the Red Sea’s best sites, including the resort’s house reef with its marine life. Housed within the resort’s Moorish-inspired architecture, the spa offers culturally inspired treatments echoing the Pharaonic world of beauty and Bedouin wellness rituals. Get the royal treatment à la Cleopatra with a lavish bath of honey and milk and a relaxing massage.
ROYAL MANSOUR: A SENSORY JOURNEY
One of the world’s most beautiful hotels, The Royal Mansour is at the heart of the Marrakesh Palace – a five-hectare estate designed to take guests on a sensory journey. The brainchild of King Mohammed VI, this unique concept was born out of a desire to share the Moroccan lifestyle with the world. Rooms and suites have been replaced by luxurious riads and corridors with winding alleyways. Confidentiality is vital, and the outstanding concierge service sets a new bar for luxury hotel standards. The 2 500sqm spa is one of the world’s best.
