Top 10 South Africa Hideaways for a truly Royal Honeymoon
South Africa has so much to offer from trendy, vibey cosmopolitan Cape Town to spectacular winelands, beautiful coastlines and ultra romantic Safaris – it is the perfect place for a Royal Honeymoon….
Here are our top Royal Honeymoon Hideaways:
1. Singita Private Game Reserve
This is my all time favourite South Africa game lodge! Situated in the southeast of the Kruger National Park, on the border of Mozambique, the locale is a pristine, unexplored expanse of flora, sweeping valleys and breathtakingly splendid views. The game viewing on your African safari is excellent. There is a wonderful health spa that offers conventional European massages, reflexology, manicures, facials and aromatherapy while the modern gym overlooks the rugged African bush. The Singita South Africa collection is made up of 5 luxury lodges. Two of its lodges, the Ebony and Boulders Lodges, have together been rated the second best resort in the world in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice survey. Two other Singita lodges, the Lebombo and Sweni Lodges, have been rated the eighth best resort in Africa. Castleton Camp offers a luxury family retreat while on your African Safari and it is booked on an exclusive basis. This South Africa Game lodge will leave you with lasting memories of a truly brilliant, animal packed African Safari
2. Thanda Private Game Reserve
Situated in the heart of Zululand, this five-star South Africa game lodge promises “exclusivity, romance and Zulu culture in the heart of the untamed African bush”. It boasts over 400 bird species, a wonderful assortment of wildlife including the Big Five and has won several travel awards. It has been named Africa’s leading luxury lodge in the World Travel Awards, and is also the only private game reserve in the world to hold exclusive membership with The Leading Hotels of the World. Thanda offers a main lodge perched on a hillside overlooking the bushveld which has luxury suite accommodation and a safari-style tented camp – which is truly out of this world. It evokes real images of a bygone era of adventure. Its award-winning wellness centre has a unique Zulu feel, and there are hot and cold outdoor kniepp therapy pools, a reflexology pool, outdoor sala treatment area, steam room and hydrotherapy bath. This is my favourite game reserve for pure romanticism and luxury while on your African safari!
3. Cape Grace
Located at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, his ultra luxurious hotel prides itself on its service, style and great attention to detail. Backed by the iconic Table Mountain, yet set in its own private quay, its perfect location allows you to be in the heart of everything, but still allows you to feel secluded when you step through its cool doors. Home to the Bascule Bar with its multitude of whiskeys and the renowned Signal Restaurant, it is a home away from home! Each of Cape Grace’s 120 individually custom-decorated guest rooms and suites reflect the charm of Cape Town, providing a tantalizing experience that melds modern luxury with traditional Cape culture. For pure romance and charm this is one of my favourite hotels in Cape Town
4. Fairmont Zimbali
An unspoiled shoreline, rolling hills and lush flora have come to define the Zimbali Coastal Resort region. Set along South Africa’s sublime east Indian Ocean coast, nestled between a forest reserve and a shimmering sea, the luxury Zimbali Fairmont Hotel is a perfect beach getaway. It is the ideal spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Explore the white sandy beaches, enjoy the warm Indian ocean, experience the local Zulu culture and if you are brave, survey everything from a micolight flitting brazenly over the Indian ocean. Relax, soak up the sun and enjoy the start to your married life! This is the ultimate in beach indulgence!
5. Tinga Private Game Reserve
I went on honeymoon to this fantastic South Africa game reserve, so of course I think it is brilliant! Tinga Private Game Lodge is situated on the banks of the Sabie River, in a prime game-viewing area of the Kruger National Park. The Sabie River has the highest recorded density of leopards in Africa, and one of the highest predator densities. This ensures excellent game viewing on your African Safari! The Sabie River is also said to have the richest biodiversity of any South African river, with many endangered and rare species (mammals, birds, reptiles and plants) being found in the area. Tinga is fortunate to have access to an exclusive 5000-hectare concession within this area and the Tinga Safari vehicles also have access to the entire Kruger road network, which offers an abundance of historical and wildlife viewings. The game reserve has 2 lodges on its land. Legends, which is out of this world with its large luxurious suites – it epitomize comfort and style! Each suite boasts its own private game-viewing deck and heated plunge pool, with magnificent views of the Sabie River – there are often hippos wallowing in the river below – and Narina Lodge which has a distinctly more African feel. It is built on stilts and nestled between the trees on the banks of the Sabie river, the large private wood and thatch suites make Narina the romantic hideaway of your dreams. Each suite opens onto a private game viewing deck with plunge pool and an outdoor shower. This is a perfect relaxing African safari option in true style.
6. Ulusaba Private Game Reserve
Spend some time hobnobbing it at Sir Richard Branson’s place! Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is set in the heart of the Sabi Sands Game Reserve that borders the sprawling Kruger National Park. Nothing that Sir Richard Branson touches is ever ordinary and Ulusaba is no exception. It is the ultimate playground set in the heart of wild Africa. There is nothing more that you could possibly want from an exclusive African safari bush retreat! There are over 13 500 hectares of unspoilt, game-rich bush set in near solitude. This South Africa game reserve has 3 exclusive lodges – Rock Lodge, Safari Lodge and Cliff Lodge. They are all exceptional in their accommodation offerings with nothing to be desired. Apart from the expected game viewing safari activities in open vehicles, there is a luxury gym, a selection of treatments offered in the renowned Aroma Boma, tennis courts, yoga sessions and in the evening you can watch the stars from the bush observatory. The food is outstanding with many local South African and game dishes served. Dinner is served under the African skies around a blazing log fire, with tribal dancers and singers to entertain guests. This is one African safari place you never want to leave!
7. Mount Nelson Hotel
You can’t forget the “Grande Old Dame” of Cape Town. With her historical links to England and her ultimate elegant feel, it is like stepping back into a bygone area, but without missing out on all the mod-cons we expect today. Friendly service, style and elegance. That is the Mount Nelson. It is a romantic resort in the heart of Cape Town. With her beautifully landscaped gardens and private retreat areas, it is a welcome haven to the buzz that is Cape Town. Don’t miss out on the much vaunted “High Tea” it is a real treat and definitely from a time past!
8. Phinda Resource Reserve
&beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve is situated in the lush Maputaland region in northern KwaZulu-Natal. The South African Game Reserves borders the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park – a World Heritage Site. Phinda comprises 22 000 hectares of prime conservation land. It is exceptional in that it has seven distinct biospheres that shelter an abundance of wildlife including Africa’s Big Five and over 380 bird species. It is located close to the coast and the marine diversity offered nearby is spectacular. Phinda has six splendid safari lodges (Phinda Forest Lodge, Phinda Mountain Lodge, Phinda Rock Lodge, Phinda Vlei Lodge, Phinda Zuka, The Homestead) that range from glass-encased suites on stilts, to lodges with private decks and plunge pools to sumptuous suites among the treetops. The Phinda Homestead is an intimate family safari lodge overlooking an extinct volcano. The safari activities at Phinda are phenomenal – from the expected game drives in open 4 x 4 safari vehicles, to guided safari walks, to canoeing on the Mzinene River to riverboat cruises to breathtaking coastal flights, beach excursions including snorkelling and scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, turtle viewing, horse riding and cultural visits. This African safari is an adventurers paradise!
9. Hamiltons Tented Camp
Want romance! Then this is it! “Named after Colonel Stephenson Hamilton, who was instrumental in establishing the world famous Kruger National Park, Hamilton’s Tented Camp reflects a safari adventure of the early twentieth century, where grace and style were the epitome luxurious living.” This camp really does take you back to a bygone era, where life was filled with adventure and the exotic. The Camp is designed to make you feel like you are on an expedition in the early 1900’s, but there is certainly no skimping on the ultra luxurious! There are six magnificent canvas tents complete with teak floorboards, mosquito nets, slipper baths, outdoor showers and a superb view of the river. They are all linked to the main lodge area by raised timber walkways set amongst ancient Jackalberry trees. Throughout this South African game lodge there is early 1900’s objet d’art scattered about, whilst the lounge area is crammed with reference books, and the opulent dining area adds to the delight of this tranquil spot overlooking the river.The food is amazing and the game viewing is incredible. This is definitely a true romantic African safari destination.
10. The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa
A member of the Leading Hotels of the World. Once you see it you will know why.
It is a magical place where the mountains end and the sparkling blue Atlantic Ocean begins, offering dazzling views and pure tranquillity! Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa near beautiful Cape Town offers exceptional service and a stunning location – the kind of place a traveller never forgets. With their friendly staff, beautiful bedrooms, exceptional cuisine and awe inspiring views, it is hard to think of what people will enjoy the most! So, my advice is… Go there!
You don’t have to be Royal to enjoy these fabulous destinations, but without doubt they will certainly make you feel like Royalty!
Enjoy!
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