4 South African Hotels you MUST visit in 2017

These are the top 4 Hotels in South Africa according to Conde Nast Traveler’s :

“Our Favorite Hotels in the World: Gold List 2017”

BABYLONSTOREN FARM HOTEL || FRANSCHHOEK

“Nowhere else in the winelands manages to feel as fresh or relevant as Babylonstoren.” – Condé Nast Traveller UK

A 500-acre Cape Dutch winery and fruit farm dating to 1692 has been reincarnated way beyond its former glory by former Elle Decoration editor Karen Roos. It’s now the Cape’s most authentic and comforting farm stay. Located between Franschhoek and Paarl, this meticulously restored estate is anchored by eight acres of formal vegetable, flower, and fruit gardens.

The simple, whitewashed exteriors of the 12 suites, overlooking gardens or vineyards, give little hint of the graceful interiors that mingle old and new, rustic and contemporary—from the posy of indigenous flowers in the bathroom, to the bookshelves packed with highbrow South African literature, to the modern glass-walled full kitchens in select suites that enable fantasy DIY farm-to-table cooking (guests can pluck their own heirloom vegetables and organic fruit on-site).

For those happy to leave the cooking to the pros, Babel, a restaurant in a converted cowshed, presents a fresh daily menu whose organizing principle is seasonal colors (a red salad—a plate of watermelon, strawberries, beets, radishes, and mulberries—for instance) served in a dining room or under umbrellas in a courtyard. Even the pool’s design reinforces the pastoral experience—it resembles a traditional farm dam.

BELMOND MOUNT NELSON HOTEL

This flamingo-pink hotel at the foot of Table Mountain is on a garden estate. The elegant property comprises five main wings, and the garden cottage suites are set behind a rose garden. Oasis Bistro dishes up Mediterranean-inspired meals, while the fancier Planet Restaurant serves contemporary dishes. Don’t miss afternoon tea, served in the lounge and on the terrace.

ONE&ONLY CAPE TOWN

On the edge of a marina on the buzzing V&A Waterfront, this glamorous newcomer makes the other five-star harbor hotels seem buttoned-down by comparison. While service is still short of being seamless, the hotel raises the bar in Cape Town with its designer dining, luxurious accommodations, and innovative facilities.

There’s a Nobu doing faultless food with a nod to locally sourced ingredients; Reuben’s, a Brasserie-styled spot with bistro fare , and a central bar with a gunshot view of Table Mountain. All of the 91 rooms and suites in the main hotel are smartly done in dark, African-inspired hues and sleek lines.

There are also 40 island suites—hot accent colors liven up the decor here—set apart on one of two private islands within the marina that form part of the hotel (the other island has the retreat-like ESPA spa, wisely set away from the hotel’s superbly staffed gym and KidsOnly club).

Quieter and more spacious but without views, these suites surround a vast free-form infinity pool with its casual, alfresco Isola restaurant (hotel guests only in high season) that serves wood-fired pizza, tapas, and salads.

ANDBEYOND PHINDA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

This eco-friendly, glass-walled lodge is set in a sand forest with a dense canopy of Torchwood trees. Expansive views of the surrounding ecosystem from all of the 16 air-conditioned suites with private plunge pools provide the perfect opportunity to view the Big Five from afar.

Expect to also spot the elusive black rhino, ballet-like Nyala antelopes prancing, and scuttling Impalas. Meals are served on an open deck, a classic way to take in sundowners.

Listen to the forest’s percussive sounds like the chatter of monkeys or the chirping of red Tonga squirrels.

Rooms have a truly safari-style vibe, with Nguni fighting sticks and etchings of Zulu warriors adoring the walls.

A hedonistic congratulations to Ellerman House and Singita, both African properties, for being included in the UK Gold List. as well as the above andBeyond Phinda Vlei lodge, The Belmond Mount Nelson and The One & Only Cape Town for making the US Gold List.