Planning a summer vacation should be at the top of your list of priorities right now if you haven’t done it already. How does the deep blue sea, soft sand between your toes and perhaps a glass of something cold and colourful sound? Here is a list of some spectacular hotels with beachfront views in South Africa, to inspire you.
1. Tinswalo Atlantic, Hout Bay
Tinswalo Atlantic is tucked between Chapman’s Peak and the Atlantic Ocean. A short drive from the city’s hustle and bustle brings you to this majestic boutique lodge surrounded by gorgeous sea and mountain views and the scenic beauty of the Table Mountain National Park. Tinswalo Atlantic is a perfect resting spot for those who want to explore Cape Point and around the peninsula. Sipping a cocktail on an ocean-facing deck while the sun slips below the horizon never hurt anybody.
Glorious ocean views. Image supplied
Location: Chapmans Peak Dr, Hout Bay
Contacts: 021 201 0025; tintswalo.com
2. Cape Grace Hotel, Waterfront
The Cape Grace Hotel is situated in Cape Town’s vibrant V&A Waterfront. This luxurious hotel has picturesque views of the harbour and Table Mountain. The hotel’s popular Bascule Whisky, Wine and Cocktail Bar is right on the water’s edge, with the view of yachts in the harbour completing the picture of this perfect setting.
Image supplied
Location: West Quay Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
Contacts: 021 410 7100; capegrace.com
3. Ocean View Hotel, Wild Coast
The Ocean View Hotel has its own secluded beach meters from the rooms, making it very easy to take a laid-back stroll along the beach. If you prefer to put your feet up and sit on a quiet terrace surrounded by panoramic ocean views, you can do that, too.
Image supplied
Location: 1 Main Road, Coffee Bay, Wild Coast
Contacts: 083 791 3010; oceanview.co.za
4. Oyster Box Hotel
The Oyster Box is the place to be to soak in Durban’s relaxed coastal atmosphere. Standing majestically on Umhlanga’s beachfront by the Indian Ocean next to the iconic lighthouse, The Oyster Box Hotel is considered a national treasure in South Africa. Spend summery days relaxing by the pristine swimming pool.
Ocean Terrace at the Oyster Box Hotel. Image: supplied
Location: 2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga Rocks, Umhlanga
Contacts: 031 514 5000; oysterboxhotel.com
5. Radisson Blu Waterfront
From the hotel’s Tobago Restaurant, you’ll be able to view the Atlantic Ocean, the bustling marina and Table Mountain. The rooms and suites at the Radisson Blu are all ocean-inspired and each comes with a private balcony overlooking the shore, making for an unforgettable stay.
Overlooking Robben Island and the Atlantic Ocean. Image supplied
Location: 100 Beach Rd, Granger Bay, Cape Town
Contacts: 021 441 3000; radissonblu.com
6. Lagoon Beach Hotel and Spa
The Lagoon Beach and Spa is located in the scenic seaside suburb of Milnerton. Each room has a private terrace and a balcony perfect for viewing sunrise and sunsets, Table Mountain and the ocean.
Direct access to the beach. Image supplied
Location: 1 Lagoon Gate Drive, Milnerton, Cape Town
Contacts: 021 528 2000; lagoonbeachhotel.co.za
7. The Plettenberg Hotel
In need of a luxury escape? The Plettenberg Hotel is located in Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route, which is popular in the whale and dolphin season as well as the summer. Why not grab some wine from the hotel’s wine cellar before heading to the restaurant to indulge in a meal while gazing over the sea and the mountains in the distance.
A Garden Route escape. Image supplied
Location: 40 Church St, Plettenberg Bay
Contacts: 044 533 2030; theplettenberghotel.com
8. The Lofts Boutique Hotel
The Lofts Boutique Hotel is situated on historical Thesen Island in Knysna and is right next to the famous Ill de Pain Restaurant. The hotel makes for an exquisite place to experience the serenity of nature.
Uninterrupted views of the lagoon. Image supplied
Location: Long Street, Thesen Islands, Knysna
Contacts: 044 302 5710; knysnahotel.co.za
9. The Beach Hotel
Set in an idyllic location in Port Elizabeth, the Beach Hotel is suitable for families, leisure and business travellers. The hotel is situated opposite Hobie Beach and the Shark Rock Pier (all a short drive from restaurants, the casino and the aquarium). Enjoy a drink by the pool or in the cocktail bar and lounge that overlooks the beach.
Across from the hotel is the Indian Ocean. Image supplied
Location: Marine Drive, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth
Contacts: 041 583 2161; thebeachhotel.co.za
10. Premier Regent Hotel
The luxury Premier Regent Hotel in East London is a stone’s throw away from the waves of the Indian Ocean. The hotel is situated on the Esplanade on the Eastern Beach promenade. You can unwind as you take in outstanding views from your room.
At the foot of the Indian Ocean. Image supplied
Location: 22 Esplanade St, Quigney Beach, East London
Contacts: 043 709 5000; premierhotels.co.za
