Demand in the luxury sector is on the rise. Liesl Venter rounds up some of the new luxury offerings in Southern Africa.

The Silo Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa

Located at the Waterfront, this long-awaited luxury hotel is the talk of the town, with the penthouse suite costing in the region of R140 000 (€8 770) per night. The hotel is in the repurposed, heritage-listed Silo building, occupying six floors in what was once a grain elevator.

“It is an opulent, luxurious hotel towering above the Waterfront,” says Wesgro Chief Marketing Officer, Judy Lain.

“It is also home to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (MOCAA).” The hotel has only 27 rooms, including its spectacular penthouse, assuring its exclusivity.

Thorntree River Lodge, Zambia

May 2017 saw African Bush Camps relaunch this lodge in the heart of Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, only a stone’s throw from the Victoria Falls. Built on the banks of the Zambezi, the lodge has been completely redesigned.

“We took over the existing property and completely rebuilt the lodge,” says Jemma Macmillan, African Bush Camps Marketing Head.

“The lodge was built using inspiration from local customs and culture and it is a modern contemporary design, with tented roof structures to maintain the feel of authentic Africa.”

It offers eight luxury suites and two family suites. Each unit has its own indoor and outdoor bathrooms, as well as a luxurious private plunge pool. 

Thorntree River Lodge in Zambia maintains the feel of authentic Africa.

Khwai Tented Camp, Botswana

African Bush Camps opened Khwai Tented Camp in April this year after a major refurbishment. The camp now comprises six elegant tents perched on wooden decking overlooking a tranquil lagoon, says Macmillan.

“During the refurbishment, the tents were upgraded with more modern and spacious Serengeti-style tents,” said Macmillan.

She says the camp exudes the charm and aura of the old Africa in a new era, and provides a truly authentic African safari experience.

She says the company has recently taken over Bumi Hills Safari Lodge on the shores of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe. This facility is currently under extensive renovations and will open towards the end of the year.

Miavana, Madagascar

The first ultra-luxury resort on Miavana island took almost four years to build, but has been worth the wait. Fitting in seamlessly with the environment in the heart of the Indian Ocean it offers eco-luxury accommodation in 14 villas, combining wildlife and the beach in one unique experience.

The Old Rectory, Plettenberg Bay

Immaculately restored, this national monument built in 1777 has been transformed into an intimate boutique hotel offering 18 luxury suites promising a peaceful, private and personal stay. Facilities include a spa, in-house restaurant and pool and it is just a short walk to the beach in one of South Africa’s most loved coastal towns.

One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius

Set to reopen in December, this luxury hotel is currently undergoing a total transformation. Renowned for being the Grande Dame of Mauritius, the hotel is having its interior completely overhauled while state-of-the-art sport facilities and new guest rooms and suites are being introduced. Two swimming pools and a spa are also on the cards along with new culinary experiences.

“The planned enhancements will ensure that the resort continues to showcase what people have come to love about One&Only Le Saint Géran. The comprehensive redesign will amplify the already extraordinary experience of this cherished property, with its unmatched beachfront with private lagoon,” said Philippe Zuber, Chief Operating Officer/President, One&Only Resorts. 

Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island

With the grand opening only a few months away now, this luxury island resort with its 40 beach suites with private pools has just opened for bookings. One of the most intimate properties in the Four Seasons collection, the resort has direct access to unspoiled beaches and the azure waters of the Indian Ocean. Having undergone an extensive renovation in the past few months and now nearing completion, all suites feature private plunge pools, tropical gardens and luxuriouso outdoor living spaces.