LLM Exclusive News 2026 / The Most Romantic Hotels Across South Africa / By Georgie Bentley-Buckle

South Africa is a honeymoon destination that offers far more than your average fly-and-flop. Stretching the southernmost tip of the vast continent, from the unforgiving Atlantic Sea in the mountainous Western Cape, to the tropical beaches along the east coast, as I migrate south each year my escapades across South Africa have led me to some exceptional spots.

The destination my husband and I got engaged and plan to return for our honeymoon, my South African hotel hotlist continues to grow as I discover special new places with extraordinary hospitality, fine food and local wine.

Championing a string of distinct hotels each that embody the most beautifully diverse parts of South Africa, The Royal Portfolio and their exceptional collection of properties showcase captivating corners of the country.

From the crashing ocean famous for whale watching on the shoreline in Hermanus, the winelands of Franschhoek, the vibrant lights of Cape Town, plus the big five that roam the remote African bush; here are a handful of my favourite honeymoon hotspots to have on your radar.

The Silo: For the art enthusiasts

The Silo has everything you’d hope a dazzling five-star Cape Town escape to have.

If you’ve got your eye on the Cape Town travel scene, you’ve probably seen The Silo pop up on your Instagram feed. This contemporary hotel which stands proudly in the centre of the V&A Waterfront has been an integral part of revitalising the city since opening doors in 2017.

The suites will leave you lost words with the unique pillowed windows dramatically framing all aspects of the city, mountain and harbour, concealing a sumptuous setting within.

The Silo has everything you’d hope a dazzling five-star Cape Town escape to have: from rooftop cocktails with oysters to an indulgent spa and gorgeous restaurant that even locals love.

Surpassing its five-star credentials is the contemporary art gallery, which only just happens to house the largest collection of modern art in Africa. This makes The Silo more than a boujee city escape, but a creative catalyst.

La Residence: For the wine lovers

La Residence is an exquisite property resplendent with canary yellow parasols, a sweeping Persian Alley, grand antiques and tall bouquets which opulently decorate curated interiors.

In Franschhoek’s Huguenot hills, La Residence is an exquisite property resplendent with canary yellow parasols, a sweeping Persian Alley, grand antiques and tall bouquets which opulently decorate curated interiors.

Sharing this hushed hotel with a handful of proud peacocks that patrol the property, La Residence is a place fit for pop royalty – notably the man himself, Elton John.

With a vista overlooking the vines, enquire into his favourite suite which comes complete with a signed photo, a huge roll top bath and perfectly polished antiques.

A destination for wine aficionados, Franschhoek is in my opinion the most refined valley in the Western Cape’s wider wine region.

 Filled with fragrant flowers and fine wine, one of the most exciting aspects of La Residence is that guests can leisurely sip on the hotel’s wine which is produced from grapes grown among the vineyards that surround the estate.

Adding to the exclusivity, this small wine portfolio can only be enjoyed if you’re a guest of the hotel or staying at one of the few sister properties. Crafted by winemaker Jacques de Klerk, La Residence’s wine holds an emphasis on sustainability and creating wines in harmony with the valley.

Birkenhead House: For the coastal couple

Perched atop a clifftop, Birkenhead Houses’ privileged location offers the ideal vista to witness the marine life.

With just 11 rooms, this oceanfront hotel first began as the chic holiday home for owners Liz and Phil Biden. Still encapsulating this sumptuous, at-home concept Birkenhead House is a particularly special place for myself and my husband as we got engaged while staying here.

Rooms are abundant with art and antiques, whilst in communal areas, the smart lounge is set with deep soft sofas which look out over the waves crashing onto the South African sand.

Perched atop a clifftop, Birkenhead Houses’ privileged location offers the ideal vista to witness the marine life among the rolling waves.

Hermanus is considered the best place on earth to spot whales from the land. This I was fortunate enough to experience when a whale breached from the ocean whilst I sat at breakfast, during the first moments of newly engaged life.

Royal Malawane: For the wildlife aficionados

Imbued with a signature style of eye-catching art and ornate antiques, the level of hospitality and privacy ensures the most exclusive guest experience.

Stepping out of the Western Cape, most recently we flew across the length of the country, landing on a remote airstrip in the African bush on the border of the Greater Kruger National Park.

With herds of Elephants, graceful prides of lions and bloats of hippos among the watering holes, animal enthusiasts can expect to get up close and personal with Africa’s iconic creatures.

Weaving along almost endless dirt tracks, spotting giraffes poking their heads between the trees; the truck pulls into a secluded oasis.

This sanctuary is also known as The Farmstead, one of the luxurious villas of Royal Malewane and considered one of South Africa’s finest safari lodges.

Opening in May 2019 with three spacious Farm Suites, alongside The Farmhouse which is an additional three-and-a-half-bedroom villa, Farmstead offers a contemporary take on the traditional safari lodge experience (this can be seen reflected in the original lodge at Royal Malewane which first opened 25 years ago).

Imbued with a signature style of eye-catching art and ornate antiques, the level of hospitality and privacy ensures the most exclusive guest experience.

With a special engagement celebration including touches such as rose petals, a surprise framed photo and dinner under the stars, the team go beyond to ensure the service is as magical as the African animals that surround the lodge.

The Royal Portfolio itinerary

The Royal Portfolio’s curated itineraries open guests’ eyes to the vast diversity of the exciting country and how each hotel encapsulates it.

Combining all the properties in the group into one seamless itinerary is the ultimate way to explore South Africa in style. The Royal Portfolio’s curated itineraries open guests’ eyes to the vast diversity of the exciting country and how each hotel encapsulates it.

From Cape Town up to the Kruger, each tailored programme offers a blend of wildlife, culture, food and drink with effortless transitions between hotels as part of the wider Royal Portfolio family.

Factbox

Phone: +27 21 671 5502
Website: theroyalportfolio.com/itineraries

All imagery credit: The Royal Portfolio