You will have numerous options for the best beach resorts in South Africa, thanks to its over 2,000 miles of coastline fronting two oceans.
When going to South Africa for a holiday, many immediately think of a safari getaway. While it is indeed one of the world’s best safari destinations, it is also home to some of the world’s most exclusive beach resorts, offering opportunities for relaxation and enjoying water sports.
Whether traveling with kids in tow or on a romantic break with your partner, you will find a resort perfect for you. Some are nestled along the beach, while others are on a cliff with stunning sunset views.
If you’re looking for ideas on where to stay for your beach getaway, refer below for the best beach resorts in South Africa.
Also, be sure to read my guides on the Safest Countries in Africa, Glamping in South Africa, and Airbnbs in Cape Town for more trip inspiration!
1. Birkenhead House
Where: Hermanus, Western Cape
Price: $653+ per night
https://www.theroyalportfolio.com/birkenhead-house/
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/birkenhead-house.en-gb.html
Flanked by two beautiful beaches, Birkenhead House boasts almost 360-degree ocean views. As one of South Africa’s finest beach resorts, it has everything you could wish for in a luxury beach retreat. Aside from its fantastic location, the resort has outstanding facilities, including two swimming pools, an onsite spa, and a restaurant offering excellent dining.
Two rooms at the resort have unobstructed sea views. While the rest don’t have views, they feature luxurious interiors with fine attention to detail. You’ll immediately notice the resort’s elegance as you arrive while still giving off that welcoming feel. Offering opportunities for relaxation, you will find numerous sun loungers along the beach and comfy sofas at the lounge for relaxing.
Credit: Birkenhead House
2. Morukuru Beach Lodge
Where: De Hoop Nature Reserve, Western Cape
Price: $900+ per night
https://www.facebook.com/MorukuruFamily
Facing the Indian Ocean, Morukuru Beach Lodge is a wonderfully designed boutique hotel having only five suites. Its stunning oceanfront location and world-class service and facilities make it one of the best beach resorts in South Africa. The resort sits at the end of the “Whale Trail,” a marine protected area stretching three miles of coast. With only five rooms available, you can expect a more intimate and personalized experience where staff members connect closely with guests.
The five spacious rooms exude elegance, furnished with comfy beds and oversized French windows. Each room opens to a glass balcony with ocean views and has a wood-burning stove to keep you warm and cozy in winter.
Credit: Morukuru Beach Lodge
3. Tintswalo Atlantic
Where: Hout Bay, Western Cape
Price: $431+ per night
https://www.tintswalo.com/atlantic/
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/tintswalo-atlantic.en-gb.html
Tintswalo Atlantic is the only luxury beach resort in South Africa in the Table Mountain National Park. Nestled at the base of Chapman’s Peak, it has a private track that leads to a pebble beach. The luxurious lodge feels more like a beach house than a resort, with only 11 individually decorated suites.
Each suite has oversized sliding doors opening into a deck above the ocean. Furnished with a large television, Nespresso machine, and well-stocked minibar, you’ll have everything you need for a relaxing stay in the Tintswalo Atlantic. Facilities include a heated pool, hiking paths, and numerous viewing platforms. Staff is happy to arrange excursions, including cooking lessons.
Credit: Tintswalo Atlantic
4. Tintswalo at Boulders
Where: Simon’s Town, Western Cape
Price: $177+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/tintswalo-at-boulders.en-gb.html
Nestled along one of the city’s prettiest beaches, Boulders Beach, Tintswalo at Boulders is one of the best beach resorts in South Africa. The resort is only a stone’s throw from Cape Town’s penguin colony, making it an ideal spot for a relaxing beach getaway. Enjoy direct access to the boardwalk and a secluded cove protected by granite rocks.
Tintswalo at Boulders offers nine spacious and well-appointed rooms, including a penguin-themed children’s room. All accommodations overlook the stunning ocean views. Expect exemplary service and first-class amenities, such as a rooftop plunge pool, the perfect place to return to after a long day of exploring Cape Town.
Credit: Tintswalo at Boulders
5. Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
Where: Gansbaai, Western Cape
Price: $1,400+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/grootbos-private-nature-reserve.en-gb.html
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve consists of two luxury lodges and villas in a private reserve surrounded by ancient forests. Overlooking the stunning Walker Bay, Grootbos, the five-star resort has 27 freestanding suites with private decks overlooking the bay. Each has thoughtful amenities, including wood-burning fireplaces, outdoor showers, and kitchenettes.
If you want to splurge, book the modern private villas with infinity pools and a lovely terrace. With two restaurants onsite, no need to leave the resort when it’s time to eat. These restaurants serve the best-tasting meals made from the freshest local ingredients.
Credit: Grootbos Private Nature Reserve
6. The Oyster Box
Where: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Price: $435+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/the-oyster-box.en-gb.html
Located in Durban, The Oyster Box is one of the most beautiful beach resorts in South Africa. It’s in a Colonial-style building with whirling palace staircases in the lobby and gorgeous marble floors. Surrounded by beautiful beaches, such as La Lucia and Umdloti, the Oyster Box is the perfect base for your beach getaway in Durban. The area is also famous for its water activities, such as surfing, diving, and dolphin watching.
You’ll have numerous choices of accommodations at the Oyster Box, from entry-level rooms to luxurious suites overlooking the Indian Ocean. All are well-appointed and have spacious marble bathrooms with separate rain showers and bathtubs. Resort facilities include two swimming pools, a spa, two restaurants, three bars, and a lounge for enjoying afternoon teas.
Credit: The Oyster Box
7. Sea Five Boutique Hotel
Where: Camps Bay, Cape Town
Price: $191+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/sea-five-boutique-cape-town.en-gb.html
Sea Five Boutique Hotel sits in a quiet and stunning area of Cape Town. As one of the most beautiful beach resorts in South Africa, it features discreet and elegant interiors and is only a short stroll to the area’s beach, restaurants, and bars. You can choose from one of the resort’s seven well-appointed rooms.
Two rooms at Sea Five overlook the stunning ocean views and feature luxurious amenities like televisions, Nespresso stations, and bathrooms with underfloor heating. Exuding a homey vibe, the Sea Five Boutique Hotel feels more like an exclusive beach house than a resort. Aside from the excellent service, enjoy top-notch facilities, including a lounge-bar area that leads to a lovely deck and pool.
Credit: Sea Five Boutique Hotel
8. Thonga Beach Lodge
Where: Mabibi, KwaZulu-Natal
Price: $573+ per night
https://www.thongabeachlodge.co.za/
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/thonga-beach-lodge.en-gb.html
Thonga Beach Lodge sits along a private beach at iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s largest protected area. It’s the perfect base for those looking to unwind in nature and discover fascinating wildlife. The resort is close to Lake Sibaya, home to hippos and crocodiles.
All the luxurious rooms at Thonga Beach Lodge have comfy beds covered in mosquito nets. Some rooms face the ocean, while others overlook the lush forest. Expect excellent service from the warm and friendly staff who have local knowledge of the area and will be happy to arrange excursions, from guided walks in the forest to kayaking and snorkeling. Resort amenities include a small swimming pool amidst a lush jungle and a library with board games.
Credit: Thonga Beach Lodge
9. The Marly Boutique Hotel
Where: Camps Bay, Cape Town
Price: $509+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/the-marly.en-gb.html
The Marly Boutique Hotel is on Camps Bay Beach, one of South Africa’s most beautiful beaches. Surrounded by spectacular sea views, it has 38 rooms, a rooftop pool bar, and direct access to the palm-lined beach. Aside from the comfy bed, the rooms are beautifully furnished with plush carpets, a seating area, and sliding doors leading to a private balcony.
Aside from the rooftop pool bar, resort facilities include a spa offering relaxing massages and treatments. You will have access to six restaurants – each featuring a different vibe. Check out the chic rooftop bar, a perfect place to marvel at gorgeous sunsets.
Credit: The Marly Boutique Hotel
10. Last Word Long Beach
Where: Kommetjie, Western Cape
Price: $363+ per night
https://www.thelastword.co.za/hotel/long-beach
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/the-last-word-long-beach.en-gb.html
Situated on a semi-deserted beach featuring stunning ocean and mountain views, the Last Word Long Beach lies along the southern end of Long Beach. The luxury resort has six sophisticated hotel rooms dressed in cool whites. Each has a lounge area and a sliding door facing the sea. Indulge in ultimate luxury by staying in the Elegant Suites upstairs with mesmerizing views and a spacious travertine bathroom.
Aside from private beach access, resort facilities include a lovely pool and a spa offering a range of massages and treatments. The well-trained staff offers excellent service and pampering you to the best of their abilities.
Credit: Last Word Long Beach
11. Mosselberg on Grotto Beach
Where: Hermanus, Western Cape
Price: $222+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/african-pride-mosselberg-on-grotto-beach.en-gb.html
Located east outside the town center, Mosselberg on Grotto Beach sits in coastal vegetation, a short walk from the beautiful Grotto Beach. It has a narrow pathway leading to the Hermanus cliff path and towards the beach. Featuring a gorgeous garden blending seamlessly with the coast, Mosselberg is undoubtedly one of the most stunning beach resorts in South Africa.
Mosselberg has only five rooms. All are luxurious and spacious, although if you want to wake up to fantastic sea views, book one of the lavish suites on the top floor. Since there are only five rooms in this beautiful hotel, you will be treated to a more personalized service. Resort facilities include a bar with an open-plan kitchen and a well-equipped game room that leads to the courtyard with a small pool.
Credit: Mosselberg on Grotto Beach
12. POD Camps Bay
Where: Camps Bay, Cape Town
Price: $298+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/pod-camps-bay.en-gb.html
POD Camps Bay is a 17-room luxury beach resort in South Africa, only a block from a gorgeous, palm-lined beach. The upscale resort offers sophisticated accommodations, with some rooms enjoying angled ocean views. All rooms have all the amenities you expect from a luxury hotel, including an iPod docking station, a Nespresso Machine, and a spacious bathroom with underfloor heating.
While you might want to spend most of your time relaxing in your cozy room, be sure to check out the resort’s luxury facilities as well. Head to the public lounge area, where you’ll find a dining room and bar lounge overlooking the stunning 55-foot lap pool. If you want to go to the beach, follow the narrow pathway towards Camps Bay beach.
Credit: POD Camps Bay
13. Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve
Where: Port Alfred, Eastern Cape
Price: $546+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/oceana-beach-amp-wildlife-reserve.en-gb.html
Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve is an elegant lodge nestled in a coastal wildlife reserve and overlooks the breathtaking views of a private white sand beach. Like most luxury beach resorts in South Africa, Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve is a small resort offering only seven rooms and suites.
The luxury suites of Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve are best suited for those who want to indulge in a luxurious beach getaway. All feature beautiful antique furniture, air-conditioning, satellite TV, and ensuite bathrooms with a Jacuzzi and heated floors. Aside from the comfy bed, the rooms have living areas and private decks overlooking the stunning ocean views. For big groups, book the three-bedroom house with a full kitchen and private plunge pool.
Credit: Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve
14. South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel
Where: Camps Bay, Cape Town
Price: $265+ per night
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/south-beach-camps-bay.en-gb.html
South Beach Camps Bay is a short walk to the famous Camps Bay Beach, one of Cape Town’s most beautiful beaches. Offering 19 spacious apartments facing the sea, it is one of the best beach resorts in South Africa and is a perfect choice for those looking to relax and enjoy Cape Town’s attractions.
The apartments are spacious, furnished, and fitted to the highest quality standard, with utmost attention to detail. They have well-equipped kitchens, Bluetooth speakers, and Wi-Fi. You can also request noise-canceling headphones for when you want to sleep with no distractions. Each unit has a balcony, while the two rooms on the first floor have a lovely patio leading straight to the pool.
Credit: South Beach Camps Bay Boutique Hotel
15. The Clarendon – Bantry Bay
Where: Bantry Bay, Cape Town
Price: $387+ per night
https://www.clarendon.co.za/bantry-bay/
https://www.booking.com/hotel/za/the-clarendon.en-gb.html
The Clarendon is a gorgeous beach resort in South Africa in one of Cape Town’s most stunning locations. Nestled high above the Atlantic, the cliffside resort boasts breathtaking ocean views. All rooms are comfortable and spacious, featuring modern conveniences like a well-stocked minibar, a large TV, and a Nespresso machine.
Run by a team of courteous staff, you can expect excellent service at the Clarendon. Aside from easy access to the beach, the Clarendon has a pool with sun loungers. The resort is in the center of a prime real estate strip stretching from Kloof to Nettleton Road.
Credit: The Clarendon – Bantry Bay
