The best beach hotels to stay in South Africa

South Africa has a sumptuous coastline. It is therefore not surprising that one can find seaside hotels just as magnificent. Our selection covers the entire coast of the country, whether in the South between Cape Town and the Garden Route or in the East between Durban and St Lucia. These establishments offer all the comfort you need to relax during your vacation. Furthermore, the best beach hotels in South Africa that we recommend are always located in an idyllic setting near a paradise beach.

NB : For us, the best place to rest in a seaside hotel and spend a quiet holiday is Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route with its hot water lagoon and its many activities. You can spend a few days there by following one of our itineraries.

By following the link below, you will find our articles on the different routes to visit the country if you are still unsure: The best routes to visit South Africa

Consulting : For more dream hotels, you will find a list of all the establishments we recommend here: The best dream hotels to stay in South Africa

Best Cape Town Beach Hotels in South Africa

1. Ocean View House: the best seaside hotel in Camps Bay, 10 minutes from Cape Town

If you like to sleep facing the ocean, in a haven of peace, at the foot of Table Mountain, then the seaside hotel of South Africa Ocean View House is made for you. Located in Bakoven just outside Camps Bay, you are only a 10 minute drive from Cape Town city center. In addition, you have many beaches nearby: Llandudno, Camps Bay or even Clifton. And you can walk to the Camps Bay waterfront bars and restaurants. It's perfect for a drink at sunset!

most : The rooms and the swimming pool of this seaside hotel have a magnificent view of the sea.

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2. Winchester Mansions: the emblematic seaside hotel on the promenade from Sea Point to Cape Town

Winchester Mansions is a little more expensive than our other recommendations but it's the go-to seaside hotel on the Sea Point area's boardwalk. Whether you stay there or not, we recommend that you have a drink on their terrace to watch the sunset over the ocean. The location of this seaside hotel is just perfect: it combines magnificent sea views, quick access to the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay while being a 5-minute drive from the town centre. You will find many bars, cafes and restaurants on the main axis of the area behind the hotel. The Sea Point promenade, just opposite, runs along the sea to the municipal swimming pool. We recommend that you do your morning jog there with the locals and like them end up jumping into the pool at the end of the track. This seaside hotel also offers a superb swimming pool and an open-air patio always flowery where you can have your breakfast (if you are there on a Sunday, the breakfast turns into a brunch with live jazz: we highly recommend it!). The rooms are comfortable and those facing the sea offer a fantastic view.

most : the red tourist buses that go around Cape Town have a stop right in front of the seaside hotel.

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3. Camps Bay Retreat: Cape Town's best beach hotel surrounded by jungle

If the title is confused, this is normal. Camps Bay Retreat is very special because it is a luxurious mansion surrounded by a huge garden that looks a lot like a jungle. All located between Cape Town and Camps Bay, therefore in an urban area! The places are very relaxing, facing the ocean and surrounded by lush vegetation. A real contrast with the buzz of the city. You can walk to the beach in 2 minutes and you are in Cape Town city center in less than 5 minutes by car. Camps Bay's lively restaurants and bars are also within walking distance in just a few minutes. A true haven of peace in the middle of the city which earned him the title of Best Cape Town Beach Hotel in South Africa.

most : They have an elevated massage room in a safari tent in the middle of their "jungle". Just wonderful.

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4. Pod: Cape Town's most design seaside hotel in South Africa

Under is also located in Camps Bay near the beach and less than 5 minutes by car from Cape Town. The seaside hotel is very contemporary with a minimalist decoration. It is very beautiful and very exclusive. If you like architecture magazines, you will like to sleep here. There is no doubt Cape Town's most design seaside hotel in South Africa.

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5. Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel: Cape Town's most iconic beach hotel in South Africa

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is Cape Town's most iconic beach hotel. It has been welcoming the greats of this world since 1899 (John Lennon, Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, etc…) and it was painted pink to celebrate the end of the First World War. Since then, this British colonial hotel has always kept its luxury and panache. This Cape Town institution is located in the heart of the city with a pedestrian access overlooking the Company Garden (a park that joins a lot of museums and whose restaurant in its center is worth the trip) and direct access to Kloof Street (the main street liveliest in Cape Town with many bars and restaurants). But once you pass its gate, you enter a green oasis right in the city center! Its swimming pool is certainly the best in Cape Town with a beautiful view of Table Mountain and absolute calm. In short, the best of the best. We advise you, even if you are not a resident, to enjoy their famous high tea (the English snack) at the end of the afternoon. It is absolutely delicious.

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6. Cape Grace: the best beach hotel in the Waterfront area of ​​Cape Town

Cape Grace is the best beach hotel the Waterfront offers. It is the perfect location if you are looking for luxury, magnificent views of Table Mountain, security and pedestrian access to Cape Town's best shopping. The seaside hotel is surrounded by a port of sailboats and yachts but also by a dry dock for repairing ships. You can walk in complete safety in the ultra guarded Waterfront complex and enjoy all its shops, bars, restaurants and attractions (Ferris wheel, cruises, Springboks museum, helicopter tour of the Cape Peninsula, etc ...) .

most : The hotel has the best whiskey bar in Cape Town on the ground floor.

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7. Ellerman House: the crème de la crème of Cape Town beach hotels in South Africa

Without surprise, Ellerman House is Cape Town's most exclusive beach hotel in South Africa. Everything is perfect here. Located in Bantry Bay (the last part of Cape Town before Camps Bay), the hotel certainly has the most beautiful ocean view in Cape Town. The rooms have a large terrace and even a private swimming pool. What more can be said?…

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Cape Town in South Africa

To discover the region:

• Discover the most beautiful areas of Cape Town in South Africa
• Cape Town's must-see excursions in South Africa
• Best things to do in cape town

The best seaside hotels to stay in Hermanus in South Africa

1. The Marine Hermanus: the best seaside hotel to see whales in South Africa

Of all the seaside hotels, The Marine Hermanus is the one who offers the best view to see whales in South Africa (and hear them!). Located on the edge of the cliffs, this member hotel of Relaix & Château is a guarantee of quality and tranquility. It belongs to the same group as The Plettenberg Hotel, another hotel which is the best in Plettenberg Bay.

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2. Birkenhead House: the best seaside hotel in Hermanus in South Africa

Birkenhead House is the best way to find accommodation in Hermanus but also the most expensive. You can watch the whales in the bay, lying on your deckchair, while sipping a glass of white wine ... This seaside hotel is very well located at the top of a promontory between the two most beautiful beaches of Hermanus. In addition, its excellent service, its infinity pool and its quality cuisine make it one of the best beach hotels in all of South Africa.

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For further: Discover the other hotels we recommend in Hermanus in South Africa

To discover the region: See whales and dive in cages with white sharks at Hermanus

Thonga Beach Lodge: the best seaside hotel in Saint Lucia in South Africa

Thonga Beach Lodge has the privilege of being located inside iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and main attraction of St Lucia (this privilege comes at a rather high price but all meals are included) . The place is quiet and isolated in nature. To get there, the only option is to take the hotel's 4 × 4 which picks you up and takes you to the heart of the national park along a superb sandy track next to the huge beach. Once you arrive, you discover a corner of paradise cut off from the modern world. This is the best seaside hotel in this region from South Africa from afar. And it is also part of the top accommodation in South Africa. These luxury cabins are extremely romantic. Perched in the trees, they all have a terrace with a magnificent view of the ocean from where you can observe whales. We would like to live there… In addition, their very wild and always deserted private beach is accessible in 30 seconds and you can snorkel there to admire the seabed filled with fish. The lucky ones may even see a turtle laying these eggs in the white sand. Here, it is not so rare! If you are diving, this seaside hotel offers sea trips to Sodwana Bay which is South Africa's best diving spot. It also offers many activities such as kayaking or 4 × 4 in the park. When you come back in the evening, don't miss out on a massage. They are just amazing!

Last tip : book quickly because there are only 12 rooms…

Most : if you are on a honeymoon or if you want to spend a romantic night, we recommend that you book one of their rooms with private pool and outdoor shower. The dream…

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For further: Discover the other hotels we recommend in Saint Lucia in South Africa

To discover the region:

• Guide to the best activities of St Lucia in South Africa
• Go on a safari at Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve in South Africa

The best beach hotels to stay in Wilderness in South Africa

1. Dune Guest Lodge: a superb seaside hotel on the edge of Wilderness beach

The seaside hotel Dune Guest Lodge is a little more expensive than a Guest House but it is the best value for money of all seaside hotels around the Wilderness. Its main asset is its magnificent view of the ocean. Located on the beach, you can swim close to your room or relax on your terrace facing the sea. The hotel is immaculate and tastefully decorated. We loved our stay there.

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2. Oceans Wilderness and Views Boutique Hotel & Spa: the two best seaside hotels to stay in the Wilderness in South Africa

Oceans wilderness et Views Boutique Hotel & Spa are two luxurious seaside hotels that offer 5 star comfort. They are the top of the top of the Wilderness and are very popular for honeymoons. Their panoramic view of the Indian Ocean is spectacular and the rooms superb. You can enjoy their swimming pools, spa, jacuzzi and massages in front of a breathtaking view. In short, the dream! These are our two favorites and for us the best beach hotels to stay in Wilderness in South Africa. We recommend them if you want to spend a special romantic moment.

Views Boutique Hotel & Spa

Book in advance Views Boutique Hotel & Spa :

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Oceans wilderness 

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Wilderness in South Africa

To discover the region: The best Wilderness activities on the Garden Route

Tintswalo at Boulders: the best seaside hotel on the Cape Peninsula in South Africa

Tintswalo at Boulders is located just minutes from the center of Simon's Town and directly above the penguin colony of Boulders National Park. This extremely advantageous location allows you to have the best possible view of these animals. We recommend that you do as we did and get up early for a chance to swim next to them on the adjacent beach before tourists arrive (it is considered one of the best beaches in Cape Town). It is an experience that you will not have elsewhere! As for accommodation, it is a seaside hotel offering an exceptional quality of service. The rooms are very comfortable and tastefully decorated. In addition, they have a magnificent panoramic view of the ocean and the mountains. If the water in Cape Town is too cold, you will find a swimming pool on the roof top of this seaside hotel. Of course to take advantage of all these advantages, the price is much more expensive than the rest of our recommendations near Muizenberg. But if it fits in your budget, then go ahead and sleep in the best seaside hotel on the Cape Peninsula.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Muizenberg in South Africa

To discover the region:

• Visit of the Cape of Good Hope at the tip of South Africa
• The best coast stops between Muizenberg and Hermanus in South Africa

The best beach hotels in Plettenberg Bay in South Africa

1. The Plettenberg Hotel: the best seaside hotel in the center of Plettenberg Bay

The Plettenberg Hotel overlooks the sea from a cliff 5 minutes walk from the city center. It was built in one of the best locations in town: close to the busy streets and right above the beach. Its rooms are spacious and bright with spectacular ocean views. The quality of services is excellent, as in all Relais et Châteaux. The hotel also belongs to the same group as the best seaside hotel in Hermanus: The Marine. In addition to its location, this seaside hotel is known for having the finest infinity pool in Plettenberg Bay. It is the ideal place to admire the sunset. We also recommend that you reserve a table in their restaurant for dinner. It is very good and offers many seafood and fresh fish. The hotel also has a spa that does good massages. Certainly more expensive than most accommodation in the region, this is justified when you know that it is recognized as the best seaside hotel in Plettenberg Bay.

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2. The Junction Boutique Hotel: The best budget beach hotel in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

The Junction Boutique Hotel is an affordable beach hotel in the center of Plettenberg Bay in South Africa. Recently renovated, it is modern and tastefully decorated. Even if it does not have a magnificent view, it is located on the most alive artery of the city. Small and full of charm, it is perfect for going out at night for a drink and eating.

NB: Their breakfast is really great.

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3. The Bungalow: Plettenberg Bay seaside hotel in South Africa with the best atmosphere

The Bungalow is a seaside hotel located on the very friendly beach. It's a bit more expensive due to its prime location but it's worth getting up facing the ocean and having lunch on their patio. Besides, even if you don't stay there, we recommend that you go there for brunch or lunch! The furniture is very beautiful and very designer. Here, everything is done to make you feel on vacation!

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4. The Old Rectory: the best alternative to the seaside hotel The Plettenberg Hotel 

The Old Rectory is a gorgeous South African beach hotel that we recommend if The Plettenberg Hotel is complete. It is of the same standing and just as beautiful. It is the crème de la crème of seaside hotels in the center of Plettenberg Bay.

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5. Tsala Treetop Lodge: the best luxury beach hotel in Plettenberg Bay, South Africa

Located just outside of Plettenberg Bay, Tsala Treetop Lodge is lost in nature in the middle of the forest. All bedrooms are built on the treetops. They are extremely luxurious “cabins” with private infinity pools. They are equipped with a bathroom with a large bathtub, an indoor and outdoor shower and the terrace overlooks the jungle with often monkeys visiting you. It's just magic… We had the impression of being a luxury Robinson Crusoe! If you are on your honeymoon or just want to spend a unique night high in the trees, then Tsala Treetop Lodge is a must do. It's expensive but besides being the best beach hotel in Plettenberg Bay it is one of the most beautiful and romantic hotels in South Africa. You will not regret it !

Consulting : Book the restaurant of this seaside hotel for a candlelit dinner hanging at the top of the canopy.

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6. Hunter's Country House: the best alternative to the Tsala seaside hotel near Plettenberg Bay

If Tsala Treetop Lodge is too expensive for your budget, then the beach hotel Hunter's Country House is a good alternative. Much cheaper but not cheap either, this seaside hotel is also a haven of peace in the middle of nature. Located at the exit of Plettenberg Bay, it offers a romantic setting in which to relax. The rooms are very beautiful, spacious and tastefully decorated in thatched-roofed houses. The garden and the swimming pool are often visited by many small monkeys. Candlelight dinner is served outside under the stars. The beautiful surroundings and the services offered by this seaside hotel make it a good choice for a wedding anniversary. You never stop being pampered! A real piece of paradise.

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7. Emily Moon River Lodge: the best seaside hotel in Plettenberg Bay in South Africa

Known to all South Africans who spend their vacations at Plettenberg Bay, Emily Moon River Lodge is an institution. Many come there for a drink or dinner to enjoy the magnificent setting at sunset, for lack of being able to sleep there ... the best seaside hotel to stay in this part of South Africa (and much cheaper than Tsala Treetop Lodge). The seaside hotel is perched on a hill overlooking the river and its lagoon. The decoration is magnificent. The rooms are all different and very comfortable. The restaurant is famous in the valley. We couldn't recommend better… But this seaside hotel is often full! So book well in advance if you've fallen for this idyllic spot on the Garden Route.

The + : The lodge lends bikes and canoes for the day.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Plettenberg Bay in South Africa

To discover the region:

• Plettenberg Bay and Robberg National Park
• The best activities Plettenberg Bay has to offer
• Guide to the best Garden Route stops in South Africa

The best seaside hotels in Margate near the Oribi Gorge in South Africa

1. San Lameer Resort Hotel & Spa: The best seaside hotel in Margate, South Africa

Located a few kilometers from the Oribi gorges, San Lameer Resort Hotel & Spa is the best seaside hotel in Margate in South Africa. We recommend it if you prefer resorts to guesthouses. The rooms are spacious, very well decorated, clean and comfortable. The service is excellent and the seaside hotel has a large swimming pool, a gym and even a spa which offers good massages (much appreciated after a day of driving or walking!).

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2. Days At Sea Beach Lodge: the best seaside hotel near the Oribi Gorge in South Africa

Days At Sea Beach Lodge is the best beach hotel near the Oribi Gorge in South Africa. Located between Margate and Port Edward, its location is perfect if you want to go to the Drakensberg the next day. This seaside hotel offers large, quality rooms in a beautiful building. You have a magnificent view of the ocean from your terrace and you can relax in their superb infinity pool overlooking lush vegetation. The staff bends over backwards to ensure you have a great stay. Really the best of the best.

most : They even have a spa that offers great massages!

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend near the Oribi Gorge in South Africa

To discover the region: Hiking in the Oribi gorges in South Africa

The best Durban beach hotels in South Africa

1. Quarters Hotel favorite: the best seaside hotel in Durban, South Africa

When we return to Durban, we always go to Quarters hotel. It is our favorite and it is considered by many locals as the best seaside hotel in Durban in South Africa. It is ideally located on Florida Road, Durban's busiest street for eating and drinking, but once inside expect a cocoon of tranquility. In addition, the beach, promenade and shops are also very close. Its location and exceptional standing are its best assets. This seaside hotel is very beautiful with its Victorian architecture, comfortable bedrooms and elegant marble bathrooms. We have stayed here numerous times and have never been disappointed. The welcome is always excellent and the service perfect.

The + : If you are leaving early in the morning for the Drakensbergs, the airport or whatever, the Quarters Hotel cooks always prepare a very good breakfast to go for you. Don't forget to ask!

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2. Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani hotel: the best luxury beach hotel in Durban, South Africa

Durban's waterfront facing the Golden Mile promenade and the beach is home to many 5-star beach hotels. But the most famous of all luxury beach hotels of this 'Miami strip' with South African sauce is the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani hotel. The hotel is huge and offers all the services of accommodation of this standard: rooftop swimming pool at 32^nd floors, gym, award-winning spa, bar on the rooftop very pleasant at sunset facing the sea, many restaurants including a very good Japanese, breakfast buffet with a huge choice, etc ... The rooms are all very comfortable and have a wonderful view of the ocean. There is nothing to add.

The + : This seaside hotel can rent bikes for you to stroll along the Golden Mile promenade by the sea.

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3. The famous Umhlanga Oyster Box in Durban: THE best seaside hotel in all of South Africa 

The Oyster Box Hotel is one of the top 10 best hotels in South Africa. It is therefore not surprising that it is the best seaside hotel in Durban and even South Africa (from far away). The best of the best, the most prestigious, exceptional, legendary… There is no lack of superlatives to qualify it. Its superb is also reflected in its price ... If it is within your means, go for it! If you are on a honeymoon or have kept a budget to treat yourself for a night, don't hesitate either. This seaside hotel is a true South African institution. It would be pointless to describe this palace as the photos speak for themselves ... Everything here is world class: the view, the rooms, the award-winning KwaZulu spa, the infinity pools, the restaurants, the breakfast, the gym, private cinema, bars, rooftop, tea room, etc… It is located in front of the ocean in Umhlanga, a district of Durban by the sea. From the beach you can watch the dolphins, go surfing or even diving.

Consulting : the 'high tea' in the tea room of this seaside hotel is so famous that you have to book well in advance to be able to enjoy their selection of pastries by the end of the afternoon facing the ocean.

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For further : Discover the other hotels we recommend in Durban in South Africa

To find out more about South Africa:

• Go on a circuit in South Africa
• Where to stay in South Africa?
• The best hotels to stay in South Africa by region
• The best accommodation for each type of hotel in South Africa