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South Africa knows a thing or two about a room with a view. But these three stays give you just as much reason to admire what’s inside.
Mount Nelson, Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa and La Residence have made Time Out’s list of the world’s most beautiful hotels, joining a global selection of 33 properties spanning historic castles, jungle retreats and striking city hotels.
The list draws on the experiences of Time Out’s editors, writers and hotel experts, with every property visited by a member of the team. Architecture, interiors, gardens and scenery all inform the selection. And we're delighted three South African properties have been selected - appearing at numbers 10, 24 and 31, respectively.
Here’s what makes each worth a closer look.
Mount Nelson, Cape Town
The Pink Lady has never needed much help turning heads.
Welcoming guests since 1899, Mount Nelson brings together its unmistakable pink exterior, nine acres of gardens and a setting beneath Table Mountain. Rooms, suites and historic cottages offer different ways to settle into one of Cape Town’s most recognisable addresses, while afternoon tea remains an institution.
There’s plenty happening beyond those familiar rituals, too. Amura, chef Ángel León’s first restaurant outside Spain, adds a contemporary layer to the hotel’s appeal. Designed by Tristan du Plessis, its marine-inspired dining room pairs a dramatic ceiling with textured finishes and a central fishmonger’s station. It’s a compelling reason to make an evening of the Nellie, even without an overnight bag. Read our Amura review here.
Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, Limpopo
At Mhondoro, some of the most memorable views involve going underground.
Set in Welgevonden Game Reserve, the lodge has a 65-metre tunnel leading to a hide at the waterhole, where guests can watch visiting wildlife from an extraordinary perspective. When animals arrive to drink, you’re right down at water level: a particularly rewarding spot for patient photographers. Explore Mhondoro’s waterhole hide.
Above ground, the luxury is equally considered. In his five-star review, Time Out South Africa’s Andrew Hallett singled out the Villa’s private chef and butler service, alongside its pool, spa, gym and expansive views. It’s the sort of bush escape where settling in becomes an activity in itself, with enough space and comfort to make switching off feel wonderfully easy. Read our Mhondoro review.
La Residence, Franschhoek
La Residence gives you plenty to look at before you’ve even made it onto the balcony.
Royal Portfolio founder Liz Biden’s design brings colour, texture, antiques and art into rooms with distinct personalities. The Huguenot Suite, for example, pairs a bold yellow four-poster bed with antique Cape silver and views over the orchard and garden.
Beyond the interiors, the estate opens onto the vineyards and mountains that make Franschhoek such an appealing escape. There’s a Victorian teahouse beside the pond, space for unhurried afternoons and a dining experience that holds its own in a valley with serious culinary competition. Our five-star review also highlights the attentive service and the pleasure of retreating here after exploring the town. Read our La Residence review.
Three very different stays, each with a strong sense of place. Your next special-occasion getaway has some rather good-looking competition. See the full list of Time Out’s list of the world’s most beautiful hotels here.
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