
Top Pink Book Honeymoon Destinations in South Africa
The wedding planning has (finally) come to an end! Now, the real fun can begin, which is looking at honeymoon destinations. In my opinion, we are so lucky to call South Africa our home because it is one of the most vibrant and diverse countries in the world. Each province provides a unique experience that will surely make for a honeymoon to remember. Therefore, whether you’re looking for stunning beaches, wildlife game drives, or an outdoor adventure, South Africa is the place to be.
No matter what your budget or taste is, we’ve made sure to include a variety of honeymoon destinations for you to choose from for your South African romantic getaway.
1. The Plettenberg Hotel
The Plettenberg, a 5-Star luxury hotel, is situated on a rocky headland in Plettenberg Bay, along with the famous Garden Route. It is the ultimate South African seaside escape. With its 35 beautifully appointed rooms and two family-style villas, showcases the most breathtaking vistas in Southern Africa, with views of the ocean, mountains and endless stretches of golden sand.
Whether you choose one of their entry-level Double Rooms, spacious Premier Suites or exclusive Villas, you can rest assured that you will experience the most stylish and comfortable accommodation.
2. The Cosy Fishermans Cottage
Cosy Fishermans Cottage was one of the first houses to be built in the area. Vermont is a unique suburb, with green belts snaking through the area. Their house is built right next to a green belt of milkwood trees and natural vegetation and, which give even more privacy and gives the impression that the cottage is situated in the middle of the natural landscape. The coastal path and sea are just 150m away and less than 100m as the crow flies. Even when you’re in the house, you can hear the sound of crashing waves and smell the freshness of the sea.
The furniture is a mix of old and new, with an emphasis on wooden elements. The decor has an earthy, beachy feel – it is supposed to be a relaxed space after all! The cottage is right next to a green belt, making it very private. You’ll also love the private braai area at the back of the cottage. All cooking facilities including an oven and stove as well as fridge freezer are provided.
Contact The Cosy Fishermans Cottage
3. The Oyster Box
A national treasure, The Oyster Box is South Africa’s most cherished hotel. Standing majestically on Umhlanga’s beachfront, overlooking the Indian Ocean and the iconic lighthouse, discover their timeless elegance. The Oyster Box Hotel in Durban is a fantastic luxury getaway destination for beach-lovers.
Enjoy a multitude of dining options, including their famous curry feast and High Tea, and indulge in their award-winning spa amid tropical gardens.
4. Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat
Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat, is based near Clanwilliam in the Western Cape. It is the ideal venue for the couple who loves nature. Wide azure skies and extraordinary landscapes, accompanied by unique venues within the reserve, exemplify the splendid luxury of this award-winning lodge. They can easily accommodate guests in 16 luxury double rooms and suites replete with en-suite bathrooms and private terraces with magnificent views. Newlyweds can ‘begin the Beguine’ in their opulent Riverside Supreme Suite.
This stunning venue was reviewed as follow, “There is no place on earth like it. Amazing views and fabulous choice of activities. Dining is a wonderful event in itself. You will not be disappointed. This place is the WOW factor!”
Contact Bushmanskloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat
5. Blue Mountain Luxury Lodge
Blue Mountain Luxury Lodge, is an exclusive 5-star lodge located in the most picturesque area of Mpumalanga, near the Kruger Park. Blue Mountain Luxury Lodge is famed for its superb accommodation, individually themed rooms, award-winning gourmet cuisine and exceptional service. It’s a perfect honeymoon paradise and can accommodate up to 26 guests in its 13 individually themed rooms.
The combination of exceptional service, luxury accommodation and the African bushveld in all its glory, will make an unforgettable impression.
Contact Blue Mountain Luxury Lodge
6. Cathedral Peak Hotel
A wide range of accommodation is available – from standard rooms through to the luxurious Mponjwane Presidential Suite. The 7 well-appointed thatched Honeymoon Suites are set apart from the rest of the Hotel in secluded gardens. These suites all boast LCD television, stocked mini-bar, electric fireplace, under-floor heating, slipper bath and a private verandah with breathtaking mountain views. All this and a romantic rose petal turndown for the bride and groom on their wedding night.
You can enjoy a vast array of activities from a heated swimming pool to mountain bike trails, a jogging trail, squash and tennis courts, helicopter flips, horse rides, quad bike rides, a 9-hole golf course with alternative tees, gym, wellness centre, daily guided hikes and so much more.
7. The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa is located between the majestic Twelve Apostles Mountain range and the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean. The Twelve Apostles Hotel is the perfect place for romance, to rejuvenate or celebrate in splendid luxury, with passionate service, generous hospitality and exquisite cuisine. During your stay, enjoy a two-course lunch in the Café Grill as well as a 30-minute session in the plunge and flotation pool at The Spa.
Professional staff and an array of optional inclusions, this five-star seafront hotel is ideal for intimate celebrations.
Contact The 12 Apostles Hostel and Spa
8. Silver Forest
Silver Forest, situated in The Helderberg, Luxurious upmarket area of Spanish Farm, Somerset, just an 40 min drive from Cape Town. It’s an upmarket Boutique Hotel, with 7 Garden Rooms, a Honeymoon Suite, with private Courtyard, wood fired hot tub and outdoor shower. Perfect for a Romantic First Night together.
The Boutique hotel also has an award winning luxurious Day Spa, perfect for the happy couple to relax the day after the big event.
9. Gondwana Game Reserve
Gondwana Game Reserve is in the heart of the Garden Route. Both Lehele Lodge and Kwena Lodge offer elegant safari lodge venues. They boast expansive indoor and outdoor facilities with panoramic views of the magnificent landscape. The honeymoon suite at Kwena Lodge is a private, romantic, and luxurious retreat. Breath-taking scenery, indulgent luxury, chic interiors, and exhilarating wildlife encounters.
Attentive staff, private dinners for two, beautiful bush picnics and Africology massages at their spa. Total peace and serenity to truly relax and enjoy one another.
10. Noupoort Mountain Estate
Nestled 900 Meters above sea level in a secluded picturesque valley high on the Western Slopes of the Piketberg Mountains and just an hour away from Cape Town; lies the Noupoort Mountain Estate. The great spaciousness, rich fynbos, bird life and spectacular rock formations of the Mountains to the stunning Sun Sets over the Atlantic Ocean and the universe gently unfolding above makes for an Unforgettable atmospheric and Romantic venue of natural beauty, peace and tranquillity.
11. Khaya Ndlovu Manor House
Khaya Ndlovu Manor House is a stone’s throw away from the bustling bushveld town of Hoedspruit in the Limpopo Province, South Africa – gateaway to the Greater Kruger area and Panorama Route. They offer graded 4-star accommodation for up to 22 guests in their Manor House and surrounding Garden Suites. This includes a drive on the prestigious Leadwood Big Game Estate, which apart from a fantastic game offering also presents some of the most spectacular mountain vistas in the country.
This nature reserve is a great honeymoon destination, offering a secluded and peaceful getaway for newlyweds. Enjoy your first days as a married couple in the striking beauty of the African bushveld.
12. Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate
Make your dreams of an authentic African safari come true with the Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate. This lodge-style hotel famed for its soaring wooden walkways and treetop ambiance, uniquely offers classic Big 5 safaris in the Kruger National Park with all the comforts of an upmarket 4-star hotel experience. Your thrilling, adventurous journeys into the pristine wilderness will be perfectly balanced by the hotel’s contemporary relaxation options.
With refined Africa-inspired décor, all rooms have en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, free wi-fi and in-room dining. You will experience the luxurious care you so deserve at the beautifully appointed Spa. A special highlight of your stay will be enjoying the quiet zone of the Pool Bar; under the soft-green canopy of colossal Jackalberry, Marula and Acacia trees.
Memories are made, in the glow of stars and wood fires, as sumptuous dinner feasts are served in the outdoor Lapa.