The top hotels for South Africa’s super rich – and how much it costs to spend a night

New World Wealth has published a new report on the top hotels for the wealthy in Africa, showing that two South African hotels sit at the top – namely, the Oyster Box in Duban and the Ellerman House in Bantry Bay.

The group has been tracking the movements and spending habits of the world’s wealthiest people for over seven years. New World Wealth has tracked where centi-millionaires have been visiting across the continent and where they have been putting their feet up.

“Africa is home to 320 centi-millionaires. An additional 2,500+ centi-millionaires regularly visit the continent for holidays – mainly from the UK, USA, France, Switzerland and Germany,” reported New World Wealth.

A centi-millionaire refers to a high-net-worth individual that boasts $100 million or more in investable assets.

According to the group, the luxury hotel sector is one of the most important sectors in Africa as it brings in a lot of forex. “It also creates a large number of well-paying jobs for local hoteliers, chefs, game rangers, waiters etc. Much of this income is seasonal in the form of tips.”

South Africa is the main luxury tourist destination in Africa.

Major South African destinations for wealthy people include Cape Town, Umhlanga, Franschhoek, Plettenberg Bay, Hermanus and the Kruger Park area (especially Sabi Sands).

Based on the group’s research, the five most popular hotels for centi-millionaires visiting Africa over this period (2015 to 2022) include:

Oyster Box

• Location: Umhlanga, Durban
• Most expensive room: Presidential Suite
• Cost: R80,000 a night

“This iconic hotel has gone through several phases. The hotel was initially launched in the 1950s and became a popular spot for Joburg tourists to spend their summers. Then in 2007, the property was renovated and turned into one of the most luxurious hotels in the world by the Red Carnation Group,” said New World Wealth.

Ellerman House

• Location: Bantry Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape
• Most expensive room: Ellerman House Suites
• Cost: R30,000 to R38,000 a night

“Ellerman House is located in Bantry Bay in Cape Town and has beautiful views over the ocean. It features only 13 rooms and therefore offers its residents a lot of privacy. It is a hotspot for the rich and famous and is known for its “jet-set” appeal,” said New World Wealth.

Other parts of Africa

Royal Mansour

• Location: Marrakech, Morocco
• Most expensive room: Prestige Riad
• Cost: R139,000 a night

“The Royal Mansour is located in Marrakech. It is one of the world’s most exclusive hotels. Designed by King Mohammed VI, it features 53 private riads set within five hectares of beautiful Moorish gardens. The spa there is considered to be one of the world’s best.”

Four Seasons Resort Sharm El Sheikh

• Location: Egypt, Red Sea
• Most expensive room: Presidential Suite 
• Cost: R153,691 a night

“Located along one of the best stretches of the Red Sea, the Four Seasons Resort at Sharm El Sheikh is a must for any snorkelling and diving enthusiasts that visit Egypt. The resort is very well established and has wonderful facilities and restaurants,” added the group.

Royal Livingstone

• Location: Livingstone Zambia
• Most expensive room: Presidential Suite
• Cost: From R28,022 a night

The Royal Livingstone is located on the banks of the Zambezi River and overlooks Victoria Falls from the Zambian side. It is also home to a lovely spa and is known for its top-end river safaris, noted New World Wealth.

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