The world’s finest hotels have been recognised… and South Africa is right there among them! From luxury resorts in Thailand to spectacular retreats in Italy, our very own hospitality gems are sharing the spotlight after collecting 70 awards.
If you only have a minute, read this: South Africa has won an incredible 70 awards across 32 properties at the 2026 World Luxury Hotel Awards, joining some of the world’s finest hotels and resorts. From safari lodges to coastal retreats, our hospitality industry is shining on the world stage.
Global (08 November 2026) – South Africa, we have another reason to celebrate! From breathtaking safari lodges and beautiful boutique hotels to spectacular coastal retreats, our hospitality industry has earned an incredible 70 accolades at the 20th annual World Luxury Hotel Awards. A total of 32 South African properties were recognised across country, regional, continental and global categories, putting our beautiful country in some seriously impressive international company.
Established in 2006 by South African hotelier Brandon Lourens, the awards have grown into an international hospitality programme celebrating exceptional hotels and guest experiences. This year marks the 20th anniversary, with ceremonies taking place in Romania and Thailand. According to the organisers, more than 300,000 international travellers participate in the voting process annually.
Among South Africa’s standout winners was African Flair Boutique Safari Lodge, which collected three awards, including the Global Luxury Boutique Lodge title. The Royal Madikwe Luxury Safari Lodge was named Global Luxury Safari Lodge, while Tulela Safari Lodge secured the Global Luxury Private Lodge title. Our incredible safari destinations continued to shine, with Kuganha Luxury Tented Camp collecting three awards, including Global Luxury Private Game Reserve, while Pondoro Game Lodge earned the Global Luxury Safari Retreat title. Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve was also recognised as the Global Luxury Game Lodge winner.
And it wasn’t only our safari lodges making headlines!
La Petite Ferme received the Global Luxury Small Hotel award, Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate claimed the Global Luxury Country Hotel title and Walkers Beach was recognised as the Global Luxury Beach Retreat winner. Meanwhile, The Houghton Hotel Spa, Wellness and Golf, The Claremont Boutique Hotel and VIVARI Hotel and Spa each collected three awards.
To appreciate just how impressive these achievements are, take a look at some of the other beautiful destinations recognised at this year’s awards.
The prestigious Global Hotel of the Year title went to Keemala in Phuket, Thailand, a spectacular resort famous for its treehouse-inspired villas and private pools. In Italy, ADLER Alpe received global honours for Luxury Mountain Lodge and Luxury Ski Lodge, while ADLER Sicilia was named the Global Luxury Spa Resort winner. Over in the Maldives, .Here Baa Atoll Maldives received the Global Luxury New Resort award, while AINO Private Island Hotel in Finland claimed the Global Luxury Private Island Resort title. Australia’s ADGE Hotel & Residences also celebrated three continental awards.
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Other local winners included Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa, Fusion Boutique Hotel, Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve, Monate Game Lodge, Pepperclub Hotel, The Peech Hotel, Rhulani Safari Lodge and Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa, among many others.
Beyond the beautiful buildings, incredible views and luxurious experiences, these awards celebrate something even more important… the people behind South African hospitality. From the chefs and receptionists to the safari guides, housekeeping teams and countless others who make every guest feel welcome, these achievements belong to them too.
Congratulations to every South African establishment recognised at the 2026 World Luxury Hotel Awards. Our country has always had extraordinary places to visit but it’s our people who make those places unforgettable.
And now the rest of the world has another 70 reasons to come and experience that for themselves!
South Africa’s 2026 World Luxury Hotel Awards Winners
- African Flair Boutique Safari Lodge: Luxury Adults Only Hotel (Continental), Luxury Boutique Lodge (Global), Luxury Private Lodge (Regional)
- Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa: Luxury Wildlife Resort (Continental), Luxury Private Game Reserve (Country)
- Auberge Burgundy Boutique Hotel & Spa: Luxury Small Hotel (Continental), Luxury Scenic View Hotel (Regional)
- Escape To The Beach: Luxury Seaside Hotel (Continental), Luxury Guest House (Global)
- Fusion Boutique Hotel: Best Interior Design (Country), Luxury Boutique Hotel (Regional), Luxury Conference & Event Hotel (Regional)
- Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve: Luxury Boutique Lodge (Country), Luxury Private Game Reserve (Regional), Luxury Safari Retreat (Regional)
- Ivory Tree Game Lodge: Luxury Game Lodge (Country)
- Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate: Luxury Country Hotel (Global), Luxury Spa Hotel (Regional)
- Kuganha Luxury Tented Camp: Luxury Boutique Wellness Retreat (Continental), Luxury Tented Safari Camp (Continental), Luxury Private Game Reserve (Global)
- La Petite Ferme: Luxury Scenic View Hotel (Continental), Luxury Small Hotel (Global)
- Lepogo Lodges Melote House: Luxury All-Inclusive Villa (Continental), Luxury Eco Safari Lodge (Global)
- Little Eden Guest Lodge: Luxury Guest House (Continental)
- Maloba Private Game Reserve: Luxury Private Game Reserve (Continental), Luxury All-Inclusive Lodge (Global)
- Monate Game Lodge: Luxury Bush Lodge (Country), Luxury Family Lodge (Global), Luxury Wedding Lodge (Global)
- Nedile Lodge: Luxury Safari Lodge (Continental), Luxury Game Lodge (Regional)
- Nkorho Bush Lodge: Luxury Safari Retreat (Country), Luxury Bush Lodge (Regional), Luxury Safari Lodge (Regional)
- Palala Boutique Game Lodge: Luxury Boutique Lodge (Regional)
- Pepperclub Hotel: Luxury City Hotel (Country), Luxury Conference & Event Hotel (Country), Luxury Urban Hotel (Regional)
- Pondoro Game Lodge: Luxury Bush Lodge (Continental), Luxury Romantic Hotel (Continental), Luxury Safari Retreat (Global)
- Rhulani Safari Lodge: Luxury Bush Lodge (Global)
- Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve: Luxury Safari Lodge (Country), Luxury Game Lodge (Global)
- Shekinah Lion & Game Lodge: Luxury Lodge (Country)
- Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge: Luxury Boutique Lodge (Continental), Luxury Private Lodge (Country)
- Simola Hotel, Country Club & Spa: Luxury Boutique Hotel (Country), Luxury Small Hotel (Country)
- The Claremont Boutique Hotel: Luxury Boutique Hotel (Continental), Luxury Urban Hotel (Country), Luxury Heritage Hotel (Regional)
- The Houghton Hotel Spa, Wellness and Golf: Luxury Lifestyle Hotel (Continental), Luxury Business Hotel (Regional), Luxury City Hotel (Regional)
- The Peech Hotel: Luxury Sustainable Hotel (Continental), Luxury Urban Hotel (Continental)
- The Royal Madikwe Luxury Safari Lodge: Luxury Private Lodge (Continental), Luxury Safari Lodge (Global)
- Tulela Safari Lodge: Luxury Game Lodge (Continental), Luxury Private Lodge (Global)
- Villa Maria Guest Lodge: Luxury Boutique Villa (Continental)
- VIVARI Hotel and Spa: Luxury Spa Hotel (Continental), Luxury Small Hotel (Regional), Luxury Wellness Hotel (Regional)
- Walkers Beach: Luxury Ocean View Retreat (Continental), Luxury Beach Retreat (Global), Luxury Beach Boutique Hotel (Regional)
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