Condé Nast Traveler US readers cast their votes in the 2015 Readers’ Choice Awards – and named Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat #1 in the ‘Top 12 Resorts in South Africa’ category, with the lodge also coming in at #3 on the ‘Top 100 Hotels & Resorts of the World’ list. Sister properties The Oyster Box and The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa meanwhile successfully positioned themselves at #2 and #4 respectively in the ‘Top 25 Hotels in Africa’ category.
Readers of the prestigious American travel magazine rated Bushmans Kloof at an impressive 98.9 points, The Oyster Box at 92.3 points and The Twelve Apostles at 91.5 points (out of a total score of 100). It is a remarkable result for the family-run Red Carnation Hotel Collection South Africa, with the three luxury properties beating stiff competition from other top resorts in the country.
Only 270km from Cape Town, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is a haven of staggering beauty at the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains. Wide-open plains, majestic rock formations and crystal clear waterfalls provide a natural playground to set the scene for a unique wilderness experience in this South African Natural Heritage Site, where abundant wildlife roams free. The five-star lodge is renowned for its warm, caring service, exceptional hospitality, holistic spa and organic cuisine served in unique locations. A sanctuary for over 130 Bushman Rock Art sites, here guests may interact freely with nature and participate in exciting outdoor adventures, including nature drives, mountain biking, canoeing and swimming in rock pools.
The Oyster Box is one of South Africa’s best-loved and most distinguished luxury seaside hotels. Standing proudly on Umhlanga’s prestigious beachfront, overlooking the iconic lighthouse, the legendary property provides direct beach access and staggering views of the Indian Ocean. Opened in 1947, it still retains the gracious elegance, glamour and passionate service that made this one of South Africa’s most cherished hotels. From the impeccable uniforms to the genuinely warm smiles, thoughtful details and the latest amenities and facilities; from delicious cuisine and lush tropical gardens to the splendid luxury of each individually designed room, suite and villa, guests are treated to an experience as unique as it is unforgettable.
The journey to The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa from central Cape Town only takes 20 minutes by car, yet feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life. The hotel sits majestically above the Atlantic Ocean on Cape Town’s – if not the world’s – most scenic route, flanked by the Twelve Apostles mountain range and magnificent Table Mountain National Park. Guided by a luminescent marine reserve with frequent whale and dolphin sightings, the hotel offers the longest hours of sunshine in Cape Town, resulting in mesmerising Atlantic Ocean sunsets. Guests are spoilt with magnificent ocean or mountain views from the 70 bedrooms and suites, each beautifully designed to provide the utmost comfort and style. Hotel features include a holistic spa, private cinema, fine dining restaurant Azure, casual all-day dining spot The Café Grill and the legendary Leopard Bar.
