9 of The Best Beach Resorts in South Africa

For many, a holiday in South Africa is all about the beach - and it is hardly surprising when you look a bit closer. Expect to find long swathes of deserted beaches, perfectly curved waves for surfers, dolphins and whales to spot, and beautiful dunes made for sunset strolls. Whether you are travelling with kids in tow or are on the hunt for a luxury break with your significant other, our hotel Gurus have brought you a collection of the best beach resorts in South Africa ensuring that booking your next trip is a complete breeze. As well as the usual large resort style properties, we've selected beachside boutiques, guesthouses and lodges all of which offer great services and are close to a wide range of activities.

For families

• Morgan Bay Hotel is a delightful beachside hotel that's been in the family for generations. Light and bright rooms boast beautiful balconies with sea views. A stone's throw from Morgans Bay and offering a spa, excellent dining, and plenty of outdoor pursuits from surfing to fishing, this is ideal for active families.
• If you're after a truly relaxing family stay, Thonga Beach Lodge in KwaZulu Natal is the place. Located on a deserted beach, with excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. Stay in luxurious cottage accommodation; some family suites include private pools.
• Crawford's Beach Lodge is a popular owner-managed B&B, within walking distance of The Wild Coast's spectacular shore in Chintsa, Eastern Cape. Explore some of South Africa's most rugged landscapes from the comfort of this homely stay. Very family friendly, there are plenty of in-house activities to keep little ones busy and family suites for those travelling with young children.
• Robberg Beach Lodge is a bright and contemporary property which enjoys far-reaching views across Plettenberg Bay. Just a stroll from the beach, there's plenty of activities for all from rounds of golf to visiting Knysna Elephant Park. The family suites and cottages make this ideal for families of all ages.
  
  

For luxury

• The last word in beachfront luxury, Umhlanga's grand and elegant Oyster Box Hotel offers a state-of-the-art spa and a choice of top quality bars and restaurants. A range of accommodation spans from charming rooms to family-friendly villas and all have an indulgent yet homely feel.

For an active stay

• On The Beach Guest House sits right along the popular Jeffrey's Bay and is run by charming hosts. This hotel boasts unrivalled sea views and a bounty of nautical activities right on your doorstep from surfing to sailing, while golf and trekking are possible nearby.

For a boutique

• Plettenberg Bay's The Old Rectory is a beachfront boutique hotel with simple yet elegant design and interiors furnished with stylish decor and artworks. Featuring pretty gardens surrounding the pool, easy access to beaches and an indulgent spa.
• Abalone Lodge is a fabulous little hotel in Hermanus providing chic, modern accommodation overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Stylish rooms are decorated in nautical palettes: spot whales passing by from the comfort of your own balcony. Relax in the spa or workout in the gym. Divine.
• Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel in Paternoster is a coastal hotel comprising just 14 secluded suites all boasting spectacular sea views. The interiors have been kept simple with whitewashed walls, cleanly designed furniture and luxurious bathrooms. Staff are ever helpful, the cuisine delicious and wine collection excellent.

Still not sure which to book?

• Browse through all our hotels in South Africa.
• Expand your search to include the Eastern Cape or the Western Cape.
• Alternatively, you can contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

  • Morgan Bay Hotel Morgan Bay 40 rooms from CA$152

    
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    Beach Life  -  Right on the beach, this is a perfect laidback holiday stay

    Fishing  -  Rock and surf fishing as well as saltwater fly fishing options

    Great walks  -  Along the pristine Morgan's Bay

    Surfing  -  Excellent surfing on Morgan Bay

    

    A delightful beachside hotel, in the family for generations. Light and bright rooms, with splashes of colour and beautiful balconies boasting sea views, provide a very comfortable stay. A stone's throw from Morgan's Bay, enjoy a treatment at Milkwood spa. Excellent dining - great for families. See More

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  • Oyster Box Hotel Umhlanga 86 rooms from CA$516

    
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    Total relaxation  -  A beach side property complete with indulgent spa and fabulous food, ideal for relaxing weekend breaks

    Great walks  -  Hike in the dramatic Drakensberg mountains that run along the west of the province

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool

    Kids Club  -  Fully staffed.

    

    The last word in beachfront luxury, this grand, elegant hotel offers a state-of-the-art spa and a choice of top quality bars and restaurants. A range of accommodation spans from charming rooms to family-friendly villas and all have an indulgent yet homely feel. Perfect for utterly relaxing breaks. See More

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  • Thonga Beach Lodge Mabibi Camp,, KwaZulu Natal 24 rooms from CA$750

    
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    Families  -  Family accommodation with a bounty of activities

    Diving  -  The Indian Ocean is ideal for diving and snorkelling

    Great walks  -  Along the neighbouring beach

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool

    

    If you're after a truly relaxing family stay, this is the place. Located on a deserted beach, with excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. Stay in luxurious cottage accommodation; some family suites include private pools. Flavoursome Western and African dishes are served. Superb. See More

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  • Crawford's Beach Lodge Chintsa 30 rooms from CA$175

    
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    Families  -  Well-priced family stay with a bounty of outdoor activities on your doorstep

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool

    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.

    Views  -  Great views from hotel

    

    Popular owner-managed B&B, walking distance of The Wild Coast's spectacular coastline. Explore some of South Africa's most rugged landscapes from the comfort of this homely stay. Very family friendly, dine on hearty dishes to fuel you for the day. Rooms include flexible accommodation with balconies. See More

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  • On The Beach Guest House Jeffrey's Bay 12 rooms from CA$172

    
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    Families  -  A great family stay overlooking Jeffrey's Bay

    Surfing  -  Take lessons at Son Surf School

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool

    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.

    

    The clue is in the name! Located right along the popular Jeffrey's Bay this hotel boasts unrivalled sea views and a bounty of nautical activities right on your doorstep. Your choice of B&B and self-catering accommodation makes this a flexible family stay. Beautiful rooms and charming hosts. Superb. See More

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  • The Robberg Beach Lodge Plettenberg Bay 29 rooms from CA$396

    
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    Beach Life  -  With its own private walkway to the beach and unspoilt views, it's the perfect beach break

    Great walks  -  Take a stroll down to Plettenberg Bay

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool

    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.

    

    Bright and contemporary, enjoying far-reaching views across Plettenberg Bay. Choose from doubles, family suites, and cottage accommodation. Light-filled rooms are decorated in nautical hues of sand and sea. All include tea and coffee making machines and ensuite bathrooms. Just a walk from the beach. See More

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  • The Old Rectory, Plettenberg Bay Plettenberg Bay (Plettenberg Bay, 6600,) 36 rooms from CA$757

    
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    Hideaway  -  Inspires long alfresco lunches of just-caught seafood and local wines, spa sessions and walks along the white-sand beach

    Great walks  -  Plettenberg Bay is surrounded by some of the Garden Route’s most beautiful and wildlife-rich landscape

    Swimming Pool  -  The saltwater pool is at the center of the garden, surrounded by decking and shade-giving trees

    Spa  -  The Sanctuary Spa is in a historic, thatch-roofed building

    

    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A beachfront boutique hotel with simple yet elegant design and interiors furnished with stylish decor and artworks. Featuring pretty gardens surrounding the pool, easy access to beaches and an indulgent spa. Spend days enjoying leisurely walks and seaside activities. A relaxing stay. See More

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  • Abalone Lodge Hermanus 12 rooms from CA$270

    
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    Beach Life  -  Chic, nautical inspired interiors within walking distance of the beach

    Sailing  -  Boat trips for whale, seal, shark, and dolphin watching embark from Hermanus Harbour

    Great walks  -  Coastal walks along Hermanus' Blue Flag beaches

    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool

    

    This fabulous hotel provides chic, modern accommodation overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Stylish rooms are decorated in nautical palettes: spot whales passing by from the comfort of your own balcony. Relax in the spa or workout in the gym. A superb breakfast is served each morning. Divine. See More

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  • Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel Paternoster 14 rooms from CA$250

    
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    Total relaxation  -  A coastal property designed for simply unwinding.

    Great walks  -  Take long walks along the miles of stunning beaches.

    Kayaking  -  Take out a kayak and visit the penguin colony.

    Restrictions on children  -  Adult only.

    

    A coastal hotel comprising of just 14 secluded suites all boasting spectacular sea views. Design has been kept simple with white washed walls, cleanly designed furniture and luxurious bathrooms. Staff are ever helpful, the cuisine delicious and wine collection excellent. A chic escape. See More

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Written by Katie Harris

posted Wednesday, 6th May 2020