Why Every Traveller Wants to Visit South Africa

Believe it or not, South Africa is still regarded as a top travel destination by the wealthier international markets, who, come holiday season, flock to our oasis in the thousands.

These travellers lust after exclusive experience, luxury accommodation in the remotest of locales, and a quantity of quality, all happily met by South Africa’s ever eager travel, tourism and hospitality industry; the only sector which consistently yields profit in the face of our crippling economic crises.

THE EXCHANGE RATE

RAND TO POUND & EURO

Despite our mutual feelings of despair about the state of our beloved rand, it’s backslide spells good news for travel and tourism, bringing more and more ecstatic, middle class Brits and Europeans into our home by the day. Many of whom can’t believe their luck. The strength of their currencies invite them into a new league of exclusive luxury holidaying, for a fraction of the cost, and they find that they can purchase ‘exotic’ ‘African’ artifacts and memorabilia with extremely affordable duties on the return flight home.

THE WEATHER

IN HIGH SEASON

Despite our current, rainy and rather chilly state of affairs, spring and summertime in South Africa arrive with brilliant blue skies, flourishing fynbos and indigenous forests, an abundance of outdoor activities and tours, exquisite beaches and an array of upmarket spots for cocktails, sundowners and light summer meals. Some find the heat unbearable; particularly in December and January when the air is heavy and the temperatures soar to 40 degrees. More experienced internationals visit in the cushioning months of October, November, March and April, when the heat is somewhat diminished and the chill hasn’t quite set in.

None the less, South Africa is scenically beautiful all year round and offers several unique biomes for travellers to feast their eyes upon and to get lost within.

SAFARIS

A REAL AFRICAN HOLIDAY

You’ve probably heard a dozen internationals brag about their time in ‘the bush.’ This refers to that luxury, safari experience sought after by all who visit Southern Africa.

It’s a quintessential component of any real ‘African’ holiday and usually incorporates day long game drives through the largest of national parks, accommodation in five star tented camps and lodges, lavish meals and expertly guided tours to seek out the big five.

With parks like the Kruger National Park, the Addo Elephant National Park and the Royal Natal, South Africa has become the continental leadaer in luxury safari experiences.

OUR WINES

NECTAR OF THE VINES

Despite the popularity of world class Bordeaux from France, Syrah from Australia and Cabernet Sauvignons from California, South Africa has become world renowned for its own array of excellent cultivars and blends in the last few decades. Our wine industry is huge and caters for the locals as well as the adoring international markets with phenomenal creatively and finesse.

Crafting both whites and reds with vigour and excellence, our winemakers are amongst the most passionate and skilled in the world and have great pride and respect for the land from which they harvest.

Visit Wines of South Africa for the full picture.

Nestled in the hearts of the Constantia and Franschhoek winelands, The Last Word Intimate Hotels grants exclusive access to the leading estate farms and their incredible produce when you stay. We also provide an extensive range of in-house premium wines at no additional cost to our guests.

OUR FOOD

BEST IN THE WORLD

Last month, Cape Town received Conde' Nast's reader's choice award in the World’s Best Food Cities list. Restaurants like Constantia’s La Colombe under Scot Kirton, The Greenhouse under acclaimed Peter Tempelhoff and The Test Kitchen under Luke Dale-Roberts, not to mention the wild and nutty Foliage by Chris Erasmus, tantalise international travellers’ palates with award winning menus and service. Here we’re talking top notch stuff – the kind that culinary dreams are made of and securing a booking at any of these fine establishments requires a few months’ headway.

On the outskirts of these marked banquet halls, South Africa provides an array of delicious local and international food and the outlets to eat in are abundant, scenic, atmospheric and jovial. One can try a local fish and chips in Kalk Bay harbour, sample the finest sushi at Willoughby’s at The Cape Town Waterfront or even pick up an authentic Durban curry or bunny chow in KZN.

Franschhoek is without a doubt the gourmet capital of South Africa. Despite being a small farming town, it’s a food and wine hub cushioned by top estates where five star restaurants and boutique hotels line its main streets and deliver menus that are hard to match in other parts of the country. Stay at The Last Word Franschhoek and we’ll book you into the finest restaurants and wine estates’ tours in the valley.

Closer to Cape Town central is our Last Word Constantia, surrounded by equally desirable restaurants and farms.

CAPE TOWN

THE AFRICAN RIVIERA

A South African anomaly to the international traveller, Cape Town is considered one of, if not the, most beautiful city in the world. Spanning two exceptional coastlines with innumerable wine estates, top restaurants, mountain peaks, beaches, nightlife activities and scenic beauty, this city is on the up and up in 2016, and its infrastructure keeps improving, from public transport routes and services to smart technologies; the sky’s the limit.

Everyone wants to be in Cape Town where the cosmopolitan atmosphere competes with those of New York, London, Hong Kong and Berlin.

SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM & HOSPITALITY EXCELLENCE

THE LAST WORD INTIMATE HOTELS

Finally, South Africa scores major points in the realms tourism and intimate hospitality. Travellers are never short of an expertly guided adventure to embark upon and those who lead them are sure to insist that each experience is entirely unique and bespoke.

The Last Word Intimate Hotels are a group of luxury, boutiques that specialise in the hospitality excellence, privacy, sanctuary and character that many internationals seek on holiday in South Africa. Not only do we offer inordinately large rooms, complimentary beverages and breakfasts, beautiful and central locations and familiar, helpful staff, we know Cape Town’s ins and outs.

Prepare for the luxury South African holiday of a lifetime when you stay with us.

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