Melissa Leong’s Guide to South Africa

September 13, 2023

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Melissa Leong and Cameron Daddo have travelled South Africa to uncover all the best things to do on your next adventure - Luxury Escapes

Food critic and columnist Melissa Leong (co-host of the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays) takes a walk on the wild side in South Africa.

On her journey through Africa’s fascinating southern coast for the all-new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, Melissa Leong falls in love with South Africa’s heartfelt hospitality and unforgettable landscapes.

From zooming on a coastal motorcycle drive to experiencing a safari in the country’s magnificent savannahs, read on for some of her favourite moments and top tips.

Discover more about South Africa on the new season of Luxury Escapes: The World’s Best Holidays, airing Tuesdays 8.30pm AEDT* on Foxtel Lifestyle and on demand on Binge and Network 10. *Check your local TV listings for details.

Discover South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa

The Winchester Hotel by NEWMARK

Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages. You can take advantage of recreational amenities such as an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Additional features at this Victorian hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge). Getting to nearby attractions is a breeze with the area shuttle (surcharge).

Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from

US$1,216

Johannesburg, South Africa

Holiday Inn Johannesburg – Rosebank, an IHG Hotel

Johannesburg Contemporary Cool with Upscale Restaurant & Bar

1 night from

US$74 /room

Cape Town, South Africa

One&Only Cape Town

Five-Star One&Only Cape Town Waterfront Resort with Table Mountain Views

3 nights from

US$2,843 /room

Cape Town, South Africa

Ellerman House

Five-Star Heritage Mansion Retreat on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard with Spa, Restaurant & Rooftop Bar

3 nights from

US$3,224 /room

Valued up to US$3,499-8%

Johannesburg, South Africa

InterContinental Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Airport, an IHG Hotel

Johannesburg Five-Star Airport Escape with Fine-Dining Restaurant & Onsite Spa

1 night from

US$406 /room

Krugersdorp, South Africa

Vivari Hotel and Spa by Mantis

Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. You’re sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including an outdoor pool, a steam room, and a fitness center. Additional amenities at this hotel include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and wedding services.

Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from

US$780

Bushbuckridge, South Africa

Leopard Hills

Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. You can take advantage of recreational amenities such as an outdoor pool and a fitness center. Additional features at this lodge include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and gift shops/newsstands. Guests can catch a ride to nearby destinations on the area shuttle (surcharge).

Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from

US$13,738

Mbombela, South Africa

Jock Safari Lodge

Pamper yourself with a visit to the spa, which offers massages, body treatments, and facials. Encounter the local wildlife with a safari, then enjoy recreational amenities including an outdoor pool and a sauna. Additional features at this lodge include complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge).

Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from

US$6,282

Sandton, South Africa

Seven Villa Hotel and Spa

Relax at the full-service spa, where you can enjoy massages, body treatments, and facials. You’re sure to appreciate the recreational amenities, including an outdoor pool, a steam room, and a fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless internet access, concierge services, and babysitting (surcharge). Guests can catch a ride on the complimentary shuttle, which operates within 5 km.

Total of 5 nights, 2 adults from

US$739

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LE: How would you describe South Africa to someone who’s never been?

ML: I would describe South Africa to someone who’s never been as a place you didn’t know you loved. It is at once a place of wild beauty, warm hospitality and palpable gravitas. 

A wildlife safari was the ultimate bucket list experience for Melissa Leong, and one of the top picks for her travel guide - Luxury Escapes — Zebras on safari in South Africa

LE:  What is the one thing every visitor to South Africa must experience?

ML: It’s a cliche for a reason, but if you’re able to go on safari, it will change your life. 

The beautiful, friendly locals were a highlight of Melissa Leong's trip to South Africa - Luxury Escapes — Meeting the locals in South Africa

LE: What is the one thing that might surprise other travellers about South Africa?

ML: Just how friendly everyone is. It’s like walking into a room of strangers and immediately feeling embraced and welcomed just because you’re there. There is an inherent sense of pride in South Africa’s diverse and complicated history that transcends everything.

LE: What was your standout moment from this trip?

ML: Of the many moments, riding along one of the world’s most scenic drives in a WWII motorcycle side car with a dog in the back, was surreal, can’t-wipe-the-smile-off kind of stuff. The drama of the environment, the surreal nature of it all, it’s a memory for life. 

South Africa's landscapes are as diverse as they are captivating, as Melissa Leong discovered for her travel guide - Luxury Escapes — Melissa Leong in South Africa

LE: Has this trip inspired you to explore more of Africa?

ML: Absolutely. South Africa is a gentle way to begin to explore this incredible continent. Enough that’s familiar, but so much that’s different, it’s definitely the gateway to the African continent and everything it has to offer. 