Boutique luxury hotels that combine elegance with natural surroundings and exquisite hospitality have been carefully curated into this list. Ranging from Swedish minimalist marvels to Norway’s hidden fjord retreats, these opulent stays will surely make your trip memorable.

Take in European charm at this boutique hotel featuring Michelin-star dining and a wellness spa in Union Square. A limestone fireplace and two-person soaking tub complete your luxurious retreat experience.

1. Majlis Resort

Majlis Resort lies at the center of Lamu Archipelago and provides an enthralling blend of exotic grandeur and relaxed luxury, making it the ideal place for those wanting a taste of authentic Swahili culture while experiencing luxury without breaking a sweat.

This luxurious beachfront hotel features 39 exquisite deluxe rooms and suites built using local materials in three beachfront villas, each of which has communal sitting areas for guests to socialize while still enjoying their privacy.

Spend days relaxing by either of the two pools or sipping cocktails from the unique pool bar offering stunning views over Ras Kitau Bay and Shela Village. There’s also a gym and spa treatments available.

2. Oyster Box Hotel

The Oyster Box Hotel is one of South Africa’s best-loved hotels. As part of the Red Carnation group, this 86-room luxury beach hotel overlooks Umhlanga Rocks’ historic lighthouse and is famous for its curry buffet.

Visitors feel at home at this property, where the warm, inclusive culture that characterises all properties from this brand is on full display. Each of its 86 rooms and suites is an artful creation featuring carefully chosen furnishings and artwork; guests also have access to a rim-flow pool, spa and two restaurants for sunbathing and dining enjoyment.

3. Zarafa Camp

Zarafa Camp evokes old Africa with its safari-style tents and ebony-draped main area in Selinda Reserve. Owned and run by Dereck and Beverly Joubert, Zarafa Camp represents expert eco-sensitivity and thoughtful luxury.

Guests stay in raised tented suites that provide breathtaking views of Zibadianja Lagoon, which forms the source of Savuti Channel. Each room comes furnished with recycled ancient wood furniture and boasts an exquisite claw-foot copper bath for ultimate relaxation.

Each suite’s deck offers its own private dipping pool and comes equipped with a Canon 5D camera set and Swarovski binoculars for your use.

4. Segera Retreat

Segera Resort in Malaria-free Laikipia provides guests with unparalleled standards of luxury, wellness and philanthropy. Alongside world-class cuisine and safari adventures, Segera provides cultural immersions.

The lodge adheres to its “4Cs” principles of conservation, community, culture and commerce and supports projects such as solar farms, schools and an anti-poaching ranger academy for female rangers.

The lodge features timber and thatch villas as well as five houses – including a two-story, three-bedroom Family Garden Villa owned by Jochen Zeitz, former CEO of PUMA. His art collection can also be seen throughout the property.

5. Ellerman House

Ellerman House stands as an oasis of culture and elegance tucked behind an unassuming wall in Bantry Bay’s residential streets. Its 13 rooms pay homage to South African art by local masters while its restaurant provides elevated regional cuisine paired with fine wines.

Staying at this luxurious and attentive hotel is like visiting an elegant and thoughtful friend – from complimentary airport pickup to thoughtfully anticipatory service, there are no worries here. Adventure seekers will appreciate its scenic cliffside location with breathtaking ocean views; while wine enthusiasts will delight in exploring their extensive wine cellar.

6. Royal Malewane

Thornybush Private Game Reserve boasts the queen of boutique luxury safari stays: Royal Malewane is an exquisite masterpiece by Liz Biden that seamlessly blends luxury into the rugged African bushveld landscape.

The main lodge features Persian carpets and antique ornaments from across the world, while bronze cheetahs welcome guests into an environment exuding old world elegance. Guests have three luxury safari suite options available – Malewane, Farmstead and Waterside.

Africa House, a spacious private bush villa designed exclusively for exclusive use and provided with its own butler and chef, can be exclusively yours to use.

7. Laikipia Lodge

Laikipia’s safari lodges boast an unrivalled combination of deep nature connections and luxurious comfort, featuring amenities such as private plunge pools and gourmet dining experiences.

Loisaba features ten private cottages equipped with comfortable double beds and seating arrangements, along with a wellness centre that features various treatments as well as a cold plunge pool.

Sirikoi Cottage is ideal for AfricanMecca families of four, featuring twin beds and a fireplace. Make the most of its stunning landscape through guided bush walks and horse rides, or experience authentic cultural tours for an unforgettable stay.

9. Sasakwa Hill

On top of Sasakwa Hill in Grumeti Reserve and with views across Sabora Plains, this luxury safari lodge built in the style of an English country house offers air-conditioned suites complete with their own infinity plunge pools and spotting scopes for viewing wildlife.

The main single-story building is stunning with its stone columns, slate roofs and red stone cobbled square adorned with a fountain at its entrance. Antique furniture, chandeliers and gilded mirrors add further opulence.

This lodge provides game drives, walking safaris, community visits and stargazing tours – you may even combine your visit with Milele or Kilima at nearby Singita Grumeti Reserve!

10. Amangiri

Tucked into a lush valley, Amangiri blends so perfectly into its dramatic desert surroundings that it may be easy to miss it. While driving along dusty roads past orange promontories and serrated-tooth cliffs, Amangiri awaits at the end.

At the center of it all is an impressive pool that hugs rock formations and juts into the sky – one of the world’s most stunning hotel pools!

Amangiri features 34 minimalist suites and 10 canvas-topped tented pavilions, all boasting breathtaking views. Start your morning right by enjoying some drinks at the lounge to watch as the sunrise paints its brilliant spectrum of hues across the panorama.