Four Distinctive Stays Nominated For Hotel Of The Year

For House & Garden South Africa’s Designer of the Year Awards, our Hotel of the Year category recognises hospitality spaces where architecture, interiors, landscape and the guest experience come together. This year’s four nominees span very different settings, from the remote wilderness of Zambia to Johannesburg’s leafy Rosebank and the landscapes of the Garden Route and Cape Winelands. While each takes a different approach to luxury, all four demonstrate the increasingly important relationship between design and a strong sense of place.

Lolelunga Private Reserve, Zambia

Set 30km north of Kafue National Park, Lolelunga Private Reserve offers a contemporary safari experience immersed in the remote landscape of northern Zambia. The 30 000-hectare private reserve combines riverside accommodation with a strong conservation focus, having been restored from an area affected by poaching, deforestation and destructive fishing and logging practices.

Its spacious riverside suites are complemented by a rim-flow pool, dining area overlooking the Lunga River, gym and spa, while the Ngoma Deck offers the option of private dining or sleeping beneath the stars. Wildlife experiences range from game drives and walking safaris to exploring the Lunga River, creating a stay in which the surrounding wilderness is as integral to the experience as the architecture itself.

Park Hyatt Johannesburg, South Africa

In Rosebank, Park Hyatt Johannesburg occupies a restored 1930s mansion influenced by the work of architect Sir Herbert Baker. Opened in 2025 as the first Park Hyatt property in South Africa, the 31-key hotel combines its historic architecture with contemporary interiors by South African designer Stephen Falcke. Original arches, high ceilings and wide verandahs have been retained, while a central courtyard, mature jacaranda tree and pool establish a calm focal point.

The interiors continue the sense of place through locally curated art and design, South African-inspired textiles and references to the country's landscapes and botanical history. Across the guestrooms and suites, marble, timber, plush textiles and bespoke details create a residential character rather than a conventional hotel aesthetic.

Tamodi Estate & Polo Reserve, The Crags

Nestled in the Tsitsikamma hills near Plettenberg Bay, Tamodi Estate & Polo Reserve takes a quieter approach to luxury. Described as an intimate countryside sanctuary, the property brings together landscape, equestrian heritage and what it calls ‘quietly refined living’. Its suites are designed around the surrounding valley, with natural materials, generous proportions and changing natural light forming an important part of the experience.

The design by Studio Ashby incorporates South African and European vintage pieces, with much of the furniture sourced locally. The equestrian history of the estate is expressed subtly rather than through overt theming, while activities including horseback riding, nature trails and private wine tastings encourage guests to settle into the slower rhythm of the landscape.

Brookdale Estate, Paarl

In the Paarl Winelands, Brookdale Estate offers a different interpretation of the country retreat. Once an overgrown vineyard, the estate has been transformed into a destination centred around its Manor House, vineyards, indigenous gardens and surrounding mountains. The Manor House provides six en-suite rooms and can also be booked exclusively for groups, with private-chef and dedicated hospitality services.

Its design combines contemporary finishes with Cape Dutch architectural references, while the broader estate encourages guests to engage with its landscape, food and wine. The experience extends from the Tasting Room and Bistro to walks through the vineyards and time spent beside the pool, creating a stay that is closely tied to the rhythms of the Winelands.

Together, these four properties demonstrate the breadth of this year’s Hotel of the Year nominees for the House & Garden South Africa Designer of the Year Awards. Lolelunga places conservation and wilderness at the heart of its experience; Park Hyatt Johannesburg brings new life to a heritage building; Tamodi connects contemporary hospitality with landscape and equestrian tradition; and Brookdale Estate celebrates the architecture, wine and natural beauty of the Cape Winelands. With four distinctive nominees in the running, Hotel of the Year brings together some of the most considered hospitality experiences represented in this year’s awards.

Credits

Images: Supplied