[imagesource: Morukuru Family Beach Lodge]

We’ve been keeping a close eye on the soon to be completed Caracal Mountain Villa, which has been dubbed the ‘jewel in the Klein Karoo’s crown’, for some time now.

It looks like people are already chomping at the bit to book a stay at the lodge which will be opening its doors on December 1.

Just two and a half hours out of Cape Town, it’s ideal if you want to get away from the city without spending most of your weekend in the car.

It isn’t the only hotspot in the country where holiday-goers can enjoy nature in style.

Condé Nast has consulted their readers, who’ve travelled across the globe, to find the top 50 resorts (or lodges) in the world, with South Africa scoring seven spots, including one in the top 10.

Coming in at number 44, andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve in Kwa-Zulu Natal features multiple andBeyond lodges on-site, including the Phinda Forest Lodge, Phinda Mountain Lodge, Phinda Rock Lodge, Phinda Vlei Lodge, Phinda Zuka Lodge, and Phinda Homestead.

Phinda Rock Lodge really caught their attention with its “views of the surrounding ecosystem from all of the six suites with private plunge pools” that “provide the perfect opportunity to view the Big Five from afar”.

At 43, the Tintswalo Safari Lodge, Manyeleti Game Reserve, which shares a border with the Kruger National Park, boasts rooms with Persian rugs, canopied beds, clawfoot tubs, and thatched terraces with private plunge pools that overlook the reserve’s watering hole.

At 36, Londolozi, Sabi Sands, was once endorsed by Nelson Mandela, who described it as “a dream I cherish for a model of nature preservation in our country”. It’s also one of the best places in the world to see leopards in the wild.

At 33, Lion Sands Game Reserve, Sabi Sands, is set on the banks of the Sabi River, offering 10 000 acres comprising four lodges with views of the reserve and its animals from private terraces with plunge pools.

In 27th place, Royal Malewane, in Thornybush Private Game Reserve, feels exclusive, private, and intimate with six Luxury suites, two Royal suites, and the extensive six-bedroom, private chef-included Africa House.

Which brings us to the top 20.

In another victory for Sabi Sands, the Singita Sabi Sand Boulders Lodge came in at number 17.

Resting on the banks of the Sand River in the game-rich Sabi Sands Game Reserve is the luxurious, five star, Singita Boulders Lodge.

Built around an enormous boulder, hence its name, Singita Boulders offers incredible views of the rich bushveld and Sand River wildlife activity.

The twelve glass-fronted suites in the lodge feature fossilised tree stumps and other found objects. You can go on a guided game tour, or sit back on your deck and experience the flora and fauna in style.

Finally, cracking a spot in the top 10, we have the Morukuru Family Beach Lodge at number eight on the list.

I’ll let Condé Nast tell you why their readers loved this one:

Say you’re more of a beach bum than a safari enthusiast—don’t worry, South Africa still has you covered. Head to the intimate five-suite Morukuru, about three hours east of Cape Town on the shore of the Indian Ocean.

There are white sand beaches, of course, but also access to the De Hoop Nature Reserve with its zebra and bontebok and protected marine area.

You can simply chill on the beach or by the lodge’s pool, but we’d suggest letting Morukuru’s friendly, attentive staff fill your day with game drives through the reserve, mountain biking, sandboarding, snorkeling, and more.

(All activities, gear, and meals are included.) Plan your trip during South Africa’s winter (July-October) for prime southern white whale watching from shore, from the lodge’s restaurant, and even from your bed.

Sounds like a vibe.

You can check out the complete list here.

[source:condenast]