Choosing where to travel can be difficult from the many boutique hotels, beachfront resorts, and deluxe lodges available in Africa. It is for this reason that we make this list available for readers.
We used a list of the recipients of the 2021 Travelers’ Choice Award by Tripadvisor. Among the criteria for ranking the winning hotels is from their star ratings and opinions of the users through reviews.
Of course, these hotels have exclusive amenities and offer quality services. Also, they have won many national and international accolades that make them nominees for the recent best hotel awards.
Let’s look at the selection of the 25 best hotels in Africa, pointing out what makes them stand out among others.
1. Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi
The 5-star luxury hotel – Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi, ranks first among the 25 best hotels in Africa.
The hotel offers a fusion of warm Kenyan reception and European lavishness, which endears their visitors.
Facilities that make the Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi, one of the best hotels in Africa
The overwhelming amenities at the Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi, are one of the reasons why the hotel stands out among others. Among the many amenities in the hotel include;
- 200 luxury Rooms and suites
- Nine theatre-style 500 capacity event venues and two modern meeting spaces
- Restaurants and bars that serve different cuisines
- Villa Rosa Spa
- Fitness area
- Outdoor heated swimming pool
Services of Villa Rosa Kempinski, Nairobi
When guests at the Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi want to explore the city’s other neighborhoods, they can opt for the hotel’s limousine services. Also available are concierge services, video games, and valet parking, among others.
Certainly, Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi values its customers, which is why they take COVID-19 prevention measures seriously.
Awards won by the Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi hotel
Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi has won hundreds of awards for its 5-star services and facilities.
Among these awards include;
- World Travel Awards; Kenya’s Leading Conference Hotel 2021, Kenya’s Leading Hotel Suite 2021, Kenya’s Leading Luxury Hotel 2021, among others.
- Villa Rosa Kempinski’s Presidential Suite won Kenya’s Leading Hotel Suite in the 2015 World Travel Awards.
- Cafe Villa Rosa – Winner of the Most Popular Easy Dining in a Hotel. Taste Bar and Restaurant Awards 2015.
- Best Luxury Hotel Of The Year 2018. Kenya Wedding Industry Awards.
Location of Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi
Villa Rosa Kempinski Nairobi, located at Chiromo road in Nairobi, Kenya, is a 5-star hotel closest to the city’s commercial hub.
It is 20 kilometers away and a 30-minute drive from the Jomo Kenyetta International Airport.
2. Mara Intrepids Tented Camp
In our list, Mara Intrepids Tented Camp is the second-best hotel in Africa. Whether you seek an adventure or a leisure gateway, Mara Intrepids Tented Camp can offer it. The tent provides a clear view of the Masai Mara Reserve, giving accommodation mainly to safari visitors, among others.
Reasons why the Mara Intrepids Tented Camp is among the best
The Mara Intrepids Tented Camp offers four (4) refurbished tents ranging from a single luxury tent, luxury double tent, twin tent, and triple tent.
Services of the Mara Intrepids Tented Camp
More active guests at the Mara Intrepids Tented Camp can revel in the adventurous activities of the camp. These services include; bush dining, sundowner, hot air balloon safari, adventurers club, and a photographic safari.
Nominations of the Mara Intrepids Tented Camp
Mara Intrepids Tented Camp has been nominated three times for the World Travel Awards, as seen below;
- Kenya’s Leading Tented Safari Camp 2021
- Kenya’s Leading Tented Safari Camp 2020
- Kenya’s Leading Tented Safari Camp 2019
Location of the Mara Intrepids Tented Camp
Mara Intrepids Tented Camp, located at C14 Keekorok, Maasai Mara Game Reserve, in Kenya, is very close to the famous Mara River.
3. Baraza Resort and Spa, Zanzibar
The third on the list of the best hotels in Africa is the 5-star Baraza Resort and Spa, Zanzibar. The famous travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller voted the resort as the 60th best new hotel in the world.
The hotel offers a fusion of Indian, Arabic, and Swahili traditions in its décor and design, with well-maintained gardens and swimming pools for a scenic view of the beach.
Amenities, services, and activities at the Baraza Resort and Spa, Zanzibar
The Baraza Resort and Spa, Zanzibar, has 30 luxury villas of unique specifications.
Among the Baraza Resort and Spa restaurants, Zanzibar is Dhahahabu bar & lounge, the Sultans dining room Livingstone terrace, and the ocean lounge.
The Frangipani spa Zanzibar provides a modern gym, spa pool, massage treatment, and yoga with professional staff available on request.
Baraza Resort and Spa, Zanzibar, offers space for weddings, honeymoons, and activities like diving, a water club, and a Baraza Swahili experience.
Awards and recognitions of the Baraza Resort and Spa, Zanzibar
Baraza Resort and Spa, Zanzibar, recognized among the top 25 global luxury hotels, has many accolades in the 4th year of establishment.
It was also in the top 5 luxury hotels in Africa and the first luxury hotel in Tanzania. No wonder it made a list as the top 3 best hotels in Africa at the 2021 Travelers’ Choice Award by Tripadvisor.
Location of the Baraza Resort and Spa, Zanzibar
You can spot Baraza Resort and Spa, Zanzibar at Bwejuu Beach, South East Coast Paje Michamvi Road Dongwe, Zanzibar, Tanzania.
4. SALT of Palmar
SALT of Palmar is an adult-only 5-star boutique hotel and the fourth-best in Africa 2021, situated at Coastal Road, Palmar Belle Mare MU, in Mauritius.
With a lavish African, French, Chinese, Creole, and Indian design, you will be hard-pressed to leave the property.
What makes the SALT of Palmar one of the best?
Each of the hotel’s 59 rooms, including five suites, comes with a block, bed linens, yoga mat, king-size Carpe Diem bed, toiletries, Roberts’s radio, and rain shower. They either have a sea view, garden view, bang of the beach, or poolside view.
The SALT of Palmar has a spa, a swimming pool, rooftop bar, library, salt factory, restaurant, and a skill swap center.
Recognition of the SALT of Palmar
SALT of Palmar was nominated World’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2020 by the World Travel Awards. The many unique facilities and excellent services attracted recognition to the hotel.
5. Sarova Panafric
Although this Sarova Panafric outpost sits along Valley Road, Nairobi, guests will feel they have traveled to another world entirely. Sarova Panafric is an embodiment of tranquility, ranking 5th of the 25 best hotels in Africa 2021.
The hotel sits 30 kilometers from the Jomo Kenyetta International Airport and the Central Business District (CBD) center.
Qualities at Sarova Panafric that ranks the hotel high
Visitors to Sarova Panafric can admire the African-influenced 96 modern rooms, suites, and 42 revamped apartments.
The guest can then dive into the swimming pool or book a session at the massage spa. The gym comes in handy for fitness, while you can retreat home with gifts from the Adia gist shop.
Recognitions and awards of Sarova Panafric
In 2014, Sarova Panafric was awarded Kenya’s Leading Business Hotel by World Travel Awards. They have also received presently received seven nominations from the awardees in addition to other local and international recognitions.
6. Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel
Just steps from the Anse La Raie beach and a view of the Indian Ocean, Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel places guests in a perfect site for relaxation and fun. The hotel is the 6th best hotel in Africa 2021.
Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel sits at the Royal Road, Anse La Raie Ile Mauritius, 72 kilometers from the Sir Seewoosagu Ramgoolam International Airport, Mauritius.
Facilities and services at Paradise Cove Boutique
Among the unique facilities of the Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel are 67 tastily furnished rooms and suites, 3 bars, four restaurants, three outdoor swimming pools, a spa, water sports, gardens, and a tennis court.
Awards and recognitions of Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel
The 5-star hotel Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel is one of the most awarded hotels in Africa and globally.
Among the recognitions, they have received the Indian Ocean’s Leading Boutique Hotel 2017, 2018, and 2019 at the World Travel Awards amid other accolades.
7. Ocean Village Club
With panoramic views of Diana beach and the Indian Ocean, Ocean Village Club Kenya has become the adult-only hotel and the 7th best hotel in Africa, located at Diani Beach Road, Ukunda, Kenya.
Reasons why Ocean Village Club is among the best
Visitors to Ocean Village Club can explore the revamped state-of-the-art rooms and suites or dine at the restaurants for local and continental dishes.
Not to mention, the property offers a swimming pool, water sports activities, table tennis, spa, gift shop, and laundry services.
Recognitions of Ocean Village Club
In 2021, Ocean Village Club won the Travelers’ Choice Award by Tripadvisor as the 7th best hotel in Africa.
8. The Residence Zanzibar
The Residence Zanzibar, a divine relaxation and hospitality center, ranks the 8th best hotel in Africa in 2021.
The hotel sits a little bit away from Zanzibar’s coast at Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, Tanzania. It is 11 kilometers from the dolphin-watching tours in Kizimkazi and 57 kilometers from the Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
Why include The Residence Zanzibar as one of the best hotels in Africa?
The five stars rated luxurious hotels have 66 villas fully equipped with modern amenities. Also available at the hotel is a swimming pool, a forested estate, restaurant, water sports facilities, spa and wellness center, and event halls.
Awards and recognitions of The Residence Zanzibar
The Residence Zanzibar has won Zanzibar’s Leading Resort 2016 at the World Travel Awards. The hotel has also ranked first at the top 10 hotels in Tanzania, top 10 luxury hotels in Tanzania, and top 10 hotels for romance, among other accolades.
9. Constance Prince Maurice
Located at the Choisy Road Poste De Flacq, Mauritius, this 5-star hotel offers butler services, roomy lodges, and desirable amenities.
Constance Prince Maurice ranked 9th out of the top 25 best hotels in Africa 2021 because of the facilities mentioned above, as confirmed from the reviews of their visitors.
Offers of Constance Prince Maurice
If you wish to spend your time in Pointe de Flacq, Mauritius, at one of the lavish princely villas, or the 64 junior suites, 12 villas, or the 12 family suites, Constance Prince Maurice is the perfect place to hang your hat.
The hotel also has 18-hole championship golf courses, a restaurant for sumptuous meals, and a serene environment.
Recognitions of Constance Prince Maurice
Constance Prince Maurice won the 2019 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards as the top 25 Best hotels in Africa and 22nd in the World’s Best Hotels.
10. Club Med Marrakech le Riad
Club Med Marrakech is a 4-star hotel ranking the 10th best in Africa, located at Sidi Yahya La Palmeraie, Marrakech, in Morocco as the travelers’ best choice.
It has a 20 minutes drive from the Marrakech airport, concealed from the oldest palm grove in Morocco.
Why Club Med Marrakech stands out among many hotels in Africa
Club Med Marrakech is a family destination offering 300 deluxe rooms and suites, three pools, 3 bars, two restaurants, a complimentary fitness center, entertainment, and cuisines.
Recognitions of Club Med Marrakech
Club Med Marrakech won the 2021 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards as the ten among the top 25 Best hotels in Africa.
11. Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa
Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa is a 5-star family boutique resort on the coastal road, St. Felix, Mauritius. The hotel won the 11th best hotel in Africa because of its excellent reviews, facilities, and exceptional services.
Facilities and services at Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa
Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa has 17 heated pool villas, 44 suites, sports centers, restaurants, wedding venues, among others.
Awards of Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa
Just in 2021, Shanti Maurice Resort & Spa has won World Spa Awards as Mauritius’ Best Wellness Retreat, World Travel Awards as Mauritius’ Leading Boutique Hotel, as well as the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
In other years, they have been winning prestigious accolades while also being nominated in many categories.
12. Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
The 5-star hotel is the 12th best luxury hotel in Africa, situated in Marrakech, Morocco.
What features make Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech stand out among the best hotels in Africa?
Guest at the Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech, can expect a sleek environment and extreme comfort. The nine roomy suites, 54 luxurious villas, seven dining establishments, spa and wellness centers, meeting and event space ensure that guests feel utmost relaxation.
Accolades of Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech
Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech has won the World Travel Awards 5 times in different categories and has also been nominated 27 times. They have also received many local and international awards, including the Tripadvisors Travellers Choice Awards.
13. LUX* Grand Gaube Resort & Villas
The number 13 best hotel in Africa 2021 LUX* Grand Gaube Resort & Villas overlooking the Indian Ocean sits in Mauritius at MU, Coastal Road, Grand Gaube.
Why do LUX* Grand Gaube Resort & Villas make it to the list of the best hotels in Africa?
LUX* Grand Gaube Resort & Villas provides visitors with six different types of 186 rooms and suites with a sea view.
The property is also available in a poolside bar, six restaurants, swimming pools, cabanas, and 7 bars, all with luxury facilities and courteous staff.
Awards of LUX* Grand Gaube Resort & Villas
In 2021, LUX* Grand Gaube Resort & Villas was awarded the Travellers’ Choice Award by Tripadvisor. Also, in 2015 at the TUI awards event, LUX* Grand Gaube, Mauritius, came first, receiving the “First Choice Gold Medal 2015 Premier Overall winner for Mauritius”, among other awards.
14. La Maison Arabe
The massive 5-star luxurious hotel La Maison Arabe Marrakech, Morocco, is a hard-to-miss picturesque. The hotel is at the Derb Assehbi, Marrakesh, Morocco, ranks 14th out of the 25 best hotels in Africa.
Why did La Maison Arabe make it to the list of top 25 best hotels in Africa?
The Moroccan hotel La Maison Arabe Marrakech, Morocco, made it to the top list because of its many outstanding facilities and services.
Among the many facilities are a garden, fully furnished 14 suites and ten rooms, shuttle services, two restaurants, spa, two outdoor pools, a piano bar, cooking school, and lots more.
Accolades of La Maison Arabe Marrakech, Morocco
In 2020, La Maison Arabe won Morocco’s Leading Riad Hotel at the World Travel Awards. They have also won the Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers Choice Awards in 2021, 2020, and 2019.
15. Constance Lemuria
Constance Lemuria appeals to explorers eager to relax in style. No wonder it made it to the list of the 25 best hotels in Africa. The 5-star luxury hotel sits at Anse Kerlan, Seychelles.
Why Constance Lemuria is one of the 25 best hotels in Africa
With 105 sophisticated villas and suites, three swimming pools with access to the beach, Constance Lemuria is one hotel you should visit.
The luxury hotel also has 18-hole golf courses, 5 bars, diving excursions, four restaurants, and other modern amenities and bespoke services.
Recognitions of Constance Lemuria
Constance Lemuria has received foreign and local awards and nominations: the 11th World Luxury Hotel Awards, Luxury Eco / Green Hotel awards, Luxury Golf Resort Award for Seychelles in 2017.
In the World Travel Awards, Constance Lemuria has received 17 awards among many other nominations and awards.
Below are other hotels that made it to the list of the 25 best hotels in Africa in the order in which they won the awards;
16. Crowne Plaza Nairobi, an IHG hotel in Nairobi, Kenya
17. Lux Belle Mare Resort & Villas in Belle Mare, Mauritius
18. The Palazzo Montecasino in Fourways, South Africa
19. The Oyster Box in Umhlanga Rocks, South Africa
20. The Residence Tunis in Gammarth, Tunisia
21. Breezes Beach Club & Spa in Bwejuu, Tanzania
22. Coco de Mer Hotel & Black Parrot Suites in Anse Bois de Rose, Seychelles
23. Cape Grace in Cape Town Central, South Africa
24. Umngazi Hotel & Spa in Port St John’s, South Africa
25. Selman Marrakech in Marrakech, Morocco
Which hotel is the biggest in Africa?
The biggest hotel in Africa is the Rock City Hotel, located in Nkwatai Kwahu, the Eastern Region of Ghana. The hotel is also the 50th biggest hotel globally, proposed to have 2,200 rooms upon its completion in 2025.
The Rock City Hotel is the property of Bryan Acheampong, Ghananian Minister of State in the National Security department.
Which hotel is the most beautiful in the world?
Belmond Hotel Caruso in Ravello, Italy, is the most beautiful hotel globally, first built as an 11th-century palace. The hotel’s surrounding has exceptional adornment with herbs, lemon trees, and roses, with rooms overlooking the sea.
Conclusion
These African hotels in our list of 25 best in Africa have all won the World Travel Awards, among other accolades.
Their online reviews and how they relate to reviewers are top-notch, not to mention their tailored facilities, services, and other unique qualities.
