South Africa’s The Plettenberg Hotel has been named one of the Best Hotels in the World in the Condé Nast Traveler 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards, placing the Garden Route property among a global lineup of leading destinations.
The Plettenberg ranks 43rd on the annual list, which is determined by thousands of readers rating their travel experiences across continents.
The hotel has appeared in the rankings every year since 2019.
The Plettenberg: A coastal property with global appeal
Located on a headland overlooking Plettenberg Bay along South Africa’s famously beautiful Garden Route, the 35-room hotel combines small-scale design with extensive sea views.
Its interiors use light woods as well as shades of blue and green to reflect the surrounding landscape of forests, lagoons, and ocean cliffs.
Condé Nast Traveler describes The Plettenberg as “a masterclass in seaside intimacy,” highlighting its position on a 185-mile route known for its natural diversity. The property includes two villas, the Amelia’s restaurant, as well as an infinity pool positioned to face the sunset over the bay.
The Plettenberg’s inclusion marks continued recognition for South African hotels in global rankings. In recent years, properties in Cape Town, Johannesburg, and the Western Cape have also featured in Condé Nast Traveler’s annual readers’ lists, reflecting the country’s growing presence in luxury and boutique travel markets.
The top 10
Accordingly, the top hotels which featured on the list were decided by 757 109 readers. These included:
- The Lodge at Bodega Bay, California, Unite States
- The Ritz-Carlton, New York, United States
- Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
- Thompson Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul, Turkey
- Fogo Island Inn, Newfoundland, Canada
- Auberge du Vieux-Port, Montreal, Canada
- Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin, Texas, United States
- Çırağan Palace Kempinski Istanbul, Turkey
- The Godfrey Hotel Chicago, United States
