Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa Review

Over a decade ago, long before I started writing about my travels, I visited Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa with my family. We were so impressed by the resort that it carved a place in our minds as one of the best places we’ve stayed at in South Africa. We returned there recently to see if it was still the case.

Part of the Southern Sun Group, the five-star resort is located in the UNESCO-designated Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve in the Cape Overberg, one of the world’s richest floral reserves. True to its name, which is believed to mean ‘beautiful’ or ‘answered prayer,’ it is a haven of luxury and natural splendour. Beneath the gaze of the Palmiet Mountains, it stands on the banks of the Botrivier Lagoon, a popular birdwatching spot that it shares with the Rooisands Nature Reserve, home to a herd of free-roaming wild horses.

Botrivier Lagoon

The drive from Cape Town to Arabella, which lies between Kleinmond and Hermanus, takes around 90 minutes. However, we opted for the slightly longer scenic route which traverses Clarence Drive, one of the world’s most scenic coastal roads, which is famed for its breathtaking ocean views, dramatic cliffs, and thrilling curves.

Hotel Pool Entrance

On arrival at the hotel, we were welcomed into the high-ceilinged Grand Lobby. The hotel’s architecture blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscapes, capitalising on its natural beauty. As we had arrived early, we had drinks in the lounge and enjoyed the views while waiting for our room.

Main Lounge

There are 145 rooms and suites. Our expansive suite had a bedroom with a marble bathroom, and a lounge with a sofa bed to accommodate the kids. My son enjoyed having his own room.

Our Bedroom

The suite featured a coffee machine, minibar, and televisions in the bedroom, lounge, and even above the bathtub. Plush towelling gowns and slippers were provided.

Our private lounge

Our bathroom (The TV is in the frame on the left-hand side

A delicious cheese board and drinks awaited us, and at turndown, luxurious Chocolates by Tomes were placed on our pillows. Glass doors opened onto a lagoon-facing balcony where I loved relaxing with my coffee.

Welcome snacks and drinks

Meals are served at Jamani Restaurant, where the menu highlights farm-to-table dishes sourced from local suppliers. Breakfast consists of a vast buffet spread along with à la carte options, lunch is casual, while dinner is more formal. After our huge breakfasts, we skipped the lunches and dined on fresh seafood, pizzas and pastas instead.

One of the hotel’s main attractions is a stunning 18-hole Peter Matkovich championship golf course on the edge of the lagoon, which is currently ranked as the fifth best course in South Africa by Golf Digest. I accompanied my husband on a golf game, and while we were admiring the beautiful birds and picturesque scenery, we were rewarded with a rare sighting of the wild horses on the 16th hole. They had wandered over from Rooisands Nature Reserve while grazing. We were mesmerised and would have spent hours observing them if there weren’t other golfers behind us.

Arabella Golf Course

Not a golfer? You can play a game of tennis or putt-putt or have fun in the Laughing Waters outdoor swimming pool with its cascading waterfalls.

Laughing Waters Pool

If you prefer some pampering, the award-winning spa has a sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy pool and a gym, and offers a range of therapeutic rejuvenating and beautifying treatments. There’s also a hair salon as well as a clothing and jewellery boutique store. An art exhibition was being hosted at the hotel during our stay too.

Arabella Spa

With so much to do, there’s no need to leave the resort but if you feel the need to venture out, there are several beaches as well as other attractions in Kleinmond. Fishing and water sports are available at the lagoon. The whale-watching town of Hermanus is not too far away either.

Arabella Golf Course

Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa ticks all the right boxes for a family holiday, a golf getaway, a romantic escape or even a corporate retreat. We took a walk down memory lane and are happy to confirm that it remains one of our favourite hotels in South Africa.

For more information, visit Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa.

Sara Essop is a travel blogger and writer based in South Africa. She writes about family travel and experiences around the world. Although she has been to 50 countries thus far, she especially loves showcasing her beautiful country and is a certified South Africa Specialist.