Discover the best of South African hospitality at these women-led hotels
|Published
Travel and tourism is a multi-billion dollar industry that stimulates local economies through direct spending on goods and services, creating jobs in hotels, restaurants, and other tourism related activities.
According to United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), women make up 54% of the tourism workforce but are concentrated in lower-skilled, lower-paid and often informal employment.
As a result of women’s concentration in lower status and lower paid jobs in tourism, their potential to contribute fully is currently untapped and tourism has been proven to provide pathways to empowerment.
“Empowering women to participate fully in economic life is essential to building strong economies; creating more stable and just societies; achieving internationally agreed goals for development, sustainability and human rights; and improving the quality of life of women, and consequently, that of communities,” said UNWTO.
Despite facing a dearth of opportunities for career advancement, increased challenges in starting a business, and substantial barriers to education and training, the tourism sector thrives with empowered women and abundant possibilities.
These women prove that despite the challenges faced because of gender, running successful businesses is possible.
As we continue to celebrate women’s month and highlight the strides women are making in business, here are some of South Africa’s women-led hotels showcasing the best of South Africa’s hospitality.
Tandweni Villa, KwaZulu-Natal
For those looking for a safari adventure, Tandweni Villa is a woman-owned establishment that allows you to indulge in the luxury of an extraordinary exclusive use villa on Jozini Dam in the prestigious Pongola Game Reserve.
The villa is located in the captivating Zululand region of South Africa and offers panoramic views of the Lebombo Mountains.
Travellers can embark on an unforgettable African bushveld getaway with activities including bird watching, wildlife encounters on game drives, tiger fishing, cruising on Lake Jozini, spa treatments and bush walks.
The exclusive use villa features 5 bedrooms, each with its own en-suite bathroom and air conditioning. There is also a swimming pool, a private bird hide, and a barbecue area.
The villa is decorated in a modern African style, with comfortable furniture and stylish accents while the bedrooms are all spacious and well-appointed, with king-size beds, plush linens, and private balconies or patios.
The bathrooms are all en suite and have walk-in showers, bathtubs, and vanity areas. A stay at Tandweni starts from R3 500 a person a day fully catered.
Zwinoni Lodge, Western Cape
If you’re looking for an authentic African experience, with a balance of traditional food and African décor in Cape Town, then Zwinoni Lodge in Milnerton is the place for you.
The bed and breakfast provides accommodation in 9 guest rooms for anyone visiting the Blaauwberg region.
The guest house also hosts meetings and events while employing 8 full time staff and 3 part-time employees.
Zwinoni Lodge has various accommodation options, all of which have a safe, TV with Netflix, wi-fi, tea/ coffee making facilities, bar fridge, hair-dryer and bathroom amenities. The cottage also has a kitchenette and lounge area.
The bed and breakfast promises that guests will leave feeling enriched through its culture, experiencing true African hospitality coupled with the richness of its art, history, music and food.
A stay at the lodge starts from R1 440 a night for 2.
Avela Lodge, Gauteng
Avela Lodge in Hekpoort is 36 km from the Cradle of Humankind and provides accommodation and also doubles up as a wedding, conference and functions venue.
The lodge is perfect for those looking to explore the Magalies area and also has a restaurant and spa.
The 100% women black-owned establishment offers accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.
There is also a kids’ club and room service and each room includes a wardrobe, bed linen and a terrace with a garden view.
All rooms come with a private bathroom with free toiletries, while selected rooms will provide you with a kitchen with a fridge. Continental and full English/Irish breakfast options are available every morning at the accommodation.
A stay at Avela Lodge starts from R1 380 a night for 2.
The Robertson Small Boutique Hotel, Western Cape
The Robertson Small Hotel and Spa by The Living Journey Collection is a 50-star luxury boutique hotel in Robertson in the Western Cape. It is one of 6 of The Living Journey Collection, which is managed and owned by women.
The Robertson Small Hotel has 11 en-suite rooms in The Manor House, Stables and Poolside suites. Most of the rooms have an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge.
This property also welcomes guests with a restaurant and a terrace and guests can also enjoy a buffet, à la carte or Full English/Irish breakfast.
The rooms are air-conditioned offering a desk, a coffee machine, a minibar, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower.
Each room has a kettle, while some rooms will provide you with a patio and others also provide guests with pool views.
At The Robertson Small Hotel and Spa by The Living Journey Collection every room is fitted with bed linen and towels.
A stay here starts from R2 925 a night for 2.
Fairlawns Boutique Hotel, Gauteng
For those set on exploring Johannesburg, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa is a convenient place to stay in the city.
The hotel is 5.8 km from Gautrain Sandton Station, is modern and offers accommodation with a fitness centre, free private parking, a garden and a terrace.
There is also a restaurant, bar and spa with sauna on site. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free wi-fi throughout the property.
All guest rooms at the hotel come with air conditioning, a seating area, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a safety deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, free toiletries and a hair-dryer.
The rooms are equipped with a coffee machine, while some rooms also feature a patio and others also feature pool views.
A buffet, continental or Full English/Irish breakfast is also served on the property. A stay at the hotel starts from R5 510 a night for 2.
The Octavia Boutique Hotel, KZN
If you are looking for a township and rural experience with a touch of luxury when exploring Durban and surrounding areas, The Octavia Boutique Hotel is the place to stay.
The hotel in Amatikwe has raving reviews and provides views of the Inanda Dam.
The hotel is conveniently located 27 km from Umhlanga Lighthouse and 22km from King Shaka International Airport. The hotel boasts a restaurant on site and is also a wedding, conference and functions venue.
The Octavia Boutique Hotel has 28 Double Deluxe rooms that are air-conditioned rooms with room service.
Each room also comes with a TV, a safety deposit box, a desk and a coffee machine. Its perfect for those looking for a tranquil stay outside of the city.
A stay at the hotel starts from R2 200 a night for two.