Nights 1, 2 & 3: Cape Grace Cape Town, South Africa Set on its own private quay on Cape Town’s vibrant Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the elegant Cape Grace couldn’t be a better home from which to explore this lovely city. When the original owners opened the hotel in 1996, their goal was to create an environment that makes guests feel like they are visiting the home of a good friend and that is just the atmosphere that you will find here. A member of the Leading Small Hotels of the World, The Cape Grace welcomes guests with unsurpassed hospitality and surrounds them with luxury. Each guestroom features carefully chosen fine furniture, luxurious fabrics and thoughtful amenities that make guests feel right at home such as French doors that open to views of either the yachts in the marina or Table Mountain, fresh flowers, a personal book selection, velour robes and slippers, fully stocked mini bar and mini deli snacks, tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board, private room safe, select satellite TV channels and separate bath tubs and showers. Spend some leisure hours at the heated outdoor swimming pool overlooking the yacht marina, in the elegantly quiet library, or pampering yourself at The Spa. The sophisticated Onewaterfront Restaurant, with its views of Table Mountain and the yacht marina, serves classic South African cuisine with a decidedly modern twist. With Table Mountain as a backdrop, Café Bascule is a delightful place for a light lunch. By night, Bascule Whisky Bar and Wine Cellar is the place to enjoy a slice of the city’s social energy as you relax and sample one of the 460 fine whiskies of the world that it has in stock or a fine Cape wine from its collection.
Night 4: Lanzerac Manor & Winery Stellenbosch, South Africa Nestled in the world-famous Jonkershoek Valley surrounded by the dramatic Helderberg Mountains in the midst of wine-producing area of Stellenbosch, the elegant atmosphere of a gracious age gone by endures at this 300-year-old country estate which is one of the region’s most distinguished examples of Cape Dutch architecture. Recognizing that exclusivity is the key to an unforgettable stay, the Lanzerac Manor & Winery has limited itself to only 48 spacious rooms opening out to private patios overlooking the vineyards, lush gardens and the Helderberg Mountains. Each individually decorated guest room offers air conditioning, private bath with separate shower and heated towel rails, electronic safe, DSTV satellite TV, hair dryer and mini bar. Leisure activities include golfing, swimming in three private pools, hiking and mountain biking. As the hotel is renowned for its fine wines and fine dining, every meal in the elegant Governors Hall Restaurant is a delight. If you’re in search of a libation, The Taphius Bar and the Craven Lounge await your pleasure indoors or you might choose to sip in the shade on The Lanzerac Terrace.
*Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa Stellenbosch, South Africa Named as one of the Top 130 New Hotels of the World by Condé Nast Traveler in 2006, the impeccably appointed Le Franschoek Hotel & Spa is located in the midst of the famous South African wine country. Stylishly appointed guest rooms feature air conditioning, under-floor heating, direct-dial telephones, remote-controlled TVs with selected DSTV channels, hairdryer, coffee and tea making facilities and electronic safes. On-site leisure time opportunities include a beautiful swimming pool, tennis and Boules as well as a Wellness Centre and Spa. The unique Le Verger – the Orchard Restaurant – occupies individual glass conservatories in the midst of a working fruit orchard, while the Relais Gourmand is the hotel’s fine dining á la carte restaurant; it offers an award-winning wine list. *Departures of February 4th, 11th and March 3rd will stay at Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa.
Nights 5 & 6: Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge Kruger National Park, South Africa The Sabi Sabi Bush Lodge lies in the midst of the Sabi Sabi bushveld overlooking a watering hole and the African plain. During your stay, you’ll experience world-class amenities and warm hospitality. Each air-conditioned, thatched suite is comfortably furnished in keeping with the culture and tradition of the indigenous people of the area and courtyards are decorated with the woodcarvings of renowned South African artists. En suite facilities include a bathroom with shower, a lounge area, dressing room and private patio for wildlife viewing.  The unfenced grounds are frequently visited by a variety of Africa’s creatures, including over 350 species of birds and outdoor wooden viewing decks provide rich opportunities to view the wildlife that calls this area home. A lovely outdoor swimming pool beckons between game drives or take advantage of the pampering services offered by the Bush Nature Spa.
Tinga Private Game Lodge Kruger National Park, South Africa The Tinga Private Game Lodge lies at the confluence of the Sabie and Sand Rivers, making it an ideal place from which to view the spectrum of the area’s wildlife. Exuding style, elegance and luxurious comfort, all guestrooms in the luxurious Narina and Legends Lodges feature en suite facilities, large outdoor showers, king-sized beds, overhead fans, under-floor heating, mini bar, direct-dial telephones, satellite TV and DVD players and all are fully air-conditioned. Private balconies offer magnificent views of the Sabie River and the African bush, with excellent opportunities for game viewing; the spa provides a range of pampering, rejuvenating treatments after a long day in the bush.
Nights 7 & 8: The Westcliff Johannesburg, South Africa Located in Johannesburg’s most exclusive residential suburb and surrounded by cascading sculpted gardens, The Westcliff offers all the luxury and amenities that one would expect of a classic Orient-Express hotel. The unabashedly indulgent and spacious individually decorated guest rooms feature over-sized marble bathrooms with separate bath and shower, heated towel rails, illuminated make-up mirror, a wide range of luxury toiletries and bathroom scale, as well as satellite TV and VCR, a desk, two-line phone and mini bar. Leisure time can be enjoyably spent in two heated horizon pools, one an infinity pool overlooking the Johannesburg Zoological Gardens that allows guests to swim to the edge and look down at elephants and springboks, an all-weather tennis court, and a well-equipped Gymnasium with breathtaking views. The Camelot Spa at The Westcliff is a haven in which to rest, relax and revitalize. The dining experience at The Westcliff truly indulges the senses, be it dining with a distinctly South African flair at La Belle Terrasse or The Loggia or taking afternoon tea in the Conservatory. The cozy Polo Bar is the place for an aperitif or a nightcap.
Nights 9 & 10: The Victoria Falls Hotel Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Established in 1904 in Victoria Falls National Park, less than a 10-minute walk from the magnificent falls themselves via a private path, The Victoria Falls Hotel has welcomed crowned heads, heads of state, and celebrities for over 100 years. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, this Edwardian gem is surrounded by lush gardens, lily ponds and swaying palms. The old-fashioned ambiance of the guestrooms mingles with modern facilities, while leisure options, such as tennis courts and an Edwardian swimming pool, overlook the famous Victoria Falls bridge. In the evening there is dining and dancing in The Livingston Room; the Jungle Junction features breakfast and dinner buffets with Makishi dancers and an indigenous choir entertaining most nights.