South Africa is a unique country that boasts a varied terrain, attracting tourists with its central plateaus, southern coastal plains, rocky mountains, and smooth seashores. While here, don’t miss a safari tour in one of the many natural parks and reserves, such as Kruger National Park, Phinda Game Reserve, and more. You can hop aboard a reinforced jeep and admire zebras, giraffes, and lions in their natural habitat. Historical sites include Apartheid Museum and Mandela’s house in Johannesburg. Make sure to stop for a visit to learn more about apartheid and the people’s beloved revolutionary hero, Nelson Mandela. If you’re planning a beach holiday in South Africa, head to Cape Town, Knysna, and Port Elizabeth. Scroll down for a list of the best beach resorts in South Africa.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to beach. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 21, 2026.
1. First Group Club Hacienda, Shelly Beach (from USD 100)
First Group Club Hacienda offers fun and relaxation for the whole family. It features family-friendly amenities such as a game room, a kids’ club, and babysitting services. Furthermore, it has a terrace with barbecue facilities where you can hang out and eat while enjoying views of the beach.
There is also a pool on-site if you want to swim and lounge under the sun, as well as a lovely garden, perfect for an afternoon stroll. During your stay, you will stay in a well-furnished room that has a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and air-conditioning.
First Group Club Hacienda
Address: Marine Drive
444.05 km (276.0 mi) from The Big Pineapple
2. First Group Kowie River Chalets, Port Alfred (from USD 121)
No on-site breakfast, but self-catering units with well-equipped kitchens available.
Reasonable pricing for spacious, well-equipped chalets with sea views.
Beautiful location with easy beach access and plenty of things to do even in bad weather.
Abundance of activities like swimming, jacuzzi, and games. Netflix available in chalets.
First Group Kowie River Chalets offers accommodation that is just a few steps from the beach. It comes with an outdoor pool that you can enjoy and some relaxation facilities such as a sauna, hot tub, and steam room. For families with kids, the resort also offers babysitting services and features a kids’ club and a playground where the little guests can freely move around and play.
Furthermore, each room at this hotel comes with a seating area, a private bath, and access to the internet and parking spaces.
First Group Kowie River Chalets
Address: Oriole Road, Port Alfred, 6170
11.59 km (7.2 mi) from The Big Pineapple
3. Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort, Brenton-on-Sea (from USD 131)
Located along the coast, Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort is a 4-star property near the estuary of the Knysna River. The beach is a one-minute walk from the property.
This resort offers modern suites or villas with spacious living areas, a fully equipped kitchen, a private bathroom and huge balconies with breathtaking ocean views. For active guests, there’s a big gym and an outdoor pool. If you’re feeling hungry, make your way to the Butterfly Blu Restaurant and choose from their wide selection of dishes and cuisines.
Brenton Haven Beachfront Resort
Address: CR Swart Drive
359.23 km (223.3 mi) from The Big Pineapple
4. Glenmore Sands Beach Resort, Port Edward (from USD 42)
Situated on Glenmore Beach and a short drive from the center of Port Edward, this family beach resort in South Africa offers self-catering apartments. These units vary in size to accommodate different guests, from couples to a party of six.
All apartments come with a modern bathroom and an open-plan dining and sitting area, while most units have a balcony or a patio with outdoor seating. Resort amenities include an outdoor pool and a garden.
Secret Sands Glenmore Beach
Address: 1 Boulder Road
423.8 km (263.4 mi) from The Big Pineapple
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Thabang Molefe
My name is Thabang Molefe, Director/ Owner of Tsalanang Travel & Tours. I’m a qualified National Tourist Guide in South Africa, born and breast fed in Johannesburg. I have worked in the sports & events industry where I discovered my passion for traveling, and later worked with some of the TOP destination management/operators in South Africa. I love meeting people, and exchangin... Read more
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5. La Lucia Sands Beach Resort, Durban
Situated within a 20-minute drive from the centre of Durban, La Lucia Sands Beach Resort offers spacious apartments for large groups. Each comes with three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a fully equipped kitchen to accommodate six guests.
Amenities include a tennis court, an outdoor pool and a sauna. Best of all, you can access several beaches from the property—Umhlanga Rocks Beach, Umhlanga Main Beach, La Lucia Beach, Bronze Beach and Glenashley Beach. All are within 3 km (1.9 mi) from the resort.
La Lucia Sands Beach Resort
Address: 58 Marine Drive
579.82 km (360.3 mi) from The Big Pineapple
6. Monkey Valley Resort, Cape Town (from USD 68)
Delicious food with a beautiful restaurant setting, but service and menu options could be improved
Great value for a cozy stay, but some amenities may need updating
Superb location with breathtaking views and close proximity to the beach
Nestled in indigenous forest with stunning views, but some facilities show signs of wear
Set at the foot of Chapman’s Peak and along the Chapmans Peak Hiking Trail, Monkey Valley Resort boasts gorgeous surroundings and spectacular ocean views. Noordhoek Beach is only 500 m (1,640 ft) from the property.
Guests can choose among spacious rooms in the main building or secluded chalets scattered around the forest. All units at this family resort in Western Cape are tastefully decorated with wooden interiors and offer a balcony with outdoor seating. This resort has an outdoor pool, a sauna, and an on-site restaurant. Babysitting services are also available should you wish to have a dinner date without the kids.
Monkey Valley Resort
Address: Mountain Road, Beach Road
786.56 km (488.8 mi) from The Big Pineapple
7. Club Mykonos Langebaan (from USD 106)
Overlooking Saldanha Bay and the picturesque Mykonos Marina, Club Mykonos Langebaan is a short drive from West Coast National Park and just under two hours from Cape Town. This 4-star resort offers access to a private stretch of beach and provides all sorts of entertainment, from mini-golf to sailing. Guests can also play a game of giant chess, swim in the outdoor pool or do cardio in the fitness centre.
The resort offers modern apartments with colourful balconies showcasing pool or harbour views. You can choose from studios to three-bedroom units.
Club Mykonos Langebaan
Address: Mykonos Access Road
819.67 km (509.4 mi) from The Big Pineapple
8. Salt Rock Hotel Beach Resort, Ballito
Delicious breakfast buffet, excellent dining options, and reasonably priced wines.
Reasonably priced with all-inclusive options available.
Superb beachfront location with stunning sea views, proximity to attractions, and a private entrance to the beach.
Direct access to a quiet beach, well-maintained grounds, ample parking, and family-friendly facilities.
One of the best luxury beach resorts in South Africa is the Salt Rock Hotel and Beach Resort. It offers daily adventures in Ballito for the whole family. Salt Rock Beach is a one-minute walk away, and Sheffield Beach is also nearby. The property boasts a large outdoor tidal pool, a jungle gym, a spa, and countless restaurants and bars.
Guests can choose between spacious family rooms with kitchenette or luxurious double rooms with sea views. All rooms come with a flat-screen TV, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and board games and puzzles for entertainment.
Salt Rock Hotel and Beach Resort
Address: 59 Basil Hulett Drive
609.27 km (378.6 mi) from The Big Pineapple
9. Under Milkwood Resort, Knysa (from USD 77)
The chalets are self-catering, with fully equipped kitchens and built-in braais, offering a comfortable and convenient dining experience.
Reasonably priced with great value for money, especially considering the access to free canoes and paddle boards for guests.
Perfectly situated on the side of the Knysna lagoon with stunning views, providing easy access to the beach and close proximity to Knysna's heads.
Well-equipped chalets with Le Creuset kitchenware, daily housekeeping, and access to a private beach with loungers, paddle skis, and kayaks.
Under Milkwood Resort sits on the coastline that overlooks the estuary of the Knysna River. Ideal for couples looking for a relaxing break, the resort offers charming, wooden chalets nestled among a luxuriant, milkwood tree forest.
Each chalet features a fully equipped kitchen and private sundeck with outdoor seating, a fire pit and unbeatable sea views. The beach is only 50 m (164 ft) away from the property.
Under Milkwood Resort
Address: 13 George Rex Drive
355.38 km (220.9 mi) from The Big Pineapple
10. ATKV Hartenbos
Variety of dining options nearby, including a fancy beachfront restaurant with reasonably priced meals.
Reasonably priced accommodation with self-catering bungalows and clean facilities.
Excellent location within walking distance to the beach, shops, and restaurants. Safe and secure area.
Close to beach, play park, and shopping facilities. On-site restaurants with reasonably priced dining options.
The 3-star ATKV Hartenbos sits along the scenic Garden Route that connects Port Elizabeth to Cape Town. The beach is a 6-minute walk from the property. This resort is all about family-friendly fun, offering a jungle gym for children, a new water park with three water slides, a heated outdoor pool and two golf courses.
Accommodation options suit the needs of small and large families as well. Guests can choose among spacious rooms with tea- and coffee-making facilities or bungalows with a well-equipped kitchenette and a small, private garden and patio.
ATKV Hartenbos
Address: c/o Cape of Good Hope & Majuba Avenue
442.77 km (275.2 mi) from The Big Pineapple
11. Cape St Francis Resort (from USD 79)
Excellent seafood restaurant, good breakfast, but some units lack kitchen equipment.
Great value for money, but some units may be overpriced.
Beautiful location near the beach, golf course, and good restaurants.
Close to beach, spacious apartments, on-site restaurant, but some units need maintenance.
This resort sits on a location overlooking Cape St Francis Beach, a small bay resting between two short stretches of land that jut out to sea. As such, it offers many adrenaline-filled options for water sports lovers, from kite-surfing to canoe paddling.
After a long day on the water, guests can indulge in a variety of massages and treatments at Hibiscus Health and Beauty Studio. Accommodations include luxurious apartments and villas with a well-equipped kitchen, a private garden and a patio with barbecue facilities.
Cape St Francis Resort
Address: Da Gama Road
201.44 km (125.2 mi) from The Big Pineapple
12. St Michaels Sands Hotel & Time Share Resort, Shelly Beach (from USD 47)
St Michaels Sands Hotel & Time Share Resort features an outdoor pool that is available all year round. Each room at this hotel has a seating area, cable TV, and a private bath, while some rooms include a kitchenette. There is also a sun terrace, the best spot for a hot coffee every morning, and a lovely garden for romantic afternoon walks.
In addition, the hotel offers family-friendly amenities such as outdoor play equipment and a children’s playground. While the little guests are having fun, adults can head to the wellness center and get massage services or facial treatments.
St Michaels Sands Hotel & Time Share Resort
Address: 1 Marine Drive
448.52 km (278.7 mi) from The Big Pineapple
13. The Boardwalk Hotel, Convention Centre & Spa, Port Elizabeth (from USD 156)
Varied dining experiences with reasonably priced and good quality food, although some issues with service and breakfast repetition.
Reasonably priced with good value for the amenities offered.
Conveniently situated across from the beach and adjoining a mall, but away from the main city and with some warnings about the nearby boardwalk at night.
Spacious rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, on-site gym, and a convenient location near the beach and a mall.
This South Africa beach resort is all-inclusive and it offers facilities for guests’ well-being and entertainment, including a mini-golf course, a children’s playground, a bowling alley, and a wellness center. Each room comes with a kettle, free tea and coffee, a flat-screen TV, and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light. The beach is only 1 km (0.6 mi) away.
The Boardwalk Hotel, Convention Centre & Spa
Address: 2nd Avenue Summerstrand
122.14 km (75.9 mi) from The Big Pineapple
Enjoy a beach holiday in South Africa
With plenty of places to visit in South Africa, it is indeed an ideal beach holiday destination with pristine, sandy beaches and ocean waves that surfers will surely love. There are lots of beach resorts around the country, so take your pick from this list for a comfortable and convenient stay.
Frequently asked questions about beach resorts in South Africa
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