* This article first appeared here in YourLuxury Africa
With nearly a thousand years of practice, Britain has had time to perfect the art of the hotel stay. On a drive taking in the length of the country, I was delighted to discover a few stays pay homage to South Africa with subtle but celebrated nods. From a farm stay above ancient cliffs, an art-infused lakeside retreat, to a renovated royal club – all iconic British locations, but with subtle South African touches.
Louma Country Hotel, Dorset
The journey begins on the Jurassic Coast – likely England’s most photographed stretch, and for good reason. Reminiscent of South Africa’s Wild Coast, the towering cliffs run along the shoreline, and a patchwork of pastures quilts the countryside. And it’s not just the natural beauty; the hills hold history: the world’s oldest fossils were discovered here, dating back 390 million years.
A stone’s throw from the dramatic coast, Louma Country Hotel is a supremely charming rural retreat. The British Isles have seen a rise in upscale agrotourism stays – and Louma sets a high standard for deep connection and appreciation for the land.
The design is elegant, understated, and sometimes playful – but never distracts from the true star of the farm – the sweeping view down the valley to the coast. Louma is proudly South African-owned; Louis and Emma are the caretakers, whose family owns Saxon, Steyn City Hotel, and Shambala Private Game Reserve. When asked about their reason for choosing the location, they quickly explained: “Farms can be charming under almost any circumstances, but this one’s position was so uniquely stunning that we decided to make the rest of our offerings make sense in that location.”
Accommodation options include farmhouse rooms, timber stables, stone barns, and shepherd huts – names that fulfil any farm fantasy. Room rates are full board, inviting guests to relax and savour the culinary delights at the centre of the stay, most sourced from the 100-acre estate. The clinchpin for me? Louma is one of the emerging British wine estates producing sparkling wine that can rival any Cap Classique – even their still wines are worth their (the lightly oaked Pinot Noir is an undercover treasure).
With indoor and outdoor play areas for children and pets, and two dining spaces, the farm is designed to be an inclusive space. Plus, embracing the outdoors comes with an exclusive touch – the countryside paradise is only open to their overnight guests. loumacountryhotel.co.uk
Linthwaite House, Lake District
Meandering North, the Lake District offers a quintessential British experience, and for good reason: slivers of silver lakes dissect the landscape, rising to impressive fells and descending into lush green valleys. At 17 kilometres long, Lake Windermere is the most remarkable – and high above its shore Linthwaite House stands tall. It’s no surprise that Linthwaite was ranked as the 13th Best Hotel in the UK in the 2025 Conde Nast UK Readers’ Choice Awards.
Five-star luxury combines with country charm, and For South Africans there’s a reassuring sense of familiarity: the hotel is owned by hospitality icon Analjit Singh, founder of the Leeu Collection. If you’ve driven through the gates of his two Franschhoek properties (or the newest Florence edition), you’d immediately feel at home here — from the familiar font to the manicured gardens and then South African artwork. This includes large sculptures by Angus Taylor and Dylan Lewis, detailed collages by Barbara Wildenboer, Jaco Sieberhagen’s metal installations, and works by others.
Linthwaite’s culinary reputation is unmatched for the region. The Bar and Conservatory serve informal yet impressive menus, thanks to South African Head Chef Gerald van der Walt. The Afternoon Tea is a hearty affair, especially popular after a energetic morning hike. Sharing the property is Henrock, one of restaurateur Simon Rogan MBE’s fine dining establishments. The multi-course tasting menu celebrates his farm-to-table philosophy, complemented by thoughtfully paired wines.
When it’s time to explore the surrounding landscapes, guide Steve Watts draws on 40 years of fell walking and trail running experience, taking guests to hidden waterfalls, caves, scenic trails, and iconic views. My only regret? Not bringing my running shoes to join the 72-year-old on a wild mountain trail. linthwaitehouse.com
100 Princes Street, Edinburgh
With the 12 Apostles, Bushman’s Kloof, and Oysterbox hotels under their belt, the Tollman family needs little introduction back home. Visiting their properties abroad makes it clear that their South African heritage has greatly influenced their hospitality ventures. Up north, my final stop is a coveted address- Edinburgh’s 100 Princes Street Hotel. It’s no coincidence that the hotel was once the headquarters of the Royal Over-Seas League, whose motto is to “foster friendship, understanding, and collaboration across the Commonwealth.”
Like Red Carnation’s South African properties, this group knows how to find prime locations. Check-in takes place in the cosy Wallace lounge, draped in tartan, with a glass of champagne overlooking a postcard-perfect view of Edinburgh Castle. The intimate atmosphere of 100 Princes Street is maintained through its residents-only policy – Edinburgh’s only hotel offering such exclusivity – enabling staff to deliver intuitive service to guests.
Open only since 2022, the hotel still radiates a vibrant spirit. General Manager Laurie Jamieson shared with parental pride: “When I first walked through, it was a construction site, and I watched her transform completely. Every milestone I’ve been part of – it’s very special to have been there from her birth.”
The hotel fosters relationships with local artisans, offering guest experiences such as visits to Araminta Campbell’s atelier to see tartan being woven, with opportunities to even start designing a custom family tartan. Additional experiences include a perfumery session inspired by Scottish landscapes and a private fishing trip. And then of course, there’s whiskey: what was once a collection of 100 bottles from owner Stanley, has now grown to 200 – a dynamic collection that evolves with tastings, always featuring rarer finds.
Back in the Wallace lounge, there’s no mistaking where I am: a plate of haggis Bon Bons with whiskey sauce arrives, and through the window, the looming silhouette of the castle stands tall. Next, Chef Wilhelm Maree serves steaming Baboetie with Mrs Balls Chutney. As my journey has shown me, who says the best of British can be served with a welcomed dollop of home? 100princes-street.com