Nothing says luxury quite like a relaxed afternoon staring out at gorgeous beach vistas or rolling vineyards, and in South Africa you can have both for less.
Luxury doesn’t have to hurt your wallet, and that’s especially true with a visit to Cape Town, South Africa, which was recently named the destination with the most affordable luxury travel experiences, according to a study by small-ship cruise company Sail Croatia that was shared with Travel + Leisure. There, opulent 5-star hotels start at just $199 per night and hour-long spa sessions can be booked for just $50.
Going out to eat also won’t cost an arm and a leg: the study found a three-course meal in the city will only set travelers back $23, a beer typically costs $3, and a coffee comes in at $2.
The city is a mecca for culture, architecture, dining, and waterfront attractions, and is known for its easy access to famous wine regions like Stellenbosch and the penguins of Boulders Beach. Enjoy a high-quality seafood dinner at a restaurant in the V&A Waterfront, wander through the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, or smell the flowers at the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Cape Town is easy to reach from the United States thanks to several nonstop flights, including on United Airlines from both Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and Dulles International Airport (IAD), and on Delta Air Lines from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
“Sometimes people think that luxury only exists in expensive places like Monaco or Bora Bora,” a spokesperson from Sail Croatia said in a statement shared with T+L. “That’s simply not true. A five-star hotel can provide the same comfort whether you’re in Cape Town or Cannes.
“This is especially true when it comes to premium brands: they operate in both expensive and affordable destinations, offering identical service standards while adjusting prices to local markets rather than actual costs,” the spokesperson added.
In second place was Hamilton, Bermuda. Known for its pink sand beaches, crystal caves, and charming shopping, the island boasts five-star stays starting at just $133 per night (the most affordable on the list). While a three-course meal will cost more (about $90), a 60-minute spa treatment is still more affordable at $78.
Oman’s Muscat, London, and Mexico’s Riviera Maya rounded out the top five most affordable luxury destinations, according to the study.
Ultimately, Sail Croatia said affordable luxury spots make it easier to find “more authentic cuisine, with local chefs using fresh regional ingredients instead of the standardized international menus you find at famous resorts. All this at much better prices.”
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