Editor's pickWilderness, Garden Route
Nima Lodge Sand Cabin
Hot tubsOutdoor bathsFireplaces
12 hand-picked stays
Getaways with outdoor baths
A free-standing bath on a private deck, a view of mountains or bush, and nobody else for miles: an outdoor bath is one of the most romantic things a stay can offer. These are the places in South Africa where you can have one.
In the Western Cape you will find outdoor baths in forest cabins on the Garden Route, on hillside decks in the Cederberg and Overberg, and on wine farms in Stellenbosch, Tulbagh and the Breede Valley. In the bush, a handful of safari lodges in Madikwe, the Waterberg, Zululand and the Great Karoo have a bath on the deck facing the wilderness, so you can soak and watch for game.
An outdoor bath is at its best at the edges of the day, with a glass of bubbles at sunset or under a sky full of stars. In winter a hot bath outdoors is wonderful, but bring a robe for the dash back inside.
Outdoor baths are private at all the places we list, but how private varies. If you are shy, have a look at the photos on the property's website to see what the bath faces.
Editor's pick
Madikwe, North West
Madikwe Hills Private Game Lodge
Private game lodge with suite bath and deck dining in Madikwe
SafariPrivate poolsSecluded stays
Waterberg, Limpopo
Bontle Lodge
Safari lodge in Welgevonden Game Reserve with outdoor areas
SafariOutdoor baths
Zululand Game Reserves, KwaZulu-Natal
Mavela Game Lodge
Luxury tent game lodge in Manyoni Private Game Reserve
SafariGlampingSecluded stays
Great Karoo, Eastern Cape
Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve
Private game reserve with manor house and outdoor boma in the Karoo
SafariSecluded staysMountain views
George, Garden Route
Boomhuis
Off-grid forest hideout with hot tub and treehouse ambiance
Hot tubsForest staysSecluded stays
George, Garden Route
Boshuis
Indigenous forest sanctuary with hot tub and stream sounds
Hot tubsSecluded staysForest stays
Cederberg, Western Cape
Ananda Cabin at Ashanté
Offgrid stone cabin with hot tub, fireplace and river access
Hot tubsFireplacesSecluded stays
Swellendam, Overberg
Melozhori Treehouse
Off-grid treehouse on game reserve with hot tub and wildlife views
Hot tubsSecluded staysSafari
Stellenbosch, Cape Winelands
Heavens View Luxury Villa
2-bedroom villa on wine estate with wood-fired hot tub and vineyard views
Hot tubsWine farm staysWeekend escapes
Tulbagh, Cape Winelands
Vrolikheid Landgoed
Romantic cabins on fruit farm with hot tubs and valley views
Hot tubsOutdoor bathsMountain views
Montagu, Breede Valley & Route 62
Olive Stone Farm
Three stone cottages with hot tub and plunge pool in private gardens
Hot tubsFireplacesSecluded stays