The five magnificent properties making up The Royal Portfolio in South Africa were the vision of Phil and Liz Biden, who managed to create luxurious hotels that nevertheless feel warm and inviting. The Royal Malewane, deep in the African bush, offers classic safari-style lodging including Big Five wildlife viewing experiences and plenty of old world luxury. Located in the Greater Kruger National Park, the staff includes professional guides and trackers for daytime viewing and photography expeditions; fine dining beneath the stars; and indulgent therapies at Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa. In the Franschhoek Valley in the Cape Winelands, La Residence provides an upscale experience on a private 30-acre estate, with touches including sparkling Indian chandeliers suspended from a vaulted ceiling, original art and exquisite antiques.

At sister property Birkenhead House, set upon the cliffs in Hermanus above the Indian Ocean, guests can watch for whales slipping by in Walker Bay. Contemporary décor mixed with beachy design elements provides the material comfort, and the all-inclusive rates provide the mental calm of never having to leave the luxurious setting. At the Cape Town penthouse One Above, there’s 15,000 square feet of luxury appropriate to families or small corporate escapes. The newest property in the collection is the Silo Hotel in Cape Town. The 28-room property is settled on the top six floors of a historic grain silo dating to 1924 — once ranked as the tallest construction in the British Empire. Beneath the lodging floors, preparations are underway to open the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.