Diverse and beautiful South Africa
Without doubt, there are few places on Earth more diverse and contrasting than South Africa. The unique landscape will take your breath away, South Africa has more to offer than you can imagine. From the rich wildlife and luscious green vegetation to the vibrant and colourful cities such as impressive Cape Town.
South Africa has such an extensive range of attractions that can entice every kind of traveller. Wildlife enthusiasts looking for an adventure Safari trip searching for the Big 5, or perhaps nature lovers that just wish to get away from it all, whether it is in the middle of a forest or right on the coast overlooking an endless ocean. And then of course wine lovers wanting to be close to or sometimes part of a working wine farm, with world-class restaurants nearby and the most amazing views as a cherry on top!
From a luxury safari to a small remote cottage, we are aware that during the current circumstances, people are looking for safe havens and places where they can spend quality time with the people that choose to be with. To do this in a magnificent country like South Africa is experiencing the best of the best.
We have carefully selected a number of luxury villas that are a perfect hideaway for a few days or even weeks.
1. Cape Winelands – Stellenbosch
The first villa we would like you to introduce to you is located in Helderberg Mountain area of Stellenbosch. The villa is part of a wine farm is enough wine and lucky enough, there is also one of the better restaurants in the area a stone throw away from the villa. Need more reasons to go here….?
Escape to this secluded 3 bedroom lodge and enjoy endless views over vineyards, olive trees and mountains. Within minutes there are lots of excellent wineries and restaurants located, just think of Peter Falke, Cavalli and Rust & Vrede. Stellenbosch is less than 10 minutes by car, whereas groceries are about half-way, 5 minutes away.
This perfect Getaway is suitable for either a couple or for up to 6 adults travelling together. A log fireplace and swimming pool makes this place even harder to leave, but why would you, there is so much to see from up here….
From R 4 700 per couple per night.
2. Gansbaai – (south of Hermanus)
Just 150 meters from the beach path, this house overlooks a white beach with rock-pools and breakers plus enjoys a 180 degree unobstructed ocean view with magnificent sunsets.
The finishes reflect strict adherence to stylish minimalism, screeded floors throughout, off shutter ceilings, floor to ceiling glass, designer cabinetry, remote operated blinds and shutters where essential. The interior touches reflect style and quality.
The house is set on two levels with the entrance and private en-suite guestroom with own balcony and patio on the entry level.
A staircase links this with the ground floor level which hosts the main bedroom screened from the common areas, where an open plan kitchen, dining and lounge areas have 180-degree permanent sea and beach views. Big sliding doors open up to the pool and patio.
This stunning ocean get-away has two en-suite bedrooms with Kingsize beds and sleeps 4.
From R 5 000 per couple per night
3. Pringle Bay
This luxurious villa, located in the seaside village of Pringle Bay (just 1 hours drive from Cape Town), is steps away from a long white beach which has the most beautiful sunsets overlooking Table Mountain.
The villa can accommodate up to 8 guests and offers 4 double en-suite bedrooms, and an open-plan fully equipped kitchen, dining room and living area. The first and second bedrooms each contain an extra-length king-size bed, the third bedroom a queen-size bed, and the fourth bedroom twin single beds.
Outside you’ll find an indigenous garden with a natural stream and pond, a rim flow pool, an outside bath and shower as well as spectacular 360-degree views. I highly recommend taking advantage of the bbq facilities provided to bask in the beautiful scenery.
Enjoy long walks on the beach or a hike in the nearby mountains. The town, also walking distance, offers some restaurants and coffee shops.
4. Cape Winelands
This working Wine Farm is uniquely situated a stone’s throw from the charming village of Franschhoek. It offers close proximity to the fun and bustle of the main street with all the quiet, privacy and rural charm of a working wine farm.
The Manor House has great spots for endless lunches and dinners with friends or family
Surrounded by lush vineyards, glorious mountains and unsurpassed views in all directions, the farm offers a range of accommodation options.
There won’t be any arguments about who should get the room with the view at The Manor House. Wherever you choose to lay your suitcase, you’ll enjoy its 360-degree views of Franschhoek’s vineyard-studded valley and mountains. It’s not until you’re relaxing al fresco on the terraces of either the Main House, Pool House, or the Lake Cottage, gazing out over your very own lakeside version of one of Monet’s famous ‘Water Lilies’ paintings, that you’ll fully appreciate the true magic of this unique setting. There are 7 bedrooms in this mansion.
In prime position, deceptively far from distractions, on one of the oldest Huguenot estates in Franschhoek, (granted in 1694) this house was built for ultimate privacy. Surrounded by indigenous gardens and natural beauty as far as the eye can see, you’re actually only a short walk from the town hidden away below. It is a fully serviced house, booked on a self-catering basis or a private chef can be arranged at an additional cost.
Also on this beautiful estate, located on the forest edge of one of Franschhoek’s oldest farms, are very nice and simple cottages offering incredible views of the forest, vineyards and valleys. Booked together, they are the ideal setting for large family gatherings and celebrations, or individually for quiet getaways.
The row of deceptively rustic, terraced cottages is made up of five mezzanine cottages, two more spacious two-bedroom cottages and an intimate ‘Sunset’ cottage with its own plunge pool.
All cottages have sun-drenched patios, open-plan living, dining and kitchen areas, that overlook an immense swimming pool with a vine-covered, pool-side pavilion. Beautifully decorated with a collection of watercolours, oil paintings, colourful Indian textiles and antique linen cushions, each cottage has its own unique sense of life, adventure and tranquillity.
5. Cape Winelands
This 2 bedroomed villa is situated amidst the vineyards of a Cap Classique wine farm in Franschhoek. Situated on the edge of the estate, overlooking a tranquil, duck-dotted river, this is the farm’s villa, and the ultimate hidden hideaway.
A short drive from the estate’s main building along the cyprus-lined dirt road, the secluded home is a masterpiece in itself, boasting spellbinding vineyard views.
Simple white walls and elegant pillars set the scene outside, while high ceilings, elegant decor and shuttered windows create an interior that’s wonderfully reminiscent of a classic farm manor house.
If you’re seeking luxurious seclusion, this spot is calling your name. From the moment you arrive, everything is ready for you, right down to the keys waiting in the door. In fact, the only time you’ll see any of the estate’s staff is when they come to clean once a day (however, they are always available should you need them).
The home is completely self-catering, and has a large, fully equipped open-plan kitchen stocked with utensils and pantry cupboard staples – and even a chilled bottle of bubblies waiting in the fridge.
The spacious open-plan living area, complete with wi-fi, TV, a desk and couches, leads onto the verandah, perfect for alfresco soirées.
The two identical bedrooms, on opposite ends of the house, are divided by large wooden doors. Each boasts a large double bed (which can be made into a twin), underfloor heating throughout, air-conditioning, a TV, and an en-suite bathroom, with a shower and a freestanding Victorian bath. (I recommend opening the shutters as you take a soak, so you can gaze at the breathtaking vineyard views beyond.)
Overlooking the river, the garden is a wonderfully tranquil place to kick up your feet and relax. In addition to a lovely plunge pool lined by sun loungers, there’s an outdoor dining area accompanied by a braai and firewood for lazy afternoon lunches in the sun, or dinner beneath the stars.
You’ll even have access to your own private bridge across the river, leading to a short walk among the flowers and lily pond. Not mention the MCC tasting room and Orangerie Restaurant, only a short saunter away!
This private villa is the perfect place for a relaxing countryside getaway. A few nights here, and you’ll never want to leave.
