As exclusive-use properties become even more sought after in a post-pandemic landscape, these are my top six villas in South Africa for a luxurious and scenic breakaway.
Kubili House
The Kruger National Park remains South Africa’s Mecca for wildlife visitors, and in a quiet corner of the reserve is one of its best-kept secrets. Kubili House is an exclusive-use home and African safari experience par excellence. Sleeping ten in five bedrooms, Kubili spreads out over an impressive 26900 square feet. Four swimming pools, a spa, and a steam room help guests settle into a slower pace of life. Since you’re situated on a large dam you don’t even have to leave the comfort of the deck to spot wildlife. When you are ready, your personal field guide and tracker are available for safari – including three fully-equipped camping vehicles for those wanting an equally luxurious experience under the African sky.
Synergy Treehouse
In the quiet seaside village of Scarborough, one hour from Cape Town, the majestic Synergy Treehouse is hidden in an indigenous hillside forest. This über luxury home is completely glass-encased, blurring the boundaries between the stylish interior and lush exterior. Synergy follows the steep property with three distinct levels. On the ground level, there’s a pool deck and the master bedroom. A glass spiral staircase connects them to the lounge, kitchen, and main deck. Lastly, the second bedroom is suspended high above the trees, with its bathroom built into the adjacent rocks. Countless space for relaxing, all seamlessly flowing into each other.
Villa The Cherry
De Kelders is a sleepy coastal town, a little over two hour’s drive from Cape Town. Villa The Cherry sits proudly on one of the town’s prime clifftop-locations, with sweeping views out over Walker Bay below. ‘The Cherry’ has three ensuite bedrooms, a courtyard with a pool and then an open-plan lounge, dining room, and kitchen – all with unsurpassed views. With automated blinds and sliding doors, at the touch of a button, you’re directly connected to the gorgeous surroundings.
Bordeaux on Brittania
The West Coast has long been a sought-after place of retreat, two-hours North of Cape Town. Britannia Bay is one of the small towns that skirt the coast and its various bays. A strip of luxury white-washed homes straddles the 3km beach with their front gardens literally on the beach. Bordeaux on Britannia is built to take full advantage of its oceanside position – particularly from the upstairs landing where we’d daily admire the sunsets from. The azure ocean is even visible from the central courtyard’s heated pool. Expect impeccable décor that feeds the spirit and sensitively echoes the relaxing ethos of West Coast simplicity.
Dolce Vita
If quaint country towns appeal to you, then the village of McGregor, a two-hours’ drive from Cape Town, should firmly be on your list. Known locally as the village on the road to nowhere – the road to the town really goes nowhere else. Cradled by gentle hills McGregor is a place of peace and perfect for an isolated getaway or working holiday. Dolce Vita is one of the grander of the local homes, with two distinct wings – suitable for two couples or larger families. Whether it’s relaxing at the pool, sitting around the outdoor fire, or glass-fronted lounge – the house is spacious and most importantly – all yours.
AtholPlace House & Villa
With the prestigious Relais & Chateaux stamp of approval, AtholPlace is situated in the heart of Johannesburg’s leafy and swanky Northern Suburbs. AtholPlace offers two stay options: the four-bedroom Villa with landscaped private garden, sparkling pool, and boma, and the nine-bedroom private with its own bar, library, fireplace, heated swimming pool, gym, and lush garden. They are two exclusive-use options, but as they’re on adjacent properties, they can also be used together to sleep up to 26 in total. A stone’s throw from the glitz and glam in Sandton and a 25-minutes’ drive from O R Tambo International airport.
Doringbos Farm
To truly escape it all, in the glorious remoteness of the Cederberg Mountains, 3 hours from Cape town, hides a truly remarkable stay. Doringbos Farm enjoys a hilltop position, staring down at the perennial Doring River below. Up to 20 people can be accommodated in the various luxury chalets where no expense has been spared, for possibly the plushest mountain escape, you’ve ever experienced. Included in the stay is access to bicycles, quad bikes, fishing equipment, horse riding, kayaks, and much more. There’s even a hide on the dam to enjoy sundowners and watch local wildlife come for a drink.
by Jared Ruttenberg