The villa rental market in South Africa is expanding rapidly and it’s estimated that about 30 specialist villa rental companies are active in this market. 

Following the increased demand for private villa rentals in Cape Town, Icon Villas has just added another two prime villas to its portfolio. Icon Villas was the first rental company to specialise in the Cape region where it has over the past 28 years, established its niche in prime villas. Twenty of these magnificent private residences are bookable exclusively through Icon Villas only.

Therese Botha, founder of Icon Villas confirms the upward trend and says that they have seen a marked increase in enquiries for multi-generational family travel, as well as groups of friends or corporates travelling together.

‘It is evident that more and more guests have come to recognise and appreciate the advantages of choosing a villa stay, which offers all a hotel does, but even more. This includes privacy, space and flexibility, with conveniences such as dream kitchens for foodies who love entertaining, and gardens with swimming pools, kids’ play areas and outdoor dining areas that suit the South African lifestyle. In fact, in the last year over 60% of all bookings made with Icon Villas were for multi-generational family stays or small groups of friends travelling together. We see this as a major growth area and are actively seeking to expand our portfolio in the market of large, five- or six-bedroom villas’, she says.

Symphony of Light, one of the new Icon Villas, is perfectly suited for extended stays and families travelling with children. Located in a private estate in the heart of Bishopscourt, the stately residence features immaculate, inviting décor and five en-suite bedrooms. Special attractions include a magnificent kitchen and voluminous living areas that include a pyjama lounge, as well as sprawling lawns with a jungle gym and large swimming pool.

Phezulu, the most recent addition to the Icon Villas portfolio, is filled with immersive, luminescent installations, original art, and high-end furniture pieces. A sensual feast with an adventurous use of colour and texture everywhere, the 6-bedroom villa hugs the slopes of Higgovale below Table Mountain, offering endless views and impeccable entertainment areas with easy access to the city attractions.

Therese explains: ‘Since we started Icon Villas, our portfolio has grown and developed into three categories, ranging from our top-end Bespoke Villas which come with bells and whistles, to our luxurious Essential Villas, as well as our intimate Pocket Villas, which are friendly on the pocket.’

Icon Villas currently book around 100 different private villas in the Western-Cape, ranging from, City and Beach villas, to Winelands and Country villas. ‘Although about 85% of our bookings are international, we do have a good number of South African clients booking villas for family celebrations and reunions, or to accommodate friends and family visiting from abroad. Repeat guests form a significant part of our business model. Cape Town events such as the annual Mining Indaba for instance, attract corporates who return year on year, many who prefer the convenience of a spacious, serviced villa suitable to executive meetings and entertaining.’

Icon Villa clients have the option to add on services such as an in-house chef and butlers and have access to a concierge service that provides insider’s tips and bookings for sightseeing excursions, guided tours, restaurants, wine estates and other local experiences.

‘The villas in our portfolio are hand-picked and immaculate and they have a certain pizzazz, each with distinct soul and personality. Our villas are selected for their unique attributes, including a beautiful setting with breath-taking views, great outdoor areas offering a quintessentially African space, and quality finishes, fittings and the freshest linen. We offer a distinct personal touch and essentially deal with experiences, more so than just properties. We are proud to offer villa solutions that build relationships with both long standing, as well as new clients, to find their perfect villa match.’

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa has unveiled its private Reception & Welcome Lounge next to the Welgevonden Game Reserve gate in the Waterberg. Designed by the owner, Dutch interior designer Myriam Vogel, this facility introduces the style, luxury, and unique African-European blend that defines the 5-star lodge.

Guests will arrive at this new Reception area to check-in, relax, and refresh after their journey. They will start their Mhondoro experience with a freshly prepared organic lunch, providing a first taste of the exciting culinary experience awaiting at the lodge. Departing guests may also enjoy the new facility’s comforts to freshen up or relax before their onward flight.

The new venue features a contemporary design with a spacious lounge, terrace, dining area, kitchen, shower-equipped cloakrooms, and covered parking for self-drive guests. Built as a community project, local laborers were trained and upskilled as professional construction workers over several months. Additionally, a local team of service and kitchen staff, including a dedicated chef, was trained for the new facility.

Mhondoro stands out with its fresh, home-grown food, showcased in a vibrant, modern African style. With a food philosophy of ‘fresh, simple, and organic’, the chefs proudly deliver ‘healthy fine food,’ merging international culinary trends with local flair.

Operating off the grid, the new Reception & Welcome Lounge is situated on Mhondoro’s Eco-Farm, and showcases its organic produce, free-range eggs, and farmed sheep and cattle. Guests can tour the farm, pick fresh ingredients, and see the chefs at work. The Welcome lunch features homegrown herbs and vegetables, deli products, freshly baked bread, and homemade jams and ice cream.

After lunch, guests will join their guide and be transported in an open game viewing vehicle through the Welgevonden Game Reserve, enjoying their first game drive on the hour-long journey to the lodge.

Myriam Vogel describes the new Reception & Welcome Lounge: ‘In a bush setting, architecture should complement the natural environment. The interiors, inspired by earth, plants, and animals, create a sense of immersion and texture. The natural wood accents, steelwork, and African design elements blend with minimalist European pieces to create a rustic, yet high-end feel, making guests feel instantly at home.’

Fritz Breytenbach, CEO of Mhondoro, says the new facility further elevates the guest experience. ‘Our lodge, known for luxury and fine cuisine, now offers a unique arrival at Welgevonden. With thrilling game drives, guided walks, warm hospitality, and dedicated service, we ensure an unforgettable Big 5 safari for couples and families alike.’

Tintswalo Boulders, overlooking Boulders Beach, Simon’s Town (Cape Town), has opened a spa on site to offer a range of treatments to resident guests. Boulders Spa features a heated indoor plunge pool, with a relaxation area that may also be booked for couples’ treatments.

Face and body therapies include BABOR  facials and massages, with add-ons of head and foot treatments such as manicures and pedicures. A number of packages may be booked for head-to-toe pampering, which comes with a complimentary glass of bubbles to be enjoyed while relaxing in the spa pool. The signature treatment, Full Body Ocean Journey, pays homage to the unbeatable seaside location, using marine elements from red algae for an intense energy and hydration boost to stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic flow.

Tintswalo Boulders is a family-friendly destination, and Boulders Spa caters for children too for those who wish to spoil their young ones. The Kids Penguin Package includes a mini facial, manicure and pedicure, and is named after the resident colony of African penguins which has made Boulders Beach their home.

Tintswalo has selected the BABOR range as its skincare brand of choice as it is renowned as a trailblazer in the field of medical skincare. BABOR’s essence is encapsulated in ‘The BABOR Trinity’, which integrates science, precision, and results at the highest level. Headquartered in Germany and renowned globally as a leading brand in professional cosmetics, BABOR is still family-owned, now in its third generation. The brand is dedicated to developing highly effective, personalized skincare solutions, confirmed by dermatological experts around the world.

Tintswalo Safari has announced that guests now have the option of convenient fly-in safaris directly into the Manyeleti Game Reserve, using Federal Airlines’s scheduled shuttle flights, or other charter services from OR Tambo Airport in Johannesburg. Flights depart OR Tambo daily at 10:30 and at 13:00; with return flights landing at OR Tambo at 12:30 and 15:30. Shuttle flights are also available to other lodges for guests on multi-stop safari itineraries in the various reserves.

Unfenced to the neighbouring Timbavati and Sabi Sand game reserves, the Manyeleti is a slice of private wilderness within the Greater Kruger National Park. Tintswalo Safari is one of only three lodges in the 27,000-hectare reserve, offering exceptional Big 5 game viewing experiences and low vehicle traffic in the natural wilderness.

Flying into the African bush offers the unique experience to appreciate the magnificent landscape from the air. Federal Airlines offers a premium point to point shuttle service with seamless VIP transfers from the local and international airport terminals at OR Tambo Airport, via its private terminal and guest lounge, to check-in and walking straight onto the tarmac to board.

On landing at the Manyeleti airstrip, guests are collected by Tintswalo at the aircraft, from where it is a short 10-minute road transfer in safari vehicles directly to Tintswalo Safari’s main lodge, or the Manor House within the same private concession.

A landmark of luxury accommodation and service, Tintswalo Safari (nominated in the prestigious upcoming Condé Nast Traveler’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards in the Resorts Category), is known for its warm hospitality. Guests are accommodated in six luxuriously appointed Explorer Suites, as well as the 2-bedroom Baines Presidential Suite, or the 2-bedroom Grant Suite. Themed after 19^th Century African explorers, the air-conditioned suites all boast private plunge pools with bush views of elephants, buck and troops of monkeys passing by.

Private and exclusive, the Manor House at Tintswalo Safari is the ideal destination for family holidays or groups of friends travelling together, offering 5 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, as well as a swimming pool and the services of a private chef, guide and game viewing vehicle on an exclusive-use basis.

The Marine Hotel has introduced a Wellness Escape, inviting guests to the coastal town of Hermanus to relax, rejuvenate and breathe in the champagne air. After a long summer and a busy festive season, the package provides the opportunity to kick back and start a wellness journey, enjoying the cooler weather whilst cocooned in the luxurious comfort of The Marine’s 5-star facilities.

A member of The Liz McGrath Collection, The Marine is one of South Africa’s most spectacular seaside hotels. Located on the famous cliff path overlooking Walker Bay, the Small Luxury Hotels of the Worldproperty offers visitors the unique opportunity to experience the finest land-based whale watching in the world. During whale season, from June to November, guests may even be lucky to view these majestic creatures at play, from the comfort of their own sea view room.

Hotel facilities include a heated outdoor swimming pool and a new gymnasium, as well as the Carchele Health & Beauty Spa. Included in the Wellness Escape package is a 45-minute Back, Neck and Shoulders Swedish Massage, as well as a 60-minute Body Wrap spa treatment that includes exfoliation, a scalp massage and a Vichy shower in the DermaLife capsule. A choice is offered between Detoxifying clay; Firming, soothing and hydrating gel; or an Energising and revitalizing Body Wrap.

Outdoors, a myriad of activities provides thrilling adventures in and around Hermanus, including marine sports, hiking and mountain biking to get the blood pumping and the heartrate going.

The Wellness Escape at The Marine includes a complimentary fresh Green Juice on arrival, as well as breakfast and 3-course dinner (excluding beverages). Served on the terrace or in The Pavilion restaurant, a wide selection of culinary options are available, including vegetarian dishes such as Plum Tomato Tartare of heirloom tomatoes with basil mousse; or Chilled Gazpacho with root vegetable crisps. In addition to the regular menu, a Vegan Small Plates menu presents light and tasty options that include Tandoori Cauliflower Steak served with a pineapple lentil curry, cumin mushy peas,coriander and coconut chutney; Carrot & Mung Bean Salad in a rice paper roll, with sprouts, citrus,radishes, basil, chili, avocado and a Vietnamesedressing; or Shitake Risotto with Edamamebeans, nutritional yeast, baby spinach and broccoli.

Lauded for its extravagant, multi-course High Tea, The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa now also offers a lighter, pared-down a la carte option for those wanting to pop in for a cup of tea and scone or a slice of cake.

Afternoon tea may be ordered between 3pm and 5pm from Mondays to Fridays, served on the leafy terrace of the Conservatory Restaurant, or in the lounge, surrounded by the stupendous gardens.

Sweet treats may be selected by individual item, including Carrot & Walnut cake with cream cheese frosting; Dark Chocolate cake served with fresh berries; Pecan Nut Pie with fresh cream; and The Cellars-Hohenort’s irresistible Scones served with whipped cream & strawberry jam. Said to be ‘the best scones in Cape Town’, this is a firm favourite on the menu, enjoyed with a cup of fragrant tea or freshly ground coffee.

Head pastry chef Saretha Mckechnie is the talented creator behind the hotel’s freshly baked confectionery. She first joined the Cellars-Hohenort more than seven years ago and has made her mark by consistently creating and producing beautiful, delicious baked goods that brings a smile to customers’ faces.

Part of the The Liz McGrath Collection, The 5-star Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa is situated in the heart of Cape Town’s Constantia Valley, and is a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. The richly layered, and refreshingly whimsical new look of the hotel restaurant, lounge and terrace creates a stunning backdrop to a delightful Afternoon Tea experience, linking guest dining and relaxation areas to nature.

Tintswalo Lodges has pioneered cryptocurrency as payment for lodge accommodation. The Reservations department of Tintswalo has been set up and is ready to process transactions paid for in USDT (Thether).  USDT is a user-friendly crypto, offering reliability and predictability that is ideal for international transactions. As a ‘stablecoin’, its value is tied to the US dollar, which avoids the volatility common in the crypto market.

Cryptocurrency payments are becoming increasingly popular among travellers across the world as dynamic and proactive service providers in the global travel industry are accepting crypto as a means of payment for trips, flights and hotels.

Through a strategic partnership with cryptocurrency payment solution provider Ezee Solutions Group and Pundi X, Tintswalo is embracing technology-driven solutions in the hospitality industry to enhance the payment experience. Simultaneously, it reduces costs significantly for both the guest and Tintswalo.

Lisa Goosen, CEO of Tintswalo Lodges says the company is very excited to embrace this payment option as another way of doing business in future. ‘We like to think of this step as revolutionizing the world of luxury hospitality. We are open to new technologies and see this as a continuation of the personalized services Tintswalo is proud to offer our guests.’

Using USDT is as easy as paying via credit card. Transactions are concluded without the risk of price volatility and payments are generally instant and final, with no need for currency conversion. In terms of Tintswalo’s own revenue management it reduces the expenses in processing international payments. A win-win, crypto payment is an attractive option for customers too as it is fast and secure, minimizing the fees associated with cross-border payments.

TSWALU KALAHARI RESERVE has launched Prints for a Purpose, a digital photographic gallery featuring a collection of limited-edition prints in support of the science behind conservation and a bold vision to restore the Kalahari to itself. Ordering online is simple and high-quality framed prints can be shipped anywhere in the world. From iconic wildlife to epic landscapes, the photography in the launch collection showcases the beauty and diversity of the southern Kalahari and serves as a reminder of the restoration miracle that is Tswalu. Thanks to the generosity of the featured photographers, 50% of the proceeds from each sale will be donated to the Tswalu Foundation.

Research, supported by the Tswalu Foundation, plays an integral role in Tswalu’s conservation vision to leave the world better than how it was found. Through the Foundation, long-term research projects provide a comprehensive, science-based understanding of the fragile Kalahari ecosystem, including the impact of climate change as temperatures become more extreme. Beyond the reserve, the research contributes to scientific and ecological management communities locally and internationally.

For the Prints with a Purpose initiative, Tswalu has partnered with a global leader in end-to-end carbon-neutral printing. From the printing process through to delivery, the entire transaction is certified carbon neutral. The finest art papers and processes are used to craft prints of superior quality, detail and colour accuracy. All papers and wood-based materials are sourced from Forestry Stewardship Council-certified sustainable sources. Packaging has also been carefully selected to reduce the impact on the environment while still ensuring that each print arrives in perfect condition. Each print is numbered and will be limited to 25 A2 prints and 25 A4 prints.

This holiday season, traditionally a time of giving and sharing, Prints for a Purpose provides a meaningful gifting solution for nature-loving family, friends or colleagues who care about wildlife conservation and the preservation of southern Africa’s remaining wild places.

Brookdale Estate has won the Accommodation category in the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards 2024, in recognition of the quality winelands guest experience offered by the Brookdale Manor House.

The Great Wine Capitals Best of Wine Tourism & Ambassador Awards programme celebrates innovation and excellence in wine tourism throughout 12 of the greatest wine regions in the world, including South Africa.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Klein Drakenstein mountains and hugged by a valley abundant with vineyards and fynbos, the Brookdale Manor House is a tranquil sanctuary on a working wine farm in the Paarl Winelands. With six guest suites, it is positioned as a world-class, winelands retreat to accommodate individual travellers, or small groups of family and friends travelling together. Built in a modern Cape Dutch style, it is elegantly furnished, featuring ample living spaces, extensive gardens, a pool house and terraces set around a magnificent swimming pool with panoramic views of the dramatic mountains and wine valley. Breakfast is included in the rate, with family-style lunches and gourmet dinner options prepared by the in-house chef and his team.

Yvonne Coetzee, the General Manager of Brookdale Estate says they are humbled and honoured to be amongst the high calibre of previous winners, such as Babylonstoren and Delaire Graff. ‘This award is not only for Brookdale, but for the Paarl Winelands, which deserves the recognition as it has so much to offer. We are very proud of this award which will highlight the quality wine tourism and hospitality experience on offer in this region. Around us are superb wineries, restaurants, nature trails and exceptional golfing, as well as interesting cultural and historical monuments – a myriad of attractions await to be explored from the Brookdale Manor House as base.’

Ever since its inception in 2021, Brookdale Estate has paid homage to its ethos ‘Stay Curious’. A true Cinderella story, the farm was once overgrown and underused. The Rudd family, originally from the United Kingdom, recognised the potential of the property and acquired the 67-hectare estate ​in 2015. In line with their vision to create a world-class country estate, today Brookdale offers exceptional hospitality and produces fine wines under the stewardship of talented young winemaker, Kiara Scott Farmer.

Recently opened on the estate, within walking distance from the Manor House, Executive Chef Gary Coetzee is at the helm of the Bistro at Brookdale Estate, which promises a relaxed, contemporary Paarl Winelands dining experience. Adjacent to the Bistro and the cellar, the Tasting Room invites guests to immerse themselves into the full Brookdale experience and sample the estate’s terroir-driven vintages, made in ever-evolving styles.

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa has launched a new loyalty programme in support of each of its three community projects, which affords repeat guests the opportunity to give back in a meaningful and responsible way, whilst on a personal basis, enjoying a range of benefits and discounts.

Infrastructure for Mhondoro’s community projects is solely funded by the owners’ MF Foundation to provide employment, skills development and learning opportunities to staff members from the local communities and their children. These initiatives play an important role in job creation in the area; the sourcing of manpower from the immediate community; and upskilling workers to levels where they are employable, not only by Mhondoro but by other lodges and businesses too. Ultimately those with entrepreneurial spirit are encouraged and empowered to start their own businesses, or work in partnership with Mhondoro.

Located in the Welgevonden Game Reserve in the Waterberg (Limpopo province), Mhondoro recently purchased two large tracts of land adjacent to the reserve, where it has established an Eco-farm, and the soon-to-be-launched sustainable Farmhouse project. Back at the lodge, the Mhondoro Wilderness School operates from an old storeroom that was transformed to provide world-class schooling to a growing number of children from the local workforce.

Membership to the Mhondoro Loyalty Programme is offered in three tiers. In each case, members make a donation towards the community projects at a set fee and purchase accommodation credits to be exchanged for room nights. Discounts are offered at a rate of 15% for Silver; 20% for Gold; and 25% for Platinum membership. The discount applies to accommodation, spa treatments, premium wines, as well as curio shop purchases. Credits bought are valid for a year and once spent, members qualify for the additional benefit of free lodge nights at a rate of 2 nights per Silver member; 4 nights per Gold member; and 6 nights per Platinum member per year.

The CEO of Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, Fritz Breytenbach shares his excitement about the project. ‘Our loyalty programme is designed to not only provide obvious financial benefits to our individual members, but holistically it creates the opportunity for repeat guests to contribute and become part of the greater good. The reserve is surrounded by several impoverished communities who will benefit directly from funds raised through our loyalty programme. A portion of the membership fee will go directly towards developing and running these community projects in a responsible and accountable way, aimed at creating more employment, upskilling talent and educating children. These projects are real and tangible, and we are proud of the fact that our guests have the option for site visits to these during their stay at Mhondoro, where they can witness for themselves the magic created by paying forward. In the words of Winston Churchill: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”