#HelloRecommends: 4 Ultimate Luxury Escapes
Written by: René de Klerk
The time to plot your extravagant annual escape is running out as the year races toward its end. Whether your tribe includes family, friends or colleagues, soon you can all break away from reality for a week or three. Essentially, the secret lies in finding the perfect spot for you and your tribe to create lasting memories. Whether you prefer to sip on a glass of bubbly in the breezy sea air, or whether you like to recharge with a chilled G&T in the African bush, we’ve gone in search for some of the best luxury escapes for you to indulge your every whim. From gazing at the stars far away from city lights to lazing on the beach, this time of the year is the season to get away and live like royalty while ramping up the festive vibes.
We’ve compiled some luxury properties to take your retreat to the next level:
Baobab Hill, Pafuri
First up under our favourite luxury escapes is Baobab Hill, Pafuri. Nestled atop a rocky outcrop, surrounded by majestic baobab trees in the Makuleke Concession area of the Kruger National Park, lays this stunning bush house. The fully equipped four-bedroom bush retreat offers the perfect secluded getaway for groups of up to eight guests. Situated just north of the Levhuvu River, it is the ideal location for a wildlife experience without the crowds often found to the south. Spend your afternoons lazing around on the veranda, cooling down in the pool or chilling under the thatched gazebo.
Of course, the area is known for its diverse birdlife, iconic fever tree forest, giant baobab trees and the breathtaking Lanner Gorge. Here, a dedicated guide with an open safari vehicle can take you exploring, while you’ll also have the convenience of a dedicated cook.
Cost: R16 800 for the house, suitable for up to eight guests in search of one of the best luxury escapes. Two game drives daily are included.
The Spa House, Hout Bay
If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxed escape, The Spa House – nestled in Hout Bay’s picturesque surroundings – is for you. This award-winning architectural marvel envelopes you in sleek sophistication while embracing nature’s rejuvenating beauty.
Cool down in the sparkling infinity pool or soak in the hot tub while enjoying a glass of bubbles. In addition, the property has a sauna, steam and massage room and a salt bath. Spacious living areas incorporate glass walls to flood interiors with natural light, elevating the serene atmosphere. Finally, all three en-suite bedrooms provide the ultimate sanctuary for recharging, while an outside deck offers the perfect setting for entertainment and a braai. Here, you can unwind in absolute style amidst Cape Town’s picture-perfect natural beauty.
Cost: Starting from R18 167 for up to six guests with a minimum stay of four nights, or 14 nights between Christmas and New Year.
Coral Villa, Gonana Collection, Paternoster
Nestled just 60m from the ocean, Coral Villa is the ultimate combination of an oceanfront escape and eco-conscious luxury. In essence, this elegant, yet historic Cape Country Routes property boasts a refreshing take on a West Coast escape and a space that is bound to transport you to years gone by. The three-bedroom retreat is the oldest fisherman’s cottage on the Bekbaai side of Paternoster. Ultimately, as the village’s first sustainable and environmentally conscious off-grid house, this property sets the standard for an environmentally sustainable getaway.
This one – yet another one of our recommended luxury escapes – comes with two queen rooms and one twin, as well as two daybeds for little ones. All bedrooms boast en-suite bathrooms for maximum comfort and if you have a very large group, you can also combine the Villa with three adjacent studios.
Imagine spending hot summer days lounging on the soft sand, cooling in the ocean or soaking up sea views from the villa. Then, as night falls, everyone gathers around the braai under the starry sky, enjoying stories from the day’s events. Pure bliss!
Cost: Coral Villa’s eco-lux rates vary between R1850 to R4975 for up to six people, depending on travel dates and group size.
De Mond Villa, De Hoop Collection
The incredible De Hoop Nature Reserve is a mere three hours’ drive from Cape Town and one of the best land-based whale destinations in South Africa. Also, the reserve is home to the last breeding colony of Cape vultures in the Western Cape and a place of unmatched scenic beauty. This makes the De Hoop Collection the perfect choice for a year-end escape.
As another property of Cape Country Routes’ collection, the newly renovated De Mond Villa is De Hoop’s latest offering in terms of luxury escapes. It boasts a five-bedroom en-suite villa perched on the edge of a Ramsar wetland. While it is completely off the grid, it comes with Wi-Fi and exudes pure luxury and comfort. Here, you can spot eland, bush pigs, otters and rock dassies from your veranda or swimming pool and soak in the surrounds as you take time to slow down.
Cost: R3900 per person per night, with a minimum booking of five guests per night. The villa must be booked for at least two nights. A guided marine walk, nature drive, guided MTB excursions and vlei and bird walks are included in the price. While drinks are excluded, two breakfasts, two dinners, one lunch and afternoon snacks are also included.
Elevate your getaway with a luxury escape that combines indulgence, relaxation and unforgettable moments.
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