Taking over a house with a group of family or friends has to be one of my all-time favorite ways to holiday. For a real “home away from home” experience, renting a luxury home in South Africa is one of the best ways to experience this remarkable country and make a little corner of this paradise your own. Flights from London to Cape Town take just 11 and a half hours, with British Airways flying the route direct.
Select a luxury villa and enjoy the bonus of having your own pool, being near the beach, or being tucked up a quiet hill with breathtaking panoramic views of vineyards. The choice is yours. Here is our guide to the best luxury homes to rent in South Africa…
1. Bungalow 52, Cape Town
Bungalow 52 (pictured above) is the ultimate beach house, and it lies right on the best beach in Cape Town, Clifton 4th Beach which is protected from the wind and has a relaxed vibe, with plenty of beach action including paddleboarding, sea-kayaking, and sun-worshipping.
It has been designed as a grown-up fix to make you smile and then laugh out loud, as you remember how holidays should feel. Welcoming families, you can kick off your shoes the moment you arrive and either head straight for the beach (about 10 steps from the front door!), dive into the heated pool with spa jets, or collapse into a sun lounger or hammock and take in the ocean views, the perfect place to enjoy a complimentary glass of chilled white wine as you watch the sunset.
While staying here, why not evoke memories by sharing your favorite LPs with your teenage kids; have a game of beach volleyball just steps from your hammock or get an ice-cold ice cream delivered to the door by the friendly vendors on the beach. If you want to get away from it all, the private garden gives you the perfect privacy from the beach with its secluded outdoor dining area.
The bungalow itself is everything a beach villa should be, designed by international travelers who have drawn the best ideas from St Barts to the barefoot luxury of the Maldives. This villa truly makes holidays fun. It features a stylish modern design complemented by quirky, modern object d’art, some of which are guaranteed to make you laugh out loud!
Designed over three levels, there’s space for everyone. There’s an intimate master bedroom upstairs with views of the beach as you’re cocooned in luxury Egyptian cotton in the extra length, king-size bed, or why not enjoy a hot bath in the free-standing bath. There are two other bedrooms, each with its own bathrooms (one with a steam shower). The stylish open-plan kitchen, lounge, and large bar area feature a Gaggenau hob, Nespresso machine, comfy couch, open plan fireplace, Samsung 52-inch curved TV, and ten-seater table to enjoy meals, or why not pop down to the large media room and try out the retro Technics 1200 turntable, with a selection of 60’s-80’s vinyl. It’s also a great spot to catch the pool action as you lie under the infinity skylights and look through the window into the pool. Free Wi-Fi and a portable Bose sound system are available, too.
2. Le Grand Jardin, Stellenbosch
Live La Dolce Vita at the mesmerizing Le Grand Jardin Villa. Lose yourself in the sprawling lush green gardens that feature lawns that go on forever, beautiful lily ponds with decked seating areas under magical chandeliers; 200-year-old trees, a pretty glasshouse, and even a children’s merry-go-round! Escape the rush of everyday life within a villa designed for play and pleasure with the family, hidden away in the heart of the picturesque Devon Valley wine region. Relax and enjoy the solitude or discover its old-world charm that allows you to curl up with a book in the summer house or in front of a roaring fire in winter, all set against the vineyard backdrop of heritage-rich Stellenbosch.
Outdoors, guests can enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, surrounded by hanging seats, dining area, jacuzzi, or dine beside the lilypond and take a row amongst the lily pads in the little boat.
The winner and their guest(s) will be staying in the Pool Pavilion that enjoys three bedrooms and a fully equipped kitchenette. All the bedrooms are fully ensuite, and the Rockit Family Suite has a king-size bed and two singles. The In Full Bloom room features a king-size bed, while the Into The Wild room boasts a queen-size bed. Outside you find a beautiful pool area, gardens, and terrace.
3. Strand Beach Lodge
Strand Beach Lodge sleeps 8 and is situated in a secure golf estate overlooking False Bay. The lodge is located in the seaside suburb of Strand on the edge of the Cape Winelands, so it’s ideal for water enthusiasts.
The charming thatched lodge is traditionally decorated with inherited antiques and natural textures, creating an eclectic blend of classic Cape and rustic romance. The smart design of the U-shaped villa, with the kitchen on one end, a formal lounge on the other, and the dining area in the middle, means that there is a seamless indoor-outdoor flow; doors from both living spaces open to the outside, either onto the lawn, courtyard or swimming pool. The living area by the kitchen leads out to the lawn and onwards to the beach.
Outside you’ll find a garden, courtyard, swimming pool, and a sports area (with Astro field, cricket nets, and netball/basketball ring), which has direct access down onto the beach. There’s also a gaming room tucked away on the second floor, making it ideal for youngsters, as it opens up onto the porch Jacuzzi, which leads down to the swimming pool. The lodge also enjoys daily housekeeping, air-conditioning, underfloor heating in the living area, Wi-Fi, dishwasher, washing machine, and tumble dryer, secure parking, alarm and access controlled security. There is also access to the estate golf course, estate tennis courses, the estate restaurant, and the clubhouse.
4. The Cape Bali, Cape Town
The Cape Bali is ideally located on the upper hills of Camps Bay, on the slopes of the mountain below Table Mountain cable car. This perfect location provides you with a breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.
Cape Bali is your perfect location to appreciate the mythical South African sunset while being just 3km from the beaches and 6 km from the city center. This villa offers a luxurious 5-star experience with all the privacy you deserve.
5. Ellerman House, Villa One & Two, Cape Town
Ellerman House Hotel sits in a unique position of being able to offer guests the very best of South Africa. From generous hospitality and refined service to exceptional experiences and the most representative South African art collection in existence.
Perfectly complemented by the grand spirit of Ellerman House, the most recent additions to the property, Villa One & Two, provide luxury homes to rent within this hotel complex. Enhanced by sweeping views over the Atlantic Ocean, these two private luxury villas are best suited for families and loved ones traveling together.
6. Sea Lion, Cape Town
Sea Lion is one of Cape Town’s exceptional luxury villas. Located in “wind-free” Fresnaye, one of Cape Town’s most prestigious neighborhoods, Sea Lion sits on the very edge of Lion’s Head National Reserve with unparalleled views of the Atlantic Ocean & Robben Island from every single room.
Its 725 m2 of space features generous amounts of textured granite, warm walnut, and luxurious marble, which form the neutral backdrop for its vibrant contemporary interiors and its impressive collection of art from across the globe.
Enjoy an intimate meal at the comfortable breakfast bar, a martini or a gin & tonic at the contemporary bar counter, or a formal dinner party for ten at the stunning solid walnut and copper inlaid dining table.
The ‘Black & Copper’ kitchen boasts top-of-the-range appliances skilfully hidden behind beautiful joinery. Luxury cutlery and dinnerware, La Crueset serving dishes, and Riedel wine glasses will allow you to entertain in style.
You can also choose to drink or dine on one of the many landscaped terraces – with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, Lions Head, or both. Flat Screen TVs, Bang and Olufsen, and Bose sound systems ensure that every room has a premium viewing and listening experience.
7. 26 Sunset Villa, Cape Town
26 Sunset Villa is an architectural masterpiece with six identical sea-facing suites in the prestigious suburb of Llandudno, Cape Town. Butler and Chef services, champagne breakfasts, sipping on sunset cocktails, and snacking canapés are among the inclusions in the rate at the luxurious private villa.
This award-winning, exclusive-use villa with a design that compliments the natural elements of stone and wood and ultra-modern interiors. Guests will enjoy 180-degree spectacular sea views over the ocean and the sound of waves crashing meters away while savoring culinary delights.
The convenient location between Camps Bay and Chapmans Peak and the unique design combine to offer guests secluded tranquillity and perfect opportunities to walk along Llandudno beach, revive & reboot after enjoying the exhilaration, activities, and adventures Cape Town and its famous Table Mountain has on offer.
8. Waterline Luxury Beach Villa, Cape Town
Waterline offers multiple outdoor relaxation spaces. With decks both front and back, the views take center stage, overlooking the dunes, beach, ocean, and mountain. Flowing from the kitchen, the upper garden deck offers complete privacy with a gazebo, two barbeques, and an external lounge.
The garden was designed by Leon Kluge, Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal Winner 2018, and offers tranquil zones for quiet contemplation, reading, and sleeping along with a massage, spa treatments, and relaxation platform, and a yoga area and lawn.
With a focus on entertaining, the 500 m² house is built around a spacious living, dining, and kitchen area on the upper level, which leads onto two outside terraces with stunning views of the sea, mountains, and vineyards. Come to Waterline to just be.
9. Rhodes Cottage, Boschendal
Rhodes Cottage is a historic cottage that sleeps up to 6 people and was built by renowned architect, Sir Herbert Baker. It has been redecorated to allow guests to experience a piece of South African history.
Set under the imposing outline of the Simonsberg mountain, the cottage has magnificent views over the Boschendal Estate and the valley. The cottage is about 2 km from the main Werf. A large verandah, outside dining under the oaks, and an eco-friendly swimming pool add to the property’s relaxed feel, a South African National Heritage Site.
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