Luxury Retreats, and expert in South African vacations

Encircled by craggy mountains and looking straight out across the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is a city like no other. With Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope both in close proximity, nature is never far away, but within the city itself, you’ll find plenty of urban charm, such as a world-class restaurant scene, fashionable shops, and modern art galleries, including the newly opened Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. Pristine beaches like Camps Bay, Llandudno Beach, and the four Clifton beaches attract sun-worshippers and surfers alike, but it’s not all about the coast. If you head inland you’ll soon reach South Africa’s wine country, where renowned vineyards offer tours and, of course, tastings.

Cape Town is easily accessible thanks to its large international airport, which sees arrivals from many of the world’s major cities. Cape Town’s beaches are at their busiest between December and February, but it remains warm and sunny until April. For those who are less concerned about sunbathing then the crisp, cooler days of May and June are perfect for exploring. If whale-watching is a priority, be sure to visit between July and September.

One of the world’s most important – and beautiful – botanical gardens, Kirstenbosch was created in 1913 to preserve and display South Africa’s extraordinarily diverse flora. A UNESCO World Heritage site with an incomparable setting at the foot of Table Mountain and in the heart of the Cape Floristic Region, you can easily spend a day wandering its 1,300 acres. Showcasing approximately 9,000 of South Africa’s 22,000 plant species. Kirstenbosch offers an elevated fragrance garden, a sculpture park, and the Tree Canopy Walkway, a snaking steel and timber bridge that rises above the treetops and provides excellent views. If you’re visiting between November and March, be sure to attend one of the outdoor concerts that are held here on Sundays – they have become something of a Cape Town institution.

With some of the world’s most celebrated wineries located just an hour outside of the city, no trip to Cape Town is complete until you’ve spent a day or two sampling the local produce. With a history of grape cultivation dating back to the 1600s, the valleys of Stellenbosch and Franschhoek are the most established wine growing hotspots – and the most famous – but be sure to make a stop at the vineyards of Swartland, Wellington, and Tulbagh, which are smaller but equally welcoming. The area is easy to navigate by car, but it might be a better idea to book a shuttle to take you from estate to estate. Some of the area’s most popular stops include Tokara and DeMorgenzon in Stellenbosch, and La Motte and GlenWood in Franschhoek. Once you get there, be sure to try Pinotage, a red wine that is unique to South Africa, made from a grape that is a hybrid of Cinsault and Pinot Noir, as well as the region’s Methode Cap Classique, a sparkling wine made in the traditional Champagne method.

Cape Town is a dream destination for outdoorsy types, with rock-climbing, skydiving, and sandboarding all available within a short distance from the city. But, why not take advantage of the city’s reputation as one of the best surfing destinations in South Africa and try to catch some waves? With huge Atlantic swells and infamously strong winds, some beaches such as Dungeons, an offshore reef off Hours Bay, are best reserved for the professionals. Yet there are plenty of options for beginners too, including the charming (but busy) Muizenberg with its rainbow-colored beach shacks, and Scarborough Beach, which is popular among locals.

The distinctive Table Mountain – so called because of its flat top – lies just outside Cape Town, providing the city with a prominent and dramatic landmark. Although you can admire the 600-million-year old mountain from various viewpoints around Cape Town, its well worth making the trip to the top, which can be reached either by cableway or by hiking for 2-4 hours. The views of the city and the ocean from the summit at 3,000 feet are breathtaking, as is the surrounding nature. The area surrounding Table Mountain is home to numerous plant species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Experience the luxury of our Cape Town rental homes

Make your vacation in Cape Town extra special with a stay in one of our luxury rental properties.

One of the most popular neighborhoods in Cape Town, upscale Camps Bay is the ideal base for exploring the city. The area is also home to some of Cape Town’s best restaurants, with seafood a particular specialty. Situated just below Table Mountain, right on the oceanfront, ourvillas in Camps Bay are designed to make the most of this fantastic location. With space for up to 12 guests, our properties boast large terraces and swimming pools, with most built in the striking modern architectural style that is common to Camps Bay.

Offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean, ourCape Town beach villas are perfect for anyone looking for a comfortable and contemporary vacation rental. Properties are available in the exclusive suburb of Clifton, which is famous for its white sandy beach and in the more laidback neighborhood of Bakoven. Options include sprawling villas perfect for families or groups of friends, and more secluded, smaller properties ideal for a couple looking to escape it all.

Located just a few miles south of the center of Cape Town, Hout Bay is a colorful fishing village with a fabulous beach and a bustling harbor where fishermen bring in tuna and crayfish by the boatload. In addition to beachfront bars and seafood restaurants, the town is home to an old-fashioned market that is popular with locals and tourists alike. OurHout Bay houses can accommodate up to 10 guests and are ideally located for exploring both the city and the surrounding countryside.