Icon Villas

30/08/2024

The Cape region is an enchanted garden that is a joy to behold. The King Protea that grows wild everywhere here, represents the nation's unity and is South Africa’s national flower.

Icon Villas would like to congratulate Leon Kluge and team on bringing home three of the most prestigious awards from this year’s Chelsea Flower Show in London. Their Cape Fynbos display was a creative wonder. You make us proud!

27/08/2024

Take 5 minutes to feast your eyes and be inspired!

“Contemplating the teeming life of the shore, we have an uneasy sense of the communication of some universal truth that lies just beyond our grasp… the ultimate mystery of Life itself.” - Rachel Carson: Meditation on the Ocean and the Meaning of Life. The mystery and magic of our world comes a...

26/08/2024

Listen to the waves! “A dominant impulse on encountering beauty is to wish to hold on to it, to possess it and give it weight in one’s life. There is an urge to say, ‘I was here, I saw this and it mattered to me.”
― Alain de Botton, The Art of Travel

This is the view from Bloubergstrand, one of the most photographed views in South Africa.

21/08/2024

A super blue moon - currently showing off her magnificent beauty over the global surface, is a rare event that occurs when a full moon is both closest to the Earth (supermoon) and the third of four full moons in a single astronomical season (blue moon).

A Perigee such as this will only occur again in 2037, and hikers from all over used the opportunity to experience a transformation of the landscape as her glow floods our mountains.
Photo credit: from

19/08/2024

Condé Nast listed Cape Town as one of the best places to visit this October. With Spring right around the corner there is a gladness in the air that envelops the city and her people.

Staying in one of our villas is akin to staying in an incredibly beautiful private home with all the amenities you can expect and more. Loads of outdoor activities await you, from spring blooms in Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens to our Blue Flag beaches to the vineyards in Franschhoek.
Contact us at [email protected]

15/08/2024

In their famous letters to each other, Vita Sackville-West once wrote to Virginia Woolf: ‘An amphitheater of mountains encloses one’s horizons and one’s footsteps. Today I climbed up to the eternal snows, and there found bright yellow poppies braving alike the glacier and the storm; and was ashamed before their courage… This is how one ought to feel, I am convinced’.

To travel is to explore not only this world but also the boundaries of ourselves. As an empowering and transformative experience, it is one that is well understood by women from all around the globe.

It is women’s month in South Africa, and we would like to take the time to honour a few women who have pioneered and influenced the world of travel. Read more on our blog.
Livingstone Safaris

In their famous letters to each other, Vita Sackville-West once wrote to Virginia Woolf: ‘An amphitheater of mountains encloses one’s horizons and one’s footsteps. Today I climbed up to the eternal snows, and there found bright yellow poppies braving alike the glacier and the storm; and was as...

12/08/2024

Until the end of October, you could stay 5 nights and only pay for 4 at this dream villa, located in the affluent suburb of Fresnaye.

Accommodating 8 guests and with an open-plan layout that seamlessly connects indoor and outdoor spaces, it is the perfect space for a vacation with friends or family. Peek at our website to read about the cinema room, private pool, kids’ play area and more that this villa has to offer. As always, the link is in our Bio, and you can contact us directly at [email protected]

09/08/2024

Through the ages women have, and continue to, profoundly transform our world and our worldview.

National Women's Day in South Africa is celebrated on August 9th. During a march in 1956 over 20,000 women of all races marched to the Union Buildings in Pretoria chanting the powerful phrase, "Wathint' Abafazi, Wathint' Imbokodo!" which translates to "You strike a woman, you strike a rock."

At Icon Villas we salute every woman, for no matter how big or small, your contribution to this world matter.

05/08/2024

While International Women's Day is celebrated globally on March 8th, in South Africa we also celebrate National Women’s Day on the 9th of Aug. This week, to honour this, we will highlight some of the extraordinary women who shaped our wanderlust and put a spotlight on women in travel in general.

Did you know that globally we are experiencing a significant rise in solo female travel? Women are now more interested in solo travel than they were five years ago. This trend reflects a growing desire among women to seek independence, adventure, and self-discovery.

As an all women team at Icon Villas, we wholeheartedly applaud this. Why not invite a few friends this month to join you for a soul-lifting villa vacation.

02/08/2024

Congratulations to the City of Cape Town for being awarded a Silver Award for their short film at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa that took place last week.

The film, entitled ‘Choose Cape Town’ focuses on 6 parts that gives this vibrant city it’s essence - visit, live, work, study, play and invest. It made us feel extremely proud to call this place home! Come visit and experience the magic for yourself.

Watch the inspiring short film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqeSCLyYcyY&t=157s

To visit, live, work, study, play or invest, choose Cape Town!

02/08/2024

Slow travel is an approach where the traveller is deliberate in their planning, unhurried in their meanders and authentic with their intentions. It asks of you to embark on a journey where you stay a little longer, fully immersive yourself in local culture and embrace a more sustainable, flexible, and mindful approach to exploring the world.
Read more in our latest blog post.

Slow travel or slow tourism, as some calls it, has gained popularity due to its alignment with the changing values and priorities of modern travellers. It is an approach where the traveller is deliberate in their planning, unhurried in their meanders and authentic with their intentions. It asks of y...

30/07/2024

What a magical part of the world!

The greater Walker Bay Nature Reserve lies on the south-western Cape coast, just east of Hermanus. It comprises of five coastal areas, the largest of which is known as Walker Bay. This section is about 1 000ha in size and has a coastline of 17km featuring a long beach, known as Die Plaat, with white sands and rocky limestone outcrops. Immediately north-west of the reserve lies the scenic Klein River lagoon which, at times, flows into the sea. The northern parts of the reserve consist of stabilised dune fields.

To experience this part of the world yourself, have a look at Hoy House, Cape Chestnut and Pretty Belinda. These gorgeous villas are all located in Hermanus. Link in bio.

We hope to host you soon.

26/07/2024

To each one of the 150 athletes across 21 sports that make up the South African contingent at the Paris 2024 Olympics, we are behind you all the way.

South Africans from all over will be cheering you on from around our braai’s, Potjiekos Pots, Shebeens and Shisa Nyama’s. You make us proud.

24/07/2024

Icon Villas stands for community. To honour Madiba on Nelson Mandela Day we chose to do community service with the team at Isibindi. We went there hoping to give, but it feels as if we ended up being at the receiving end. The sense of community spirit, the hope and the gratitude that fills this space is truly outstanding.

Ysterplaat is an impoverished suburb of Cape Town, populated by low-income households, refugees, migrants, the unemployed and receivers of social grants. The wonderful Isibindi team’s focus is to create a safe space and a family for the many high-risk and vulnerable children living here. It is a space that abounds with happiness and joy in the humblest manner, and boy can these kids dance! Words don’t really do it justice; you have to see it for yourself; https://youtu.be/2KaIj7-RUcM

Thank you isibindi.org.za for letting us be part of your family for a while.

22/07/2024

One of the perks in our line of work is taking photos of our gorgeous villas. We recently visited Sensual and My African Dream, both situated in Camps Bay. With the sun showing off and the generous, forever stable, mountain in the background, this gift of feasting our eyes on our surroundings brings a sense of clarity and perspective.

May your week bring the same serenity and joy.
You can see more about these villas here:
https://iconvillas.com/villas/sensual/
https://iconvillas.com/villas/my-african-dream/

20/07/2024

Effortlessly elegant, this essential villa situated in Fresnaye will help you create beautiful memories.

Villa Nouveau is a short scenic drive from Signal Hill, Sea Point, the vibrant city, and our breathtaking beaches. This is the art of travel perfection.

Offer valid until the end of October 2024.

18/07/2024

Nelson Mandela dedicated his life to uniting all South Africans, ensuring freedom and equality for all. Because of him, people from all backgrounds and racial groups stand together in building a country we are proud of.

Owner and founder, Therese Botha met this exceptional human being when she was part of the first official South African multiracial choir to sing for him. She describes it as a transformative moment that she will always cherish.

Every year, on the 18th of July, South Africans honour Madiba’s legacy by volunteering or participating in some form of community service for 67 minutes. 67 Is symbolic as this represents the 67 years of his life he spent working for public service and human rights.

All around the country, on this day and for the month of July, our rainbow nation is actively getting involved. This makes us incredibly proud. Madiba, we honour you.

17/07/2024

On the South-West coast of South Africa, just shy of the great escarpment, you’ll find the Western Cape Wonderland.

This is Kommetjie (Afrikaans for "small basin, this beach is located around a small natural cove that resembles a basin). Here you can be one with nature, enjoy a real small town feel in the company of big-hearted people and end the day with unparalleled sunsets at Long Beach.

Experience yourself at your very best. Can you imagine this for yourself? We can. Our upmarket villas are all just a scenic drive away from this gem of a place.
Photo Credit: Rona Slabbert

13/07/2024

Upmarket travel doesn't mean you have to leave the kids at home. Our sophisticated portfolio of villas offers a wide selection of spaces carefully curated and designed to enchant and delight every member of your family.

The Icon Villas heart pumps family and every guest, no matter how young or old, are at the centre of all we do.

In the words of Leigh Hunt, “Traveling in the company of those we love is home in motion.”

10/07/2024

After 5 years of tweaking and perfecting, Villa Nouveau is once again available as part of our Essential Villas Portfolio.

To celebrate this, we are offering our guests a 30% discount on stays until the end of October 2024.

This dream space, situated in Fresnaye, oozes sophistication and elegance. A short drive from Signal Hill, Sea Point, the vibrant city, as well as our breathtaking beaches, this villa’s novel and nurturing essence will leave its stamp on your heart forever.

Contact us at [email protected]

10/07/2024

With 12 official languages, we are no strangers to diversity, we enjoy making friends with anyone travelling here. So, you can just imagine how incredibly proud we are to have been voted as the friendliest country in the world!

This according to a 3,000-participant survey by American-based payments group Remitly.

Generous, helpful, and concerned about the welfare of others - South Africans most certainly are all of this and more. And of course, the Icon Villas team embody all these qualities.
Introducing here - Therese and Berdene. We hope to host you soon in this magical place where strangers greet each other.

09/07/2024

The peak viewing months of whale season are between July and October, when the cool, nutrient-rich waters of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans provide the perfect environment for these magnificent giants. Pack your binoculars and get ready for a majestic marine experience!

In this latest blog we share our whale watching tips and places to stay.

Early June to the end of November is whale season in the Western Cape. This is a spectacular event that attracts visitors from around the globe, hoping to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants in their natural habitat. The peak viewing months are between July and October, when the cool, nutrient-ri...

04/07/2024

Did you know that Cape Town has its own secret beaches and hidden gems? Beta Beach is one such place. Tucked away in Bakoven near Camps Bay, this beach is the place to go for tranquillity. Enjoy sunset cocktails on the large granite boulders after snorkelling in the perfect clear water.

Another hidden gem with rugged charm is Sandy Bay. Located south of Llandudno and accessible via a short hike, it is also known as Cape Town's unofficial nudist beach. A great beach for those looking for a more adventurous and private beach experience.

28/06/2024

Condé Nast recently named Boulders Beach as one of their 51 most beautiful places in the world.

You will find Boulders Beach on the edge of the picturesque Simon's Town. This beautiful beach is renowned for its stunning scenery and unique wildlife and is part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area. It is also home to a colony of African penguins, known as Jackass penguins due to their distinctive braying call.

Come and experience the pristine white sand, clear turquoise waters, and iconic granite boulders that give the beach its name. The boardwalks at Boulders Beach offer up-close views of the penguins in their natural habitat. The Cape awaits your visit.

26/06/2024

Comfort, elegance, impeccable service and ‘nothing short of perfect’– these are just some of the ways in which our guests describe their stays. We absolutely love seeing our guests leave with such joy!

The Icon Villas heart pumps with generous care and we put our guests front and centre of everything we do.

25/06/2024

Foraging and fine dining, world class restaurants, cafes and eateries, markets with a view and exciting twists on traditional favourites. Cape Town offers a diverse culinary landscape. We put together a succinct guide to help you navigate every delicious offering. It's all in our latest blog: https://iconvillas.com/blog/post/discover-the-flavors-of-the-mother-city/

Be sure to pack your appetite and get ready to embark on a culinary journey through the Mother City.

Cape Town, affectionately known as the Mother City, offers a diverse culinary landscape. With a rich tapestry of influences ranging from indigenous African traditions to Dutch, Malay, and British colonial heritage, we can guarantee that your visit will take you on a gastronomic journey like no other...

19/06/2024

The region around Cape Town is part of the Cape Floristic Region, a biodiversity hotspot that is one of the world’s six floral kingdoms and the smallest, yet richest per unit of area.

The incredible fynbos vegetation here includes over 9,000 plant species, with over 70% being endemic, meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.

With over 150 officially recognized hiking trails, you can see how this makes for some of the most memorable hiking, birding and trail experiences in the world.

18/06/2024

Cape Town Harbour is not only a popular stop for international cruise ships, it is also home to the Victora & Alfred Waterfront. Named after Queen Victoria and her second son, Prince Alfred, it is known to locals simply as the V&A Waterfront, and it features a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options as well as historical buildings and museums.

Icon Villas offer a diverse selection of glorious upmarket private villa and vacation stays, conveniently located near Cape Town's harbour, mountains, and beaches. Contact us at [email protected] to explore your options.

16/06/2024

Whether you are partaking in 'Festa del Papà' in Italy, enjoying ontbijtkoek in the Netherlands, celebrating ‘Vatertag’ with a bike tour in Germany, or having a braai in South Africa, may this day be as special as the role you play in your loved ones' lives.

Thank you for all that you do and enjoy every moment of your well-deserved celebration!
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14/06/2024

Villas in Cape Town are perfect for family holidays, not only because they offer ample space and all the comforts of a home away from home, but also because Cape Town itself provides the perfect backdrop for creating unforgettable family memories.

This year, international Father’s Day is celebrated on the same day as Youth Day in South Africa, a day that honours our youth and commemorates the part they play in our society. These two important days are close to our heart because family is so important to us.

The Villa featured here is called My African Dream and it is perfect for multi-generational travel. Bring all your loved ones together on a journey that transcends the typical.