The South African villa rental market is expanding rapidly with an estimated 30 active specialist companies operating in this market.
So says Therese Botha, founder of Icon Villas, confirming the upward trend is evident in 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 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.”
According to Botha, in the past 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. We are actively seeking to expand our portfolio in the market for large, five- or six-bedroom villas.”
Due to increased demand for private villa rentals in Cape Town, Icon Villas has just added another two prime villas to its portfolio. It 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.
Two new villas
Symphony of Light, one of the new Icon Villas, is suited to extended stays and families travelling with children. Located in a private estate in the heart of Bishopscourt, the stately residence features five en-suite bedrooms. Special attractions include a magnificent kitchen and voluminous living areas with 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. The six-bedroom villa hugs the slopes of Higgovale below Table Mountain, offering endless views and impeccable entertainment areas with easy access to city attractions.
“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,” adds Botha.
Icon Villas currently books 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 and many prefer the convenience of a spacious, serviced villa suitable for executive meetings and entertaining,” Botha says.
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.
