For those feeling deprived of a summer this year, The Villa Book’s new collection of luxury villas in and around Cape Town offers an opportunity for a winter sun escape.

Overnight flights from Europe and virtually no time difference, magnificent scenery and beautiful white sand beaches, a climate of warm summers, extending into the less crowded period of February and March, and mild winters, Cape Town is an ideal holiday destination at any time of year. Combine these factors with the very high standard of properties available to rent, and a high level of services, a villa holiday in South Africa becomes an increasingly attractive holiday option.

The Villa Book’s properties are located in some of the most desirable areas of Cape Town. First of all, there are the houses in the ‘city bowl’, nestled between Table Mountain and the sea, in areas such as Higgovale, Oranjezicht and Tamboerskloof. This area has some of the oldest houses in the city, either beautifully restored, or converted into modern architectural marvels. Check out Villa Higgovale; tranquil and secluded, with a large garden and pool. This well appointed villa is the closest you get to country living in the middle of the city. By contrast, The Bridge House, is an icon of Cape Town’s best contemporary architecture, and is the recipient of numerous design awards. Comprising three separate areas, the main part of the house is accessed by crossing over a timber walkway into a floating glass and steel box, surrounded by trees, and with city and harbour views in the distance. A stay in either of these properties will ensure that you are close to restaurants, entertainment and night life, the V & A waterfront and the popular beaches of the Atlantic Seaboard. On the V & A Waterfront itself, overlooking the yacht-filled marina, The Villa Book features Pinmore, a luxuriously modern and spacious apartment with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors opening to a fabulous wrap-around terrace with plunge pool.

Then there are the properties on or near the Atlantic Beaches, in areas such as Camps Bay, Clifton, Bantry Bay and Llandudno, such as the glamorous, architecturally designed Mwanzoleo, constructed on six levels and overlooking the sea at Bantry Bay. This villa offers the ultimate in luxury, with a large infinity pool, terraces, sophisticated entertainment system and a level of service equivalent to staying in your own private hotel.

Further inland, an hour’s drive from Cape Town, are South Africa’s wine growing regions with their picturesque and historically preserved towns: Stellenbosch, Paarl and Franschhoek each with their respective Wine Routes; a must for wine buffs. The Villa Book’s Villa Zalze is located near Stellenbosch, within Kleine Zalze, one of Cape Town’s most prestigious wine estates. A 4-seater golf cart is included in the rental for exploring the estate, renowned not only for its wines, but also its highly acclaimed restaurant, Terroir. Within a half hour radius, there are 20 golf courses and over 100 wine estates, and some of the Cape’s most popular beaches are within a 20 minute drive.

Further afield, The Villa Book is offering an exceptional property on the Pezula Estate on South Africa’s Garden Route, about 500 kms from Cape Town. Knysna is one of the Garden Route’s best known travel destinations, situated between lush forests and the shores of a peaceful estuary. In and around Knysna you will find a selection of fine restaurants, seafood taverns, pubs, cafes and some interesting shopping opportunities including the fascinating market at Knysna Quays. The Quays are a wonderful spot for sipping sundowners while enjoying breathtaking sunsets, or for taking a leisurely lagoon cruise. The Pezula Estate is also known for its world championship golf course, a sweeping spectacle of fairways and greens rolling through the pristine Southern Cape landscape. The breathtaking, award-winning 18-hole course which was designed by David Dale and Ronald Fream of Golf Plan USA, rates amongst the best and the most scenic golf courses in the world.

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