There’s a reason why the sprawling seaside suburb of Camps Bay, Atlantic Seaboard, has the reputation that it does. For its beautiful stretches of squeaky white beaches, along a coastline of coves, where crashing waves hit granite boulders, creating pockets of salty turquoise paddling pools. Its spectacular views of the mountain’s apostles and craggy lion’s head. Its grand promenade of restaurants, boutiques, cocktail bars and cafés. Its architectural opulence carved from the winding coastal roads. Arguably the proverbial holiday hotspot for a blingy-beach getaway, Camps Bay will always deliver on every front. It’s a destination unto itself. Whatever the weather, the ocean will draw you out with its eternal tide, the vastness of the skies will draw you up to the top of the mountain, and the sounds of the resident guinea fowl and hadedas will make it all feel so rural.
Down one of those little coastal roads, emerging from a thicket of indigenous hedges, ferns, frangipanis, bottlebrushes and signature palms, The Aven soars towards the open skies and out into the moody blue ocean. A contemporary, minimalistic, statement by Thomas Geh Architects, this flamboyant hideaway commands a round of applause upon entry, and yet simultaneously cocoons itself from its neighbours, with humble discretion. The neutral, open spaces of its minimal monochromatic interiors, canvas the stark screed floors and mammoth glass doors and windows, that draw you out to the most breathtaking views of the sea, the nature that surrounds, and the mountain. Elegantly furnished with all things earthy, and deeply textured in its luxury linens, seagrass rugs, marble and oak, the six ensuite capacious bedrooms – private apartments if you will – are perfectly positioned, optimising the natural light that floods in. An additional two ensuite bedrooms sit at the top of the villa, with a fully equipped state-of-the-art kitchen and entertaining space, plunge pool, and more expansive views. Renowned for being a haven of a boutique hotel, this hideaway is idyllic for great gatherings, reunions and multi-generational family vacations, where the communal living spaces and outdoor dining and entertaining areas are aplenty. Whether it be on the silver lakes sun loungers beside the swimming pool, or down on the soft kikuyu lawn in the lower garden, around the dining tables, on the comfy sofas, or from the indulgence of your own balcony, bathtub or bed, the spaces induce utter calm and escapism. A constant undertone of a perfectly picturesque seaside holiday.
The luxury continues in all the subtle surprises that are placed around the villa. From the fresh fruit bowls to the comfy cotton Mungo beach towels, the organic Fijn Botanicals bathroom products, to the chardonnay in ice buckets beside the pool. It’s apparent that the Belgian owners of this extraordinary hideaway, endeavour to go as far as that mile will take them, to ensure your escape to Camps Bay supersedes any previous notion of an expectation. They say it with style, comfort and sincerity. And it’s palpable in the ambience, the surround sound music that’s wafting with the breeze, and especially in the breakfasts that you’ll devour over an hour or two. There’s no rush – the sun, the sea, the silliness of your holiday awaits you, whenever you’re ready to explore beyond the hearty walls of this almighty haven of a hideaway.
What we love!
- It’s perfectly positioned away from the main road of Camps Bay Drive – close enough to be on the beach in 5 minutes, yet secluded enough to appreciate the peace and calm of the mountain’s energy and magnificent ocean views.
- The breakfasts are the best way to start your day at the villa – either beside the pool or in the lovely entrance entertaining hall, with easy music peacefully playing in the background, setting the tone for the day.
- Should the notorious South-Easter winds decide to pick-up in the day, there are plenty of little pockets to shelter yourself from the noise and the gushes, without interrupting the views of the changing ocean, and the fun of the holiday.
- Taking a shower or sinking into a bath as you watch the sun set from the comfort of your own extravagant, secluded spot, and witnessing the colours transform with the sky.
What you need to know…
- The property can be rented out privately as a fully serviced villa with the option of either six or eight ensuite rooms.
- There is daily housekeeping available, as well as a full-time chef for all your meals should you wish to take the luxury up a notch. Breakfasts are included and definitely worth waking up for.
- The property is secured by a boundary wall, security cameras, an alarm system, and a 24/7 concierge.
- Camps Bay is only a 15/20-minute walk away from the villa (3-minute drive), where the popular strip of cafés, bars, restaurants, boutiques, supermarkets and ice-cream shops are buzzing all day long.
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie