As the desire for superior luxury, exclusivity and privacy within the most pristine and secluded spaces continues to increase, so has the demand for private villas. From a private island in the Seychelles to the slopes of Lions Head in South Africa and more, these properties offer travelers the ultimate experience when it comes to private villa expectations and luxury.
Fregate Island
Accessible via boat or helicopter, Fregate Island is one of the most revered hideaways in the Seychelles, offering total privacy and seclusion with 17 beautifully crafted villas throughout pristine nature. Complete island buyouts are available, and guests can enjoy 720 acres of island all to themselves. Fregate’s live-in staff are the only others on the island to ensure all of guests’ needs are met during their exclusive stay on Fregate.
All villas provide plenty of space and airing, with dedicated bedrooms and living areas, large, open bathrooms, indoor and outdoor showers and of course, private pools. Those who wish to have their own peninsula can experience Banyan Hill Estate, which consists of a large open core and living area, infinity swimming pool, study, TV lounge, sitting area, and three detached bedrooms with antiques from all over the Indian Ocean. A personal assistant is assigned to each villa, including a 24/7 private butler service to ensure guests enjoy their time on the island.
Ellerman House Villas
On the slopes of Lions Head with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Ellerman House Villas epitomize the glamorous beach lifestyle Cape Town is famous for. Exclusive and privately staffed, each villa offers all the benefits of hotel living with the advantage of complete privacy and flexibility, perfect for multi-generational families or groups of friends. Built on multiple levels, each villa offers spacious entertainment and relaxation areas, numerous en-suite bedrooms and a private infinity pool with the best views Cape Town has to offer.
Nelson Mandela Villa at Shambala Private Game Reserve
Just a two and half hour drive or 45 minute helicopter ride up north of Johannesburg is the exclusive Nelson Mandela Villa at Shambala Private Game Reserve. Situated on nearly 25 acres in the Limpopo Province, the Nelson Mandela Villa at Shambala Private Game Reserve is set under the watchful guardianship of the picturesque, malaria-free Waterberg mountains, and the magnificent African bushveld is home to a variety of remarkable flora and fauna, including The Big Five. The Nelson Mandela Villa offers spacious and elegant accommodation, including one presidential suite and five luxury bedrooms, each with en-suite bathrooms. Set in secluded, natural surroundings, the Nelson Mandela Villa offers a wide range of amenities and services including bush picnics, game drives, star gazing, and sundown cruises, just to name a few. After a day of exploring the private reserve, guests can enjoy the villa’s luxuriously elegant formal lounge equipped with a fireplace, as well as an informal television lounge, and an elegant and spacious dining area with seating for up to 14 people. The villa also offers an outdoor deck and lounge, 2 private studies, a business center and an indoor/outdoor heated swimming pool situated on a viewing deck that overlooks a private watering hole.
Safari House
Within the Safari House, a traditional Namibian farmhouse located in the heart of the Etosha Heights Private Reserve. Offering genuine hospitality, this exclusive use property is the perfect base for a family or group of friends to explore the 148,200 acres of pure wilderness. With unpretentious and traditional Namibian hospitality, Safari House sleeps up to six guests in three bedrooms and welcomes children of all ages. There is a pool for cooling off after dusty game drives and a water hole in front of the house making the veranda the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon, watching what comes down to drink. Meals are homemade and hearty, and a highlight is a traditional Namibian braai (BBQ), cooked in front of the guests and enjoyed sitting out under the stars. The biggest luxury Safari House offers is the freedom that comes with a private guide and vehicle. Game drives are entirely tailored to guests’ needs and flexibility is never a problem, whether guests would like to look for big game or the smallest of birds on game drives.
Tswalu Tarkuni Homestead
Located in the green Kalahari of South Africa, Tswalu Kalahari’s newly redesigned Tarkuni Homestead offers travelers seeking a private and socially distant experience a more comfortable and adventurous stay. Once used as the personal safari home of the Oppenheimer family, The homestead, which is located in a secluded valley below the ancient Korannaberg Mountains offers guests complete privacy and flexibility while on safari in South Africa. Tarkuni sleeps ten people in five bedrooms and comes with its own staff including a chef, housekeeper, safari guide and tracker, and exclusive use of a private vehicle.
In addition to Tarkuni’s luxurious accommodations, travelers will receive exclusive access to the largest privately owned game reserve in South Africa, along with freedom to plan every aspect their your stay. Days here are fluid and flexible, or as active or relaxed as guests want them to be.
Singita’ Private Villa Collection
Travelers looking to hit the refresh button and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the African bush should look no further than staying at one of the seven accommodations from Singita’s Private Villa Collection. Set in four African countries, the Singita Private Villa Collection is the epitome of Singita’s award-winning offering – and the seven exclusive-use lodges and camps in this recently rebranded premier selection of properties embody the ultimate wilderness adventure with loved ones.
From the vast plains of the Serengeti to South Africa’s iconic Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand, and from Zimbabwe’s rugged sandstone ridges to Rwanda’s Virunga mountains, every location in the collection has been chosen for its unrivaled scenery, unspoiled natural beauty and the sense of escape that leaves a lasting impression.
The Singita Private Villa Collection includes:
