Beach holidays must (surely) be the gold standard of vacations: soft sand, gently lapping waves, palm trees, endless sunshine… what more could you want?

Dotted with sojourns to suit all tastes and occasions, the Cape coast is one of the most sought-after shorelines on the planet – no matter the season. Whether you’re after a rocky, windswept outcrop on the West Coast; the crisp, clear waters of the blue-flag beaches in Hermanus; or a dune-dotted slice of serenity in De Hoop, there’s a heavenly holiday spot waiting for you.

These are our favourite beach villas in The Cape.

Are there any coastal gems you think we should add to our list? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.

Morukuru Ocean House

Where De Hoop Nature Reserve
Distance from CT 3 hours
De Hoop Nature Reserve, along the scenic Whale Route, is a lesser-known seaside sanctuary characterised by a dreamy vlei and vast, wide-open spaces. Surrounded by fynbos, dunes and scatterings of seashells, the game-rich reserve is the perfect setting for this breathtaking utterly stylish and eco-friendly beach house – that offers arguably the best whale-watching in the world.
Sleeps 12
Features

• four en-suite bedrooms with king-size beds
• one children’s bedroom
• babysitting service
• fully-stocked bar
• dining room
• fireplace
• heated pool
• library
• outdoor bath
• outdoor dining area
• spacious outdoor patio
• wine cellar
• private butler, chef, nature drive vehicle and guide
• electronic safe
• study with a working desk
• complimentary wi-fi

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Cost R53 000 per night for the house (season-dependent)
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Villa Misty Cliffs

Where Misty Cliffs
Distance from CT 45 minutes
Sleeps 8
One of the most scenic spots in Cape Town, Misty Cliffs is the ideal location for a holiday by the sea, far from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you prize peaceful seclusion and being a stone’s throw from the beach, this beach house on the edge of the peninsula should be on your list. You couldn’t get closer to the shore if you tried!
Features 

• three en-suite bedrooms (one with bunk beds for the little ones)
• open-plan living area
• fully equipped kitchen
• lounge and dining area
• two spacious sea-facing terraces
• outdoor pool overlooking the ocean
• Jacuzzi
• braai area
• entertainment zone with a TV and couches

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Cost R4 500 per night for the house (season-dependent)
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Silver Bay Villa

Where Stompneus Bay
Distance from CT 2 hours
Sleeps 8
This luxe self-catering villa offers uninterrupted ocean views, direct access to the beach, and an interior worthy of double-page spreads in the finest decor mags. It’s got the white walls, thatched roof and warm comfort of a welcoming beach house, but with a special sprinkling of modern luxury.
Features 

• four en-suite bedrooms with queen-size beds
• fully equipped kitchen
• two open-plan living areas with DStv and wifi
• two fireplaces and underfloor heating
• protected outdoor courtyard
• rim-flow pool
• laundry room
• kids’ playroom
• secure garage
• 24-hour security

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Cost R10 700 per night for the house (season-dependent)
Enquire Now

Restio River House

Where Pringle Bay
Distance from CT 2 hours
Sleeps 10
This contemporary-chic villa, alongside the flowing Buffels River, offers the best of both worlds: riverside relaxation with panoramas to the river mouth, white-sand beaches, ocean and mountains beyond. The stylish interior is simply jaw-dropping, while the sumptuous setting speaks for itself.
Features 

• four en-suite bedrooms with king-size and twin beds
• one double bedroom with two seperate bathrooms
• fully equipped kitchen
• open-plan living room with two fireplaces
• spacious dining area
• sheltered outdoor seating area
• complimentary wi-fi
• flat screen TV with DStv
• Sonos music system
• automated blinds
• table tennis
• trampoline
• board games

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Cost R9 750 per night for the house (season-dependent)
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Bungalow 52

Where Clifton
Distance from CT 15 minutes
Sleeps 10
Designed by award-winning architects, this shore-hugging escape is reminiscent of a tropical seaside paradise, with lashings of style and luxury. A few steps from your dreamy deck and you’re on the accolade-accruing Clifton 4th beach, where dips in the sea, lazy afternoon lounging, and morning runs on the sand beckon – the answer to every beach-lover’s dream.
Features

• three en-suite bedrooms
• fully equipped open-plan lounge
• state-of-the-art kitchen
• dining area seating 10
• fully-stocked bar
• downstairs media room with old-school vinyls (which doubles as a teenager’s sleeping pod with 2 double beds and an en-suite shower and kitchenette)
• large undercover deck
• large heated pool (with spa jets)
• sun loungers
• hammocks
• day mattresses
• braai area
• outdoor heated shower
• private garden
• private front lawn
• lock-up garage

Good to know There’s a full cleaning service from Monday to Sunday, and a full continental breakfast and butler service can be arranged on request.
Child friendly? Yes, however there are child-safety issues (such as steps and an exposed pool with a mechanical cover) so children under the age of 6 require parental supervision.
Pet friendly? No
Cost R18 500 per night for the house (depending on season)
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

The Olive Tree Villa

Where Yzerfontein
Distance from CT 1 hour
Sleeps 8
This breathtaking villa, overlooking the ocean on a quiet slice of the Yzerfontein beachfront, is the epitome of modern coastal chic and luxe comfort. Stylish furnishings, spacious living quarters, and panoramic sea views make this beautiful property a seaside stay with edge.
Features

• four luxury en-suite suites (with extra-length king-size beds)
• combustion fireplaces for each suite
• fully-equipped kitchens (some within the suites themselves)
• open-plan living, dining and entertainment areas
• complimentary wi-fi
• Nespresso Coffee machines
• full access to Netflix & Showmax
• lift access
• braai facilities
• heated pools (in the summer months)
• direct access to the beach

Child friendly? No
Pet friendly? No
Cost R12 000 per night for the house (season-dependent)
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Waterline Villa

Where Noordhoek
Distance from CT 35 minutes
Sleeps 8
With wraparound views of the ocean, mountains and vineyards beyond, this magnificent duneside villa – overlooking Noordhoek Beach – epitomises style and sumptuous seclusion. Modern architecture, carefully considered living spaces, and a special focus on relaxation make Waterline Villa a heavenly escape in Nature.
Features

• four luxury en-suite bedrooms
• two indoor open-plan lounges
• fully equipped kitchen
• dining area
• library
• study
• TV room
• outdoor deck
• two outdoor lounges
• rim-flow pool
• sheltered gazebo

Child friendly? Yes, however please note there is no safety net over the pool.
Pet friendly? No
Cost R13 000 per night for the house (season-dependent)
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Bordeaux on Britannia

Where Britannia Bay
Distance from CT 2 hours
Sleeps 10
Situated among the endless cluster of houses on Britannia Bay’s Golden Mile, this villa boasts ridiculously stunning sea views, as well as a private path down to the beautiful beach a stone’s throw away. Inside, the contemporary, Greek-Moroccan decor blends seamlessly with the outdoors, and there are various comfortable and stylish spots to relax and soak up the scene.
Features

• four en-suite bedrooms
• one bedroom with bunk beds and shared bathroom
• fully equipped kitchen
• spacious dining and sunken living area with a fireplace
• pool room with a cinema-size smart TV
• central courtyard with a heated pool
• skateboarding half-pipe
• utility room with two mountain bikes, a table tennis table, and a double seated family-friendly surf ski
• complimentary wi-fi
• breakfast on request

Good to know Villa manager Joseph services the villa over your stay, and is also on hand to assist with anything else you may need. You’ll also receive a complimentary bottle of the villa’s bordeaux blend (you can purchase more from the cellar under the staircase).
Child friendly? Yes, over the age of 6
Pet friendly? No
Cost R7 000 per night for the house (season-dependent)
Enquire Now

Tintswalo at Boulders

Where Simons Town
Distance from CT 45 minutes
Sleeps 22
Located above the striking fynbos, a stone’s throw from world-famous Boulders Beach, this exclusive-use boutique beach villa is an attractive combination of laidback modern comfort and sumptuous luxury, ideal for families or groups of friends travelling together. Days fall into an easy routine of waking up to the smell of ocean air, before sauntering down to the stunning beach for a day in the sun among the animated penguins.
Features

• nine en-suite suites (each with their own private balcony)
• children’s suite
• north-facing balconies
• large open-plan lounges with fireplaces
• TV room
• two fully equipped kitchens
• indoor dining areas
• wind-protected courtyard with a fire pit
• pool on the top deck
• direct pathway down to the beach

Good to know A private chef is available on request, as well as a concierge service for restaurant and activity bookings.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Cost R24 000 per night for the house (season-dependent)
CHECK AVAILABILITY + BOOK DIRECT

Indigo Blue Beach House

Where Langebaan
Distance from CT 1.5 hours
The West Coast town of Langebaan is a favourite among locals and tourists for its pristine beaches and white-washed architecture – not to mention the plethora of watersports available whether the wind is howling or not.  This rustic beach house – located right on Sandbaai beach – is a perfect fit for ocean lovers, lounge lizards and watersports enthusiasts!
Sleeps 6 to 8
Features

• two en-suite bedrooms (with double beds)
• one bedroom with single beds and a shared bathroom
• fully equipped kitchen
• lounge with a TV
• indoor heating
• three covered patios
• outdoor braai
• three outdoor seating areas
• outdoor hot shower
• direct access to the beach

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Cost R4 750 per night for the house (season-dependent)
Enquire Now

Troon Beach Cottage

Where Hermanus
Distance from CT 2 hours
Sleeps 4
Situated 150 metres from Voelklip and Grotto Beaches (a two-minute walk, to be precise), this stylish modern beach house is exactly what comes to mind when you fantasise about a laidback seaside getaway with family and friends. A spacious front lawn (with direct access to the beach) and a sought-after indoor-outdoor flow make this beautifully decorated home a holiday dream.
Features

• two en-suite bedrooms
• uncapped complimentary w-ifi
• flatscreen TV with select DStv channels
• fully equipped kitchen
• spacious open-plan lounge with an indoor braai,
• outdoor patio with a seating area and fire pit

Good to know A daily housekeeping service can be arranged on request, at an additional cost.
Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Cost R3 750 per night for the house (season-dependent)
Enquire Now

Blue Ocean Beach House

Where Kommetjie
Distance from CT 50 minutes
Sleeps 6
Modern style meets coastal charm at this contemporary beach house situated on a quiet slice of the Kommetjie shoreline. One step off the wooden deck and you’re on the beach, yet a slew of small sand dunes provide a sought-after sense of privacy from the occasional beach-goer on a hot summer’s day. And, should you wish to cool off in the comfort of your own home, the sparkling pool should do the trick.
Features 

• four en-suite bedrooms
• fully equipped kitchen
• open-plan lounge and dining area
• private deck
• swimming pool
• small heated plunge pool
• covered outdoor seating area
• outdoor dining area
• gas braai
• courtyard garden
• complimentary wi-fi
• Netflix and select DStv channels
• Sonos sound system

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Cost R6 800 per night for the house (season-dependent)
Enquire Now

Le Chaim House

Where Paternoster
Distance from CT 2 hours
Sleeps 6
Rustic charm meets contemporary beach-house living at this three-bedroom home perched on a quiet slice of Paternoster shoreline. The wild waves on your doorstep, coupled with spacious interiors and a sought-after sense of privacy, make this self-catering spot a wonderful choice for a group getaway with family or friends.
Features 

• three en-suite bedrooms (two with queen-size beds, and a master suite with a king-size bed, private library, working desk and lounge area)
• fully equipped open-plan kitchen
• indoor and outdoor dining areas
• two spacious lounges with indoor fireplaces
• covered outdoor patio with a braai

Good to know The property also features a separate two-bedroom cottage that can be booked separately, or used in conjunction with the main house in order to sleep eight.
Child friendly? Yes, by prior arrangement only
Pet friendly? No
Cost R3 350 per night for the house (season-dependent)
Enquire Now

Dune Rose

Where Yzerfontein
Distance from CT 1 hour
A mere two metres from the beach (that’s a stone’s throw if we’re being specific), this scenic beach house overlooks the crashing waves and fynbos-dotted dunes below, giving the sense of tranquil seclusion, while still being close enough to the town centre where a selection of shops and restaurants await.
Sleeps 8
Features 

• four en-suite bedrooms (three with double beds, and one with two single beds)
• fully equipped kitchen
• open-plan lounge, dining room and wine cupboard
• built-in wood fireplace
• private deck with a braai
• private patio garden
• outdoor shower
• double garage and open parking

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Cost R6 000 – R12 000 per night for the house (season-dependent)
Enquire Now

La Gratitude

Where Hermanus
Distance from CT 2 hours
Sleeps 10
Owned by the Pickstone family for more than 100 years, this historic home – the closest house to Grotto Beach – holds an old-world charm synonymous with the area. Built in 1917, La Gratitude’s spacious living quarters are the perfect place to drink in the magical views across the lagoon and Walker Bay beyond. Though the decor might not be your preference, the location is gold (particularly during whale season when you can merely pop to the beach without having to get into a car and look for parking). We spent our weekend in the pool and Jacuzzi, marvelling at the spectacular views and frolicking whales – a rare treat.
Features

• four en-suite bedrooms (divided into twin, king and queen rooms)
• spacious open-plan living area with a fireplace
• dining area
• fully equipped kitchen
• upstairs suite with ocean and mountain views, entertainment area, and two interleading bedrooms with twin beds)
• outdoor entertainment area with a Jacuzzi, child-friendly pool, built-in-braai, and a 12-seater dining table

Child friendly? Yes
Pet friendly? No
Cost R6 000 – R26 000 per night for the house (season-dependent)
Enquire Now

Research by Kent Cloete, Nikki Benatar, Michelle de Bruin

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