Explore the unexplored
South Africa’s Eastern Cape is a treasure trove of natural beauty just waiting to be discovered.
Just a short flight from the bustle of South Africa’s unofficial tourism capital, Cape Town, you find the lesser-known town of East London. A part of the country known as the Sunshine Coast, known for boasting over 300 days of sunshine, with balmy summers and mild, comfortable winters, making it the perfect combination of both beach and bush, right on the Cape’s doorstep.
Just 45 minutes from the airport by car, and a short bumble down a sand road, you’ll arrive at an oasis of the unexplored. Surrounded by the untamed, natural beauty of South Africa’s East coast, Sandcastle Luxury Villa.
The first stop on the trip along this pristine coastline, an enigmatic and utterly Instagram-able property situated on 275 hectares (US Market: 680 acres) of the Wesley Conservancy, along with 2KM (over 1 mile) of private beachfront.
In the distance, earthy spires rise above the treetops like over-sized termitaria, accompanying them on the skyline is a tower of giraffe who move in silhouette against the dazzling African sun. It’s a truly magnificent sight.
These spires it turns out are part of the uniquely grand design of Sandcastle Villa, each turret used to create a cellular, organically flowing spatial arrangement for the house which sits beneath them.
Walking into Sandcastle and the first thing you notice is the views, the house cleverly designed that every room is ocean facing. The floor to ceiling windows displaying these vistas to great effect.
An architectural marvel, designed by architect David Mealin, it is a property which challenges conventional norms while simultaneously appreciating the organic forms found in nature.
The entirety of the villa, all its peaks and niches, are plastered in pigmented white cement, lime and sand sourced from the very beach above which it is built, a finish which further merges the structure with its natural surrounds.
While the windows offer breathtaking vistas, the walls offer equally impressive sights, adorned with the works of prominent and emerging local South African artists, the likes of Nandipha Mntambo and Blessing Ngobeni. An on-going project which sees these visual artists take up residency within the villa and then offer up a piece of work in exchange.
After taking in the views, settle into one of four spacious en-suite bedrooms, dressed in plush linen, and from this moment on, the slice of paradise is yours to explore.
Those with a taste for exploring can head down to the beach where the mouth of the Gushwa river meets the ocean. From fishing to boating, paddle skiing, surfing and dune boarding, the morning is spent facing the natural elements and all the thrills they offer.
Up at the villa, guests with a more relaxed idea of vacation activities have just taken part in yoga on the lawns, the private class overlooking the ocean, briefly interrupted by the sight of whales frolicking in the distant surf.
For now, though, it’s all about pool-side lounging and enjoying the spoils of the fully-serviced, all-inclusive property, gin and tonic in hand, not a care to be had as the sun moves across the sky.
This is the beauty of Sandcastle, whether more active or leisure inclined, everyone is welcome to create their own ideal stay, gathering together for meals, all prepared by a private chef, and then moving on to do whatever it may be that take your fancy.
These meals take the form of fresh fish braais on the beach, bush breakfasts and sundowners overlooking the river, lunches in the center courtyard and generous dinners at the grand dining room table – the open plan kitchen allowing guests to enjoy the chefs in action.
The following day, those with a passion for arts, embark on a day trip to the nearby town of Hamburg to visit the Keiskamma Trust, and their flagship program, the Keiskamma Art Project. A project which through the mediums of tapestry and embroidery have been mouthpiece of the rural communities living alongside the Keiskamma River.
The project has for over 20 years created meaningful, dignified work, and income for the people of this impoverished region. The visitors take in these magnificent works of art which have been exhibited both nationally and internationally, to global acclaim, and have won prestigious awards.
Back at the villa, there’s much excitement as the giraffes which the day before were only seen in the distance have now ventured up to the house, the gentle giants trot along the open lawns, creating a spectacular image when seen amongst the turrets of Sandcastle and with the ocean as a backdrop.
Perhaps inspired by the up-close encounter, guests head out on a bushwalk with field guide WeWe, who is a veritable encyclopedia when it comes to the natural fauna and flora. The guide also explains how he has been harvesting natural, raw honey from his beehives placed along the property – the Wesley Conservancy’s florals imparting their own unique flavour to the liquid gold, each guest receiving a little jar as a parting gift.
The next day and the road trip along the coastline moves on as you head towards Kwandwe Private Game Reserve. Just 90 minutes from Sandcastle, the five-star property is must-visit destination when in the Eastern Cape. Boasting two lodges and three private villas on 22,000 hectares (on over 54 000 acres) of pristine wilderness stretched out on either side of the meandering Great Fish River, it is an incredibly remarkable space.
The sheer vastness of the untouched land with its dry orange earth interspersed with the vibrant pops of green spekboom plant is a wild wonder to behold. With only 26 rooms amongst this dreamscape, Kwande offers one of the highest land-to-guest ratios in South Africa, allowing you to indulge in the serenity and sweet isolation of the safari experience.
Those with families check into Ecca Lodge, the family suites each with a private plunge pool, have been recently renovated and redecorated. It’s stylish and modern, while still being warm and comfortable. The design nodding to the bush with its touches of green, while not being kitsch and overtly stereotypical of safari style décor.
Over at Great Fish River Lodge and it’s a more classic and timeless safari experience. The expansive views and spaced-out suites ensuring that every moment is one of tranquility and enjoyment. The nine rooms, too with their own pools, are spacious and airy – with floor to ceiling windows framing the stunning bush views – and use beautiful earth tones and modern takes on African prints, along with elements of natural wood and stone to great effect.
With the plethora of wildlife, including the Big Five, which roam the plains of Kwande, you’re all but guaranteed safari memories to last a lifetime – matched by an equally impressive and memorable hospitality experience.
Perhaps most impressively, Kwande isn’t just about unbelievable game viewing, beautiful suites and gorgeous meals – though they both certainly are highlights, but rather it’s the people that make it such an exceptional experience.
From the moment you arrive at the original old farmhouse to check in, there’s a sense of welcoming, friendly and above-and-beyond service. This extends from the front-of-house team through to the safari guides and trackers. The latter so skilled and well-versed on the surrounding bushveld.
Their passion for sharing their knowledge is so evident through each of the safari activities from game drives to walking safaris and even fishing expeditions.
The team driving home the message of the importance of sustainability, preserving the environment, protecting the incredible biodiversity of the Eastern Cape and rhino conservation at every opportunity, in a way that is interesting, engaging and easy to understand.
The last game drive, replete with game viewing from elephants drinking at dam to lions trapsing along the road in front of the vehicles, cements Kwandwe in the memories of all who visited. You check out leaving but a small piece of your heart in these majestic surrounds.
As the trip comes to a close, finish off the vacation with a round of golf at two of the province’s best golf courses, Belmont if you’re heading back to East London, or Humewood if you plan to depart from Port Elizabeth, before hoping on a plane to your next great African adventure.
Over the course of the trip, it becomes clear that the Eastern Cape is not just a hidden gem but rather proves to be an incredible treasure trove of unexplored natural beauty, luxury properties and incredible experiences, just waiting to be discovered.
Subscribe to Citywealth Weekly Newsletter to learn more about Private Wealth Management: Weekly News Email – Citywealth
The offshore update: BVI, Cayman & Bermuda
Citywealth spoke to island experts for updates on these jurisdictions. We hear about trust trends, growth on the family office front, digital asset investment, and more.
Big boats and their buyers
For those of us not fortunate enough to be spending late September in Monaco at this year's Yacht Show, this feature brings tidings from the annual event. We get the inside scoop on who's buying what, how sustainability is showing up, and where the industry may see stormy seas.