A pearl among the boulders
Anchored into the vanilla sands of Glen Beach in Camps Bay, Nalu Villa demurely declares its lavish beach house spaces, reflecting the tones of Cape Town’s coastal landscape.
For all of the reasons that make us select Camps Bay as a Cape Town destination, Nalu Villa stirs up a different dialogue when it comes to beach hideaways. Yes, it’s perfectly positioned along the shoreline of Glen Beach. Flanked by boulders and palm trees, with the peaks of Lion’s Head and the mountain’s apostles in the distance. The surf puts on a relentless display of amusement. As it carries the tide closer to the deck and terrace, then trickles back with the tide.
Depositing its treasures for your early morning shell-picking escapades. It’s layered in all of the essential luxuries one seeks – and expects – from its collection. It has the views, the sun spots, the gathering and retreating spaces, and the proximity to all of the Mother City’s sights. More than this, though, what Nalu Villa generously delivers to each discerning guest, is a vestige of the old ways of travel.
A handwritten note, if you will, from the soul of Africa. Inscribed by the sunlight, that beams through the tall glass doors and windows, and lands across the soft, neutral-toned surfaces of the villa. A sentimental image of you and your clan of 10, on an urban adventure. Where the food scene, the art and the culture, the vineyards and the nature trails, furnish your itinerary with the stories we yearn to relive. Over and over again.
Nalu Villa clings to the sand and the boulders with theatrical poise. Retreating in reverence to the landscape. Its five ensuite bedrooms scatter themselves over the three levels of the hideaway. Some with mountain views, others with the ocean. Her soundtrack peacefully playing around the clock. An open-plan living, dining and cooking space merge with the terrace and the deck. A heated swimming pool and succulent garden blend in with the nature. A cosy TV and games room, an outdoor shower and a walkway down to the beach. An indoor fireplace, a large scullery, secluded balconies, and lazy reading nooks add to the extravagance of the home.
Gliding with the African flow
Whatever your motive for a tour of the Cape, you’ll pivot from this place of sublime comfort and explore all that the Atlantic Seaboard has to offer. As well as all the coastal hamlets along the peninsula, the Constantia wine region, and the city itself. The property’s butler-driver will be more than happy to escort you along the routes so that you’re at liberty to enjoy the views, and the tastings at the vineyards. If you don’t feel like dining out again, Nalu’s wonderful chef will work her magic – like she did at breakfast – pandering to your palates and their unique requirements. You can rest, read, and reconnect with the ocean.
Watching the birds bobbing through the succulent gardens. Absorbing the sounds of the waves that carry a salty fragrance with them. Wafting through the serene, open spaces. Reminding of you why you chose this view, this travelling clan, at this time of year. To pacify the yearning you’d had for these moments. Transforming the good old days into something shiny and new.
What we love!
- The interiors of the property have been beautifully stitched together. Not detracting from the view, the tones and textures are earthy and neutral. The perfect blend of subtle luxuries with comfort.
- The villa is fully serviced by a daily housekeeper, a butler-driver, and a chef who prepares the perfect breakfast spread. If you would like to have your other meals catered for, you can arrange this with the chef during your stay, at an additional cost.
- Spending time in the master suite on the top floor, with the doors open to the balcony that overlooks the beach.
- Dipping in and out of the swimming pool at your leisure. The flames of the braai sizzling away. A chilled glass of something delicious in hand. The ocean’s playlist in full swing.
What you need to know…
- Parking is on the street, as the butler-driver’s car will parked outside of the property. If you would like to secure a parking in the underground spaces that sit along the Camps Bay strip, the property manager can assist with this prior to your stay.
- The property is no more than a 15-minute drive from the V&A Waterfront, and a 5-minute walk to all of the shopping and convenience stores of Camps Bay.
- The residential area of Glen Beach is home to some lovely residents, who cherish the calm and tranquility of the neighbourhood.
- If you would like advice on the burgeoning food scene of Cape Town, the property manager and chef will be more than happy to put their recommendations forward. Salsify at the Roundhouse is just up the road from the villa.
- Camps Bay has an array of laidback eateries and cafés if you’re after something simple. Including Mantra Café, Hussar Grill and The Codfather.
- Enjoy an afternoon cruise to the Constantia winelands, along Victoria Drive. Perhaps a visit to the Oranjezicht farmers market over the weekend.
- The Glen Country Club is great for all tennis enthusiasts. You’ll need to arrange the booking prior to play, but the courts are only a short drive away from the property, and deliver the most spectacular views of the mountain and ocean.
- If Nalu Villa is not available on your dates, browse our full collection of exclusive-use holiday houses in Camps Bay.
Written by Colleen Ogilvie