Sandcastle

Welcome to Sandcastle, a luxury Villa set amid the green hills of South Africa's Eastern Cape.

This spacious and unique sanctuary enjoys dramatic Indian Ocean views from its exceptional location within a nature reserve. This beautiful property began life as a family home. The acclaimed architect, David Mealin, created a Villa that unites curves with straight lines and built structures with organic, indoor, and outdoor forms, imbuing the whole property with a fascinating and restful ambiance.

This beautiful, air-conditioned vacation property has two solar-heated swimming pools and exclusive access to a 2km stretch of beach. The word tranquil perfectly describes this sanctuary. Guests love the sense of freedom and space to embrace the natural beauty of this region.

The Villa's exterior is the warm color of the earth, and the quirky turrets are functional as chimneys but call to mind a termite colony or living coral. This extraordinary façade works well with its surroundings looking very organic albeit otherworldly.

This beachfront Villa can accommodate up to eight guests in four sea-view suites with ensuite bathrooms. Sandcastle has an open-plan kitchen and dining room, an office, a wine cellar, and two living rooms.

Outdoors has a central courtyard area, perfect for alfresco dining, and a large patio. Each of these outdoor spaces has a gorgeous pool. The terraces are furnished with casual seating, dining, and sun loungers.

The interior design throughout Sandcastle is eclectic. Original art, high-end woven fabrics, elegant furniture, and bespoke elements blend seamlessly to create a stylish and unique finish.

When you arrive at Sandcastle as a fully inclusive guest, you will be greeted by the wonderful Villa staff. The supportive services of the Villa Manager, private chef, and housekeeping team are part of your rental package. Sandcastle also provides the services of an expert Field Guide who can take you for game walks, fishing, or beach walks, introducing you to the vast number and type of wildlife that live peacefully around your luxury home.

Sandcastle is the ultimate destination for guests longing for an African bush and private beach vacation experience.

Sandcastle's in-house chef Khanya Ngoza will build bespoke menus to suit your group's requirements. Your all-inclusive rental package includes three freshly prepared meals with some delicious snacks during the day and the sundowner experience. Dining is indoors or outdoors … perhaps breakfast in the Bush or a braai (SA BBQ) by the Ocean. Every meal is a celebration of life! In addition, a selection of locally produced wines, premium spirits, and soft drinks are included.

If you stay at Sandcastle as a self-catering guest, you can use the delicious produce growing in the property’s gardens. A fabulous theatre kitchen is perfect for guests who like to cook. The barbecue on the terrace and pizza oven add another layer of fun for your appointed cooks!

Active guests who like to be busy won't be disappointed. There are kayaks and dune boards on site for guests to use. Surfing, fishing, and hiking are available too. Guests visiting Sandcastle to decompress can add some massage or spa services to their stay and indulge in treatments at the Villa. The large gardens are perfect for yoga, listening to the sound of nature as a sea breeze envelopes you.

The team at Sandcastle Villa has created several immersive itineraries for groups. These wonderful activities can be adjusted to suit the group's specific needs:

Concepts like Slow Travel allows guests to relax and reconnect with one another. This plan involves nature walks, spa services, quiet time by the Ocean, and engaging holistically with the natural world.

The Culinary Experience involves foraging wild ingredients, choosing organic produce from the Villa's gardens, and creating richly nourishing dishes for everyone.

Sandcastle is a unique venue for a Destination Wedding. The open and airy interiors blend seamlessly with the terraces creating lovely spaces for cocktails, canapes, to banquets. Sandcastle's wedding packages include three nights' accommodation for the couple plus six additional guests.

Sandcastle offers so much variety. This is vacationing 21st-century style where you learn, appreciate, and grow as you play. Sandcastle is a celebration of life!

BEDROOMS:
Four bedrooms to accommodate eight guests. Each bedroom has the following amenities:

• King-bedded rooms with twin bed option
• Interconnecting suites (Room 3 and Room 4)
• Walk-in dressing room and dual vanity
• Rain shower and bath with ocean views
• Lounge and fireplace
• Coffee station
• Air conditioning
• In-room safes
• Suite size: 130 sqm / 1400 sqft

AMENITIES:
• Four-bedroom suites
• Two solar-heated swimming pools
• Private beach
• Air conditioning
• WiFi
• TV
• Netflix
• Infinity swimming pool with an outdoor lounge and day beds
• Central courtyard with plunge pool and outdoor eating area
• Theatre kitchen
• Formal lounge
• Dining Room
• Wine cellar and guest pantry
• Entertainment lounge (with a flat-screen TV and Netflix)
• Beach and Garden games
• Outdoor pizza oven
• Barbecue
• Three covered garages
• Helipad
• Private landing strip
• 24-hour security
• Villa size: 1600 sqm / 6458.35 sqft

Fully-Inclusive Guests
Inclusions:
• A dedicated team for your stay, including a guide, chef, and housekeepers.
• Three gourmet meals, including refreshments, served daily at your convenience.
• A selection of local spirits, beers, wines, and soft drinks.
• Guided nature activities like archaeological beach walks, guided reserve hikes, and birding kayaking adventures.
• Destination dining experiences across the Reserve.

Exclusions:
• Champagne, fine wines, and premium brand spirits.
• Dry cleaning service.
• Gratuities.
• Transfers and shuttle services.
• Refundable security deposit – The breakage deposit is refundable (if nothing is damaged) after the guests' departure.

Self-Catering Guests:
Inclusions:
• Exclusive 4-bedroom Villa for sole use
• Kayaks & dune boards on the property
• Access to beach and garden games
• Basic daily housekeeping service
• Rainwater and ice
• Snack basket and welcome drinks on arrival
• Veggie garden
• Wireless internet access
• Bean to cup coffee and teas

Exclusions:
• On-site nature-based activities (available on request at an additional charge).
• Beverages.
• Grocery and fridge stocking.
• Gratuities.
• Laundry and dry-cleaning services.
• Lunches, dinners, and snacks (available on request at an additional charge).
• Dedicated service staff.
• Transfers and shuttle services.
• Refundable security deposit – The breakage deposit is refundable (if nothing is damaged) after the guests' departure.

LOCATION:
Sandcastle is in the malaria-free area of the Eastern Cape of South Africa, about 75 kilometers (50 miles) from East London. This beautiful vacation villa is on 275 hectares of private game reserve, with over a mile of private Indian Ocean beach.

The sunny and mild year-round climate (24-degree average winter temperature) makes Sandcastle a perfect destination throughout the year. Guests can indulge in outdoor pursuits or lazy days by the pool. There's a lot of history in the region too.

Whale watching is one of the memorable aspects of life on the Eastern Cape. The Reserve is home to zebras and other African plain animals. A guide can take you into the bush veld to explore this unique landscape and its inhabitants.

The nearest airport to Sandcastle is East London Airport, about 45 minutes by car. The Villa has a private runway and helipad if guests want to set down at the property.

Sandcastle is actively involved in supporting local communities through training and employment. As part of a sustainability plan, 25 beehives have been dotted around the property. These friendly pollinators support the region's flora, contributing to the growth and health of native species while providing delicious organic honey for your table.

Life at Sandcastle is a rich experience. The beauty of the Eastern Cape, the privacy and solitude of life along the shores of the Indian Ocean, combined with learning about the natural world. Be part of a new style of vacation where your time at Sandcastle supports communities, engages holistically with the natural world, and enriches your soul.