Icon Villas voted Condé Nast Traveler Villa Rental Specialist
Cape Town-based Icon Villas received a significant international accolade with its selection as the first Villa Rental Specialist in Southern Africa to be endorsed by Condé Nast Traveler USA. Announced in the June issue of the magazine, Icon Villas was voted one of only 49 Villa Rental Specialists across the world, and only the second in Africa, to be appointed as a Condé Nast Traveler Villa Rental Specialist for 2009.
Therese Botha, the owner of Icon Villas says that despite the depressed world economy, business has been picking up from the US market.
Botha says that there is an ever-increasing interest in villa stays as an exclusive alternative to standard hotel accommodation. “The question that begs to be answered, is whether villa stays are becoming more popular despite the global recession, or perhaps because of increased financial pressure, in that it provides excellent value as a luxurious accommodation option for families and friends traveling together. We are thrilled with this prestigious honour from Condé Nast Traveler that recognizes not only our service and expertise, but also the high standard of properties we represent. Americans are known to use Condé Nast Traveler listings and awards extensively as a guide when planning their travels, and we therefore look forward to growing our American market even further, thanks to this important endorsement,” she concluded.
Within Icon Villas and its specialist Allure Collection, Botha’s collection includes 120 privately owned ‘handpicked and gorgeous villas’, as well as 100 other upmarket properties, penthouses and apartments. All properties selected were chosen for discerning guests who demand luxury, privacy and seclusion and exclusive-use of a beautifully designed and equipped, special home in a prime location. Latest additions include the historical Vrede & Lust Manor House in the Winelands between Paarl and Franschhoek, and Villa Ava, a stylish beachside property on Camps Bay. Other popular villas include award-winning architecturally designed flagship properties Bridge House and Tree House in the Cape Town City Bowl, and several villas on some of the country’s top golf estates.
Always innovative, Icon Villas has been at the forefront of the development of the villa product in South Africa, and has for instance, introduced a comprehensive Concierge Service to meet the needs of its villa guests. Concierge Services include catering, housekeeping, child-care and babysitting, as well as bookings for restaurants, theatre, sports and sightseeing tours.
