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Location

No. of Rooms

Price Range

Dates Open

Sunshine Coast, Eastern Cape, South Africa 

4 en-suite ocean facing bedrooms

From R2,000 - R8,750 per person per night 

Year Round

Plant Shadow

Sandcastle Luxury Villa 

BUSH AND BEACH, PRIVATELY

If your idea of a paradise is endless unexplored beach, unspoilt landscape and the orchestral sounds of birdsong, then Sandcastle Luxury Villa is ready for you. Situated along the Eastern Cape's Sunshine Coast, between East London and Port Alfred, South Africa, this is where seclusion and exclusivity merge to offer the most private beach and bush holiday. There are few places in the world that you can look out to see giraffe as well as the ocean in the background.  

Situated on a privately accessed stretch of coastline with its raw, untamed beauty discover the undulating cycad rich cliffs, the meandering rivers, the ancient coastal forest and crystal-clear mermaid pools. Experience a day exploring the reserve, enjoying sundowners on the beach before the sounds of the Indian Ocean carry you to sleep.

 

Arrive by plane, heli, boat or self-drive – there really is no reason not to get here!

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LOCATION

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WESLEY COASTAL
CONSERVANCY

Sandcastle Luxury Villa is located on a 500- acre private reserve within the Wesley Coastal Conservancy, Eastern Cape. This prime location on the South African coast is malaria free with warm sea waters year round and the most breath taking wrap around views with wildlife (all non-dangerous game). Endangered cycads line the two rivers that run through the reserve  directly into the beach, dense ancient coastal forest, rolling hills, secret vlei's with endemic Lillies and secluded white sand beaches are just a few of highlights of this hidden coastal sanctuary. This giraffe sanctuary along a secluded beach is situated along the “Sunshine Coast ” in the Eastern Cape between East London & Port Alfred and must rank as one of the most beautiful coastal reserves anywhere in Africa.

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WHEN TO VISIT

ALL YEAR ROUND

Sandcastle is a year-round destination, and is situated on the Sunshine Coast, receiving 300 days of sunshine a year and average daytime temperatures between 20°C to 25°C year round with no stifling humidity. Sea temperatures sit between 23°C to 26°C in summer and  around a refreshing  18°C to 21°C in winter. We are situated in a malaria-free area of South Africa.

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ACTIVITIES

EXCLUSIVE EXPERIENCES

FISHING &

MUSSEL FORAGING

GAME DRIVES

GUIDED WALKS

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STONE-AGE MIDDENS

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DUNE BOARDING

LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN

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Accommodation

Exclusively booked for up to 8 guests, look out over the ocean with only antelope and giraffe to  interrupt the view. 

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Activities

Dune boarding, fishing, kayaking, game viewing, swim, hike - the activities are endless

Exploration

With no predators, it is easy to explore the reserve by foot, either with a guide or enjoy a hike by yourself.

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The Ancient Guardians of the Coast

Encapsulated by a protected marine area, Sandcastle is a global hotspot for cycad diversity

THE LAND OF LIVING FOSSILS 

Cycads are among the oldest surviving plant groups on Earth, having existed for over 280 million years, long before the age of dinosaurs. The species found in the Eastern Cape represent this ancient lineage, making the region a crucial site for the survival of one of the planet’s most endangered and iconic plant groups. 

For generations, the local Xhosa communities have regarded cycads as symbols of endurance and wisdom. Today, conservation efforts blend indigenous knowledge with science to protect these precious plants for future generations.

Guests at Sandcastle can join guided nature walks through cycad-rich areas, learning how these ancient survivors are being safeguarded—and how your stay supports their future.

ACCOMODATION 

OVERVIEW

  • Booked on an exclusive-use basis 

  • 4 en-suite ocean facing bedrooms, 2 master suites and 2 twin suites

  • An ocean facing infinity pool 

  • A sheltered Mexican inspired courtyard with solar heated plunge pool

  • Magnificently large, thoughtfully appointed en-suite facilities, floor-to-ceiling views from the  showers, with luxurious bath

  • Hairdryer & charging facilities

  • Wi-Fi available in villa (please keep in mind it is satellite so can be slower than you are used to

  • Open plan living area with wrap around view lounge, sunken lounge, entertainment room as well as indoor & outdoor dining facilities, wine cellar,  and bar

  • Theatre kitchen, for guests to interact and see how the food is prepared

  • Outdoor adventure equipment- Guided nature activities such as archaeological beach walks, guided reserve hikes, birding kayaking adventure. 

  • Dedicated children's activities, with games and child-minding facilities (we welcome children of all ages)

  • Pizza oven and two braai areas

  • Gym-in-a-bag and in-room massage treatments

  • Private game reserve and privately access beachfront  

  • A dedicated team for your stay, including; guide, chef, and housekeepers

  • Three gourmet meals, including refreshments, served daily at your convenience

  • A selection of local spirits, beers, wines and soft drinks.

  • Destination dining experiences across the reserve. 

This stretch secluded coastline along the Sunshine Coast is an unexplored and boasts an unspoiled sandy beaches where Indian Ocean waves lap the shore. The mesmerising natural beauty attracts seekers looking to explore the road less travelled, who prefer the   untouched and remote. One of the most private and exclusive beachside villa's in Africa. With uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean from each room and 2km of privately accessed beachfront, this luxury villa is South Africa's answer to beachfront  exclusivity.  

Inspired by forms found in nature, Sandcastle is a true celebration of culture and creativity as each room in the villa has been curated with artefacts from both Africa and South America. The walls have been made to replicate real sandcastles, utilising beach sand from the beach it looks over. 

ENDANDGERED AND ENDEMIC SPECIES

THE LANDSCAPE

The Reserve

Sandcastle boasts phenomenal biodiversity, including various plants, such as the cycad and animal species. Visitors can enjoy plains game and exceptional bird watching, with over 275 different bird species calling Sandcastle home. The reserve has both, ancient coastal forest as well as grasslands, which allow for unparalleled floral diversity. Zebra, nyala, reed buck, giraffe, waterbuck and kudu peruse the reserve.

Perched atop a valley, Sandcastle overlooks the boundless Indian Ocean, while being encompassed by ancient coastal forest. To the west, the Gqtuwa river flows through the reserve, bringing in fresh water to the coast. Whichever way you face, it is towards nature.

 

Situated in a malaria free area of the country, encompassed by kilometres of privately accessed beachfront, it is the ideal spot for windswept walks, ocean dips and bush hikes. A sanctuary unto itself, with 275 hectares of private game reserve, adventure and exploration awaits you.

What an exceptional experience we had as a family. We are well travelled and this was truly unique. Exceptional value for money. Staff who respect your privacy whilst taking care if your every need

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Book your escape to Sandcastle 

Come for a visit to our luxury villa in Africa and you’ll want to stay forever. Your Sandcastle adventure awaits. Our travel desk is always available to explore dates and itineraries.

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As Seen In

Featured in The Star Newspaper
Featured in The Insider SA Magazine
Featured in House and Leisure Magazine
Featured in The Citizen Newspaper
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