A Villa Among the Treetops
The Garden Route is rightfully known as one of South Africa’s most scenic drives. If you haven't yet had the pleasure of experiencing this route, I’d make plans to get on the open road as soon as possible! It’s one of the best road trips you can take, and one you’re highly likely to crave enjoying again and again. This scenic journey was exactly how my trip to Treedom Villas & Vardos started out – a relaxed five hour drive from Cape Town, speeding towards a region that looked so beautiful, it was almost unrecognisable as the Western Cape.
This is where I have the pleasure of introducing you to Treedom Villas & Vardos. Only a short distance from the N2 and hidden in the treetops that line an unassuming dirt road, sits a place so quiet and peaceful that I was left dazzled.
Taken to the villa by buggy, which then becomes yours for the length of your stay, guests are greeted with cool and calming colour schemes, stunning scenery and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the nature that surround the villas.
Apart from the spectacularly green surroundings, guests will be amazed by the design of the villa itself. It covers three storeys, with the first being an open entertainment area for braais, laughs and maybe a few beers. There is a long table, perfect for family and friends to enjoy meals or play boardgames. There is also a comfy lounge area with plush seating for when you’d like to relax in the evenings with a cup of tea or hot chocolate. The villa feels fun – it features two bluetooth speakers to constantly keep the party going, and plenty of open spaces to take a seat and chill while the stars twinkle above the Wilderness canopy.
The villa also has a gas braai for an authentic South African-style dinner and of course, the all natural garden is an inviting playground for the kids. Jump on the trampoline or serenely swing on the daybed, admire the flowers blooming in the flowerbed made from a repurposed old boat or search for stars and admire the fairy lights.
The second level of the villa is where you’ll be cooking up a storm, relaxing in the lounge and resting your head at night. There is a covered patio section where you can take in the surrounding beauty as you tuck into your dinner at night, and clear PVC roller blinds to protect you from the rain on cooler days. One of the first things most notice when they cross the threshold of the villa is the attention to detail and overt care that the owners have put into every aspect of Treedom Villas & Vardos. On the kitchen island sits an assortment of fresh goodies including honey, eggs and brownies, just waiting to delight guests, along with fresh milk in the fridge.
The kitchen features a gas stove and is fully equipped with a sandwich maker for light meals and everything you may need to make a feast for your friends and loved ones. Beautiful turquoise cups add pops of colour and practically call out to be filled with tea or filter coffee and enjoyed on the balcony. There are blue accent colours in the kitchen reminiscent of Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2020 – Royal Blue.
The kitchen island separates this area from the lounge, which consists of a very comfortable couch, decorated with accent cushions and a fluffy throw which is the perfect companion for an afternoon nap. From here, you can stare out at the treetops or towards the Smart TV – what a great spot!
Inside the bathroom is a shower with ornate Moroccan-style tiles and a shower head which produces the perfect pressure, which is a luxury many forget about until they get into a shower that is either too strong or comes out in pathetic drips. As you walk up the stairs to the loft area, you’ll notice three lights dangling in the centre of the villa, whose inspiration expands upon the Moroccan theme. The loft houses two cosy single beds, with chic clothing railings ready for all of your wardrobe favourites. The bedding is soft, dressing the inviting beds well and making it more than a little difficult to get out of bed in the morning. The master bedroom is downstairs, featuring the same opulent white linen, pillows and throws, but this time on a Queen-sized bed.
Hearts are scattered throughout the design of the villa, showcasing the love that is evident here and the level of care that went into the construction and design. Treedom Villas & Vardos is great for families and intimate groups of friends. The villa is a great base from which to explore Wilderness, which is home to a newly named Blue Flag beach, picturesque railway bridge that floats across the Kaaimans River and many lakes and waterways to explore and a selection of shops in the area. While the villa is self-catering, there are fantastic restaurant selections for guests nearby. Our top picks are Salina’s Beach Restaurant (known for their seafood menu) and Joplins Steak Bar (a grillhouse where the chef opts to serve their steaks with an egg on top and chips on the side).
From Treedom Villas & Vardos, you can travel in any direction to find charming seaside towns, amazing hidden gem restaurants and spectacular beaches.
For more information, please visit www.treedomvillas.co.za.