Manoeuvring up the steep, cobbled driveway that leads to La Villa Vita, you’re not quite sure what you’re about to uncover. Between the towering trees, you catch glimpses of wrought-iron encased balconies, stoical lion statues, and an elegantly arched entrance, none of which reveal what lies beyond the structure’s textured walls. Your curiosity is fuelled, as you slowly make your way up the stairs. When you summit, you suddenly find yourself in a sheltered, warm courtyard that radiates opulence and luxury – an unexpected treat in the middle of suburbia.
Until recently, this was the place the Van Zyl family called home: a Tuscan-inspired villa subtly veiled off from the rest of the world.
Both having a certain flair for property development, husband-and-wife team Janti and Karen van Zyl have spent the past two years converting their once-lavish home into an unforgettable and striking boutique hotel, which in the near future, will add another 15 units to its already established six rooms.
“At one point, I thought the Italian theme was a bit out of place,” Janti laughs, but ironically, this is precisely what gives La Villa Vita its distinctive flair.
Sitting outside in the early-morning sunshine, while other guests quietly chatter over coffee on the patio, you wouldn’t be remiss in simply enjoying a quiet moment, on your own, leisurely taking in all the exquisite sights and sounds around you. The calming presence of trickling water coupled with antique-style chunks of weathered rock are contrasted with neatly manicured, lollipop trees and a large, central pool.
Despite its obvious luxury, there are two aspects that still label the relatively new boutique hotel as a distinctly South African venue. Number one is the sound of ducks and chickens clucking in the coop just beyond the atrium walls, and the other, the towering burst of wild and untamed Lowveld bush on the perimeter.
Although it holds all the allure of a largely undiscovered venue, great value lies in the personalised service and general hospitality overnight guests can anticipate. All the staff members are seasoned in the hospitality industry, and are always equipped with a genuine smile, or a delicious meal or even an afternoon of small talk.
Despite its obvious luxury, there are two aspects that still label the relatively new boutique hotel as a distinctly South African venue
And, if you are already a resident of Nelspruit (not that that should get in your way of spending at least one night surrounded by Italian splendour), we have
it on good authority that the dining out at La Villa Vita is an experience all on its own. With two young chefs from KwaZulu-Natal at the culinary helm – who have both spent time working in America – their one-, two-, three- or six-course meals can be best described as fusion-style cuisine.
While White River-based company Front Door Interiors was responsible for most of the sophisticated and modern look of the rooms, Karen personally took it upon herself to decorate much of the remaining spaces, sourcing everything locally.
The venue offers ample parking, two dining rooms that can be utilised for conferences or private functions, a patio complete with a bonfire and for the more romantic, personalised events, you can even arrange a candlelit dinner, complete with a pianist at your beck and call.
And since we’re on a romantic note, the venue also boasts an open air, private jacuzzi overlooking the lush landscape. A perfect treat for couples wanting to take advantage of a star-filled evening in the Lowveld.
A small upstairs room hosts a 24-hour gym, equipped with the basics for the health-conscious guest.
For those of you considering this as a wedding venue, you simply must pay a visit to their charming, on-site chapel. Just a short drive from the main guest house, it shares the same weathered architecture, complete with neutral shades of chunky stone walls and a water feature. The gravel road is a bit bumpy, but completely worth the drive.
Whatever it is that you take from your experience at La Villa Vita, one thing’s for certain – in our opinion, it’ws the perfect combination of luxury, opulence and quaint, homely charm one would come to expect on a holiday in Tuscany.
Get in touch
La Villa Vita, 013-752-5370 or admin@villavitanelspruit.com
Rates start at R845 per person, per night, which includes complimentary breakfast, coffee, tea and cake. Conference and wedding enquiries to be made online at www.villavitanelspruit.com
