At In Residence, we have always been devoted to giving back to our local community and ensuring that as we grow, the community around us grows and prospers, too. Indeed, to us, the concept of hospitality is inextricably linked to ensuring not only the wellbeing and upliftment of our guests but also the entire ecosystem underpinning the services we offer. In this spirit, we are delighted to share the two latest exciting developments in our mission to improve ourselves and our local community: the creation of the In Residence Foundation and the In Residence Academy.
The In Residence Foundation is a not-for-profit organization with the vision of inspiring educational, entrepreneurial, and cultural excellence in our local South African communities. Our aim is to seek out and then sponsor under-funded projects in the region; as dedicated supporters and collectors of contemporary African art, we will in particular focus on endorsing the unique cultural and art-focused events in South Africa. We wish to unveil the boundlessly dynamic and creative elements within the South African cultural scene that, lacking the resources necessary to gain traction and visibility within both the local and global cultural milieu, would otherwise remain hidden. True to its philanthropic origins, the Foundation will as such focus on previously-unsupported projects attempting to address the contemporaneous challenges facing us and that, beyond demonstrating entrepreneurial nous and ambition, also interrogate our present attitudes and approaches.
Beyond the Foundation’s inherent cultural bent, it will additionally strive to support alternative education platforms and the development of innovative pedagogical tools, given the great value—and ongoing necessity—of improving educational access and quality in a country whose biggest current obstacle to its development is arguably its continued lack of equal academic opportunities for all. Hence, in alignment with this broader educational mission, we have also separately established the In Residence Academy—a multi-disciplinary pedagogical collective focusing on upskilling local South Africans within the villa-rental industry whose administrative costs, like the Foundation, are to be fully covered by In Residence.
Fundamentally, the Academy aims to give back by imparting knowledge upon ambitious South Africans aspiring to establish or further specialize themselves in the field of luxury villa-rental. Through personalized, focused training courses, resources, and modules - all taught by experts in their fields - the Academy will provide the best professional foundations for these individuals, ultimately empowering them to make themselves more marketable, earn a better living, and improve their contribution to the hospitality industry in their desired capacity as a housekeeper, chef, butler, or driver.
We are confident that this internal upliftment of individuals will not only improve the local community in pragmatic, tangible ways such as job creation, but also will ultimately take hospitality services and the luxury villa-rental scene in South Africa to another level - for having empowered, educated specialists as employees makes for a better overall customer experience. Moreover, with the luxury hospitality industry increasingly gravitating away from generic hotels towards tailor-made villa-rental experiences, we see this initiative as an investment in both our local resources on an individual human level as well as the high-end villa market as a whole.
We have spoken before about what constitutes foundations of the quintessential In Residence experience: a tireless commitment to delivering the highest standards of luxury, a personalized, human relationship with our clients, and a degree of refinement that pushes the boundaries of the contemporary villa-rental experience. We see these two new initiatives as integral to strengthening those foundations, because behind every In Residence experience is an infrastructure—social, cultural, logistical—that extends beyond us but which is fundamental to our success. As proud South Africans, we consider this ecosystem as an extension of the In Residence community, and hence, we feel an obligation to improve it.
This sense of duty, combined with our South African heritage, can be appositely tied to the well-known concept of Ubuntu—roughly definable as “humanity towards others”, and which entails achieving fulfilment and prosperity through altruism (namely, giving back) towards the people in one’s immediate community. We can think of no concept more fitting as an embodiment of the core values underpinning the In Residence Foundation, the In Residence Academy, and In Residence as a whole than Ubuntu. On that note, we would like to re-emphasize our excitement in introducing these two new institutions to our dear community—both our clientele and those around us who constitute the infrastructure that allows us to do what we do to our best. May these new ventures bring increased fulfillment and prosperity, in short, give back, to those on both sides of our wonderful community!
Directly overlooking the vast expanses of the Atlantic Ocean is Mwanzoleo, a six-story house built above and around a dramatic rocky enclave that has, appropriately, come to be known as “God’s Window” by local residents. Located a stone’s throw away from the world-renowned exclusive beaches of Clifton, this property occupies one of the African continent’s most picturesque and coveted residential locations. Featuring a quintessentially modern, minimalistic architectural exterior and interior, this magnificent residence is equipped with five en-suite bedrooms, a cinema and library, a gym, a study, a dedicated beauty room, and a special penthouse “cellar”. Fully-integrated climate control and music entertainment systems furthermore ensure that all the amenities of modern luxury are both seamless and immediately available to Mwanzoleo’s guests. The villa’s coup de grace, however, is its large deck with a rim-flow heated swimming pool, which, directly facing the ocean, provides uninterrupted panoramic views that make for almost-spiritual experiences of sublime sunsets and sea storms alike.
Directly perched above the highly-exclusive Psarou Beach—an iconic, tucked-away inlet known for its calm, crystal-clear Aegean waters - Villa Psarou Delight is a behemothic luxury villa that can accommodate up to 20 guests per rental, making it ideal for larger parties. The earth-toned, stripped-down interior offers a sanctuary against the sweltering Cycladic summer heat, allowing guests to lounge about and retreat into the relaxing embrace of this spacious villa at ease. Should one seek to indulge in the singular nightlife and cosmopolitan bustle of Mykonos, the town center is a mere 3km away, providing a perfect counterbalance to the quiet, secluded comforts of the villa. With its multiple dining terraces, enormous swimming pool, and many pieces of fine contemporary art that complement its surroundings, Villa Psarou Delight remains faithful to its name—a true delight for the senses.
With unprecedented service, and world-class dining, The Grand Pavilion is the perfect blend of Cape Town's legendary laid-back luxury scene with iconic sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean that will stay with you long after your table’s been cleared. Food is a form of connection—a way to bond the land and sea, culture, and people. That's why preparation and presentation demand our equal attention. At the Pavilion, we promise a contemporary and upscale twist on the quintessential Seapoint eatery with picturesque views and tantalizing menus to create the perfect ambience. Harry's Bar is a vibrant, up-tempo space with a sophisticated and playful bent that offers guests a contemporary upscale twist. Featuring grand dining and jamboree experience. A place to celebrate our love affair with the beach, passing moments and memories from generation to generation.
