19 Top Luxury Retirement Villages in South Africa
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Retirement today looks vastly different from what it did a generation ago. Gone are the days of limited options and isolated living. Instead, a new era of retirement accommodation has emerged - vibrant, lifestyle-led villages where comfort, independence, security and healthcare are thoughtfully integrated.
Planning for retirement is no longer just about winding down - it's about elevating your lifestyle, protecting your independence and securing comfort and care for the twilight years ahead. This guide explores South Africa's premier retirement destinations - from winelands luxury to seaside sanctuaries, leafy urban enclaves to wellness-driven estates. Whether you're planning decades ahead or helping a parent move into the next season of life, you'll find a clear guide to what you should be looking for and a comparison of lifestyle options, healthcare facilities, ownership structures and more - so you can make a confident, informed decision that supports both independence and dignity.
Start with the Big Questions
You may be active and independent now, but the right retirement property should adapt as your needs change. Whether you're planning ahead in your 50s or supporting a parent in their later years, look for thoughtful features like step-free access, walk-in showers, lift access and wide doorways that support mobility and independence. On-site care options such as assisted living or frail care offer valuable peace of mind, while pet-friendly policies ensure beloved companions can stay by your side. Just as important is a strong sense of community - places that offer social activities, shared spaces and wellness programmes help keep life rich, connected and deeply fulfilling.
What are you paying for and how? Before choosing a retirement village, it's important to understand the ownership model. Sectional title means you own the unit outright, with the ability to resell or include it in your estate. Life rights offer lifetime occupancy without ownership - usually more affordable, with no transfer fees and care services managed by the operator.
Rental provides flexibility, ideal for short-term or frail care needs. Each model suits different financial goals and lifestyle plans.
Extra Checks Many People Miss:
1. Age restrictions - Most villages limit occupancy to 50-plus, 60-plus or even 65-plus. Confirm you (or your parent) meet the age rule before you budget or downsize.
2. Buy-to-let possibilities - Some estates let you purchase early and rent the unit out until you're ready to move in; others prohibit sub-letting. Ask upfront if "buy now, live later" is allowed.
3. Waiting-list policies - High-demand villages can have lists several years long, but not every facility keeps one. Clarify whether you can join a list, what it costs and at what age or stage you're allowed to register. Early placement can shave years off the wait for your preferred cottage or apartment.
4. Pet policies - If a dog or cat is family, verify the rules. Many modern estates are explicitly pet-friendly, recognising the proven boost pets give to seniors' wellbeing.
Tackle these questions first and you'll shortlist villages that fit not just today's lifestyle, but tomorrow's peace of mind.
So What Should You Be Looking For in a Retirement Village Today?
When choosing a retirement village, it's worth thinking beyond just location and layout. One of the most important factors is the care continuum - does the village offer everything from independent living to assisted and frail care? Ideally, you want a space where you can comfortably age in place, knowing that support is available if and when you need it, without the emotional and logistical disruption of moving later on.
A truly enriching retirement lifestyle is about more than care alone. Look for villages with vibrant, engaging environments - places that offer lifestyle centres, gyms, coffee shops, art classes or even walking clubs. These are the small daily pleasures that turn a place to live into a community to thrive in.
Proximity matters, too. Whether it's being close to a trusted hospital, shopping centre, airport or your adult children, location plays a big role in both peace of mind and everyday convenience. Add to that the importance of security and support, such as controlled access, 24/7 healthcare and emergency systems like panic buttons and you're looking at a village designed not just for living, but for living well.
Perhaps the most powerful aspect of any retirement village is the sense of community. Time and again, residents say the friendships, shared experiences and daily companionship are what truly enrich their retirement years. And of course, for many, a home isn't complete without a pet - so make sure the village welcomes your beloved companion.
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Above all, consider scalability. Can the village accommodate your changing care needs in future? The best retirement options are those that grow with you - providing independence now and support later.
Below are standout retirement villages designed to enhance rather than diminish the richness of your life ahead.
The Cape Winelands
1. Val de Vie Evergreen
Set within the prestigious Val de Vie Estate, Val de Vie Evergreen redefines retirement with a seamless blend of sophistication, security and holistic wellness. Exclusively available to individuals aged 65 and over, this internationally recognised village offers life rights or monthly rental options, giving residents the flexibility to choose what suits their long-term plans best. Every unit is finished to an exceptional standard. Beyond the exquisite homes, the estate offers a full continuum of care - including independent living, assisted care and frail care - ensuring peace of mind through every stage of retirement.
The state-of-the-art lifestyle centre includes a wellness spa and gym, while residents can also enjoy golf, wine tastings and dining at the estate's elegant deli and restaurant. Pet-friendly policies allow beloved companions to come along for the journey. For those who desire a vibrant lifestyle, complete with community and world-class care, this is a truly elevated retirement experience.
2. Zevenwacht Lifestyle Estate
Perched amid rolling vineyards on the outskirts of Stellenbosch, Zevenwacht Lifestyle Estate offers a tranquil retirement to those 50years and over that doesn't compromise on convenience or charm. Designed on a sectional title basis, the estate allows retirees to retain full ownership of their homes, which range in size and layout to suit a variety of tastes.
Each home is positioned to take advantage of the estate's expansive mountain and vineyard views, while paved walking trails and landscaped gardens create a sense of peaceful retreat. Healthcare is on hand via an on-site medical and frail-care facility, making it ideal for those wanting to future-proof their lifestyle in a setting that celebrates the best of the Cape Winelands. Zevenwacht is also pet-friendly and with neighbouring wine estates and golf courses nearby, it's the perfect choice for those who treasure space, security and slow living.
Garden Route
3. Belvidere Park - Knysna, Western Cape
Tucked into the tranquil Belvidere estate on the edge of Knysna Lagoon, Belvidere Park offers secure, luxury retirement living in one of the Garden Route's most scenic settings. Exclusively for residents aged 50years and over, this life rights retirement village is designed for independent, active seniors seeking beauty, community and peace of mind.
The park features architecturally styled free-standing cottages, each surrounded by lush gardens and designed with comfort and ageing in place in mind. While the emphasis is on independent living, Belvidere Park includes access to 24-hour emergency support and has arrangements in place for home-based care when needed.
On-site facilities include a clubhouse, lounge, library, swimming pool and dining room, while walking trails and the surrounding nature provide ample space for relaxation and gentle activity. With its serene lagoon views, strong community spirit and discreet support services, Belvidere Park is ideal for those looking to retire gracefully in a secure and natural environment.
4. Knysna Lifestyle Estate
Perfectly positioned between the forests and lagoons of the Garden Route, Knysna Lifestyle Estate offers a luxurious and secure retirement setting for discerning buyers 50 years and over. Designed with elegance and independence in mind, the estate operates on a sectional title model, allowing residents full ownership of their homes within a beautifully maintained, access-controlled estate. The architectural style blends modern Cape vernacular with natural materials, creating a timeless, light-filled living environment that reflects the calm of its surroundings.
Homes are single-storey and step-free, thoughtfully planned for ageing in place. While the estate promotes active, independent living, it also includes access to a dedicated on-site care centre, offering 24-hour medical care, assisted living and frail-care services when required. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community and a lifestyle enriched by wellness facilities, a clubhouse, walking trails and proximity to golf courses and the Knysna lagoon. With pet-friendly policies and a setting that balances privacy with sociability, Knysna Lifestyle Estate is ideal for retirees who value natural beauty, ownership security and seamless support as they age.
5. Amble Ridge Retirement Village - Knysna, Garden Route
Perched in the hills above Knysna Lagoon, Amble Ridge Retirement Village combines Garden Route beauty with contemporary design and dignified care for residents aged 50 and over. Architect-designed one- to three-bedroom homes - available on either freehold or life-rights terms - are oriented to capture sunshine and sweeping lagoon vistas, while landscaped gardens and a greenbelt teeming with birdlife create a resort-like atmosphere. A robust security system - 24-hour surveillance, patrols, electrified fencing and AI-monitored perimeters - offers complete peace of mind.
Village life centres on an elegant Leisure Centre featuring a restaurant, lounge, gym, indoor heated pool, tennis courts and even an on-site physiotherapist, hairdresser and biokineticist, ensuring wellness and social connection are always within reach. For residents who need extra support, a dedicated healthcare suite provides personalised, professional care that lets them age in place gracefully. Whether strolling with a dog through indigenous gardens or meeting friends for happy-hour pizza, Amble Ridge delivers freedom, community and comprehensive care - all minutes from Knysna's beaches, golf courses and private hospital.
6. Quartet Estate - Plettenberg Bay
Set in eco-friendly, landscaped gardens near Plettenberg Bay's beaches and Goose Valley Golf Course, Quartet Estate offers over-60year olds a refined coastal retirement with all the comforts of luxury living. Homes are offered on a life rights basis, with studio suites, one-bedroom apartments and elegant two-bedroom villas and duplexes - many featuring sunrooms, fireplaces and garden patios.
Designed to support every stage of retirement, from independent to assisted living, Quartet offers hotel-style services that enrich daily life - including housekeeping, concierge support and room service. The elegant clubhouse features a restaurant, library and art room, bar, gym and heated pool. Healthcare is thoughtfully integrated, with weekly in-home clinic visits by a qualified nurse, on-site carers available seven days a week and personal emergency buttons with GPS-enabled response - even beyond the estate's boundaries.
A strong sense of community flourishes through hobby clubs, Friday movies and birdwatching walks. For independent retirees seeking comfort, care and connection in the heart of the Garden Route, Quartet Estate is an exceptional choice.
7. The Plettenberg Manor
The Plettenberg Manor infuses Cape-vernacular charm into a coastal estate reserved for residents aged 50 and over. Offered on a sectional-title basis, the village now spans eight accommodation types, ranging from lock-up-and-go apartments to expansive three-bedroom cottages - each designed for effortless, sun-soaked living.
Lifestyle and care sit side by side. The lovingly restored Keurbooms River Hotel anchors the estate as a sweeping clubhouse, housing a restaurant, coffee shop, ladies' bar, beauty salon and convenience store with assisted-living suites and a 24-bed frail-care centre soon to be available. A vitality wing introduces a gym and pool, while outdoors residents enjoy private-beach access, hiking trails, bird hides and bowling greens. All of this is wrapped in first-class security and supported by an estate shuttle that makes local travel a breeze.
Cape Town
8. EIGHTONN
EIGHTONN offers a fresh take on urban retirement, situated in the heart of Cape Town's vibrant Green Point neighbourhood. This boutique development is designed for independent retirees looking for a modern, secure base close to city amenities, the V&A Waterfront and the Atlantic Seaboard. Homes are offered on a sectional title basis, giving buyers full ownership and the opportunity to invest in prime Cape real estate. Apartments are stylishly appointed with open-plan layouts, high-end finishes and smart design touches that prioritise comfort, convenience and low-maintenance living.
Though not a full-service retirement village, EIGHTONN offers peace of mind with on-site security, concierge-style services and optional wellness support through trusted healthcare partners. It's ideal for active seniors who want a lock-up-and-go lifestyle with access to restaurants, galleries and coastal walks, while still having the option to bring in care as needed. With limited units and a focus on quality over scale, EIGHTONN is perfect for those who want to retire on their own terms - independently, centrally and with elegance.
9. Tokai Estate Life Retirement Village
Nestled at the foot of the Constantiaberg Mountains and bordering the lush greenbelt of the Tokai Forest, Tokai Estate is one of Cape Town's most prestigious retirement addresses. Developed and managed by Faircape Life, the estate offers a seamless balance between natural beauty, refined design and exceptional care. Operated on a life rights model, Tokai Estate allows residents 50years and over to enjoy lifetime occupancy with fewer upfront costs and no transfer duties - ideal for those wanting security and professional care without the burdens of traditional property ownership.
The homes, from apartments to freestanding cottages, are designed with graceful living in mind - spacious, step-free and finished to luxury standards. Tokai Estate offers a comprehensive continuum of care, with a state-of-the-art healthcare centre providing 24-hour nursing, frail care and dementia support. The lifestyle offering is equally impressive, with a wellness centre, gym, heated pool, hair salon, bistro and landscaped gardens creating a resort-like atmosphere. Residents enjoy independence, connection and peace of mind in a community that's secure, sociable and superbly managed. For retirees looking to embrace their next chapter without compromise, Tokai Estate sets a benchmark for dignified and vibrant retirement living.
10. Kronendal Retirement Village
Set in the charming seaside community of Hout Bay, Kronendal Retirement Village offers a peaceful, community-oriented lifestyle surrounded by mountains, coastal air and convenience. Managed by CPOA and operated for people 55 years and older on a life rights model, the village provides an affordable and low-maintenance option for retirees looking to settle near family, nature and essential services - without the admin of property ownership.
The village features a variety of cottages and apartments, all designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. Residents benefit from 24-hour security and access to on-site assisted living and frail care, offering peace of mind as their needs change. A central dining room, lounges and landscaped communal spaces encourage social connection, while nearby shops, restaurants and Hout Bay's famous markets ensure residents remain part of a vibrant local scene. With its blend of coastal tranquillity and supportive infrastructure, Kronendal is an ideal choice for retirees looking to enjoy their later years with dignity, ease and a strong sense of community.
11. Onrus Manor Retirement Village
Located in the peaceful coastal town of Onrus, just outside Hermanus, Onrus Manor Retirement Village offers a tranquil, community-focused lifestyle ideal for those 50years and above who are seeking to retire near the sea. Surrounded by mountain views and just minutes from the beach, the village provides a calm and scenic environment, with easy access to local shops, medical facilities and the region's famed whale-watching coastline. Operated by CPOA, Onrus Manor is based on a life rights model, making it a more accessible option financially, with no transfer fees or bond registration costs.
The village offers a combination of independent living units and full-care facilities, including frail care and assisted living. Residents benefit from 24-hour security, on-site nursing support and a supportive, friendly atmosphere where neighbours quickly become friends. Communal lounges, a dining area and landscaped gardens provide space for socialising and quiet relaxation. For those wanting a slower pace of life, supported by care and community, in one of the Cape's most charming coastal enclaves, Onrus Manor is a serene and secure choice.
Eastern Cape
12. Settlers Park Retirement Village
If relaxed coastal living and a strong sense of community are top of mind, Settlers Park Retirement Village in Port Alfred may be the ideal fit for anyone 60 years and over. This well-established, pet-friendly village is built on a life rights model with bedsitters and larger cottages. Despite its affordability, Settlers Park doesn't skimp on quality - it features wellness centres, a heated pool and excellent healthcare facilities including disability support and full frail care. Situated between river and ocean and with access to golf courses and local cultural activities, the village offers a laid-back yet secure retirement option that's rich in heart and heritage.
13. River's Rest Village
Tucked away on a lush 40‑hectare coastal estate in Boesmansriviermond, less than 5km from Kenton on Sea, River's Rest invites residents into a life of serene independence, combined with future-ready care. Under a life‑rights model, this village that welcomes people 50 years and over, offers standalone two‑bedroom units - each with en‑suite bathrooms, fully wheelchair‑accessible layouts, private gardens and generous living spaces - all designed to support graceful ageing in place. With 24‑hour on‑site security, round‑the‑clock caregiving, emergency alert systems and routine meal and laundry services, it's a community structured to reassure. A planned frail‑care centre complements the independent‑living units, while shared facilities promote social connection and wellbeing.
Residents benefit from eco‑sensitive features such as rainwater harvesting and dependable backup water systems. In every way, River's Rest balances the peacefulness of coastal nature and free‑roaming wildlife with the certainty of professional care, giving retirees - and their families - a rare blend of freedom and reassurance.
Johannesburg
14. San Sereno by Auria
Luxury meets lifestyle at San Sereno, a flagship development by Auria located in the heart of Johannesburg's northern suburbs. With a strong focus on design excellence and healthcare, this sectional title village delivers everything from concierge services to full frail-care and dementia support under one roof. Residences are modern and elegant, offering apartment-style living with high-end finishes. Communal areas include wellness studios, lounges, swimming pools and landscaped gardens, creating a refined yet warm atmosphere.
San Sereno is pet-friendly and attracts discerning residents looking for top-tier amenities with the comfort of around-the-clock support.
15. The Village Bryanston
The Village Bryanston is a beautifully curated life rights estate that offers a blend of urban elegance and personal care for people 60 years old and over. Homes range in size and design, all finished with thoughtful touches that promote easy living and comfort. Care services are integrated discreetly into daily life, with assisted living and frail care available when needed.
The estate boasts a lively social calendar and residents enjoy time in the gardens, café or at one of the many cultural and art events hosted on site. Pet-friendly and family-welcoming, it's an ideal choice for adult children looking for a secure, well-serviced home for their ageing parents - without sacrificing beauty or community.
16. The Lodge Retirement Village
Located in Bryanston, The Lodge Retirement Village offers retirees, 55 years old and over, a secure and peaceful lifestyle with the benefit of sectional title ownership, meaning residents own their units outright - a solid long-term investment and part of one's estate. The village is designed for easy, independent living, with well-kept gardens, communal areas and step-free access throughout. Its prime location places it close to medical facilities, shops and family in the northern suburbs of Johannesburg.
Importantly, The Lodge also provides assisted living and frail care, ensuring residents can remain on-site as their needs evolve. A 24-hour emergency call system, supportive staff and optional care services bring peace of mind, while regular social activities and a close-knit community foster real connection. It's a warm, well-managed environment for those wanting a balance of independence and care.
17. Steyn City Senior Village - Johannesburg North
Located within one of South Africa's most prestigious lifestyle estates, Steyn City Senior Village offers retirement living reimagined - seamlessly integrated into the award-winning design, security and natural beauty that defines Steyn City. This is not just a retirement village; it's an extension of an exceptional lifestyle, now made accessible for residents in their golden years. Occupancy is limited to residents 60 years and older, ensuring a like-minded community of peers.
Designed with elegance and ease in mind, homes at the Senior Village feature step-free layouts, high-end finishes and thoughtful touches that support both independence and ageing in place. Whether you're still active and thriving or planning ahead for future care, the village offers a secure and future-ready environment within the larger Steyn City ecosystem.
Residents have access to the estate's renowned amenities, including landscaped parks, cycling paths, golf, restaurants and healthcare providers - all within the security of a gated, patrolled estate. On-site care options, including assisted living and frail care, are likely integrated or easily accessible through partnered medical services.
Perfect for those who want to stay connected to Johannesburg's northern suburbs while enjoying unparalleled security, green space and community, Steyn City Senior Village offers a graceful, luxurious way to retire - without ever stepping back from the lifestyle you love.
18. Waterfall Hills Mature Lifestyle Estate
Perfect for those who want resort-level living without leaving the city, Waterfall Hills welcomes residents aged 50 and over into a secure, leafy enclave at the heart of the Waterfall City development. Behind controlled access you'll find 192 free-standing homes and 82 luxury apartment suites, all linked to a lavish clubhouse that houses a restaurant, cinema, billiards room, gym and indoor pool, with more than 35 km of hiking and cycling trails right on the doorstep.
Healthcare is seamlessly integrated: a 33-bed frail-care centre delivers 24-hour medical supervision and residents enjoy priority access to additional facilities in neighbouring Waterfall Valley. Whether you choose a spacious house or a lock-up-and-go apartment, step-free layouts, emergency response systems and meticulous landscaping ensure comfort, safety and effortless ageing in place. With its award-winning design, vibrant social calendar and easy reach of Sandton and Kyalami, Waterfall Hills reimagines retirement as an active, connected and thoroughly sophisticated chapter of life.
The Vaal
19. The Palms Retirement Village
For retirees 55 years old and over seeking tranquillity, water views and value, The Palms Retirement Village offers a rare opportunity to settle on the banks of the Vaal River. As part of the Palms Group - The Palms Boutique, Palms Retirement Village and Palms on the River located in Vanderbijlpark, this retirement community pairs peaceful riverside living with easy access to town amenities, medical services and family connections in Gauteng. Whether you're drawn to the calming effect of the river or the slower pace of life outside the city, ThePalms offers both beauty and practicality.
Units are typically offered on a life rights basis, with well-designed apartments and freestanding homes tailored to older residents. Many include open-plan living areas, accessible bathrooms and outdoor patios or gardens. It's a secure, gated estate with 24-hour response services and optional care packages available - ideal for those who want to live independently now, but plan ahead for future needs.
With scenic walks, birdwatching and a relaxed community feel, The Palms suits retirees who treasure peace, affordability and the simple luxury of water-side living. It's also a wonderful option for families living in the Vaal River region or Gauteng, who want loved ones nearby without the pressures of big-city retirement prices.
Living Forward
Choosing a retirement village is not just a financial decision - it's a lifestyle decision, one that should bring comfort, joy and opportunities for growth rather than withdrawal. From the lush vineyards of the Winelands to the urban sophistication of Gauteng and the tranquil shores of the Garden Route, South Africa's top retirement estates offer inspiring pathways to a life well lived - and a declaration of continued independence.
Photo by Matt Barnard: https://tinyurl.com/4u9eej33
Let this guide be your starting point toward a retirement that's not merely safe and supported, but full of possibility.
Disclaimer: This article is a general guide to help you explore retirement living options in South Africa. While we've done our best to share up-to-date and accurate information, details like offerings, services and availability can change. Please contact each village directly to confirm the latest info and chat to a professional advisor if you're making big decisions.
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Author: Twaambo Chirwa