Icon Villas takes second spot in UK Readers' Travel Awards

Therese Botha, owner and founder of Icon Villas, has seen the region's villa rental landscape change considerably over the last decade and a half. No stranger to 'best of' awards, Therese is also the only villa rental specialist in Southern Africa - and one of less than 50 across the world - to have been appointed a Condé Nast Traveler (USA) Villa Specialist in 2009 as well as 2010.

"I am fortunate enough to do something I feel incredibly passionate about. The truth is, I deal essentially in experiences, not places, and my wish is to facilitate the unique bond that builds when an extended family or a group of good friends spend uninterrupted time together - no fixed itinerary, no other social intrusions. My wish is to create a cocoon for my clients, a home that is the equal of, or better than their own", says Therese.