Illyria House

Pretoria, South Africa

Illyria House

Illyria House is an old, Classical-style villa, occupying a wonderful location in a quiet suburb of Pretoria.

Illyria House is an old classical villa tucked away in a quiet suburb of Pretoria. Despite its city location, the house remains an exclusive hideaway, cut off from the world by carefully manicured gardens. This is the ideal city retreat, with views looking out across the Jacaranda treetops to the Union Buildings.

Illyria House is famous for its exceptional hospitality and service. There are no set menus here, the chef will prepare whatever you wish to eat, while your personal butler is responsible for organising historical tours, country picnics, shopping, and transfers to attractions in the city and surrounding areas.

There's more than a hint of excess at Illyria House. For many years the house wouldn't accept direct bookings, choosing to open its doors only to select guests. This policy has changed, but Illyria still maintains an exclusive air. It is among the most lavish, most audacious of South Africa's high-end boutique hotels.

Not everyone will appreciate Illyria's classical pretensions (the hotel takes its name, without any hint of irony, from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, and the often gaudy decor and overwrought presentation do have the artificiality of a Elizabethan stage set), but others will no doubt find plenty to admire. There's nothing else quite like Illyria, even in South Africa.

Facilities at Illyria House include a swimming pool, luxury spa and a well-stocked wine cellar.

Accommodation

There are just six individually-decorated bedrooms at Illyria, all lavishly furnished and fit for royalty—with crystal chandeliers and heavy silk bed covers.

Dining

All meals are prepared to your specifications – the chef will try to make just about anything you ask for – and taken in the dining room overlooking the gardens.

Facilities

- Swimming pool
- Dining area
- Bar
- Spa

Activities

- Excursions to nearby game reserves can be arranged
- Guests have access to the excellent Health and Raquet Club nearby

Child Policy

Children over 8 years only.