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Imagine living on a bio-diverse Eco-estate with specialist mountain bike trails right in the middle of Plett… a dream project one would say, but Cape Summer Villas Boutique Collection is unfolding just such a plan.
The early development proposal includes mostly off-grid infrastructure and a meaningful focus on the ecology and natural environs on the property, while the trails will be the catalyst for multiple sustainable businesses with significant social, environmental and tourism benefits going forward. This project fits perfectly into Cape Summer Villas Boutique Collection’s longer-term plans for the growth of itscollection of exclusive accommodations in the Western Cape, as well as for its investors.
The vision to create this specialist ‘Mountain Biking (ski village type) Hub’ in Plettenberg Bay led to the purchase of a 500-hectare property below the renowned Sky Villa Boutique Hotel. The 5-star hotel, one of the premier establishments of Cape Summer Villas Boutique Collection, was designated by the Cape Summer Villas team and its investors to be the core of this endeavour – the ‘go-to-destination’ for mountain biking in Plettenberg Bay and the greater Garden Route.
The construction of Sky Trails has already begun. The group has teamed up with a local Trail Association, Trail Lynx, to construct, manage and help grow the mountain biking and trails component of its greater masterplan. The new trails in the network have been machine-sculptured and are primarily for mountain biking, but running, hiking and walking trails have also been laid out. Four specialist MTB trails have already been completed and most of the climbs are now cleared and rideable. By December this year, there will be at least seven MTB and three run/walk/hike trails. The trails have been laid out to give maximum fun and flexibility to the users and are all well signposted. This process has already begun on site.
Following this initial phase, the idea is to connect this network through to Bitouvlei and beyond. This will extend the user base as it will then be possible to do 40-60km loops out to the north of Plett, which will be very popular. These rides traverse at least four ecological biomes.
Cape Summer Villas Boutique Collection has made a firm commitment to all environmental aspects on the project. Part of its mandate is to ensure the protection of the complex ecologies on the property and to help protect and rehabilitate the rare pockets of coastal and shale fynbos, and ancient forests.
The longer-term plan for the “Hub” includes the construction of a UCI-grade pump-track and associated bike -related amenities at the entrance to the Sky Park. The development of a Pump Track and Skate Park will create a healthy outdoor community space in Plett that will offer a safe and fun space for youths in the local communities to come together, develop mountain bike skills and provide access to cycling and skateboarding from toddlers through to experienced riders, and encourage and promote an active outdoor lifestyle. Trail Lynx has already committed to funding the Kwano-Academy riders into the new facilities and trails. Over time the hub will spawn many other social and economic activities – a coffee shop, food stalls, with bike rentals and maintenance, craft markets and the like. It is anticipated that small events will be hosted from December 2021 with great potential for corporate events going forward.
Guests staying at the award-winning Sky Villa Boutique Hotel will soon be able to drop straight onto the trails from the hotel.
Sky Villa Boutique Hotel, Plettenberg Bay
087 550 2967, info@skyvilla.co.za
Cape Summer Villas Boutique Collection
Tel: +27 87 550 2967
*In keeping with protocols regarding the coronavirus, Cape Summer Villas Boutique Collection is monitoring the situation, following guidelines and adhering to stringent health and safety cleaning protocols; the safety and well-being of guests and staff at all its properties being of the highest priority.