Expat Living’s LARA SAGE explores a few of the offerings of property group The Royal Portfolio, including resorts and hotels in South Africa, and discovers how the company has mastered the recipe for signature travel experiences.
The Royal Portfolio is a collection of luxury accommodation options – hotels, lodges, villas and private residences – and its name alludes to what’s in store for travellers. At each one of the group’s properties, you can expect an eye-catching setting, impeccable service and an indulgent stay, whether it’s an iconic city landmark, a scenic mountain vineyard, a panoramic seascape, or a gobsmacking safari of full-blown colour.
The Silo Hotel in Cape Town
On the skirt of Cape Town’s Table Mountain is The Silo, a hotel notable for its bulbous pillow-glass windows. Once a disused granary, today it’s a recognisable and valued component of Cape Town’s waterfront and skyline. In 2025, it was named South Africa’s leading design hotel.
The building itself is a work of art. The beautifully reimagined structure has been used as an industrial canvas to highlight the best of African design. Fittingly, the hotel itself showcases a unique and varied collection of artworks. You’ll also find elegant wine-and-dine offerings across a number of venues.
La Residence in the Cape Winelands
Speaking of wine, one hour by car from Cape Town, in the town of Franschhoek, is La Residence. This is the perfect place to enjoy a locally produced tipple. Overlooking a dam that reflects the surrounding mountains, this property in the Cape winelands captures why Franschhoek remains a popular global travel destination. A palette of impactful colour can be seen throughout, complemented by peacocks that strut their iridescent teal feathers on the grounds.
One of the accommodation options at La Residence is Franschhoek House. This huge exclusive-use villa is built around a 200-year-old oak tree. It’s in a secluded setting, with a stunning raised pool and a sumptuous use of colour throughout.
The six luxurious suites in the house are individually designed, blending remarkable fabric accents with décor sourced locally and abroad. Expect to find hand-embroidered and printed silks, tapestries and vintage items. Meanwhile, multiple outdoor patios and verandas provide intimate spaces to take in the views of vineyards and gardens, while the indoor games room is ideal for a casual game of billiards. The room’s relaxed vibe, seating and well-stocked bar create an inviting space for socialising with family or friends.
At the heart of Franschhoek House is its interactive kitchen. Here, guests are encouraged to gather around the central island and participate in the preparation of meals by the in-house chef. Menus are tailored to guests’ preferences.
Birkenhead House in Hermanus
Along with the winelands highlights above, the coastline of this part of Cape Town is not to be missed. Located in Hermanus, less than two hours by car from the city, Birkenhead House sits perched on a seafront cliff. The craggy rock face overlooks white sandy beaches and out to the ocean.
You can while away your time on a sun lounger or in the pool above the shore. Also, if you time it right (around July to October), you’ll be delighted by the sight of passing whales, brought even closer by the complimentary use of binoculars.
Masiya’s Camp in Kruger National Park
In addition to its luxury properties in and around Cape Town, The Royal Portfolio maintains a safari collection in the Greater Kruger National Park. This includes four luxury lodges that make up Royal Malewane.
Among the four is the latest addition, Masiya’s Camp, which has people talking about its extraordinary design and use of colour on a safari. The lodge is tucked into the vegetation of a game reserve, with salmon pink safari tents that provide a sense of the theatrical. The enormous private suites here are individually decorated in an array of colours – green, blue, yellow, lilac and more.
During the day, you’ll venture out to enjoy abundant wildlife sightings with expert safari guides. On your return, sublime comfort awaits, from harlequin-tiled private plunge pools to bathtubs with fragrant salts and oils. The gigantic suites feature plush linen, upholstered headboards and your own living area with well stocked minibar. Sun loungers on the deck look into the game reserve where animals meander by.
Find out more about the luxury hotels in South Africa. Look up The Royal Portfolio at theroyalportfolio.com. For help with planning your stay, and other advice on a South Africa getaway including safaris in Kruger National Park, email travel@curated-africa.com.
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