As South Africa’s tourism sector prepares for a busy summer, rising costs are putting pressure on hospitality businesses to improve efficiency without compromising guest experience. Jeffrey Madkins, Marketing Manager at Unilever Professional SA, explores how smarter laundry operations, from reducing water and energy use to extending textile life and using AI-driven analysis, can help accommodation providers cut waste and costs.

Ground has been broken for the expansion of the Healing Earth™ Transformative Wellness Spa at Brahman Hills — set to become Africa's first fully integrated spa and garden wellness destination. The multi-million-rand development will extend into Brahman Hills' record-breaking 22-hectare Serenity Garden labyrinth, weaving together treatment spaces, thermal rituals, reflective walking paths and garden rooms. Rooted in regenerative Blue Zone principles, the spa reopens towards the end of 2026.

Cape Town’s prestigious “The Uppers” suburbs continue to outperform despite a broader market slowdown, with average selling prices reaching R30 million in Bishopscourt and R26 million in Constantia Upper. Limited stock, strong local and international demand, and a focus on lifestyle, privacy and top schools are driving values higher. Although transaction volumes have declined, properties are selling quickly and close to asking price, reinforcing the resilience of the luxury residential market.

Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard remains one of South Africa’s strongest residential property markets, but investors can no longer rely on location alone to generate returns. According to Nox Cape Town, success increasingly depends on selecting the right micro-location, asset type and rental strategy. While short-term rentals continue to offer higher revenue potential, long-term rentals provide growing stability, supported by record-low vacancy rates, strong rental growth and sustained demand across the Western Cape.

The Garden Route’s residential property market is experiencing a strong surge in demand, driven by semigration, lifestyle appeal, and investment interest across diverse buyer segments. From George and Mossel Bay to Plettenberg Bay and Knysna, rising development activity, resilient pricing, and broad demographic appeal are reinforcing the region’s position as a key growth node, offering both lifestyle quality and attractive long-term capital and rental returns.

A landmark R37 million Bryanston residence highlights the exceptional value currently available in Johannesburg’s luxury property market. Set on an expansive 8,100 sqm stand, the home combines architectural design, lifestyle amenities and full energy and water resilience. With high-end prices lagging Cape Town, investors and affluent buyers are increasingly drawn to Sandton’s prime suburbs, where strong fundamentals, rising transaction volumes and long-term upside continue to underpin demand.

Growthpoint Properties and Tricolt have broken ground on Olympus Sandton, a 527-unit hospitality-led mixed-use development at the apex of the Sandton Summit precinct. With over 85% of apartments sold and sales exceeding R1.4 billion, the project reflects strong demand for integrated, walkable urban living. Featuring Marble Hospitality’s signature restaurant, sky bar and boutique hotel offering, Olympus is set to become a landmark addition to the Sandton skyline.

The 2026–2030 South Coast Property Outlook signals renewed momentum across Umdoni, Pennington, Kelso and Scottburgh, with over 230 transfers and R300 million in sales recorded in 2025. Driven by semigration, long-held stock re-entering the market and rising demand for secure estate living, leading developments such as Umdoni Point Coastal Forest Estate are showing strong capital growth, reinforcing the region’s long-term investment appeal.

East London (Buffalo City) is carving out a compelling coastal investment story, combining lifestyle appeal with renewed economic momentum. With warm Indian Ocean beaches, a sub-tropical climate and family-friendly suburbs, it offers excellent value compared to major metros. A planned USD8 million Buffalo River port redevelopment, retail upgrades and new renewable-energy interest in the IDZ add confidence. Pam Golding notes rising 2025 market activity, with strong demand from semigrants and first-time buyers.

Rosebank’s transformation into a vibrant, walkable mixed-use hub is attracting a surge of buyers seeking affordable luxury and urban convenience. With 280 sectional title sales recorded in 2025—already surpassing the decade high—demand continues to outpace supply. According to Pam Golding Properties, Rosebank offers 30–40% better value than Sandton, supported by strong rental yields, modern amenities, secure lock-up-and-go living and exceptional connectivity via the Gautrain, reinforcing its status as a premier Johannesburg precinct.