Hospitality group Southern Sun has entered into a landmark agreement to introduce its first branded hotel residences Southern Sun Hotel & Residences Oceans Umhlanga, as part of the R5 billion ($275 million) Oceans Umhlanga mixed-use development in South Africa.
The masterplan for Oceans Umhlanga includes the Oceans Mall, a five-star Radisson Blu Durban Umhlanga Hotel, and the recently launched North Oceans Umhlanga Residential Tower, which offers 258 luxury apartments.
The South Tower, set to be completed in late 2027, will house the Southern Sun Hotel & Residences Oceans Umhlanga, marking the group’s entry into the branded residences market.
Southern Sun has partnered with developer Vivian Reddy to develop the South Tower, which will feature approximately 200 deluxe four-star hotel rooms and 80 branded residences designed for both short and long-term stays.
Marcel von Aulock, CEO of Southern Sun, described the project as a “sexy hotel” with five-star aesthetics and finishes, emphasising the group’s equity stake in the tower and its role in managing both the hotel and residences.
“This represents a new opportunity for us to increase our capacity in the vibrant Umhlanga Rocks area and enter the growing market for quality serviced apartments,” von Aulock said.
The R1.5 billion South Tower is the final phase of the 250,000m² development, elevating Oceans Umhlanga’s status as a premier lifestyle and hospitality destination near Umhlanga Rocks Beachfront.
Vivian Reddy, the project’s developer, confirmed the partnership, noting that Southern Sun was selected after a year-long evaluation of various hotel operators.
“Southern Sun is a household name in hospitality and brings world-class design, operational experience, and a deep understanding of the South African tourism market,” Reddy stated
Von Aulock highlighted the strategic importance of the project, noting that Southern Sun has been eyeing expansion in high-growth coastal nodes like Umhlanga and Cape Town.
The group, which owns or holds equity in most of its approximately 90 hotels across South Africa, Africa, and the Seychelles, sees this venture as a significant step into the apart-hotel and branded residences market, which has seen substantial growth in South Africa, as evidenced by competitors like The Capital Hotels & Apartments.
While the exact investment figure for Southern Sun’s equity stake in the South Tower remains undisclosed due to ongoing finalization of room counts and design details, the partnership underscores the group’s commitment to innovative hospitality solutions.
Reddy also hinted at future developments, stating that the Southern Sun Hotel & Residences Oceans Umhlanga will complement the existing Radisson Blu Hotel, solidifying Oceans Umhlanga as the definitive lifestyle destination on the North Coast.
About Southern Sun
Southern Sun is a leading hospitality group in South Africa, renowned for its extensive portfolio of approximately 90 hotels across South Africa, the African continent, and the Seychelles. Established as a trusted name in the industry, the group operates a diverse range of properties, from luxury resorts to business-oriented hotels, catering to both leisure and corporate travellers.
Known for its commitment to quality, Southern Sun combines world-class design, operational excellence, and a deep understanding of local markets to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
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