Property

South African luxury hotel building the world’s largest labyrinth

Kirsten Minnaar • 5 March 2026

Set in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, development is underway at Brahman Hills on the Serenity Garden – a new multi-million rand, 22-hectare project set to feature the world’s largest labyrinth.

Brahman Hills, an award-winning, sanctuary-led destination in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, has announced a multi-million-rand investment in the Serenity Garden.

The group explained that KwaZulu-Natal has always had the raw ingredients to be a top tourist destination in South Africa. Attractions include mountains, coastline, game reserves, Zulu heritage, battlefields, and warm water.

Even so, the province has not always had enough compelling destination experiences to make visitors stay longer. However, the Brahman Hills group said this is about to change.

Following the announcement of the new Club Med development on the North Coast set to open later in 2026, a complementary private investment is taking shape inland.

Brahman Hills’ new Serenity Garden development is also set to be a catalyst for tourism in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands region.

This development will be anchored by what will become the world’s largest labyrinth and a first-of-its-kind spa in Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.

It will also feature an underground orchid house, curated olive groves, a nine-metre waterfall and expansive landscaped spaces designed for reflection and immersive nature experiences.

The Midlands has often been experienced as a scenic pass-through rather than a primary destination. “Not anymore,” said Brahman Hills CEO Orrin Cottle.

“By creating a globally significant landmark, we expect to attract not only local holidaymakers but international travellers looking to discover something architecturally ambitious and experientially rare.”

He stressed, however, that scale does not mean big crowds, saying their intention is not to build a high-volume attraction.

“The Serenity Garden is designed as a sanctuary; a space for quiet reflection, where guests can reconnect with nature, art and themselves. The experience is immersive, but it is also intentionally restorative and calm.”

KZN Midlands set to shine

Scheduled to also open towards the end of 2026, the 22-hectare landmark project comes at a pivotal moment for the province.

Alongside renewed coastal momentum, it reflects a broader shift towards experience-led destinations that encourage visitors to move through the province and linger a little longer.

The construction of The Serenity Garden, the expansion of the spa, and the renovation of the five-star Premium Signature Villas have already generated employment.

And, once operational, the development will require skilled and semi-skilled roles across garden management, visitor services, hospitality and maintenance.

But the deeper value lies beyond the gates. When people stay longer, they explore more. They eat at more restaurants and stop at more farm stalls. They book outdoor adventures and visit galleries.

Secondary spend strengthens, confidence grows, and over time, so does the surrounding property market. “It’s a win-win,” Cottle said.

“When we invest, we want the whole region to benefit. The Midlands will win, independent businesses will win, and the province will win; but most importantly, lives will be shifted by this project.”

Cottle explained that the Serenity Garden development is anchored in a long-term vision for the province.

“We are building something that will outlive us. Something our children’s children will inherit with pride.”

“KwaZulu-Natal is rich in culture, history and natural beauty. It has often been undersold. We believe the province deserves infrastructure that matches its potential.”