Property

New luxury hotel opens in one of South Africa’s most expensive neighbourhoods

Kirsten Minnaar • 16 June 2026

A former apartment block on Sea Point’s beachfront has been transformed into the 36-unit Horizon Aparthotel, adding a new hotel and hospitality offering to Cape Town’s growing tourism sector.

Developed by real estate investment trust Heriot and operated by Totalstay, Horizon Aparthotel occupies a prominent position on Sea Point’s oceanfront.

Horizon Aparthotel is located at 289 Beach Road and features 36 apartments and penthouses, a restaurant, pool deck and rooftop facilities, with direct access to Sea Point’s promenade and a host of surrounding attractions.

The building was acquired by Heriot in late 2024 and has since been transformed from a former residential apartment block into a contemporary coastal hospitality offering.

Every apartment is equipped with an open-plan kitchenette and living area, with bedrooms featuring en-suite bathrooms.

Several one-bedroom configurations are able to be combined to form additional two-bedroom units, designed for families or groups travelling together.

The aparthotel is operated by Totalstay, one of South Africa’s leading aparthotel operators with a portfolio across Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Pretoria.

Recently, Horizon Aparthotel was officially introduced to Cape Town’s tourism and hospitality sector at a rooftop cocktail event overlooking Sea Point’s Atlantic coastline.

The event was attended by representatives from the travel and tourism industry, hospitality operators, industry associations, media and other key stakeholders.

Guests attending the launch were invited to experience the property’s apartments, penthouses, and rooftop facilities, offering panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill.

Commenting on the launch, Cape Town Tourism CEO Enver Duminy welcomed the addition of the property to Cape Town’s hospitality portfolio.

“Sea Point has long been one of Cape Town’s most vibrant and sought-after destinations, and the arrival of Horizon Aparthotel is a welcome addition to the neighbourhood’s dynamic hospitality scene,” he said.

“This launch reflects the growing confidence among investors and operators in Cape Town as a world-class destination and signals the thoughtful, high-quality accommodation that today’s discerning travellers seek.”

A major redevelopment opens its doors

Horizon Aparthotel opening: (left to right) Gaby van Wyk, Rael Phillips, Siobhian Lockhart, Justin Asher, and Grant Elliott

Heriot’s Western Cape portfolio Chief Operating Officer Grant Elliot said the event marked the culmination of an ambitious redevelopment project.

“We are immensely proud of what has been achieved at Horizon. This project began with a vision to unlock the potential of an existing asset and create something that contributes positively to Sea Point’s hospitality landscape,” Elliot said.

“Seeing the property come to life and receiving such a positive response from industry stakeholders at the launch has been incredibly rewarding.”

According to Totalstay CEO Rael Phillips, the strong turnout at the launch reflected the industry’s interest in new hospitality developments in the city.

“The response to the launch has been tremendously encouraging,” said Phillips. “We were pleased to welcome so many colleagues, partners and industry stakeholders to Horizon and introduce them to the property.”

“What stood out most was the quality of the conversations and the positive feedback from guests who took the time to experience the development.”

Phillips explained that the idea of home rituals with a hotel backdrop is something that was particularly important for the group.

“Whether guests are enjoying a quiet morning coffee overlooking the ocean, finding a comfortable spot to work, or simply taking time to slow down, Horizon has been designed to feel intuitive and easy to settle into,” he said.

“The launch gave us an opportunity to share that philosophy with the industry, and the response has been incredibly positive.”