Presented by Galetti

Rare property investment opportunity – Own one of Coffee Bay’s largest resorts

 ·20 Dec 2024

The iconic Hole in the Wall Retreat in Coffee Bay will be auctioned off at 12:00 on 4 February 2025 at the King David Mowbray Golf Club in Cape Town.

This auction, which is being run by Galetti Auction, offers investors an incredible opportunity to own a world-class resort in one of South Africa’s most sought-after small coastal towns.

Remote towns like Coffee Bay have become key attractions for holidayers in South Africa, as they avoid the crowded experience in larger holiday destinations like Cape Town, Umhlanga, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and the Cape Winelands.

“This trend mirrors the global shift toward sustainable tourism and authentic local experiences,” said Galetti Auction Managing Director Wesley Cowan.

Coffee Bay is a prime holiday destination located on the Wild Coast of the Eastern Cape and only 250km outside of Durban.

It is home to fewer than 300 locals, ensuring that holidayers get an authentic, unmatchable experience.

“This small coastal town attracts backpackers and adventurers who are drawn to its natural beauty, including the iconic Hole in the Wall rock formation,” said Cowan.

“Activities such as surfing, hiking and cultural tours also make it a unique spot.”

The property

One of the largest resorts in Coffee Bay – the Hole in the Wall Retreat – represents an excellent investment opportunity.

The entire property spans an ERF size of 13,062 square metres and a GLA of 3,196 square metres – and investors can also bid on specific parts of the resort.

“Bidders will have the opportunity to bid on three options – the entire property; the hotel, backpackers and vacant land; and/or the chalets and houses,” said Cowan.

The 1,397 square metre hotel comprises 11 stunning self-catering suites perched right on the water’s edge.

These suites range in size from 76 square metres to 91 square metres.

The hotel also has a bar, shop, restaurant, swimming pool, playground area, spa, reception, and staff accommodation – ensuring an incredible holiday experience.

The backpackers facility is 536 square metres and features 11 more rooms – each sleeping between three to five people.

Cowan said this option has proved to be popular for those who seek a quick stop-over on their holiday journeys.

The hotel and the backpackers facility are both fully staffed and operational, and boast many new and repeat visitors on their books.

This ensures that the successful bidder will immediately enjoy the benefits of a thriving business.

Rounding out the accommodation options are the 10 chalets/houses.

They are all beautifully thatched and offer between two and four private bedrooms, spacious living rooms, and kitchenettes.

There is an additional 8,355 square metres of development land up for auction, too, and the successful bidder can use this for whatever projects they prefer.

“They may choose to use it for agricultural purposes, expand the property for hospitality purposes, or create a new mixed-use development,” said Cowan.

Exciting investment opportunities

Cowan said that alongside the incredible value of these prime properties, the auction structure presents interesting opportunities for multiple investors to collaborate.

“Whether there are one, two or three final bidders at auction, the property leaves plenty of room for collaboration among keen developers and investors, and has huge potential,” he said.

The sale process involves a transfer of shares in a shareblock, which then grants the owner a right-of-use over the connected property through a lease that is valid until 2084.

“We anticipate high demand come auction day based on the property’s location, its untapped potential, a steady stream of visitors and the unique proposition that the area presents,” said Cowan.

Click here to learn more about the auction.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter