The private lifestyle estate in South Africa named among the best in the world

·28 May 2026

The ultra-luxury Val de Vie Estate has been included in the list of the top 15 wellness real estate developments in the world.

It is the only estate from Africa to be featured in the Global Wellness Institute’s 2026 Wellness Real Estate Atlas.

The Global Wellness Institute is a US-based non-profit organisation recognised as a leading authority on the “Wellness Economy.”

The atlas groups the top 15 estates. Val de Vie Estate’s luxury retirement community, Val de Vie Evergreen Lifestyle, was listed in the second tier, which featured 31 international estates.

The top 15 estates in the world include:

AMAALA Residences, Triple Bay – Saudi Arabia
Babcock Ranch – United States
Canyon Ranch Austin – United States
Dhun Jaipur – India
Fox Point Farms – United States
Gelephu Mindfulness City – Bhutan
Indigo Community – United States
Lake Nona – United States
Palmetto Bluff – United States
Rancho Mission Viejo – United States
Serenbe – United States
Sunbridge – United States
The Residences at Rancho La Puerta – Mexico
Zibi – Canada
Val de Vie Estate – South Africa

The wellness economy, which aims to support physical, mental and emotional well-being, has expanded rapidly in recent years and is now valued at $876 billion globally

“The recognition points to something often underestimated in South Africa: the role that estates play not only in shaping healthy and fulfilling living, but also in driving economic activity,” said Ryk Neethling from Val de Vie.

“The popularity of wellness estates such as Val de Vie Estate makes them economic engines that contribute to regional growth, infrastructure investment, and municipal sustainability.”

The rankings from the Global Wellness Institute with regard to the best wellness estates are based on six categories of wellness:

Physical wellness
Mental and emotional wellness
Social wellness
Environmental wellness
Community or civic wellness
Economic wellness

When it comes to economics, Val de Vie Estate is considered one of the priciest in South Africa, with properties currently listed at up to R100 million.

Close to 30% of all property taxes

The estate has now become part of the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley, and has added billions in investment and thousands of jobs.

Research by Dr Jonathan Bloom shows that the construction of the Val de Vie Estate and Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate contributed R14 billion to the Western Cape economy.

The estates also contributed R36.6 billion in new business sales and created 51,000 jobs. The estates also generate significant tax revenue.

Bloom’s research showed that close to 30% of all property taxes in the Drakenstein Municipality are contributed by Val de Vie and Pearl Valley.

“This means that almost one in every three Rand collected in rates is generated by these three developments,” said the estate.

“This has direct implications for municipal capacity, service delivery and long-term financial resilience.”

The estate’s history dates back to 2001 when founder and CEO Martin Venter flew over the Paarl-Franschhoek Valley and saw the ideal location alongside the Berg River for his family home.

The land was previously a run-down wine farm that was founded by Abraham Andries le Roux in 1783. The land was then bought in 2003.

R450 million of infrastructure development started in 2004, with the first properties sold that year. The first home was completed in 2007, with the Polo Pavilion then finished in 2008.

Translated from French, Val de Vie means the “Valley of Life,” which echoes the estate’s location nestled between the Drakenstein and Simonsberg mountains

It boasts an ample natural water supply and enjoys a Mediterranean climate. The estate aims to blend country living with modern amenities, including schools and easy access to international airports.

“What started out as a polo and wine estate, evolved into a lifestyle estate and is today a leader in wellness estates,” it said.