European giant bringing first-of-its-kind lifestyle development to South Africa
The Radisson Hotel Group is developing the first internationally branded serviced apartment offering in South Africa, with the Belgian company choosing Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal.
The group said that it will open its first 183-room extended-stay development, which is planned to open in 2029. It will launch to the public on 15 August 2026.
The initial 40 apartments are being sold from R1.75 million for a studio apartment in Phase 1.
Avoca Developments’ Chris Horn said the development introduces an internationally recognised extended-stay product that is designed to meet evolving traveller preferences.
“This is the epitome of a lifestyle investment where your apartment is taken care of by the Radisson Hotel Group,” said Horn.
“You get the added benefit of utilising a unit of the same size and standard for any 30 days in a year, while the other 11 months are rented out.”
He added that the apartments also have an investment opportunity, with an expected average yield of
12.7% by year 5.
Radisson’s new product in South Africa joins a growing list of international hospitality giants entering the KZN market.
KZN is becoming a highly attractive hospitality investment market, with major infrastructure investments, improved connectivity via King Shaka, and the growth of Umhlanga and its surroundings.
The province recently welcomed the Club Med South Africa Beach & Safari Resort on the North Coast, becoming the first Club Med to offer beach and safari experiences.
Radisson chose Umhlanga Ridge for its mixed-use business and lifestyle precincts, which are home to several retail, residential and healthcare amenities.
Daniel Trappler, Senior Director of Development, Sub-Saharan Africa for Radisson Hotel Group,
said that the province has all the ingredients of a high-growth hospitality market.
This includes strong domestic demand and increasing international interest, with large tourism investments expected to boost the business landscape.
“We’ve seen the demand for serviced apartments in Cape Town and the Western Cape, and it’s been huge,” said Trappler.
“The advantage that KZN has is that prices are lower, and the market is still relatively underdeveloped.”
He added that the group believes that the introduction of internationally branded service apartments is a natural step in the province’s hospitality evolution.
A new type of stay
The latest Umhlanga development is leaning into one of the biggest shifts within global hospitality, as travellers increasingly see the flexibility and convenience of professionally managed hotel services.
This has been further driven by hybrid working, project-based employment, digital nomadism and international business travel.
“Serviced apartments are no longer a niche accommodation product; they have become an
essential component of a modern hospitality portfolio,” said Trappler.
“Today’s travellers want the space, flexibility and comfort of a home combined with the consistency, security and service standards of an internationally recognised hotel brand.”
He added that Radisson expects extended-stay accommodation to become an increasingly important driver of hospitality growth across Africa, with KZN set to benefit from the shift.
Residents at the extended-stay will benefit from concierge services, housekeeping, on-site restaurants, a rooftop bar, conference and meeting facilities, all managed by Radisson.
The Umhlanga location is walking distance from the Gateway Theatre of Shopping and five minutes from the heart of Umhlanga.
Images of Radisson Serviced Apartments Umhlanga
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