South Africa: Hospitality group Southern Sun has signed its first hotel and residences in the R5 billion (£209 million) Oceans Umhlanga mixed-use development.
The Oceans Umhlanga masterplan includes the Oceans Mall and five-star Radisson Blu Durban Umhlanga Hotel. The North Oceans Umhlanga Residential Tower which launched last week will introduce 258 luxury apartments to the scheme.
Southern Sun has signed a deal with the project’s developer Vivian Reddy to add Southern Sun Hotel & Residences Oceans Umhlanga in the South Tower, which is due to be completed in late 2027.
The hotel would feature around 200 rooms alongside 80 serviced residences.
Marcel von Aulock, CEO of Southern Sun, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Oceans Umhlanga in this ground-breaking development. Southern Sun is not just going to be operating the hotel in the South Tower; the group is investing an equity stake in the tower and will be part of the management of the hotel and residences.
“The Southern Sun Hotel & Residences Oceans Umhlanga represents a new opportunity for us to both increase our capacity in the vibrant Umhlanga Rocks area, as well as enter a new market for quality serviced apartments that cater for both short- and longer-stay guests. It marks the group’s first foray into the branded hotel residences and apartments space,” he added.
Reddy said: “We evaluated various hotel operators over the past year and selected Southern Sun as the leading hotel company in South Africa. Southern Sun is a household name in hospitality and brings world-class design, operational experience, and a deep understanding of the South African tourism market to a project that caters to both local and international travellers.”
Highlights:
• Southern Sun will introduce its first hotel and residences at Oceans Umhlanga in Durban.
• The South Tower, set to complete by late 2027, will include 200 hotel rooms and 80 residences.
• The project is part of a R5 billion mixed-use development.
