ANEW Hotels & Resorts: South Africa’s Dynamic & Homegrown Hospitality Group
19 Properties and Still Growing…
Since opening its doors in 2017, ANEW Hotels & Resorts has grown into one of South Africa’s most dynamic, proudly home-grown hospitality groups. With 19 properties currently forming part of their portfolio, the brand’s steady rise is due its fresh take on old fashioned hospitality values, really matter to them… really! Include here authentic conversations and strategic goals, aligned with values partners with long-term mutually beneficial relationships to offer their guests the utmost of care, and an understanding about the small modern luxuries that makes for a truly memorable stay, whether long or short.
In The Beginning…
The name ANEW symbolises a fresh start. The name indicates the group’s focus on doing things with intention, modernity, a fresh take and care where travellers can reconnect, recharge, and enjoy moments that feel genuine.
The ANEW story began long before the official company was formed, through dairy and timber farming in Kwa-Zulu Natal by the Armour family. Led today by CEO Clinton Armour, ANEW first entered the hospitality world through a humble roadhouse motel near Harding in KwaZulu-Natal. It was here that a love for people, service and community first became evident. What began as a family venture evolved into a shared vision to build a hospitality group that celebrates South Africa’s unique diversity whilst creating consistent and heartfelt guest experiences across every stay.
The group’s first major milestone came with the transformation of this well-loved roadside motel, transforming it into ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest Kokstad. This project set the tone for what would become ANEW’s signature approach by honouring existing properties by breathing new life into these familiar spaces and areas, all while retaining their initial charm and connection to the local area.
From these early beginnings, ANEW Hotels & Resorts has expanded its footprint through partnerships, acquisitions and careful investment, growing into five provinces and encompassing 19 distinctive properties. Together, they offer travellers modern city hotels for business travellers, relaxed countryside resorts with activities, or restful days on the beach.
Today, ANEW’s portfolio includes destinations across KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Mpumalanga, the North West and the Western Cape. Each property carries its own character, influenced by its immediate surroundings, but they all share the same promise of warmth, service and familiarity.
With more than 1,603 rooms across the group, ANEW welcomes both business and leisure guests. For the business traveller, the convenience of modern conference spaces and packages, along with accessible locations to meet the practical needs of work on the move. For the leisure guest, For the leisure guest, ANEW offers stays that fit the pace of life you want, like morning coffees overlooking the garden or ocean, afternoon swims, close proximity to exploring nearby towns, and evenings spent enjoying local dishes with family and friends.
An iconic Garden Route property enters a new era
Among ANEW’s most exciting recent additions is ANEW Resort Wilderness Garden Route, a property rich in heritage and character from the area. Located just east of George along the N2, this historic landmark has long been part of the region’s tourism story. With 150 rooms, the resort offers a peaceful stop for travellers exploring the famous Garden Route.
The building itself is fascinating. Originally a boarding house in the early 1900s, it became The Wilderness Hostel in 1924 and soon earned a reputation as a welcoming haven for travellers between Cape Town and the Eastern Cape. In the late 1930s, it even hosted meetings that would later shape what became South African Tourism.
During the British royal family’s 1947 tour of South Africa, the Wilderness area was a memorable stop for Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth II) and her family, another chapter in the hotel’s long and colourful history. From here the hotel’s name changed a few times, some people know it as The Karos Hotel and others as The Wilderness Hotel.
Now, as of 1 October 2025, the property enters an exciting new phase, with the refurbishment and updated facilities. The resort though, is still true to its nostalgic charm but with a renewed energy. Guests can enjoy a wellness spa, two swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, padel courts, a gym, bowling green, lawn bowls and putt-putt. Conference spaces cater for up to 500 delegates, while the restaurant and bar offer fresh, flavourful dining in a setting that captures the essence of the Garden Route.
A highlight of the recent upgrades includes the restaurant and the reimagined lounge overlooking the Wilderness Common, now featuring a new bar area that has quickly become a favourite gathering spot. This beloved property connects the group’s KwaZulu-Natal roots to the Western Cape coastline, serving as an ideal halfway point for travellers journeying through South Africa. Its natural beauty and sense of history make it a fitting addition to the ANEW family.
