ANEW Hotels & Resorts has announced the upcoming addition of a landmark Garden Route property to its portfolio. As of 1 October 2025, The Wilderness Hotel will become ANEW Resort Wilderness Garden Route, bringing the group’s national property count to 19 since its launch in 2017.
This marks the group’s second hotel in the Western Cape, strengthening its foothold in one of South Africa’s most scenic and strategically positioned travel corridors. Located just east of George along the N2 and within easy reach of Knysna, Mossel Bay and Oudtshoorn, the 150-room hotel is well known to both leisure and business travellers.
Originally established as a boarding house in the early 1900s, the property was renamed The Wilderness Hostel in 1924 and gained prominence during the 1930s to 1950s. It played a role in shaping South African tourism history, hosting meetings in the 1930s that laid the groundwork for what is now South African Tourism. Over the years, the hotel has been managed by various hospitality groups and welcomed many notable guests.
ANEW Resort Wilderness will serve as a convenient midway stop for travellers moving between KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape, particularly those exploring the scenic Garden Route. With its proximity to the Garden Route National Park and other natural attractions, the hotel aligns well with ANEW’s positioning as a brand that prioritises both comfort and location appeal.
The resort offers a wide array of amenities, including two swimming pools, a wellness spa, padel courts, squash and tennis courts, a bowling green, a gym, mountain biking trails, putt-putt, and facilities for corporate events and conferences accommodating up to 500 delegates.
Clinton Armour, CEO of ANEW Hotels & Resorts, expressed enthusiasm about the group’s latest addition. “We’re proud to welcome this renowned property to the ANEW Hotels & Resorts group. Long-standing guests can now enjoy this quality resort, along with our famed ANEW hospitality,” he said. “The Wilderness Hotel holds a special place in the history of South African tourism, and we’re excited to play a role in its next chapter.”
The property will be operated by ANEW under a lease agreement, with upgrades to public areas and facilities planned before its official transition in October. These refurbishments aim to bring the hotel in line with ANEW’s brand standards while honouring its rich legacy.
ANEW continues to focus on sustainable expansion within key tourism nodes across South Africa, supported by strong partnerships with property owners and a commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality guest experiences.
