The Restorative Power of Sea and Safari

Leave Better Than When You Arrived

Whether you’re seeking fitness goals, looking for ways to revive body, mind or soul – or wanting to share exciting new adventures with the family – Royal Malewane and Birkenhead House offer wellness on your own terms.

In 2026, wellness travel is so much more than having a spa on site. “Glowcations”, star bathing, sound journeys, forest gazing, detox vacays and even “rage retreats” are new offerings in this trillion-dollar global industry, with huge growth predicted in the coming years (according to the Global Wellness Institute).

While fads come and go, luxury travellers are seeking destinations that offer wellness as part of an overarching experience that leaves them refreshed and rejuvenated when it’s time to go home.

Wellness, the Royal Malewane Way

Getting in touch with nature is on the trends forecast for the next few years and is something that has always been part of visiting Royal Malewane. Each of the lodges and private villas is designed around maximising a sense of closeness to the bush.

“Family wellness” getaways are a theme, according to Condé Nast Traveller, with multi-generational retreats being a focus – and there are so many opportunities for connection at Royal Malewane. Heading out on game drives or bush walks offer the perfect chance to spend quality time together – and there are also other exciting options, such as conservation-based activities, or even taking a helicopter flip over the lowveld. Simply casting your eyes up at the night sky has an immense calming effect, and the perfect way to experience this is dinner at one of our lodges under a blanket of stars.

Wellness extends to food choices, and while the Ozempic era may be rewriting global menus, our chefs are mindful of the fact that travellers want to eat healthy, delicious meals that are full of flavour and variety and are packed with nutrition. Personalised dining, tapas plates, smoothies and raw juices remain a staple.

Ocean Energy and Fresh Sea Breezes

While a trip to Royal Malewane might tick the box when it comes to getting in touch with the elements (another key trend according to National Geographic Traveller’s: “Wellness travel in 2026”), a stay at Birkenhead House in the seaside town of Hermanus is the ultimate “blue spaces” destination. The theory suggests that the sensory effects of being close to water are associated with creating a calmer state, and therefore better mental health.

The team at Birkenhead House would strongly agree, and due to its location overlooking Walker Bay, that close association with the ocean is ever-present.

Adventure experiences are a big part of what the next-generation traveller is looking for, according to Skift Research’s Report: “Exploring Gen Z and Millennial Travel”, and options include boat-based whale watching, sea kayaking (great for an upper-body workout as well), surfing at Voëlklip Beach, and a Dyer Island cruise. The latest offering from Wild Waters Charters is a great option for a family outing as it follows the coastline towards Gansbaai or Onrus, where you can spot seals, dolphins and seabirds.

Guests can visit the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens in the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve near Betty’s Bay, which features a spectacular showcase of Cape Fynbos and scenic walking trails, such as Disa Kloof and Leopard’s Kloof (for the more adventurous). Enjoy a picnic lunch prepared by our resident chefs at one of the many beautiful viewpoints.

Because of its location, there’s a focus on seafood at Birkenhead House, and for those who like to work for their dinner, foraging for mussels is an option. Once you have delivered your harvest to the Birkenhead chefs, they will cook up a delicious feast. It goes without saying that vegan, vegetarian and other personalised food choices are catered for Birkenhead House and all of The Royal Portfolio properties.

Slowing Down and Seaside Yoga

If you’re not out doing ocean-going activities, taking long walks or exploring the town, there’s always the option of visiting the Spa at Birkenhead House – try one of the African-inspired deep-body massages or a skin treatment that will have those back home thinking you indeed went on a “glowcation”. There are also private yoga sessions available either for small groups or individuals – to be enjoyed on the beach or the grass area near the hotel, or on your private suite balcony.

Whether you choose to visit Royal Malewane, Birkenhead House or both, you are guaranteed a wellness journey that embraces all the elements of a restful and relaxing holiday where wellness means living fully, whatever that means to you.