Welcome. Willkommen. Bienvenue!

From the Whale Coast and the Mother City to the vast wilderness of The Greater Kruger National Park, every Royal Portfolio arrival is a special occasion.

Step into our world

Each destination has its own spectacular approach, whether it’s mountains, bush, ocean or vineyards. Your journey with us starts with that first moment of connection, a signature welcome drink, our way of saying, “Hello, we’re glad you’re here.”

La Residence

There’s something majestic about driving up the winding road that leads to La Residence, past the miniature horses and prancing springboks that may glance up to acknowledge your presence. It’s here that the Dylan Lewis bronze sculpture presides, an opulent invitation into the entrance foyer and its grand chandelier, framed by the mauve peaks of the mountain range in the distance.

Situated in the heart of South Africa’s wine country, it’s only fitting that the welcome drink is a glass of La Residence Rosé*. Guests love to stroll inside, glass in hand, taking in the volume of the space, the lavish fresh flowers perfectly displayed by the in-house florist, the colour, the artwork and antiques, and of course a warm and friendly welcome from our team (including a posy for the ladies).

Wayve Kolevsohn, Group Beverage Manager and Sommelier for The Royal Portfolio, says, “Our La Residence Rosé draws inspiration from Provence while remaining faithful to our unique Franschhoek climate and terroir, and it’s the perfect way to introduce our guests to the winelands.”

Waterside at Royal Malewane

Some 1,700 kilometres away in the lowveld, things are different at Royal Malewane’s Waterside: Cape fynbos is replaced with bushveld scrub and the possibility of seeing wildlife at any moment. A decked walkway crosses over water features with koi on either side and the team is there to greet you, offering a scented cold hand towel to refresh hands and face as you breathe in the calm sanctity of the space.

It may have been a long journey to get to The Greater Kruger National Park, but the famous “Basil Smash” is delicious and refreshing. The signature welcome drink at Waterside doesn’t hold back: it’s a vibrant green mocktail that mirrors the colour of the fever trees that surround the lodge.

“It’s a delicious mix of basil and elderflower,” says Waterside’s F&B Manager, Sherine Lourens. “A thirst-quenching drink that comes with some beneficial feel-good properties too. Guests just love it and often ask for it throughout their stay.”
Taking a moment to enjoy the beautiful setting is all part of the ritual at Waterside, where the pace is laid back and the promise of what is beyond the fever trees awaits, with your Guide and Tracker ready to take you out on that first game drive.

Masiya’s Camp at Royal Malewane

Arriving at Masiya’s Camp, guests are not always sure what to expect. It’s a tented camp that breaks all conventional rules about being on safari. The pink canvas and massive ceramic vases at the entrance are a giveaway that nothing about Masiya’s is boring beige and there’s so much to discover.

Guests are invited to enjoy a pink “Berry Spritz” made using raspberries, ginger and limes before being shown around their luxury tented suites or invited to linger around the gorgeous bar area with its pitched ceiling, colourful décor and spectacular views of the bush.

“We like to make sure that every guest feels welcome when they arrive. Some have travelled far to be with us so we want to make sure every moment is memorable, from start to finish,” says Wonder Mlambo.

The energy of Masiya’s is to expect the unexpected, and you will feel it at every turn. Dedicated to the memory of Master Tracker Wilson Masiya, a deep love for nature and the environment underlies each experience with a sense of belonging and the comfort of being home.

Our Welcome Needs No Translation

First introductions are a highlight for our teams, and every arrival is a chance to mark the moment and hold the space before your stay with us unfolds.

At The Silo in Cape Town, that might mean a glass of bubbly as your eyes settle on the floor-to-ceiling views or the work of some of Africa’s finest contemporary artists. At Birkenhead House, Samuel Allerton’s “Togetherness” sculpture welcomes you before you even step inside, and soon you’re sipping a watermelon cocktail with the ocean stretching out before you and, if you’re lucky, a whale or two.