The project represents a deliberate repositioning of an existing building to suit specific market conditions on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard.
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A Sea Point residential apartment now reimagined as Horizon Aparthotel by Totalstay, is set to open at the beginning of next month.
The 11-storey hospitality development building located at 289 Beach Road was acquired by Heriot REIT in late 2024 and has since been fully converted from residential apartments into a 36-unit boutique aparthotel.
The completed property offers a mix of one- and two-bedroom units, as well as four two-bedroom penthouses on the upper floors.
Each apartment is equipped with an open-plan kitchenette and living area, with bedrooms featuring en-suite bathrooms. Several one-bedroom configurations can be combined to form additional two-bedroom units, designed for families or groups travelling together.
The aparthotel will be operated by Totalstay, a South African aparthotel operator with a portfolio across Cape Town, Johannesburg and Pretoria.
The project represents a deliberate repositioning of an existing building to suit specific market conditions on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard, rather than a conventional hotel development, says Grant Elliott, chief operating officer for Heriot’s Western Cape portfolio.
“This was never about constructing a new building,” says Elliott. “It was about recognising the value of an existing, well-located asset and repurposing it for a different type of accommodation where guests, regardless of how long they stay, have the flexibility of a hotel-style offering together with self-catering facilities.
He adds that the conversion required a full rethink of the building’s layout and internal configuration.
“We approached the redevelopment with the aparthotel market front of mind,” he explains.
“More travellers are working remotely or staying for longer periods, so the building needed to support that, in addition to demand from the corporate and leisure stay segments, with spaces that allow guests to work, live and relax comfortably while being based on one of Cape Town’s most distinctive beachfront locations.”
Horizon spans 11 floors, including a rooftop penthouse with a private jacuzzi. Its units are said to offer views across the Atlantic Ocean or towards the surrounding mountains.
The property also incorporates a restaurant and pool deck, designed as shared guest spaces for residents and visitors, set against the backdrop of Lion’s Head and Signal Hill.
The interiors were with an emphasis on functionality and a design approach aligned with the luxury accommodation market.
Horizon reflects a more personal and intuitive way of staying in the city, according to Rael Phillips, CEO of Totalstay. “Our experience across the Totalstay portfolio shows that many travellers are looking for space that feels easy to settle into.
"At Horizon, the intention was to create an environment where everyday rituals can unfold naturally, whether that’s working from a balcony, sharing a slow breakfast, or simply spending time indoors.
"The setting is considered, but never overbearing - it supports the guest experience rather than defining it.”
The CEO says Horizon forms part of a broader shift in the type of accommodation emerging in urban areas.
Positioned along Sea Point’s Beach Road, the aparthotel is said to offer direct access to the promenade, restaurants and retail areas.
Adaptive reuse becoming more common in urban property development.
According to Elliott, this kind of adaptive reuse is becoming more common in urban property development.
“Cities change. Buildings that were designed for one purpose twenty or thirty years ago don’t always suit how people live or travel today. Converting them into hybrid hospitality spaces is one way of keeping those buildings relevant.”
With construction now complete, the project is said to be moving into its final phase of preparation as the team readies the building for operation and to welcome its first guests. Bookings are now also open.
Meanwhile, Divercity Urban Property Group says it has taken transfer of the Conradie Park site, now known as Parkline, marking a key milestone in bringing this large-scale Cape Town development to life.
It is going to deliver over 800 residential rental apartments in Pinelands, forming part of a broader mixed-use neighbourhood designed around connectivity, green space, and access to opportunity.
"As our footprint in Cape Town continues to grow, Parkline reflects our focus on developing well-located, high-quality rental housing in established urban nodes,” says the urban group.
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