Our History
Newmark Hotels & Reserves is a world-class management company with an exclusive portfolio of luxury properties.
While Newmark was founded in 2007, our CEO and team offer more than 50 years of heritage and experience in the hospitality space.
2007
July
Newmark is founded by CEO Neil Markovitz and includes the property management of the newly renovated Victoria & Alfred Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa.
In 1990, Neil was responsible, together with his late father, Leon Markovitz and the late Abe Swersky, for the conceptualisation and development of the Victoria & Alfred Hotel – the first hotel to be opened in the V&A Waterfront and one that is still an iconic establishment today. At the time of establishment, the hotel belonged to the Ambassador Group, which included the Ambassador Hotel.
November
Dock House Boutique Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
Newmark continues to expand into the V&A Waterfront using the beautiful heritage buildings which were originally part of the Harbour Master’s private residence in the 1800s, transforming them into a boutique hotel.
2010
June
La Splendida, Cape Town, South Africa
Within walking distance of the V&A property, Newmark expands its reach into the neighbouring suburb of Mouille Point on the Atlantic Seaboard with this boutique hotel set right on the famed Platinum Mile.
2011
April
Queen Victoria Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
Newmark opens an ultra-luxurious, five-star hotel in the V&A Waterfront precinct. Affectionately known as the QV, this property is currently one of the top 25 luxury hotels in South Africa.
2013
March
Motswari Private Game Reserve, Limpopo, South Africa
As a South African company, Newmark has always been passionate about the bushveld. Our expansion into the Kruger National Park with the beautiful, family-owned Motswari, helps us to grow this dream.
Geiger's Camp on Motswari Private Game Reserve, Limpopo, South Africa
Geiger’s Camp – an exclusive family home-turned-private-lodge, complete with butler and private chef – adds to the unique safari offerings now under our belt.
2014
November
Nkomazi Private Game Reserve, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Wanting to further grow our safari offering, Newmark takes on the management of a luxurious, secluded tented camp, nestled on the mountainside above a river, surrounded by the an array of wildlife, including leopard, cheetah, lion, elephant, cape buffalo, wildebeest, giraffe and many more.
2016
October
Chuini Zanzibar Lodge, Zanzibar, Tanzania
This is Newmark’s first venture into East Africa and this specific property speaks true to Zanzibarian culture.
November
Newmark Head Office moves location to the Merchant House Building, Dock Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa.
December
The Manor House, Cape Town, South Africa
Newmark transforms the original head office into a boutique hotel with four luxurious suites, creating an additional five-star offering within the waterfront precinct.
2018
November
The Onyx, Cape Town, South Africa
This is Newmark's first venture into the hotel-residence space. The Onyx offers apartment-style hotel suites, as well as residential units, in an iconic building on Heerengracht Street.
2019
May
Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve, Great Karoo, South Africa
Newmark announces the introduction of Mount Camdeboo, a 14 000-hectare reserve located in South Africa’s striking Great Karoo region, to its hospitality portfolio.
Iain Buchanan, family representative for Mount Camdeboo comments “We are incredibly excited for this new season that Mount Camdeboo and Newmark are entering. We believe that this new relationship will take us to new heights and help with establishing Mount Camdeboo and this region in offering a truly unique safari experience and so much more.”
For more information, read here.
2020
March
Newmark continues growth within Africa with the acquisition of La Maison d’Été in Mauritius – a luxuriant hotel beckoning those in search of an opulent tropical escape.
For more information on Newmark’s growth into Africa, read here.
2021
August
The Catalyst, Johannesburg, South Africa
This is our second property into the residence market and first in Johannesburg. This location serves as a central stop over for our safari properties and to service our corporate clients in the province.
October
Newmark launches “I Am Vaccinated” campaign to support and aid all staff in getting fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
November
The Winchester Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa
A great addition to Newmark’s list of iconic properties and heritage buildings, The Winchester Hotel, previously known as Winchester Mansions, is a family-owned hotel that has been loved by generations and speaks to the luxurious qualities that we have become known for at Newmark.
For more information on the refurbishment of this iconic hotel, read here.
December
The Rockefeller, Cape Town, South Africa
With The Rockefeller, Newmark seeks to integrate luxe hoteling with private residential living, offering upscale amenities and exclusive aspects that satisfy the needs of both residents and hotel guests – be it for long or short stays, locals or travellers, business or pleasure.
2022
January
Newmark announces 100% vaccination status against Covid-19 across all its properties and employees, thanks to the “I Am Vaccinated” campaign.
October
QWABI Private Game Reserve, Bela Bela, Waterberg, South Africa
Newmark announces the introduction of QWABI, an 11,000-hectare private game reserve situated within one of only two UNESCO-declared savannah biospheres in Africa. This sprawling reserve is home to BABOHI a five-star lodge and LETAMO a four-star lodge, each positioned on prime land and with its own features. Although different in character, the lodges share the same warm QWABI hospitality.
For more information, read here.
Mystik Lifestyle Boutique Hotel, Mont Choisy, Mauritius
Newmark announces the acquisition of Mystik Lifestyle Boutique Hotel set on the edge of Mont Choisy Beach. Located on the pristine north-western, shore of Mauritius, Mystik is perfectly suited to couples, honeymooners, groups of friends or business travellers.
For more information on Newmark's growth into Africa, read here.
2023
May
Future Found Sanctuary, Cape Town, South Africa
Newmark has added a fresh and unique offering to its growing portfolio - with the addition of Future Found Sanctuary, a private wellness retreat nestled on the Southern slopes of Cape Town's iconic Table Mountain. This 5-star 7-acre estate is designed for inspiration and relaxation.
For more information, read here.
Hazendal Hotel & Spa, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Newmark announces their first acquisition into the Cape Winelands with the Hazendal Wine Estate. This multifaceted 5-star accommodation is perfect for the whole family.
For more information on Newmark's growth into the Winelands, read here.
July
Lakowe Lakes Golf & Country Estate, South Africa
Newmark announces their first acquisition in Lagos, Nigeria. Lakowe Lakes Golf and Country Estate is located 40 kilometres from Lago's Victoria Island Central Business District. This 308-hectare gated estate offers upscale residential villas to rent, luxury lodge-style accommodation and a signature 18-hole championship Lakowe Lakes Golf Course designed by world-acclaimed Golf Course Architect, Robert O'Friel.
For more information on Newmark's growth into Africa, read here.
September
The Hazendal Yacht, Cape Town, South Africa
Launched by Hazendal Wine Estate, and managed by Newmark Hotels & Reserves, the superyacht Princess Eve is 25m making it South Africa's largest superyacht. Available for exclusive charter cruises and private events.
For more information, read here.
November
Blaauwklippen, Stellenbosch, South Africa
Newmark announces their second acquisition in the Winelands with Blaauwklippen Wine Estate. The boutique accommodation encompasses a total of 34 units, including the new accommodation offering, which is expected to launch in Q1 2025.
For more information, read here.
2024
June
Motswari African Retreat, Greater Kruger Park, South Africa
Newmark has expanded its portfolio with the addition of Motswari African Retreat, a private wellness haven located within the unspoiled wilderness of the Timbavati. This exclusive retreat offers an immersive experience in nature, where guests can indulge in restorative wellness practices while surrounded by the beauty of the African bush. Combining luxury with a deep connection to the natural environment.
For more information, read here.