Step Into the Forest Pods: A New Era of Luxury Living at Future Found Sanctuary by Newmark Hotels & Reserves

Cape Town’s first and only five-star regenerative travel destination introduces a new way to experience its naturally spectacular setting: the Forest Pods. Tucked between the folds of Hout Bay’s lush mountainside, these two carefully considered additions to Future Found Sanctuary bring its design-led, regenerative travel ethos into even closer dialogue with nature—a place where design, nature, and wellbeing aren’t separate ideas, but part of the same experience.

Positioned between the property’s two main villas, Villa Verte and Maison Noir, the pods offer two distinct perspectives. Sky Pod looks outward, stretching toward the rolling valleys of Constantia Nek. Earth Pod is set lower into the landscape, within a quiet, forested enclave. Together, they offer a different kind of luxury—one that is quiet, intentional, and deeply rooted in place. 

Designed in collaboration with Sean Mahoney of StudioMAS, the Forest Pods are as much about the absence of distraction as they are about design. Reflecting a low-impact approach that enhances rather than disrupts the landscape, the interplay of architecture and environment is intentional—curved forms echo the contours of the land, and offset brickwork mirrors the shifting daylight and shadows through the trees. It’s an exercise in subtle integration rather than contrast.

The interiors, curated by owners Jim Brett and Ed Gray with Greg McFarlan, feature a contemporary yet soulful aesthetic. A carefully considered mix of South African design and natural textures of wood and stone bring warmth and a sense of place, prioritising comfort, simplicity, and a grounded presence.

An open-plan layout—anchored by a king-size bed, en-suite bathroom, lounge and dining area, and private outdoor space—encourages a slower, more connected pace of living, embracing a conscious approach to luxury. Expansive sliding doors dissolve the boundary between indoors and out, allowing the air, light, and sounds—the nearby stream running through the property, and birdsong filtering through the canopy—to shape the space. The view is framed rather than competed with, inviting nature inside and connecting guests to the landscape.

Designed for couples, solo travellers or small groups, the pods can be booked individually or combined into a two-bedroom private escape, ideal for friends or families seeking a shared experience without compromising on privacy.

Though the Forest Pods offer a sense of seclusion, they’re still very much part of the broader offerings of Future Found Sanctuary. Guests have full access to the estate’s holistic amenities, including heated swimming and cold plunge pools, the Sensorium Spa for personalised wellness treatments, a world-class gym, yoga and meditation spaces, and the Five Elements Garden. Curated dining experiences at Maison Noir and Villa Verte with private chefs, along with a relaxed evening in the private cinema and wine cellar, round out the experience. Whether guests seek solitude or connection, the experience is uniquely their own.

“Future Found Sanctuary is so much more than stunning accommodations—it offers modern travellers those intangible luxuries they’re increasingly seeking: space, time, and privacy. The Forest Pods are a natural extension of that ethos, allowing guests to reconnect with nature while enjoying the utmost in comfort. And, of course, the experience is framed by one of Cape Town’s most beautiful settings, where architecture, design, and local African art truly take centre stage,” says Neil Markovitz, CEO of Newmark Hotels & Reserves.

Guest feedback has already been overwhelmingly positive, describing the experience as having ‘a private estate within an estate’—a space that feels both expansive and intimate.

“The Forest Pods create a different kind of luxury,” says co-owner Ed Gray. “There’s a real sense of space, quiet, and ease—while still being fully connected to everything Future Found Sanctuary has to offer.”

A study in organic minimalism, the Forest Pods welcome guests into a space where design, nature, and wellness come together.

For Media enquiries, email Cara Steyn: cara@newmarkhotels.com. For bookings or reservations, click here.