Future Found Sanctuary in Hout Bay by Newmark

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the team at the Future Found Sanctuary. We had the most wonderful experience. Chris the manager was just superb as was the rest of the team, they made this more than just a hotel making you feel part of their family. The accommodation is A++++, food breakfast and dinner is A +++, and amenities - heated pool, steam room and cinema room are just out of this world. This is one of the few hotels that I would have no hesitation in visiting again.

This is an experience like no other. Everything and everyone at this amazing Sanctuary embraces the idea of service as a way of spreading humanity and kindness. The facilities are outstanding and clearly luxurious, but they also feel like home. The spa, gym, and pool keep you busy enough, and then there is fantastic food, so the days dissolve into moments. The lucky few who can experience this place should - it really is a magnificent place that is managed with a lot of humanity.

Truly amazing experience from start to finish. We cannot speak highly enough about this hotel. The surroundings of the hotel are spectacular and tranquil. While the hotel itself provides a high level of luxury. Prince, Kia and all the staff are exceptional and made our stay even more memorable. Also to note, the lunch ans dinner dining experiences offered are a must.

Future Found Sanctuary is the ideal place for travellers who wish to immerse themselves in nature and relax in beautiful surroundings that include a balance between stunning architecture, well-appointed rooms, luxurious finishes, and a world-class art collection. The property is one of a kind and sets the standard for five-star luxury in South Africa.

Not the sanctuary it promises to be, unfortunately. We were drawn in by the photos and the way the place was presented as a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by nature. While the setting is indeed beautiful, the experience didn’t live up to how it was sold. We chose full board thinking it would be relaxing to have all meals on-site, but only lunch was decent. Dinner was overly salty and heavy, and one of us ended up with food poisoning, so we barely touched breakfast the next day. While that can happen anywhere, it’s not what you’d expect after such a polished presentation. More frustrating was the constant smell of burned meat and wood in the main house, which lingered on our clothes and made the space feel far from serene. The design and overall attention to detail also didn’t reflect the calm, refined atmosphere promised online. That said, the staff were kind and did their best. But overall, the stay didn’t match the image or expectations created by the property’s own storytelling.

Our last stop of our 3.5 week tour of the Western Cape was 2 nights in a room in the Villa Verte section of the hotel. It actually has 3 separate parts with the recent introduction of the 2 pod rooms in the forest (of which will try next time). Huge room in Villa Verte with a good sized balcony overlooking the forest below. Plenty of facilities on hand in the room with a great sized bathroom to boot. But this place is not about the room its about the whole experience and how it makes you feel that your watch is going bcakwards! Pool at the Villa Verte and pool at Maison Noir take you pick! Breakfast at either location if you want. Cup of coffee? just ask one of the butlers who will happily provide (Thanks Keith) Staying in for dinner than just let them know and they will offer you a menu choice and we did that at the communal table in Maison Noir. Glass of bubbly? Keith or Prosper will oblige. Great gym and the first one I have ever used on holiday. Steam room? Of course you can. Massage? Yep got that as well. How about a movie? Well you can book the cinema room and order fresh popcorn with your glass of fizz. What a place ! Big shout out to Andrew the manager for his friendly engaging chat and all the tips he gave us for our next trip (we are definitley doing the Karoo mate). 2 nights felt like a week and we dined out at La Colombe on the 2nd night. Definitley a haven to return to in 2026!