South Africa, Cape Town, October 2025; Marking a decade of quietly redefining South African hospitality, The Living Journey Collection celebrates its tenth anniversary with the acquisition of Majeka House, a landmark boutique Winelands hotel in Stellenbosch.
Majeka House Boutique Hotel
The small luxury hotel portfolio of 8 properties, all within a 2-hour drive from Cape Town, offer an experience rooted in genuine care, considered design, and a deep connection to the local environment. Founded by international hoteliers Friedrich and Lorraine Schaefer, a couple whose combined decades of experience garnered at some of the world’s most prestigious hotels inspired them to return to the true heart of hospitality, The Living Journey Collection focuses on personalised service, attention to detail, and creating meaningful memories for every guest.
Lorraine and Friedrich met in New York in the late 1980s while working in the Big Apple – Friedrich originally at The Westbury and Lorraine at Plaza Athénée in their respective early career chapters. After years of career success, the couple decided to build a collection of properties that embody their shared belief that hospitality is at its core about connecting with people, embracing local culture, and delivering consistent excellence without losing the personal touch. Their approach emphasises strong ethics, professionalism and heartfelt service, making each hotel feel warm, inviting and authentically local.
Zest Boutique Hotel
The Living Journey Collection employs a dedicated team of approximately 170 people, with a strong emphasis on a healthy staff development and career growth, about one-third of the team has been promoted internally, reflecting the company’s commitment to nurturing talent. Sustainability and responsible business practices are also central to the group’s philosophy, from supporting local artists and craftspeople in each property’s design, to implementing environmentally responsible operations. This investment in people and place ensures the hotels not only offer outstanding guest experiences but also contribute positively to their communities.
“We aim for all of our guests to experience a sense of joy, having been spoilt and well looked after; that they have shared in something special and gained extraordinary memories to share with others. Our team members are truly passionate and heartfelt; and we encourage this to be part of all that they do. This creates memories bigger than the journey itself”, comments Friedrich Schaefer, co-owner of The Living Journey Collection.
The Tree House Boutique Hotel
The Living Journey Collection consists of eight distinctive hotels, each offering its own character and charm, yet all reflecting the group’s commitment to quality, comfort, and genuine hospitality. Guests enjoy stays that combine style and warmth, offering experiences that rival the finest accommodations, without the rigidity of traditional ratings. All properties serve excellent breakfasts and light menus throughout the day, encouraging guests to explore the many world-class dining options available in the towns and communities where they are located.
Zest Boutique Hotel and The Tree House Boutique Hotel, Green Point, Cape Town
Located in Cape Town’s vibrant Green Point, these two hotels offer design-led, intimate city stays. The 14 room Zest Boutique Hotel – and the founding property of The Living Journey Collection, provides a colourful and modern experience, perfect for travellers looking to explore the city’s attractions on foot. The Tree House Boutique Hotel, with its 14 rooms, offers a cozy, urban retreat with thoughtful touches including a unique fine art collection that make guests feel at home in the heart of the city.
One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel, Hermanus
Situated along the dramatic coastline of Hermanus, One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel offers 16 rooms and suites and is an ideal address to explore the Overberg region. With sweeping views of Walker Bay, guests can easily access cliffside paths, whale watching spots, the lively artistic town centre, and the nearby Hemel-en-Aarde wine estates. The hotel combines modern style with warm, inviting spaces where visitors can relax by the pools or sip cocktails on the deck after a day of exploration.
One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel
Chapter House Boutique Hotel and Plumwood Boutique Hotel, Franschhoek
In picturesque Franschhoek, the 17-room Chapter House Boutique Hotel occupies a beautifully restored heritage building that blends old-world charm with modern comforts. Originally built in 1888 as a Mission House and thereafter the local village school, each room is unique, reflecting the town’s rich history. Nearby, the 11 room Plumwood Boutique Hotel offers guests a tranquil setting surrounded by nature, perfect for those seeking peace and understated luxury.
Chapter House Boutique Hotel
Plumwood Boutique Hotel
The Robertson Small Hotel, Robertson
Set in the sleepy town of Robertson, The Robertson Small Hotel makes for a chic countryside escape. The small luxury hotel combines Victorian elegance matched with contemporary touches across its 11 rooms and suites, which include Manor House Rooms, Stable Suites, and Pool Suites. Guests can enjoy the hotel’s spa, two pool areas, and the acclaimed Small Restaurant, which serves seasonal dishes paired with local wines. The EM Bar adds a playful touch, decorated with custom porcelain inspired by the region’s flora.
The Robertson Small Hotel
River Manor Boutique Hotel and Majeka House Boutique Hotel, Stellenbosch
Just steps from Stellenbosch town centre, the 18-room River Manor Boutique Hotel provides tranquility and character, making it a favourite for those keen to experience the tree-lined university town and nearby nature reserves and wine estates. River Manor combines classic charm with comfortable, welcoming spaces that invite guests to unwind after an inspiring day visiting art galleries, enjoying lazy lunches and wine tasting.
River Manor Boutique Hotel
Majeka House Boutique Hotel, Stellenbosch
Acquired in September of this year, Majeka House is the largest hotel in the collection. Known for its eclectic interiors, the multi-award-winning boutique hotel and spa offers a stylish Winelands experience. Now, under new ownership, Majeka House has regained its position as an outstanding choice for visitors to the Cape seeking a hidden gem that is close to iconic wine estates including Vriesenhof and the much-admired Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden.
“We feel that each stay, each experience, each interaction forms part of a journey. We want our guests to feel part of our journey and hope that we form part of theirs”, comments Lorraine Schaefer, co-owner of The Living Journey Collection.
As custodians of The Living Journey Collection, Friedrich and Lorraine Schaefer’s shared vision has crafted an ensemble of family-owned independent hotels that each tell their own story, corralled by a golden thread of a highly motivated team who deliver consistently warm and attentive service.
Whether discovering Cape Town, the Cape Winelands or the Overberg region, guests of The Living Journey Collection can expect stays that feel special, welcoming and richly rewarding. Indeed, an authentically South African journey worth living.
The Living Journey Collection is offering an Early Bird Festive Save of 20% off your stay between 1-19 December 2025, bookable by October 31st and available throughout the eight properties – making for a great escape ahead of the holiday rush. Accommodation includes breakfast.
For more information about The Living Journey Collection, go to www.thelivingjourneycollection.co.za or follow their story via @thelivingjourneycollection.
For media enquiries, contact Ian and Lise Manley of Manley Communications Atelier: Email: premierbrands@publicity.co.za or call +27 (0)82 8260456