Our flagship suite, Naughty by Nature in Wilderness, books 24 to 28 nights a month at R5,500 to R6,500 a night. At those rates and occupancy it earns about R1.7M to R1.9M a year in bookings. That's well above what most short-term rentals earn, and below we explain exactly why, and what it means for a partner suite.
What are the real numbers from Naughty by Nature?
| Measure | Figure | |
|---|---|---|
| Nightly rate | R5,500 (spring special), R6,500 (December and January), R6,000 (from February) | |
| Average rate across the year | About R5,786 a night | |
| Nights booked a month | 24 to 28 in recent months | |
| November 2026 | 90% booked | |
| December 2026 to March 2027 | 80%+ booked | |
| Forward bookings | Into August 2027 |
Why does one suite earn this much?
Most holiday rentals compete on price, because they look like every other listing. Naughty by Nature doesn't compete; couples book it because there's nothing else like it.
- It's designed for one kind of guest: couples. Every detail, from the lighting to the private hot tub, is there for two people.
- It's an experience, not a room. A guided couples' experience runs through every stay. People pay for how a place makes them feel.
- It has an audience behind it. Our marketing reaches tens of thousands of couples who already follow us, so the calendar doesn't depend on chance.
What could a partner suite earn?
Experience Suites partners turn their own secluded building into a suite like this. Here's what one could earn at our average rate of R5,786 a night, after our fees (15% on direct bookings) and about R25,000 a month in running costs:
| Nights booked a month | Bookings a month | Partner keeps a year | Payback on R2.25M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 (slow start) | R46,286 | R172,000 | 13.1 years | |
| 10 (slow start) | R57,857 | R290,000 | 7.8 years | |
| 15 (launch) | R86,786 | R585,000 | 3.8 years | |
| 20 (established) | R115,714 | R880,000 | 2.6 years | |
| 25 (flagship level) | R144,643 | R1,175,000 | 1.9 years |
We show the slow rows on purpose. A new suite takes time to build reviews, and the difference between 10 and 20 nights a month is the difference between a 7.8-year and a 2.6-year payback. Filling that calendar is our job, which is why we only earn when the suite does.
What drives the difference?
- Location. Secluded, private and within about two hours of a major city or airport.
- The fit-out. A suite couples photograph and talk about.
- Marketing. Consistent content and an audience ready to book.
- How it's run. Spotless cleaning, fast replies and a warm welcome every time.
Is this for you?
If you own a secluded, habitable building that's already approved for guests, it could be. See the partner programme, or send us three photos and we'll tell you if it qualifies.
Part of every stay: the guided couples’ experience.
See the partner programme.
See the partner programmeFrequently asked questions
How much can a luxury short-term rental earn on the Garden Route?
Our flagship couples' suite in Wilderness books 24 to 28 nights a month at R5,500 to R6,500 a night, which is about R1.7M to R1.9M in bookings a year. Most rentals earn far less; occupancy depends on the product and the marketing behind it.
What occupancy does a luxury suite need to break even?
With running costs of about R25,000 a month and our fees, a partner suite at our average rate covers its costs from about 5 booked nights a month.
Are these earnings guaranteed?
No. These are real figures from one operating suite and projections based on them. Results depend on location, season and how the suite is run.
These are estimates based on one operating suite, not a guarantee. Assumes an investment of R2.25M paid in cash, R25,000 a month in running costs (insurance and a replacement reserve excluded) and amounts excluding VAT.