The Royal Portfolio is the most unique collection of boutique luxury hotels, resorts, and lodges in South Africa, comprising the award-winning safari lodge Royal Malewane, La Residence in Franschhoek, Birkenhead House in Hermanus, and the Silo Hotel atop a historic grain elevator. In Cape Town, it includes properties along the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and more recently, a collection of private residences in Bantry Bay and Clifton on the Cape Town Atlantic coast.

The Royal Portfolio brand was founded in 1999. It is the brainchild of Phil and Liz Biden, with Liz Biden known for blending style and glamour with a warm and welcoming hospitality. The group's first hotel, Royal Malewane, was built from the Biden family’s home in the African bush; later came more unusual private residences turned into hotels — La Residence at Cape Winelands and Birkenhead House on the Indian Ocean coast. Recently, the group expanded further to include a range of extraordinary properties in Cape Town and its surroundings, including The Silo and Private Residences in Bantry Bay and Clifton.

Liz Biden has always had a passion for everything extraordinary. She possesses a unique talent for creating magnificent spaces that are both stylish and comfortable. Traveling around the world, she constantly seeks exquisite furniture pieces and exotic fabrics. Liz tirelessly works on designing every corner of each Royal Portfolio property. She is a genius at combining colors to create warm, inviting, and inspiring environments — spaces where guests are transported from their everyday routine into realms of relaxation and pleasure. Liz also loves mixing old items with new ones and sees potential even in the most worn relics. Giving furniture new life and repurposing it is second nature to Liz; she rarely allows anything to go to waste. The success of The Royal Portfolio is largely due to Liz’s practical approach—whether it’s working on the roof of The Silo Hotel, negotiating plans or fabric swatches at a Moroccan market—her attention to detail and relentless dedication.

Liz began her career as a teacher before moving into medical debt collection when her children were young. At university, she held at least five different roles—from making lampshades and designing jewelry to working with Phil at a mobile disco. Liz and Phil first achieved commercial success as key players in South Africa’s fashion house Jenni Button. Liz sold her stake in the fashion business to focus on organizing luxury travel experiences. The idea to transform their country house into a private game reserve turned into a luxurious hotel by chance—and today it has blossomed into a grand successful project under the name The Royal Portfolio.