My colleague Colin has been busy exploring South Africa and parts of Southern Africa on an inspection adventure. As a former safari guide with decades of experience in the field, Colin takes us beyond marketing and evaluates a property through the lens of guest experience, guiding quality, and sense of place. Below is his second dispatch, now from the Western Cape.
“After Pilanesberg, I arrived in Cape Town late in the evening and spent the next several days visiting a number of hotels throughout the city and surrounding Winelands. As is often the case, some properties didn’t quite live up to expectations, but a few stood out for all the right reasons.
One of the first hotels worth mentioning is The Winchester, part of the V&A Collection, located in the upscale seaside neighborhood of Sea Point. Its location is one of its biggest strengths. With ocean views directly across from the Sea Point Promenade, guests have easy access to one of Cape Town’s most popular places for walking, running, or simply watching the Atlantic Ocean roll in. It is a solid option for clients looking for a stylish stay outside the busy V&A Waterfront area.
My personal favorite in Cape Town, however, is Mount Nelson. The property has always carried a strong reputation, but experiencing it firsthand reminded me why it remains such an iconic hotel. The grounds are beautiful, the rooms are elegant without feeling overdone, and the setting beneath Table Mountain is hard to beat. More importantly, the service feels genuine and effortless. If I were choosing a hotel for myself in Cape Town, this would be it.
Moving into the Winelands, two properties stood above the rest.
Leeu Estates, located just outside Franschhoek, delivers exactly what many guests imagine when they picture South African wine country. The estate feels private and tranquil, yet it’s only a short drive from town. The rooms are excellent, the service is polished, and the surrounding vineyards and mountains create the kind of scenery that makes guests slow down and stay a little longer.
A short drive away, near Stellenbosch, is Delaire Graff Estate. This is luxury done right. The rooms are exceptional, the views across the vineyards and mountain ranges are spectacular, and every aspect of the guest experience feels well thought out. It is one of those properties I would book without hesitation. Simply put, it delivers on every level.
For more active travelers, Babylonstoren offers something completely different. Set on a vast working wine estate, it encourages guests to get out and explore. Each accommodation unit includes bicycles, making it easy to ride through the vineyards, orchards, gardens, and around the property’s lakes. There are walking trails, farm experiences, wine tastings, and enough activities to keep even the most energetic guests occupied. It’s also an excellent option for multi-generational families thanks to its larger villa accommodations. Located about 15 to 20 minutes from Franschhoek, it offers a unique blend of luxury and outdoor living.
From the Winelands, I continued on to Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, another property that falls firmly into the “sell with confidence” category. Everything here operates at an exceptionally high level. Owner Michael Lutzeyer remains actively involved in the property, and that attention to detail is evident throughout the guest experience. The staff are outstanding, the activities are varied and meaningful, and the overall atmosphere feels both luxurious and authentic. One of Grootbos’s greatest advantages is its location overlooking Walker Bay, one of the world’s best places for land-based whale watching. Between now and October, guests have the opportunity to witness Southern Right whales gathering in the bay, often visible directly from the property. Combined with the reserve’s natural beauty and exceptional hospitality, it becomes a destination in its own right rather than simply another lodge on an itinerary.”
Stay tuned for Part III with Colin, from the interior of Zimbabwe, beyond the falls.
Our hearts go out to all those affected by this morning’s earthquake in the impacted regions of Colombia, particularly Cali, Pereira, Manizales, and the Eje Cafetero.
We are closely monitoring the situation on the ground and, out of an abundance of caution, have already redirected itineraries away from the affected areas. While assessments continue, much of the country remains unaffected and is operating normally.
Like so many times before, the resilience of the Colombian people is nothing short of extraordinary. Humanitarian efforts are now being organized and mobilized as authorities and local communities assess the needs in the impacted regions.
Thankfully, all of our team members have checked in safe, including our newest team member based in Cali. All current and immediately upcoming guests have been accounted for and contacted.
Big Five Tours & Expeditions has been committed to Colombia since we helped lead the way in 2006. For two decades, Colombia has been part of our nucleus, and I have personally visited more than 40 times during that period.
This is a country that has given so much to so many, and today we stand with our team, our partners, our friends, and our family throughout Colombia. To them I say:
“Este país está en mi corazón. Expresamos nuestro apoyo, solidaridad y empatía con el pueblo colombiano.”
Our Foundation is mobilizing to provide assistance in the most direct and meaningful way possible as needs become clearer in the days ahead.
#SomosUno #Colombia
Well it’s that time of year again. Our Annual Travel Week gag video. I have to admit, this was the first year that I have not seen the final video, only my scenes. That means, this is a premier for me too. I hope you laugh as hard as I do….
Everyone is tight lipped about the final edit. I tried to get more details from the team however I just heard my colleagues Jessica and Brenda on our team giggling and telling me I am going to love this video. From what I understand, it’s the best one yet.
See you in Vegas!
