Big Five – FeedMy 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.
