Two of Tintswalo’s flagship properties have been recognized in the prestigious 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, highlighting the brand’s continued excellence in South African luxury and conservation tourism.

In a competitive field of top-tier destinations, Tintswalo Atlantic in Cape Town was ranked among the Top 15 Hotels in South Africa, praised by Condé Nast Traveler for its unforgettable setting: ‘Perched on stilts between ancient milkwood trees, the wood-and-glass suites are so close to the pounding waves that it’s possible to toss pebbles into the rock pools from your private deck.’

Meanwhile, Tintswalo Safari, located in the Greater Kruger region, earned a spot among the Top 15 Resorts in South Africa, recognised by readers as one of their ‘favourite places to view wildlife in South Africa.’

Now in its 38th year, the Readers’ Choice Awards received more than 757,000 submissions from Condé Nast Traveler readers across the United States. As the travel industry’s longest-running and most prestigious awards program, it continues to set the global standard for excellence in hospitality and travel.

Lisa Goosen, CEO of Tintswalo Lodges, commented on the recognition:
‘We are honoured to once more have two Tintswalo properties featured in this year’s Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. These accolades are a reflection of the passion and dedication of our teams, as well as the unforgettable experiences we strive to create for every guest. It’s also a celebration of South Africa’s diverse landscapes, from oceanfront escapes to Big Five safari adventures, and we’re proud to showcase the best our country has to offer.’

This latest recognition reinforces Tintswalo’s reputation for delivering exceptional, immersive experiences rooted in nature, hospitality, and heartfelt service. The family-owned and managed conservation tourism brand operates seven boutique lodges and hotels located in some of South Africa’s most spectacular natural settings. Continuing its expansion, the group is set to open its eighth property, Tintswalo Summer House, in Glencairn (Cape Town), at the end of 2025.

The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa in Constantia (Cape Town), has been awarded a MICHELIN Key in the prestigious The MICHELIN Guide 2025, recognising the property as one of the most exceptional places to stay globally. The MICHELIN Key, the hotel equivalent of the MICHELIN Star for restaurants, highlights more than 7,000 hotels that combine character, quality, service, and a strong sense of place.

This year marks the first time South African hotels have been included in The MICHELIN Guide’s hotel category, which celebrates establishments offering an outstanding guest experience. Only 27 hotels across South Africa were selected to receive this prestigious distinction, placing The Cellars-Hohenort among an elite group of properties acknowledged for their excellence in hospitality.

Set on nine acres of world-renowned gardens with panoramic views of Table Mountain, The Cellars-Hohenort offers 51 individually decorated rooms and suites, the Conservatory restaurant, and a serene spa. Recognised for its historic charm, refined luxury, and tranquil setting in Cape Town’s verdant Constantia Valley, it left a strong impression on MICHELIN inspectors, who praised the property’s ‘refined service, distinctive character, and remarkable setting’.

‘We are honoured to receive this recognition from The MICHELIN Guide,’ said Tanya Johnson, the General Manager of The Cellars-Hohenort. ‘This accolade is a tribute to our passionate team who are committed to delivering warm, personalised service in an environment that blends natural beauty, timeless elegance, and authentic South African charm.’

The achievement reinforces The Cellars-Hohenort’s reputation as one of South Africa’s premier boutique hotels and underscores its continued commitment to offering world-class hospitality under the leadership of The Liz McGrath Collection, and as a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

The Plettenberg has been voted the Best Hotel in South Africa in the 2025 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, earning an outstanding score of 99.4%. This achievement places it ahead of other top-tier hotels across the country, cementing its status as a leader in South African luxury hospitality.

Part of The Liz McGrath Collection and a proud member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Plettenberg has now featured among the Top 15 Hotels in South Africa for seven consecutive years, a testament to its unwavering commitment to excellence.

The 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards drew over 757,000 responses from Condé Nast Traveler readers in the United States, who shared their favourite travel experiences across the globe. As the travel industry’s longest-running and most respected accolades, the awards remain a benchmark of distinction and global recognition.

With its 35 elegantly appointed rooms, including 12 luxury suites and two exclusive villas, The Plettenberg offers direct beach access and boasts panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, the Tsitsikamma Mountains, and the iconic golden beaches of the Garden Route.

Ainsley Williams, General Manager of The Plettenberg, expressed her delight at the hotel’s achievement: ‘We pay tribute to each of our staff members who played their part in securing this accolade. This recognition not only celebrates The Plettenberg’s world-class standards but also shines a spotlight on Plettenberg Bay as a must-visit destination for discerning travellers worldwide.’

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa has further enhanced its family-friendly offerings with the launch of its spacious Family Pool Suite. This unit has been revamped to feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a living area with a kitchenette and a fireplace, and a private deck complete with a heated swimming pool that offers the perfect setting for unforgettable family safaris.

Located in the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve, just a 2.5-hour drive from Johannesburg, Mhondoro is a top choice for families seeking adventure and relaxation in the bush. It also features a two-bedroom Family Deluxe Suite option that comes without a private pool as an ideal option for families with toddlers and young children.

For larger families or multi-generational travellers, the exclusive-use Mhondoro Villa offers the ultimate in safari luxury, with three en-suite bedrooms, a private heated pool, boma, spa, and gym. Recently the villa earned multiple distinctions in the 2025 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, including the coveted title of ‘Best Family Villa in the World’.

Mhondoro welcomes children of all ages and ensures young guests are catered to with thoughtful touches such as children’s meals and complimentary Kiddies Activity Packs that includes a Mhondoro bag and activity booklet. Age-appropriate kids’ activities include cookie baking, guided nature walks, and outdoor adventures to identifying animal tracks.

The lodge also features a fenced outdoor Kids Play Area for children between the ages of 2 and 10, complete with a jungle gym, swings, trampoline, and sandpit. Inside the main lodge, a soundproof playroom is stocked with board games, puzzles, a PlayStation, an air hockey table, and a brand-new mini climbing wall, ensuring hours of fun for older children. The main lodge also features a large swimming pool for the enjoyment of families with children.

Families can also book a private safari vehicle, or special ‘Kids Bumble Drives’ for game drives with children under 6, who are too young to join regular game drives. For added flexibility, child-minding services are available during game drives, or for parents wishing to enjoy a romantic dinner or relaxing spa treatment.

‘At Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa, we are proud to continue setting the benchmark for family safaris in South Africa,’ says CEO Fritz Breytenbach. ‘Our mission has always been to create a space where families can reconnect with nature and with one another without compromising on comfort, safety or luxury. From our thoughtfully designed family accommodations to curated kids’ activities and child-friendly safari experiences, every detail is considered. We believe that the magic of the bush should be accessible and memorable for guests of all ages, and we’re committed to offering unforgettable experiences that bring generations together in one of the most beautiful, natural settings on earth.’

Brookdale Estate has been named one of the 10 Best Hotels in the Cape Winelands by Condé Nast Traveller. Featured in the prestigious international publication’s recent round-up of standout destinations in the region, Brookdale is recognised for its refined hospitality, distinctive setting, and exceptional culinary and wine experiences.

Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Klein Drakenstein mountains, Brookdale Estate has become synonymous with understated elegance and heartfelt service. The Condé Nast Traveller feature describes Brookdale as ‘an expanse of vineyards threaded around a white gabled homestead, dwarfed by the jagged peaks of the Klein Drakenstein’. With just six suites accommodating up to twelve guests, the Manor House at Brookdale Estate offers an atmosphere of exclusivity and tranquillity that distinguishes it among the Winelands’ finest retreats.

Commenting on the accolade, Yvonne Coetzee, General Manager of Brookdale Estate, said:

‘We are deeply honoured by this recognition from Condé Nast Traveller. From the outset our vision for Brookdale has been to create a sanctuary in the Paarl Winelands that celebrates both heritage and innovation, a place where guests can experience a genuine connection to the land, the wine, and our people.’

The recognition from Condé Nast Traveller places Brookdale Estate firmly on the map as one of the most inspiring destinations in the Cape Winelands – a property where wine, food, and hospitality come together in perfect harmony. Soon to be launched, the Lodge at Brookdale Estate will further extend the hospitality offering with an exclusive-use private villa opening in the first quarter of 2026.