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.

Tintswalo Scops Rest has opened in the Klaserie Private Nature Reservein the Greater Kruger region. Named after the elusive Scops Owl native to the area, this exclusive-use bush villa offers a luxurious, tailor-made safari experience for families or groups of up to eight guests.

Designed for those seeking privacy, comfort, and a home-away-from-home atmosphere, Tintswalo Scops Rest combines modern luxury with an authentic African safari. The villa features four en-suite bedrooms, spacious indoor and outdoor living areas, a private gym, and a swimming pool that overlooks the unspoiled wilderness. Guests can set their own pace with flexible daily schedules and spa treatments available upon prior arrangement.

Adding to the sense of adventure, two private treehouses are available (at an additional cost) for sleep-outs under the stars; one of which overlooks the reserve’s largest dam, where hippos, crocodiles, and an abundance of birdlife provide around-the-clock wildlife activity.

Stays at Tintswalo Scops Rest include the dedicated services of a private chef, butler, and professional guide, along with a private safari vehicle for twice-daily game drives or guided bush walks. All meals and house drinks are included, with culinary offerings ranging from traditional bush breakfasts and boma dinners, to elegant international menus curated for the discerning palate.

Children of all ages are welcome, and younger guests are kept entertained through educational bush activities designed to foster a connection with nature. Cultural experiences, such as traditional pottery-making, offer meaningful interaction with local communities. Childminding services are available at an additional charge.

Tintswalo Scops Rest is the fourth safari product in the Tintswalo Collection, which spans both the Greater Kruger and Waterberg regions. CEO Lisa Goosen notes that what truly sets this new offering apart is its convenient access just 30 minutes from Hoedspruit and Eastgate Airport; the low vehicle density of the Klaserie reserve; and Tintswalo’s exclusive 3,000 hectares of river frontage.

‘This new addition complements our existing portfolio by offering something truly unique for exclusive-use guests. 10 000 hectares of traversing rights that include a total of 18 kilometers along the perennial Klaserie River, present us with uninterrupted, unrushed game viewing in a Big 5 territory that is renowned for its wild and free, untouched beauty’, she says.

Established over 50 years ago through the unification of 36 private farms, today the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve spans 60,000 hectares of pristine wilderness. It shares unfenced borders with the Kruger National Park and the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, forming part of a vast, free-flowing ecosystem that protects endangered species, promotes biodiversity, and supports sustainable local community initiatives.

Brookdale Estate will be expanding its Manor House accommodation offering with the addition of a new private lodge that is scheduled to open in the first quarter of the new year (2026). Currently under construction in a secluded corner of the 67-hectare wine estate with panoramic views across the Paarl Winelands, The Lodge at Brookdale Estate will offer a curated, exclusive-use escape for friends and families of up to eight guests.

With four elegantly appointed en-suite bedrooms and generous, light-filled living spaces, the Lodge will embody understated sophistication, providing the rare luxury of complete privacy in one of South Africa’s most breathtaking regions.

Every detail has been carefully considered, from the stylish entertainment area with a built-in barbeque, to a warm and inviting dining room designed for long, lingering meals. Designed as a luxury home, The Lodge will boast a contemporary kitchen that invites culinary creativity from guests who enjoy cooking with a chef.

Expansive terraces will flow seamlessly from the interiors, blurring the line between inside and out, inviting guests to unwind amidst views of the estate vineyards and the dramatic Drakenstein Mountains and Paarl Rock.

Since its launch in 2022, Brookdale Estate has established a reputation synonymous with elegance, natural beauty and exceptional hospitality in the Cape Winelands. ‘As an extension of Brookdale’s vision, the Lodge will be a private space where guests can reconnect with nature, with each other, and truly find themselves again,’ says General Manager Yvonne Coetzee. ‘In line with the high standards already set by the Manor House which won the Accommodation category in the prestigious Great Capitals Best of Wine Tourism Awards in 2024, the new Lodge product too will speak to the heart of luxury with thoughtful design, authentic hospitality, and the freedom to simply be.’

Breakfast and morning housekeeping services are included in the rate, and a private chef and butler service may be booked for other meals.

Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa has reaffirmed its position among the world’s premier luxury safari destinations, earning multiple distinctions in the 2025 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, including the coveted title of ‘Best Family Villa in the World’. Highlighting its appeal across diverse hospitality markets and categories, this year Mhondoro also secured awards for the Best Pool Villa in Africa; the Best Bush Lodge in South Africa; and the Best Wedding Destination Hotel in South Africa.

Set within the malaria-free 35,000‑hectare Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo province, Mhondoro offers an immersive and luxurious, yet warm and hospitable safari experience for up to 24 guests. Frequent Big 5 game sightings, a unique underground waterhole hide and custom-built stargazing deck, on top of fresh, healthy and seasonal cuisine combined with an intimate connection with nature, defines its 5-star guest experience. Children of all ages are welcomed, making Mhondoro an ideal venue for multi‑generational travel and special celebrations alike.

The award-winning Mhondoro Villa is ideally suited to groups of six people, providing a luxurious yet comfortable home-away-from-home to friends or families travelling together. The Villa is a completely private and exclusive lodge on its own, furnished in warm, earthy colours, blending European elegance and understatement with vibrant African flair. It features a magnificent Master Suite plus two other en-suite bedrooms, complete with wooden decks and views of the lodge waterhole and the bush beyond. For bigger groups the villa can dine up to 10 people when the rest of the party book rooms/suites in the adjacent main lodge.

The Villa’s large, open-space kitchen, dining and lounge area and private boma provide ample opportunity for relaxation and entertainment. Leading out to a heated pool and sun loungers, on balmy summer evenings the Outdoor Lounge sets the scene for relaxing sundowners while watching ‘resident’ elephants stop by the waterhole for a drink. Cosy fireplaces invite guests to enjoy the magic of the wilderness even on chilly nights. Mhondoro Villa also boasts a fully-equipped gym and massage room, while the services of a butler, housekeeping staff and a private chef are included too, in addition to the use of a private game-viewing safari vehicle with a personal ranger.

The Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards are universally regarded as the highest honour in the global hospitality industry. Since its opening in 2016, when it received the award as ‘Best Newcomer Lodge in Africa’, Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa has consistently been recognised by Haute Grandeur in various categories, setting a benchmark for excellence in regionally celebrated, globally recognised luxury safari hospitality.

With its latest haul of Awards, Mhondoro Safari Lodge & Villa continues to raise the bar in African safari travel, offering unmatched service, comfort, and tailored experiences that garner global recognition that resonate deeply with guests.

Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic has reopened with an elegant and refined new look. The transformation includes the integration of the former pergola area into the main restaurant space, creating a seamless, elevated dining environment. A striking new long bar now greets guests at the entrance, serving as a stylish focal point to create a welcoming space to enjoy a cocktail or a nightcap. The revamped layout comprises of distinct dining zones, including an exclusive-use private dining room that caters to groups of 12 to 30 guests.

While the interiors have evolved, the iconic views remain untouched. Now framed by floor-to-ceiling glass panels it provides breathtaking vistas of the bay and the Hout Bay Sentinel, allowing guests to enjoy dining in all weather conditions. The kitchen has been redesigned to enhance workflow and a sliding panelled feature wall separates the restaurant from hotel operations, allowing for seamless service and added privacy.

Inside the restaurant, plush banquette seating on the side holds an airy space with contemporary wooden tables and comfortable seating. As before, the ocean, mountain, and surrounding fynbos, alongside the acclaimed Chefs Warehouse culinary experience, remain the stars of the show.

Interior designer Laurence Holmes drew inspiration from Tintswalo’s extraordinary oceanfront setting, using natural tones and textures reminiscent of beach sand, driftwood, and kelp. Organic, pebble-like shapes are echoed in the light fixtures and custom-designed laser-cut panels, which reflect the natural beauty of the boulders and shoreline just steps from the restaurant.

Cameron Luke Smith, who took the helm as head chef in 2023, continues to lead the kitchen team. Rooted in Liam Tomlin’s signature global tapas concept, the menu emphasizes local, sustainable ingredients, with a plant-based option also available. Every dining experience begins with a complimentary bread course, featuring the iconic Chefs Warehouse brioche and savoury butters, and may conclude with an optional cheese selection or à la carte desserts.

On Saturday, 19 July 2025, Project Flamingo performed 39 life-saving breast cancer surgeries in five hospitals across in the Western and Eastern Cape, providing medical treatment to  women who have been on waiting lists within the public healthcare system. To date the NPO team has performed over 1,800 breast cancer surgeries in South Africa’s public healthcare system, utilising the time and skills of volunteer doctors to bridge critical gaps in cancer care.

This large-scale intervention on Mandela Day took place at five provincial hospitals where Project Flamingo already delivers action-driven solutions that address the backlog of surgeries, and the growing need for breast cancer care. Mandela Day surgeries took place at Groote Schuur Hospital and Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town; George Regional Hospital; and in the Eastern Cape – Livingstone Hospital in Gqeberha and Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane township near East London. Volunteer surgeons and anesthetists were joined by teams of patient support volunteers and nursing staff funded by Project Flamingo to deliver these life-saving breast cancer surgeries in unused weekend theatre space.

Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in their lifetime, and as the number of cases continues to rise, the public healthcare system and its resources remain inadequate and incapable of treating the growing number of patients.

Mandela Day also saw the launch of Project Flamingo’s Make Room for Her campaign, an ongoing initiative from the organisation as a step forward in ensuring that women battling breast cancer no longer face the harsh reality of delayed or denied care due to long waiting periods for treatments, underfunded budgets, and overlooked voices. With the slogan “We’re making room – in hospitals, in budgets, in conversations – for her,” Project Flamingo aims to restore dignity, prioritise women’s health, and tackle the systemic barriers to equitable cancer treatment in South Africa.

The Make Room for Her campaign, Project Flamingo’s focus in the coming months, is a call to action for all South Africans to recognise that cancer care should never be left to chance. It is an urgent reminder that, despite the personal and financial costs, ensuring dignified, timely access to treatment is not a privilege, but a basic human right.

“This Mandela Day, we not only commemorated a rich history left by a remarkable man – we changed lives,” says Dr Liana Roodt, CEO and Founder of Project Flamingo. “Project Flamingo creates space for women to be heard, to be treated, and to reclaim their health and dignity. In doing so, we honour Madiba’s legacy through action rooted in compassion and a commitment to justice. Timely and dignified cancer care is not a privilege; it is a basic human right that should be protected and claimed.”

Project Flamingo calls on everyone to join this vital mission by partnering or donating to help fund critical equipment, resources, and programs that support not only the surgeries but the holistic care that women deserve. With the support of the community, Make Room for Her will continue to expand its impact, ensuring that every woman in South Africa has access to life-saving care and the dignity she deserves.

For more information or to contribute to Make Room for Her, please visit www.projectflamingo.co.za.

 About Project Flamingo:
Project Flamingo is a South African non-profit organisation committed to providing action-driven, holistic support for women battling breast cancer in the Public Healthcare sector. Through volunteer-run surgery lists, patient support services, and health system strengthening initiatives, Project Flamingo works to provide timely and dignified care to those who need it most.