The Tintswalo Collection has introduced a new programme of conservation talks and experiences in partnership with South African National Parks (SANParks) and the SANParks Honorary Rangers. Conservation is deeply connected to Tintswalo’s sense of place and therefore the new guest experiences are designed to go beyond sightseeing, to connect guests with the conservationists, rangers and experts working to protect the Peninsula’s extraordinary biodiversity.

Each of Tintswalo’s three Cape Town properties – Tintswalo Atlantic, Tintswalo Boulders, and Tintswalo Summer House is ideally situated near some of the Cape’s most important protected natural areas, from the penguin colony at Boulders Beach and the Cape Point region, to the Atlantic coastline and Table Mountain National Park.

This proximity allows Tintswalo to offer something increasingly rare in luxury travel: the opportunity to experience nature while contributing to its protection and connecting with the people responsible for its future.

‘Tintswalo is proud to work with SANParks and the SANParks Honorary Rangers whose mission it is to protect Table Mountain and the remarkable natural heritage of the Cape Peninsula. Our privileged locations give our guests access to some of the world’s most extraordinary conservation landscapes, but this partnership now allows them to go beyond simply seeing these places. They can meet the people who protect them, hear their stories, understand the challenges they face and, importantly, contribute to safeguarding these precious ecosystems for future generations’, says Lisa Goosen, CEO of Tintswalo Collection.

The Cape Peninsula Conservation Experience begins at Boulders Beach, home to South Africa’s iconic endangered African penguins, before continuing into the Cape of Good Hope with members of the SANParks Honorary Rangers. Guests explore hidden corners of the Peninsula while learning about its wildlife, marine life, birdlife and indigenous fynbos, gaining insight into the interconnected ecosystems and the conservation work protecting them. The experience includes return transport from their Tintswalo hotel, park and entrance fees, a picnic lunch, as well as a mask, snorkel and towels.

The Back Table Mountain Conservation Experience reveals a more secluded side of this iconic landscape. Guests can choose between exploring the Orangekloof Valley and Disa River, following indigenous forest, rock pools and historic waterworks before a mountain picnic, or the Woodhead Reservoir and Echo Valley route, discovering the history of Table Mountain’s waterworks and hidden trails that provide habitat for the endangered Table Mountain Ghost Frog.

Tintswalo is also offering Conservation Science Talks at each of its three Cape Town hotels, led by SANParks Honorary Rangers and guest conservation experts. These interesting, interactive talks provide behind-the-scenes insight into South Africa’s national parks, current conservation initiatives and research, as well as the wildlife, ecology and biodiversity being protected.

‘As SANParks’ official volunteer organisation, members of the SANParks Honorary Rangers support conservation in South Africa’s national parks through fundraising, education, tourism support and hands-on assistance,’ says member Kenneth Carden.

‘Through the collaboration with SANParks Honorary Rangers, we invite guests to see the Cape not simply as a destination, but to experience it as a living ecosystem of extraordinary beauty, biodiversity and conservation importance – and to leave with a deeper understanding of what it takes to protect it’, Lisa Goosen concluded.

The conservation experiences and talks are available to guests staying at Tintswalo Atlantic, Tintswalo Boulders and Tintswalo Summer House in Glencairn, subject to availability and applicable excursion fees and contributions. Every booking includes a conservation contribution that directly supports projects undertaken by SANParks Honorary Rangers, helping to preserve the unique ecosystems of Table Mountain and the wider Cape Peninsula for future generation.

The Liz McGrath Collection has achieved a significant triple recognition in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards, with all three of its properties ranked among the Top 15 Hotels in South Africa.

The three rankings reflect the breadth of The Liz McGrath Collection, with each hotel offering a distinct interpretation of South African luxury hospitality in a different setting. The Plettenberg secured #8 with a score of 97.52, The Marine #9 at 97.50, and The Cellars-Hohenort placed at #12 with a score of 96.90.

The achievement is particularly meaningful given the calibre of the 2026 South Africa ranking, which places The Liz McGrath Collection’s three hotels alongside some of the country’s most acclaimed properties.

The Readers’ Choice Awards have an unparalleled legacy as the travel industry’s longest-running and most prestigious reader-driven accolades. Recognition by Condé Nast Traveler readers represents a significant acknowledgement of excellence within the global travel sector. More than 798,867 survey responses from readers across the United States informed this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards, capturing travellers’ experiences across the globe and providing a comprehensive look at the places they most eagerly anticipate revisiting.

From the dramatic coastline of Plettenberg Bay and the whale-rich waters of Hermanus to the historic gardens and vineyards of Constantia, the Liz McGrath hotels are united by a shared philosophy of considered hospitality, a strong connection to place and an emphasis on highly personalised guest experiences

‘The recognition of all three our hotels in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards is an extraordinary achievement for The Liz McGrath Collection. The Plettenberg, The Marine and The Cellars-Hohenort each offer an entirely different experience, shaped by their remarkable settings and individual character. To see all three recognised among the country’s Top 15 hotels is a wonderful acknowledgement of the people behind these properties and the care, passion and attention to detail that define the guest experience across the Collection’, says Jacqui Elliot, CEO of The Liz McGrath Collection.

Brookdale Estate has announced the launch of its Wine Club, inviting wine lovers to become part of the estate’s ongoing evolution to discover new and exclusive wines from its Paarl cellar.

Intentionally limited to only 75 members, the Brookdale Estate Wine Club is designed not as a traditional loyalty programme, but as an invitation to build a closer relationship with the estate; following its journey, exploring its wines and sharing in the discoveries that emerge from each vintage.

Wine Club membership comes with a considered collection of benefits designed to bring members closer to Brookdale, including access to the Wine Club’s annual harvest wine – an exclusive, limited release wine. Launching with the 2025 Brookdale Grenache Blanc, which produced under a thousand bottles, the harvest wine is available exclusively to Brookdale Wine Club members, and served at the Bistro at Brookdale, an Eat Out One Star restaurant, while stocks last.

Wine Club membership is unlocked by a single purchase of 18 bottles of wine, mixing and matching freely across the five Brookdale wines: Bradbourne Estate White Blend, Old Vine Chenin Blanc, Grenache Noir, Twenty Red Field Blend and Sixteen White Field Blend.

Members receive automatic member pricing on Brookdale and Mason Road wines from the moment they join, along with a surprise welcome gift with their first order and free delivery on orders of 12 or more bottles to major centres around the country. Each year, members and three guests are invited to two complimentary tastings at The Tasting Room. Members will also receive invitations to exclusive pre-release tastings and private events with winemakers Xander Sadie and Shanice du Preez, and have early access to new vintage releases, small-batch and library wines when available, as well as larger-format 3L and 5L bottles. A bi-annual Wine Club newsletter rounds out the experience, sharing harvest reports, pre-releases and news from the estate throughout the year.

Brookdale’s story of transformation began in 2016, when the Rudd family acquired the farm and began reshaping its vineyards with a focus on unlocking the distinctive character of the land. One block of certified Old Vine Chenin Blanc, planted around 1985, was retained and went on to become the source of Brookdale’s maiden release in 2017. Much of the existing vineyard was subsequently removed to make way for new plantings, carefully selected to explore the potential of the estate. Today, those young vines are coming into their own, offering new expressions and discoveries with every vintage.

‘Curiosity is at the heart of Brookdale’, says Tim Rudd. ‘We are constantly experimenting, questioning and exploring what our vineyards and cellar can do, and the Wine Club gives us an opportunity to share that process with an intimately engaged community. There are plenty of vines still finding their feet, whilst in the cellar, our winemakers continue to take an inquisitive approach, experimenting with different techniques and allowing each vineyard block to guide the winemaking process’, he says. ‘We’re excited to share that journey with people who know Brookdale, love our wines and are curious about where we might go next.”

The Tintswalo Collection has opened Tintswalo Summer House in the seaside village of Glencairn. This exciting new boutique hotel joins sister properties in Cape Town, Tintswalo Atlantic and Tintswalo Boulders, to mark another milestone in Tintswalo’s ongoing commitment to distinctive, warm and character-rich hospitality.

Following meticulous renovation and design, the historical hotel has been reimagined as a luxurious seaside retreat that honours its heritage and embraces contemporary sophistication. Originally established in 1904 as the iconic Glencairn Southern Right Hotel, the property was a celebrated landmark of coastal elegance and a meeting place for dignitaries and notable public figures. Over the decades, the hotel fell into disrepair and lost its former grandeur. In 2014 Tintswalo acquired the historic building, initially operating it as a restaurant only, while researching and planning the full restoration.

Today, overlooking sweeping views of False Bay, Tintswalo Summer House is dressed in eye-catching ‘Tintswalo pink’. Offering 12 individually styled guest suites, the vibrant and colourful interiors of the meticulously restored heritage villa were designed by Camlyn Johnston, further growing the third-generation family business as head of Tintswalo Interiors, alongside her gran Gaye Corbett, and mom, Tintswalo CEO Lisa Goosen. Tintswalo Summer House has already earned industry recognition, receiving the prestigious Scape Gold Key Award, which celebrates design excellence in luxury hospitality and guest experiences.

Tintswalo Summer House is designed as a haven for travellers, featuring suites of character and charm – inviting one to step inside and leave the world behind. Honouring the classic features of the original hotel, no two guest rooms are alike, each whimsically named in a nod to its distinctive personality and colour palette. From Marigold’s golden glow, Verdant’s lush greens, Rosie’s pink blush, and Bit of Blue’s tranquil charm, to Citron, Robin, Azure, Noir, Elsie, Thistle, Papillon, and Charlotte – each name a hint of the story waiting inside.

Accommodation is categorized into four room categories, each offering a personalised backdrop for rest and relaxation, some with sea views, while others gaze out over the inviting poolside deck. Low season rates from the 1^st of May range from R2800 to R4800 per room per night and include full breakfast, as well as complimentary sunset cocktail and canapés to celebrate every beautiful day spent at Tintswalo Summer House.

The journey through time continues in the hotel’s public spaces with a blend of contemporary design, maximalist spirit, and antique charm. Special features include a spectacular swimming pool and sundeck; the quirky Tini Martini Bar; a sunny breakfast room set around a bubbling water feature; and comfy lounge areas with deep sofas and quiet corners for reading or enjoying High Tea for two.

The restaurant, Summer House Eatery serves lunches and dinners in an elegant, but relaxed seaside setting.Inspired by the charm of classic French bistros, it is a space where European history and elegance is celebrated alongside South African spirit and soul. Restaurant interiors blend sea views on one side opposite a feature wall of antique dinner plates, each one whispering a story of meals long savoured.

The menu is a celebration of the Cape Peninsula’s rich cultural tapestry, brought together through a Mediterranean lens. The open-fire dining concept is at the heart of the space, inviting diners to feast as the chefs turn flame into flavour. Coastal-inspired cuisine is brought to the table by Head Chef Thando Jaxa and his team, including steaks, prawns, fresh salads and vegetable dishes. Made for sharing, the cuisine champions the bounty of the Western Cape and its passionate farmers, artisans, and the coastal waters. Restaurant bookings are available via Dineplan.

Sommelier and Joint General Manager Jabu Ngwenya takes pride in a curated cocktail and wine list that features an extensive variety of wine cultivars and regions, alongside a range of quality house wines produced by Lomond Wine Estate in the cool climate Cape Agulhas region.

Adjacent to the restaurant the Sports Bar remains a much-loved feature, retaining its vintage charm with black-and-white checkered floors, an antique fireplace, weathered textures, and a beautifully crafted timber bar counter. Opening onto the terrace with sea views, it’s where the locals meet for a drink, watch a game, and enjoy relaxed fare such as classic fish and chips, a pressed beef burger, or the signature prawn roll.

An exciting and luxurious new destination on Cape Town’s Southern Peninsula, Tintswalo Summer House promises a serene escape that celebrates the stunning natural beauty of the area. From beaches and tidal pools to scenic coastal paths and other attractions on route to iconic Cape Point, it offers a seamless blend of relaxation and unforgettable experiences.

The Food and Wine Republic has announced that four new worldwide agencies have joined its global public relations network, including FiveStar PR from South Africa, PCATS Comunicación from Spain, Winelab Agency from Denmark, and Grapevine from Australia.

The Food and Wine Republic was first established in 2019 and today is represented by 16 independent food, wine and hospitality-specialized PR Agencies on four continents: Europe, North America, Africa and Oceania.

The collaboration platform provides clients with direct access to food and wine PR specialists in the international marketing and publicity arena. Member agencies are independent and although established in different countries, share the common goal to connect foodies and wine consumers with brands, through media.

About The Food and Wine Republic:

 In most countries there are only a few PR agencies who truly speak the language of Food & Wine. Every day they connect food and wine companies and producers through professionals and media to consumers. The Food and Wine Republic provides a platform to these premium food and wine PR agencies to protect their good names and knowledge, secure their networks, create sustainable worldwide relations and retain new business.

All the agencies have a proven track record in PR for food and wine labels and producers. They have built a strong network with food professionals, trade and media in their own country. They know the domestic culture and predict trends, even create new ones. The agencies can be seen as real influencers in their specific markets.

The Food & Wine Republic is the perfect solution for companies and organisations that are looking for a company that can execute a global campaign. They will appoint the local agency as contractor who will manage the other agencies as subcontractor/s, applying their domestic knowledge and the culture of each country to strengthen the campaign.

Tintswalo Manor in Greater Kruger has reopened after comprehensive renovations that include refurbished rooms, new flooring and a new roof. The exclusive-use lodge is situated in the heart of the pristine Manyeleti Game Reserve, accommodating up to ten guests in five spacious en-suite bedrooms.

Refreshed interiors have elevated the Manor’s elegant aesthetic while preserving the classic safari charm and character for which it is renowned. Designed as a private retreat for families or groups travelling together, Tintswalo Manor offers a sanctuary of comfort, connection, and adventure. Inviting shared lounge and dining areas flow onto expansive, shaded verandas, where guests can unwind, dine, and soak in views of the African bush. An open-air bar and lounge provide unobstructed, front-row views of a frequented waterhole with wildlife activity around the clock, while lush lawns surrounding the swimming pool provide a refreshing retreat on hot summer days.

The Manyeleti Game Reserve encompasses 27,000 hectares of untouched wilderness with unfenced borders to the Kruger National Park, and the Timbavati and Sabi Sand reserves. Tintswalo Safari, which includes Tintswalo Manor, is one of only four commercial lodges operating within this exclusive reserve, ensuring a rare sense of seclusion and immersion in nature. The reserve is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and exceptional wildlife sightings, including the famed Big Five, along with abundant birds, antelope, and elusive smaller predators. Its thriving ecosystem offers unparalleled opportunities for nature enthusiasts and photographers alike.

At Tintswalo Manor, guests enjoy the exclusivity of a private lodge supported by a dedicated hospitality team. The experience includes the services of a personal chef, butler, housekeeping staff, and a private game ranger with a safari vehicle. Twice-daily game drives are tailored to guests’ interests, delivering unforgettable encounters, from lions on the hunt to elephants gathering at nearby waterholes.

 Tintswalo Manor is safely enclosed with game fencing, offering peace of mind while maintaining proximity to the wild surroundings. Families are well catered for with a Kids’ Programme designed to entertain and educate. Children can participate in ranger-led tracking activities, scavenger hunts, baking sessions and beading workshops, ensuring a memorable safari experience for young explorers.

 Meals are served on the terrace, or in enchanting bush locations where guests enjoy open-fire breakfasts and boma dinners beneath the stars. For an added sense of adventure, guests may book the sleep-out treehouse, a romantically appointed hideaway for two beneath a Weeping Boer Bean tree. This magical experience offers a night under the stars with modern comforts and access to amenities within the fenced Manor grounds.

 Tintswalo Manor is easily accessible from Hoedspruit Airport or approximately six hours’ drive from Johannesburg. Rates include all meals, house beverages, daily laundry, and safari activities, ensuring a seamless, all-inclusive stay. With its private pool, personalised service, prime waterhole views, and twice-daily game drives, the newly upgraded Tintswalo Manor stands ready to welcome guests seeking an exclusive and unforgettable safari retreat.

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.’