At Granger Bay, the Atlantic is an ever-present influence, shaping the atmosphere of the Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront, Cape Town – from the way its spaces are experienced to the details that bring the natural world indoors.

Some mornings, the water is calm and silver-grey; on others, mist settles over the bay, softening the horizon. As the seasons shift, so does the light, transforming the colours and character of the coastline. It is this constant evolution that gives the hotel its distinct sense of place, connecting its interiors and experiences to the landscape beyond.

Rather than treating the ocean as a view to admire from a distance, the hotel invites guests to engage with it more closely through thoughtful design details, ocean-inspired artworks, seasonal botanical displays and a dining experience shaped by fire and the sea.

A terrace shaped by the coast

The hotel’s newly refreshed oceanfront terrace brings guests closer to the rhythms of the Atlantic, creating a natural transition between the interior spaces and the coastline beyond.

Designed for lingering, the terrace offers an invitation to settle in and experience the changing atmosphere of Granger Bay. Considered materials and design details complement the coastal setting, while the open-air environment allows the breeze, shifting light and movement of the water to become part of the experience.

The appeal lies in its versatility. An early-morning coffee can become a moment of quiet reflection, while an afternoon might unfold over views of the bay and dolphins moving through the water. As evening approaches, the terrace takes on a different character, offering a place to enjoy a cocktail as the light softens over the Atlantic.

Bringing the natural world indoors

The relationship between the hotel and its surroundings extends into its art collection, where sculpture offers a playful interpretation of the natural world.

Among the works is Minki, a young character created by South African artist Johan Steyn. Guided by curiosity, Minki explores South African landscapes, noticing the animals, birds and smaller details that might otherwise go unseen. The character encourages a closer look at the environment, inviting guests to rediscover the natural world through a sense of wonder.

Seasonal botanical displays further strengthen this connection. Inspired by the landscapes of the Cape, the arrangements introduce natural textures, colours and changing blooms into the hotel’s interiors, creating a subtle dialogue between the outdoors and the spaces within.

An ocean-inspired expression at the table

At Fire & Tide, the connection to the Atlantic finds expression through food. Here, the ocean and the tradition of gathering around a shared table come together in a celebration of fresh seafood, seasonal ingredients and open-fire cooking.

The Saturday lunch experience centres on generous flavours and a relaxed approach to dining. The combination of seafood and live-fire cooking reflects the Cape’s coastal character, with an emphasis on ingredients and the pleasure of sharing a meal.

It is an experience designed to unfold at its own pace, encouraging guests to sit back, savour the food and let the afternoon take shape around the table.

The connection begins earlier in the day, too. Breakfast is served daily from 06:30 to 10:30, with freshly prepared dishes, coffee and views across the bay offering an unhurried start.

Finding Cape Town’s natural rhythm

Beyond the hotel, the Atlantic continues to shape the experience of the city.

A short walk away, the Sea Point Promenade offers a distinctly local perspective on Cape Town’s coastline. Runners, dog walkers, families and friends share the path, while others pause along the way to watch the water, take in the mountain views or simply enjoy the fresh sea air.

For hotel guests, the promenade offers a chance to experience the city without an itinerary. A morning run, an afternoon stroll or a few moments watching the waves become a simple way to reconnect with the landscape.

Back at the hotel, the daily Atlantic Sundowner Ritual, from 17:30 to 18:30, provides another opportunity to pause and take in the coast. The experience is shaped by the ocean in whatever mood it happens to be in.

A stay shaped by a sense of place

In a city as rich in experiences as Cape Town, it is tempting to fill every moment. Yet the Atlantic offers a different perspective – one in which the landscape becomes an invitation to slow down, look more closely and experience a destination through its changing details.

At the Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront, Cape Town, this connection is expressed through more than the ocean views. It lives in the design of the spaces, the art and botanicals that bring nature indoors, the flavours served at the table and the simple pleasure of spending time beside the water.

Come for the view, stay for the experience and leave with a deeper connection to Cape Town’s coastal character. | radissonhotels.com

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COMPILED BY Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

№1: Bar Leone, Hong Kong

Bar Leone, in Hong Kong’s vibrant Central district, is the brainchild of renowned bartender Lorenzo Antinori, whose storied CV includes some of Europe and Asia’s most beloved hotel bars, among them London’s American Bar at The Savoy and Dandelyan (now defunct). Built on the philosophy of cocktail popolari – “cocktails for the people” – Bar Leone pays tribute to the neighbourhood bars of Rome, where locals like to gather. The interior is a love letter to the city in the 1980s and ’90s, designed to be unpretentious and rooted in Italian culture and hospitality. The bar’s success owes much to its attention to detail – the warmth of the greeting, the pitch of the lighting – every moment matters. No wonder it has taken the top spot for the second year in a row. | @barleonehk

№2: Moebius Milano, Milan

Located in a former textile warehouse in central Milan, Moebius Milano is a multi-faceted space that fuses mixology, fine dining, design and music under its industrial roof. Founded in 2019 by Lorenzo Querci, the venue takes its name and aesthetic inspiration from the science-fiction and surrealist artwork of Jean Giraud (pen name Moebius). Designed by Studio Q-Bic, the impressive space contrasts raw iron and exposed brick with warm timber, all centred around a 700-year-old Andalusian olive tree that spans two floors and serves as the beating heart of the building. The cocktails served at Moebius Milano – among them the Seed Negroni, a popular tipple infused with toasted pumpkin seeds and cream – reflect its bold setting. | @moebiusmilano

№3: Alquímico, Cartagena

Brimming out of its colonial building in the vibrant Colombian city of Cartagena, Alquímico is three storeys of pure fiesta. Jean Trinh and Paola Oviedo have created a space that is built on community empowerment. The cocktails and food are an ode to Colombia, with the ground-floor menu built around a partnership with disadvantaged farmers who grow rare, regional ingredients in the previously war-torn Montes de María. Climb the showpiece staircase and you’ll discover drinks made from organic ingredients grown at the Alquímico farm, which was built during the pandemic by the bar’s very own bartenders. | @alquimicocartagena

The Top 20

For the full list, visit the50best.com

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WORDS Martin Jacobs PHOTOS Tegan Smith

“Think of agave as a family of spirits. Mezcal is the older brother: the traditional expression, made for centuries across Mexico from many agave species using diverse regional methods. Tequila is the younger brother: more specialised, made only from Blue Weber agave in specific Mexican regions under strict regulations.”

For terroir

Tequila Ocho

“Its commitment to showcasing terroir through single-estate harvests demonstrates that agave, like wine, can faithfully express the place where it was grown.”

For precision

G4

“Every bottle is a beautiful example of how traditional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail can preserve the true character of the agave.”

For biodiversity

Sepulto Ensamble

“It celebrates the complexity that emerges when different agave species are brought together with respect for traditional production.”

For authenticity

Cascahuín

“Its dedication to traditional methods and minimal intervention allows the agave to remain the unmistakable hero of every bottle.”

For tradition-based innovation

Montelobos Pechuga

“The pechuga distillation technique adds extraordinary aromatic complexity without overshadowing the agave, resulting in a spirit that is layered.” | inzaloagave.com

Read our feature ‘Mexican Wave’ in VISI issue #146 to learn more about story behind Inzalo Descendant Agave Spirits.

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rain designed South Africa’s first data-only network at a time when the industry was still built around voice. Now they’re turning their attention to engineering 5G-enabled hardware, partnering with Loop Design Lab, an industry-leading team of engineers and designers who, like rain, believe the world should connect beautifully.

rain’s suite of 5G products doesn’t just deliver unlimited connectivity; it challenges the idea of how a network device should look, feel and work.

the1015G smart router: connect beautifully

rain has changed how South Africans connect. But the routers powering connectivity were often hidden, and performance suffered. the101 5G smart router was designed to be seen. Interchangeable 101 skins let you match the router to your taste, so it earns pride of place where it performs best. With everything from speed tests to support at your fingertips, it’s designed to be as easy to use as it is easy on the eye.

loop – a new way to connect

The loop is a world first: a portable, 5G-connected router and stereo speaker in a single beautifully considered device. It runs a full Android operating system, so you can download your favourite streaming apps and listen without the hassle of pairing. Its built-in battery means you can carry your wifi and your music with you wherever you go.

LoopPhone: say hello to unlimited

Most recently, rain took on the challenge of releasing its very own smartphone. Built for unlimited connectivity and accessible to all South Africans, LoopPhone combines premium hardware with Android 16 software and all the features to rival any modern smartphone. Collaborating on the design with LoopDL, the high-spec LoopPhone also includes proprietary features like the secondary Glance display which doubles as a live viewfinder for taking selfies with the main camera.

Details at rain.co.za. Find the rain | VISI collection at 101skins.co.za.

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For a long time, gardening was something we tended to associate with our parents and grandparents: established gardens, inherited knowledge and years spent learning which plants thrived where. Then came the pandemic, a renewed appreciation for nature and the rise of the ‘plant parent’, as a younger generation discovered the joy of filling windowsills, balconies and living spaces with greenery.

Today, the boundaries are far less clear. You don’t need a large garden, years of experience or even a traditional garden to call yourself a gardener.

And as Garden Day returns on Sunday 18 October, the celebration is as much about enjoying the green spaces we have as it is about how we grow in them. This year’s theme, ‘From Garden to Table: Grow, Gather, Celebrate’, embraces the many ways gardens can feed, connect and enrich our lives.

We asked three young South African gardeners what they think the future of gardening looks like and their answers point to a more relaxed, practical and personal approach.

You don’t have to be born a gardener

For Comine Joubert, a horticulturist at Babylonstoren, one of the ideas worth leaving behind is that gardening ability is something you’re either born with or you aren’t.

There may be people who seem to have an instinctive understanding of plants, she says, but gardening knowledge can be developed. The more time you spend observing your plants and understanding their individual needs, the more confident you become.

It is an approach that makes gardening feel much more accessible. You don’t have to know everything before you start, and you certainly don’t have to get everything right.

Comine also believes that gardens don’t need to be perfectly manicured to be successful. Allowing certain areas to grow more naturally can create habitat for insects and other wildlife while taking away some of the pressure to keep every corner immaculate.

For Mosa Seshoene, gardener and founder of Farminist, that sense of individuality is fundamental. A garden should reflect the person who uses it rather than conform to one universal idea of what a ‘good’ garden looks like.

Grow what interests you

That freedom extends to what goes into the garden.

Mosa believes gardeners should experiment rather than automatically return to the same familiar crops every year. If spinach and cabbage are regular staples, why not try Chinese cabbage or different varieties of greens?

It is not only about keeping the growing space interesting. Trying different vegetables can introduce families to new flavours and may even encourage children to become more curious about what they eat.

There is also an opportunity to rethink where the food garden belongs.

Landscape designer Ian Dommisse believes the productive garden deserves to be treated as part of the home’s living space rather than something that has to be tucked away at the back.

A vegetable garden can have attractive pathways, seating, a pergola, a water feature or somewhere to eat. In other words, the place where you grow food can also become one of the places where you spend the most time.

Small spaces can still grow plenty

The younger generation of gardeners is also challenging the idea that you need a large plot of land to grow your own food.

Hydroponics, vertical growing systems and containers all make it possible to produce food in smaller spaces, while microgreens can be grown quickly with very little room.

But growing food doesn’t have to become a complicated project. Mosa points out that a simple container filled with good potting soil can be enough to get started. A bucket, planter or suitable recycled bag can all become growing space. For people living in apartments or homes with limited outdoor areas, movable planters offer another option. They can be moved around as the seasons change or as the gardener’s needs evolve.

The same principle applies to ornamental plants. Containers, rocks and other unconventional spaces can all provide opportunities to grow.

The lawn doesn’t have to disappear

The traditional lawn is another gardening convention being reconsidered.

Neither Ian nor Comine believes lawns need to be eliminated. They have an important role to play when children need somewhere to run around or a family regularly uses the space for recreation.

The question is really about how much lawn you need and what the rest of the garden could be doing.

Ornamental grasses can provide movement and texture without needing to be mown, while groundcovers and other planting can introduce colour and habitat. At Babylonstoren, Comine has experimented with Roman chamomile, creeping thyme and alyssum as alternatives to conventional grass.

The result can be a garden with more variety and more opportunities for plants, insects and people.

Work with your garden, not against it

There is also a growing emphasis on understanding what a garden actually needs before reaching for the hose, fertiliser or secateurs.

Comine suggests checking beneath the surface of the soil before watering. What looks dry on top may still be moist underneath, and getting into the habit of checking can make gardeners much more conscious of how much water their plants really need.

Ian recommends starting with the soil itself. Adding compost and mulch builds organic matter and improves the soil’s ability to retain water. Matching plants to the conditions they naturally prefer can also reduce both water use and maintenance.

And sometimes, doing less can be beneficial.

Instead of automatically removing fallen leaves, gardeners can allow them to decompose naturally or incorporate them into mulch. The organic matter can enrich the soil and help it hold onto moisture, while also supporting the small organisms that form part of a healthy garden ecosystem.

Think beyond the season

The next generation of gardeners is also looking at the garden as something that should support life throughout the year.

Ian would like to see more thought given to what is available for pollinators during autumn and winter, when there may be fewer flowers for bees and other insects. Mosa expects to see increasing interest in indigenous and South African plants, many of which are naturally adapted to local conditions.

There is also growing interest in rain gardens and wetland-style soakaway gardens, which can slow rainwater down and allow more of it to soak into the ground rather than being rapidly channelled away.

It is a shift from simply asking what looks good to considering how the garden functions within its wider environment.

Make the garden work for you

Perhaps the most noticeable difference in the way these young gardeners approach gardening is that none of them seems particularly interested in creating a garden simply because they think they are supposed to.

If you love vegetables, grow vegetables. If you only have space for a few containers, make the most of them. If you have children who need somewhere to play, keep the lawn. If you prefer a slightly wilder garden, allow it to develop that way.

As Mosa puts it, “Your garden should fit into your life, not become another obligation.”

That may be the most useful lesson of all. Gardening doesn’t have to look a certain way, happen in a certain kind of space or belong to a particular generation.

It can be a balcony full of herbs, a collection of houseplants, a productive vegetable garden, a lawn surrounded by planting or a slightly wild corner where insects and plants are allowed to do their thing.

And perhaps that is what makes Garden Day such a fitting celebration. On 18 October, there is no particular kind of garden you need to have and no particular kind of gardener you need to be. The invitation is simply to notice what your green space gives you, share it with others and enjoy it.

Join the Garden Day celebration

On Sunday 18 October, gardens and green spaces across South Africa will become places to grow, gather and celebrate as Garden Day returns for its 11th year.

Its theme, ‘From Garden to Table: Grow, Gather, Celebrate’, invites South Africans to enjoy what their gardens provide – from food and flowers to the simple pleasure of spending time among plants.

For practical inspiration, the new Grow Guide offers month-by-month planting and sowing advice for South Africa’s different rainfall regions. Find it along with more Garden Day inspiration online. | gardenday.co.za

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WORDS Palesa Mohola PHOTOS Supplied

The 50 Best Hotels awards ceremony brought together the global travel and hospitality community to celebrate the finest hotels at Les Salles du Carrousel, one of Paris’s most distinctive locations. Through a live countdown from No. 50 to No. 1, South Africa’s Mount Nelson was announced at No. 34.

“This year’s list recognises not only extraordinary places to stay, but the exceptional people whose vision, craft and care create truly memorable guest experiences. Congratulations to every hotel honoured in 2026, thank you to our Academy whose votes shape the list and everyone who continues to make this a moment the industry looks forward to each year,” says Faye Huggett, Director of Community for The 50 Best Hotels.

The Pink Lady sits at the heart of Cape Town’s famed Gardens neighbourhood – an eight-acre oasis of verdant gardens and ancient trees – and has been recognised as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks since 1899. The property is framed by rocky coastlines, expansive beaches and rolling winelands, just steps away from the vibrant Kloof Street.

“To be recognised among The 50 Best Hotels means a great deal to us at Mount Nelson,” says Patrick Fisher, General Manager. “The Nellie is always moving forward and over the past year we’ve brought to life exciting new projects across culture, design and gastronomy, while staying true to what people have always loved about the hotel. None of it happens without our incredible team, who bring so much care and energy to Mount Nelson every day. To see an institution with more than 125 years of history continue to be curious and relevant is something we’re very proud of. We’re thrilled to be recognised among the world’s best.”

Two exciting collaborations cement Mount Nelson’s position as a leader in culture and contemporary luxury. The first is the Thebe Magugu Suite – a dedicated suite and atelier by acclaimed South African designer Thebe Magugu, featuring a creative concept store and gallery dedicated to cultural exchange.

The second is Amura, an immersive marine dining experience led by celebrated three-Michelin-starred chef Ángel León. The ocean-inspired space is set within Mount Nelson’s historic Planet Room and former Cape Colony Restaurant, with moody greens, warm timber and bronze details that create a tranquil and enchanting atmosphere. the50.com | belmond.com

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COMPILED BY Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

Done by the same folks who select the World’s 50 Best Bars, this ranking features a winner from Hong Kong. The towering Rosewood Hong Kong, in the city’s Victoria Dockside arts and design district, offers stunning views of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. Designed by New York-based designer Tony Chi, the interiors are a true fusion of East and West, immersing guests in a world of colour and texture. The 413-room hotel also boasts 11 restaurants and bars, including Michelin-starred The Legacy House, which specialises in Shunde cuisine.

Thailand claims the No. 2 spot with Capella Bangkok. It overlooks the capital city’s Chao Phraya River and is surrounded by lush gardens, combining all the elegance of a grande dame property with the intimacy of a boutique hotel. The dramatic, layered architecture ensures all 101 rooms face the water; the riverside villas have their own private pools; the Auriga spa is an enclave of relaxation; and the “Capella Culturalists” – personal butlers with a direct line to the city’s finest activities – are always on hand to help guests get under the skin of their destination. Rounding out the top three is the Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, which lies on the riverfront in Bangkok’s creative district.

Africa made the list with two standout offerings: Mount Nelson in Cape Town is at No. 34 and Royal Mansour in Marrakech is at No. 26. There were also special awards to complement the 50 Best rankings and act as additional accolades, given to best-in-class hotels and individuals.

BEST NEW HOTEL: Patina Osaka

Patina Osaka is a 20-storey hotel with 221 rooms and suites, a one-minute walk from Osaka Castle Park. Its design draws on kisetsukan – the Japanese sense of the changing seasons – positioning it as an urban sanctuary in the heart of the city.

HIGHEST NEW ENTRY: Casa Maria Luigia

Casa Maria Luigia is an invitation into the creative world of Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore. Set within a restored 18th-century country estate surrounded by gardens, orchards and the rolling landscapes of Emilia-Romagna, this magical property opened in 2019, blending the warmth of a private home with contemporary art, deeply personal hospitality, and one of Italy’s most celebrated culinary visions.

ECO HOTEL: Chablé Yucatán

Set in the Yucatán jungle, Chablé Yucatán‘s’s philosophy is rooted in a deep commitment to regional heritage, most notably through sustainable gastronomy.

BEST BEACH HOTEL: Atlantis The Royal

Hyped well before it opened, this hotel is big, bold and unapologetically in your face. Home to 795 rooms and suites, 17 restaurants, two storeys of boutiques, a sprawling Art Deco wellness space and swimming pools with unbeatable views, Atlantis The Royal is where to stay if you want an all-out bling Dubai experience.

ART OF DESIGN: Hôtel du Couvent

Hôtel du Couvent is a restored 17th-century convent. Rather than imposing a contemporary concept, architect Louis-Antoine Grégo and Studio Méditerranée treated the building as the author, listening to four centuries of monastic life already present in its walls, gardens, light and daily rhythms.

BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL: Passalacqua

Set in an 18th-century villa built on land once owned by Pope Innocent XI, this Passalacqua – designed by leading Milanese architect Carlo Felice Soave – has played host to an aristocratic roll call of occupants. Set within spectacular terraced gardens and with just 24 rooms, the hotel showcases the finest Italian craftsmanship in a riot of ornate neoclassical elegance.

Other special awards include the One to Watch, awarded to The Fifth Avenue Hotel; the Art of Hospitality, awarded to Badrutt’s Palace; the Most Admired Hotel Group, awarded to Rosewood; the Highest Climber, awarded to Las Ventanas al Paraíso; and the Icon Award, awarded to James McBride. | the50.com

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 list of winners

The list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 winners, ranked from 50 to 1:

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WORDS Martin Jacobs PHOTOS Grant Durr/Unsplash, Supplied

Birkenhead House

Suburb Voëlklip

Why watch here The quiet suburb has a rocky coastline elevated above sheltered nursery waters. It’s in these waters, close to shore, that southern right mothers and calves often spend extended periods.

The hotel That Birkenhead House enjoys the highest percentage of repeat guests across The Royal Portfolio collection speaks volumes. Positioned on a rocky promontory above Voëlklip Beach, the chic beach house occupies one of the most enviable positions on this stretch of coastline, pairing a breathtaking setting with intuitive hospitality that has guests returning time and again. With just eleven rooms, Birkenhead House is boutique, cultivating the atmosphere of an elegant seaside home – albeit one where every detail has been considered and every comfort anticipated. Hotelier Liz Biden’s eclectic approach to decorating makes for enchanting interiors in which colour, culture and comfort combine. Local art, exotic collectibles and eye-catching hues enchant, evoking a luxurious home-like atmosphere which, given that this was once the private holiday home of The Royal Portfolio’s founding family, is perhaps to be expected. The interconnected buildings today cascade gracefully downhill around a series of courtyards, fish ponds and swimming pools, gently drawing guests towards the communal lounges, dining room and infinity terrace below. Here, uninterrupted views sweep across Walker Bay to a soundtrack of breaking waves. Binoculars are thoughtfully placed throughout these shared spaces, ready for the moment a southern right whale surfaces just beyond the breakers.

Best Rooms for whale watching Rooms 1 and 2, located in the front house directly above the communal living spaces, enjoy both front- and side-facing ocean views. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto compact private balconies, while separate dressing rooms and generously proportioned bathrooms make these Birkenhead House’s most luxurious suites. Room 3 enjoys the same elevated position, with both the bedroom and bathroom framing views across Voëlklip Beach and the coastline beyond. From the comfort of king-size beds with monogramed linen and perfect pillows, each of these three rooms offers exceptional opportunities for whale watching.

Other Options Positioned below Room 3, Room 4 also overlooks Voëlklip Beach, although with less elevation. Upstairs in the rear house, Room 6 similarly enjoys expansive sea views and makes an excellent alternative. What Room 5 lacks in views it makes up for with a private garden complete with Moroccan-inspired plunge pool.

Where to Eat With all meals, an extensive array of beverages – alcoholic and otherwise – as well as a generously stocked minibar filled with snacks and homemade chocolates included in the rate, there’s little reason to venture elsewhere. Breakfast and lunch are served from an à la carte menu featuring dishes such as eggs royal, prawn frittata, a ‘surfers croissant’, smoked sailfish carpaccio and squid ink seafood pasta, while dinner changes nightly to showcase the best seasonal produce. Dining is an integral part of the Birkenhead House experience, with generous, beautifully plated dishes served across several indoor and outdoor spaces, but predominantly in a dining area overlooking the ocean. Guests won’t go hungry, and the kitchen is adept at accommodating dietary requirements, doing so with attention to detail. | theroyalportfolio.com

The Marine

Suburb Central Hermanus

Why watch here The hotel’s elevated cliff-top position provides 180 degree views across Walker Bay, with the added bonus of easy access to Hermanus’s restaurants and cliff path.

The hotel Few hotels occupy such an iconic position along Hermanus’s celebrated Cliff Path as The Marine. Today a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World^©, its story stretches back to 1902, when Walter McFarlane opened what was then a modest seaside hotel with just 21 rooms, two flush toilets per floor, and neither electricity nor running water in its guestrooms. A century later, following its acquisition and meticulous restoration by the late hotelier Liz McGrath in 1998, The Marine has become synonymous with understated five-star luxury. Its forty individually configured rooms ensure that no two stays are quite the same, while even the entry-level accommodation feels notably generous in scale. Recently refreshed by Dawn Dickerson and Carmel Naudé of HotCocoa Interiors, the interiors introduce a lighter, more contemporary palette of aquatic blues and sea greens, layered with classic detailing that acknowledges both the hotel’s heritage and its remarkable coastal setting.

Best Rooms for whale watching Suite 219, positioned midway along the upper floor, offers arguably the hotel’s finest vantage point. Double-volume in height, the suite features three soaring bay windows that frame uninterrupted 180-degree views across Walker Bay, with Gearings Point perfectly positioned within the panorama. A staircase leads to the mezzanine bedroom, where the bed enjoys its own memorable outlook through a distinctive circular oculus window found nowhere else in the hotel.

Other Options For guests seeking the same level of luxury without the staircase, neighbouring Suite 215 is an excellent choice, while Suite 102 offers equally generous accommodation on the ground floor. Those travelling with a more modest budget should consider Room 207, whose spacious layout and private balcony with side ocean views make it exceptional value.

Where to Eat Following HotCocoa Interiors upgrade, the restaurant’s first comprehensive redesign in almost twenty years, The Pavilion Restaurant has emerged refreshed while retaining its unmistakable identity. The signature black-and-white chequered flooring remains, now complemented by an elegant palette inspired by the surrounding fynbos – lush green velvets, metallic accents, marble, grasscloth wallcoverings and hand-painted murals create a space that feels simultaneously timeless and contemporary. The menu similarly balances familiar favourites with thoughtful additions. Longstanding signatures such as the fishcakes now arrive with a bright citrus, avocado and shaved fennel salad, while newer dishes include delicately seared Asian-inspired tuna. Desserts, particularly the passionfruit soufflé and fruit-laden pavlova, provide a suitably memorable finale. | themarinehotel.co.za

One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel

Suburb Westcliff

Why watch here With the New Harbour nearby for boat-based whale-watching excursions, this quiet suburb offers cliff path views over deeper coastal waters.

The hotel Occupying a privileged position between s historic Old Harbour and the working New Harbour, One Marine Drive offers a more contemporary interpretation of the boutique coastal hotel. Crisp architectural lines, polished finishes and understated luxury are softened by playful Californian surf-house influences, expressed through tropical wallpapers, colourful contemporary artworks and wall-mounted surfboards that bring character to both pool areas. The hotel’s two modern buildings are linked by indoor and outdoor walkways and together accommodate just sixteen rooms. Sea-facing rooms enjoy uninterrupted views across Walker Bay, placing guests in prime position throughout whale season.

Best Rooms for whale watching Room 9 is the standout choice. Positioned on the middle of the hotel’s three levels, floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a private balcony overlooking Walker Bay, while an additional picture window broadens the panorama, ensuring the ever-changing spectacle of the bay remains constantly in view.

Other Options Rooms 7 and 8, located alongside Room 9, also enjoy sea-facing views. One floor higher, Rooms 16 and 17 benefit from an even more elevated perspective across Walker Bay and provide excellent vantage points during whale season. For those seeking additional space, the Columbine Suite – named after the 1936 lighthouse at Cape Columbine near Paternoster – offers an expansive terrace complete with loungers and an outdoor dining table.

Where to Eat Immediately across the road, Ficks occupies a spectacular setting carved into the rocks beside a tidal pool, making it one of Hermanus’s most atmospheric lunch spots. Its menu of tapas-style small plates and pinchos pairs perfectly with an afternoon spent watching whales offshore. Within easy walking distance, Pure Bistro offers another superb terrace for whale watching. Alongside an accomplished seasonal menu, its frikkadel-style burger has earned a reputation as one of the finest in the Western Cape. | thelivingjourneycollection.co.za

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“The 2025 vintage is one of the great Cape vintages.”

That’s just one of the compelling insights shared by internationally acclaimed wine critic Tim Atkin MW in a recent conversation with Private Clients by Old Mutual.

In partnership with Private Clients by Old Mutual, Old Mutual Wealth are delighted to present this exclusive two-part interview series, in which Tim reflects on South Africa’s emergence as a world-class wine-producing nation. He discusses the grape varieties continuing to excel on the global stage and highlights the producers and regions generating the greatest excitement today.

As Jean Minnaar, Managing Director of Private Clients by Old Mutual, notes: “The success of South African wine is built on generations of craftsmanship, innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are proud to partner with Tim Atkin in recognising the individuals and producers who continue to raise the bar.” He adds:“We have a deep appreciation for the value of expertise, long-term thinking and building something meaningful that endures. Those same principles underpin both exceptional winemaking and wealth management.”

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a passionate wine enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of South African wine, Tim’s expert perspective offers valuable insight into an industry that continues to evolve, innovate and impress.

Watch Parts 1 and 2 below and discover why the Cape is capturing the attention of wine lovers around the world.

For more information, visit wealthprivateclients.co.za.  

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WORDS Robyn Alexander PHOTOS Supplied

Gardens and Landscapes: 10 Spaces of Beauty

by Anna Scaravella, with photographs by Matteo Carassale and text by Sala Bartolomeo (Rizzoli, 2025)

Driven by breathtaking photography – always the case with titles published by Rizzoli – Gardens and Landscapes takes you on a journey through 10 magnifi cent private Italian gardens. And as author and renowned expert in landscape architecture Anna Scaravella suggests in her text, each one of them has its own unique beauty. There is much for the amateur gardener to be inspired by here, from the lush elegance of Villa Albera in Lombardy to the striking contrasts in the design of a Mediterranean garden on the island of Elba. Varied as they are, all remain oases of peace and beauty – and the book is a window into virtually visiting and admiring them. | rizzoliusa.com

Gardens That Can Save The World

by Lottie Delamain, with a foreword by Isabella Tree (Thames & Hudson, 2026)

One of the key ways urbanised human beings remain in touch with the natural world is via growing and tending plants. And going outside to do so, this inspiring new book argues, is one very good way to counteract feelings of powerlessness in a fractured world. Gardens That Can Save the World brings together 65 projects that revolve around plants, showing how they can have a big impact on people, their loved ones and the environment. It also demonstrates that green spaces can repair damage previously done to soil and water, empower communities struggling with conflict and hardship, and help to heal stress, isolation and trauma. This is an immensely uplift ing book that also encourages everyone to try easy-to-replicate strategies in their own garden, balcony or windowsill plant pot. | thamesandhudson.com

The Coastal Garden

by Phaidon Editors, with an introduction by Nigel Dunnett and texts by Sorrel Everton (Phaidon, 2026)

As anyone who has ever created a garden on the coast learns quickly, this sort of landscape requires working in harmony with the environment rather than attempting to compel it to conform to your will. This is the point made repeatedly by The Coastal Garden, which features landscapes as varied as a Mediterranean cliff side, a sheltered bay on the UK’s south coast, and the edge of a sandy beach in Australia. What all these gardens have in common is a sense of being rooted in their location, as well as beautiful views of the sea, an atmosphere of tranquillity, and an intense connection with nature. With gorgeous imagery and detailed explanatory text about each of the 48 extraordinary private gardens featured, there’s plenty to discover in terms of terrains, climates and garden styles here too. | phaidon.com

The Modern Japanese Garden

by Stephen Mansfield, Kengo Kuma, Mira Locher, Tim Richardson, Masuno Shunmyo and Pico Iyer (Thames & Hudson, 2025)

Japanese garden design has a lengthy history, which this major study of the subject begins by tracing, from pre-Shinto stone arrangements to the 19th century and into the present. The book also includes profiles of some of the most iconic and influential gardens in locations such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukuoka, and examines the work of several renowned Japanese garden designers. In addition – and much in the style of Japanese landscape design itself – interspersed throughout are short interludes on topics such as the ancient garden of Ryoan-jiin Kyoto, and essays by high-profile contributors such as architect Kengo Kuma and monk and garden designer Masuno Shunmyo, which consider various themes in Japanese gardening. | thamesandhudson.com

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