Celebrating 125 Years, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town Is A Pioneer Of South Africa's Creative Spirit 

Skirted by mountain and metropolis at the southern tip of Africa, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town harnesses the distinctive character of the Mother City. 125 years young, the hotel harnesses a vibrant atmosphere, stirring up a heady medley of heritage, slow luxury and opportunities to discover and delight. Be it front-row fashion over the Nellie’s legendary afternoon tea; collaborations with modern and contemporary African creatives; exceptional dining with new Executive Chef Luke Lawrence Barry or bespoke journeys into the great outdoors from a Marine Biologist Experience to exploring Cape Town’s internationally acclaimed winelands, Mount Nelson plugs guests into the pulse of this iconic Southern African destination.   

Beyond Mount Nelson’s emblematic palm-lined driveway and blush pink facade, the property fuses its heritage with 21st-century relevance, bridging the gap between then and now. This seamless blend is realised through a harmonious mix of classic design elements and contemporary art, cutting-edge amenities, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, paying homage to its storied past while embracing current culture. Nestled within 8 acres of lush gardens that unfold beneath the gaze of Table Mountain, and rooted in the city’s vibrant urban heart, Mount Nelson has captivated travellers since 1899.   

Within the hotel walls and beyond, the diversity of Mount Nelson’s experiences unveils the city’s natural and cultural creative assets. There are few places in the world where one can explore sun-soaked shorelines, hike the peaks of an iconic natural landmark, tour coastal roads in a pink sidecar, and admire the designs of Africa’s best designers during salon-style fashion shows, with tea in hand. 

SAVOURING LOCAL AND SEASONAL FLAVOURS 

Newly appointed Executive Chef Luke Lawrence Barry joins Mount Nelson, overseeing the medley of much-loved, existing establishments. Here preserving the unique flavour of each restaurant is paramount, whilst sustainability and seasonality remain core tenets, and the celebration of South African cuisine continues as a cornerstones of Chef Luke’s philosophy.   

Dining well at The Nellie means choosing from a garden picnic or Harvest Table under the shade of a century-old fig tree, sampling the season’s fare at The Verandah or Oasis, and indulging in the Pan- Asian culinary philosophy at The Red Room by Chefs Warehouse. Opened in 2023, The Red Room is local award-winning chef Liam Tomlin’s love letter to contemporary Asian cuisine. For discerning diners, Mount Nelson’s Chef’s Table offers an immersive and unrehearsed front-row seat in the hidden heart of the hotel’s kitchen. Finally, those wanting to close their weekend out to the tune of foot-tapping beats can book the Sunday Jazz Brunch, where the legendary Buddy Wells Trio accompanies an irresistible menu.  

Last but certainly not least, the signature Afternoon Tea combines the flair of Executive Sous Chef Vicky Gurovich with South Africa’s first expert-trained tea sommelier, Craig Cupido. The duo offers an unforgettable pause to the day, pairing a curated selection of over 60 loose-leaf teas with a delectable sweet and savoury feast.  

HOW: Click here to book Mount Nelson’s dining experiences. 

ART IN THE HEART OF THE CITY’S CULTURAL DISTRICT 

Art is central to any stay at The Nellie, courtesy of its collaboration with Norval Foundation as well as MITICO – Belmond’s artistic series in partnership with Galleria Continua, now in its third edition.   

Mother City, a collection of artworks from the Norval Foundation curated by Heinrich Groenewald and Shona van der Merwe of RESERVOIR, offers intimate encounters with some of the country’s most prominent contemporary artists - Zanele Muholi, Nicholas Hlobo, Bronwyn Katz, and Athi-Patra Ruga. The exhibition is on display at the hotel until October 2024.   

In the gardens, MITICO takes centre-stage around the fountain, allowing guests to contemplate the bold work of French contemporary artist Daniel Buren. The newly commissioned work surrounds the garden fountain at the heart of the hotel - a true historical landmark feature, present since before the hotel’s inception. This bold commission reinforces Mount Nelson’s role as the vibrant cultural heart of Cape Town for 125 years.   

Thanks to its location in the thriving heart of the city’s cultural district, visitors need only cross over from the hotel’s Prince of Wales Gate into the leafy surrounds of Company’s Garden to visit the Iziko South African National Gallery. Other galleries guests can reach on foot include Everard Read, WHATIFTHEWORLD Gallery, Stevenson Gallery, and the Brundyn Arts & Culture centre.  

HOW: “Mother City” will be on show at Mount Nelson until October 2024. Guided art tours with Shona and Heinrich can be arranged. MITICO will be on show until 15 February 2025. 

A DESTINATION FOR THE FASHION-FORWARD 

The Nellie’s prime position offers access to some of the country’s leading designers along vibrant Kloof Street and surrounds, fringed with designer boutiques, buzzing cafes, and stores to seduce fashion and retail fans. The annual Confections x Collections, now in its third edition, is worth planning for. A five-day line-up of salon-style fashion shows coupled with designer-inspired confectionery. This artistic affair celebrates South African and African award-winning designers, blending the likes of Thebe Magugu and Sindiso Khumalo (both LVMH award winners) and cult favourite Laduma Ngxokolo of MAXHOSA AFRICA with the hotel’s world-renowned Afternoon Tea ritual.  

Taking place from 5 – 9 November 2024, the first four days of CxC will each feature an intimate fashion experience. This year's show lineup includes South African designers Lukhanyo Mdingi, known for his blend of artisanal craft and modernity, and RICH MNISI, celebrated for his bold Tsonga culture expressions. Nigerian designers featured are Bubu Ogisi of IAMISIGO, known for their ancient African textile-inspired wearable art, and Adeju Thompson of Lagos Space Programme, who explores Yoruba culture through fashion. The fifth and final evening of this year’s CxC edition will see a group show that brings together previous and current CxC designers. Participating designers include Rich Mnisi, Lagos Space Programme, IAMISIGO, Lukhanyo Mdingi, VIVIERS Studio, CHULAAP, Wanda Lephoto, MANTSHO by Palesa Mokubung, Sindiso Khumalo, MmusoMaxwell, and MAXHOSA AFRICA.  

HOW: Tickets to the daily show at 1500 are available to purchase by guests and visitors alike at R995. For reservations and more information, please contact restaurantreservations.mnh@belmond.com or call +27 21 483-100.   

EXPERT-LED ADVENTURES IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS 

For those who yearn to explore the natural riches of the Cape, adventure awaits in the form of curated coastal and inland excursions. Curious ocean enthusiasts are invited to dive in, snorkel the kelp forests and discover life beneath the water’s surface with marine biologist and shark scientist Justin Blake. Those who prefer the shoreline can hop into The Nellie’s retro pink kombi and enjoy a surf lesson at Muizenberg beach, followed by a meal along the water’s edge.   

For guests wanting to savour the magic of the golden hour, Mount Nelson offers a guided dusk walk that traces the lower footpaths of Table Mountain, introducing guests to the floral region of Cape Fynbos, and another at dawn when the splendour of a first light-mountain lingers.   

For the ultimate thrill, the Whales, Wine and Helicopter excursion is a must, combining a spectacular helicopter flight and expert-led whale-watching adventure with bespoke food and wine terroir-tasting in one of the Cape’s lauded wine regions.   

HOW: Click here for more information and to book your next excursion.  

Woven into the fabric of the Mother City, Mount Nelson has transformed into a bastion of local culture, throwing a spotlight onto the tastemakers, artists, designers and craftsmen shaping the city’s identity. Epitomising slow luxury for the modern traveller, this legendary hotel offers guests an immersive journey into a world of quintessentially Capetonian experiences.  

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NOTES FOR EDITORS 

For images of Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town see here 
For images of Mount Nelson’s gastronomic offering see here 
For Images of Mount Nelson’s artistic and creative collaborations see here 
For Images of Mount Nelson’s outdoors experiences see here