Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town Nurturing the Future of Luxury Travel with Sustainability at Heart

FEBRUARY 2025 – As a beacon of heritage, culture and responsible slow luxury travel, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Cape Town is cultivating a legacy that reaches far beyond the timeless beauty of its iconic pink façade. Thoughtfully woven into every layer of the guest experience, the hotel’s environmental, social and cultural initiatives contribute to the preservation of natural resources and the upliftment of cherished local communities. From circular garden-to-table initiatives and employee give-back programmes to the hotel’s recent celebration of local fashion and design through CONFECTIONS x COLLECTIONS, Mount Nelson is continually finding ways to honour and progress its heritage while deepening its positive impact. 

NURTURING THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT  

Worms, Bees, and Afternoon Teas: A Garden-to-Table Philosophy 

Seasonality, support for local farming communities, and fresh, organic produce are always at the heart of dining at The Nellie. The hotel grounds hum with circular, waste-free activity—from a custom worm farm that transforms organic matter into nutrient-rich fertiliser ‘tea’ for the gardens to three thriving beehives that produce golden honey for guests while providing a sanctuary for the endangered Cape Honeybee. An on-site herb and vegetable garden ensures that every dish, from terrace lunches to cocktails at the iconic Planet Bar, is infused with the freshest seasonal flavours and organically grown produce, handpicked only a stone’s throw away. 

Championing Regenerative Farming 

The Nellie has proudly supported Farmer Angus since 2009, making them the farm’s largest egg client. Their ethically raised hens live in mobile coops, moving daily to fresh pasture, and their diet is entirely free from glyphosate. Not only does the hotel source eggs from this 85% employee-owned farm, but it also procures Farmer Angus’ nitrate-, nitrite-, and phosphate-free charcuterie—produced by one of only three outdoor pig farms in South Africa. By partnering with Farmer Angus, Mount Nelson actively contributes to regenerative agriculture—an agriculture approach that restores soil health, boosts biodiversity, and supports ecosystems through natural practices—reinforcing its commitment to ethical, sustainable sourcing. 

SUPPORTING SMALL-SCALE FISHING COMMUNITIES 

The hotel is dedicated to sourcing responsibly, with a deep commitment to ethical, traceable seafood procurement. Most of Mount Nelson’s fish is sourced from Abalobi, a small-scale fisheries initiative that champions sustainability, equity, and climate resilience within South Africa’s coastal communities. Abalobi’s mission extends beyond responsible sourcing—it fosters financial inclusion and social entrepreneurship while using data-driven methods to rebuild fishery ecosystems. By partnering with Abalobi, Mount Nelson ensures that every seafood dish served is not only fresh and locally caught but also contributes to the livelihoods of small-scale fishers, empowering communities while protecting ocean biodiversity for future generations. 

Reducing Waste Through Plastic, Water and Energy-Saving Initiatives 

Mount Nelson is committed to sustainability, with energy, water, and waste reduction at the forefront of its efforts. Plastic straws have been removed, takeaway cutlery has been replaced with biodegradable alternatives, and innovative water-saving measures—such as aerated taps and the use of non-potable water—are in place. The hotel continuously seeks new ways to minimise its footprint while maintaining the highest standards of luxury. 

Responsible Tourism and Community Outreach 

Harnessing the power of tourism for positive change, Mount Nelson has teamed up with Uthando, a global award-winning Responsible Tourism NPO. Through this collaboration, the hotel has contributed to tree-planting initiatives in township schools, giving guests the opportunity to engage in meaningful community outreach, while ensuring that every stay leaves a lasting, positive impact. 

Protecting Wildlife and Supporting Conservation 

Committed to making a positive impact beyond its grounds, Mount Nelson is actively engaged in wildlife conservation efforts. As a founding partner of The Rhinos Are Coming initiative (therhinosarecoming.org), the hotel has sponsored iThemba, a striking rhino sculpture painted by artist Lionel Smit, proudly displayed in the gardens to raise awareness around rhino poaching. Furthering its commitment to animal welfare, 10% of proceeds from the Mount Nelson x Chommies retail range go to The Underdog Project, a Cape Town-based programme that uplifts both vulnerable dogs and at-risk children. 

A LEGACY OF CARE: HONOURING HUMAN HERITAGE 

Staff Satisfaction and Wellbeing 

At the heart of Mount Nelson’s timeless charm is its dedicated team, whose wellbeing remains of the utmost importance. Staff recognition programmes, long-standing service awards, and skills development initiatives ensure both personal and professional growth. The hotel also offers community outreach programmes and an employee counselling and assistance initiative to support emotional and physiological wellbeing. Taking this commitment further, Mount Nelson has partnered with Harry Gwala Secondary School in Khayelitsha to support 750 girls in combating period poverty—an initiative that not only provides essential sanitary products but also fosters educational growth and career development. 

Giving New Life to Guest Amenities 

Mount Nelson is giving a second life to hotel amenities, using them to support those in need and alleviate poverty. Retired linen, towels, and robes are donated to various charities and night shelters through the Cape Town Central City Improvement District, while lightly worn staff uniforms find new purpose at "Dress for Success," an organisation empowering woman to achieve economic independence and break the cycle of poverty. 

A CELEBRATION OF CULTURE 

Celebrating Local Fashion, Design and Artistry Through the Preservation of Culture 

Mount Nelson’s dedication to supporting local art and design has gathered increasing momentum in recent years through its partnerships with the Norval Foundation and the Investec Cape Town Art Fair. As part of Mount Nelson’s commitment to fostering creative spaces, the annual CONFECTIONS X COLLECTIONS event fuels meaningful conversations around slow fashion and sustainable luxury, while honouring the beauty of artisanal craftsmanship and celebrating The Nellie’s much-loved Afternoon Tea. Each artist and designer showcased in the hotel’s recent exhibitions and events offers a unique perspective on responsible craft, addressing the environmental impact of fashion through both innovative and traditional materials and techniques. 

These initiatives form part of Belmond’s wider ‘Think Global, Act Local’ philosophy—an approach that cherishes the cultural, natural, and human heritage of each destination, guided by deep-rooted local knowledge. This steadfast commitment to sustainability is reflected in the hotel’s EarthCheck Silver status, a recognition by the world’s leading scientific benchmarking and certification group for travel and tourism, ensuring that meaningful progress is both measured and maintained.