The Hotlist Cape Town 2025

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”*

It’s been a year. Cape Town experienced the wettest, coldest and most miserable winter ever, which took its toll on everyone and everything – from local communities to the tourism and hospitality sectors.

On the flipside, South Africans had lots to celebrate – not least of all winning gold at The Chelsea Flower Show, the Olympics and on the rugby field! And while sporting wins (particularly by the Springboks) always spark countrywide jubilation, fynbos’s victory at the biggest flower show on Earth was a proud moment. Landscaper Leon Kluge’s 22 000-stem display of Cape fynbos clinched Best Exhibit in the Pavilion and Best New Design! (The display was re-created in Stanford, making it accessible for more people to enjoy, and no doubt great for local tourism.)

The Mother of all cities

We can’t talk about awards and accolades without mentioning Cape Town itself: it’s on every “Best Cities in the World” list, and justifiably so. In The Mother of all Cities, Lin Murray sensitively peels back its beautiful facade to reveal her multifaceted essence.

And then there’s Plett, a favourite holiday destination for many, who return annually (sometimes triannually) for the best swimming/surfing/sailing/seafood/you get the picture… on the planet. You’ll want to book your next holiday there after reading The Perfect Playground.

In Luxe Local, shop editor Remi Sorrour has curated a covetable selection of items that celebrate local design at its peak. Because, let’s face it, a spot of retail therapy is an obligatory aspect of any holiday.

Find The Hotlist 2025 at Exclusive Books, Woolworths, Cape Union Mart, Wordsworth and select independent retailers.

* Charles Dickens A Tale of Two Cities
Buy Online

Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.