MOUNT NELSON HOTEL A CULTURAL ‘FORCE’ IN CAPE TOWN
Anji Connell
THROUGH A FUSION OF HERITAGE AND CONTEMPORARY AFRICAN ART AND DESIGN. THE MOUNT NELSON HOTEL LETS YOU HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO! THE NELLIE IS PINK, PERKY AND POSITIVELY FABULOUS!
Deciding between a luxurious five-star heritage hotel and the latest trendy hotspot, can feel like choosing between two completely different animals. But what if I told you that you can have both? Picture yourself having your own Marie Antoinette “Let them eat cake!” moment. Though there’s little evidence she actually said this, her story however, serves as a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of excess without awareness. The Belmond Mount Nelson lets you savour the best of both worlds without losing sight of what truly matters—authenticity, and meaningful experiences that leave you feeling enriched and inspired, with memories that resonate long after your journey ends.
Rolling Up, Nellie Style:
Arriving at the Nellie is anything but ordinary—it’s pure showstopper territory! You sweep beneath the grand Neoclassical Prince of Wales Gate (built in 1925 for a royal welcome, no less). Then cruise along the iconic palm-lined driveway with Table Mountain striking a pose in the background. Breathtaking doesn’t even begin to cover it. It’s like driving onto a movie set where the only thing missing is a red carpet and maybe a pair of oversized sunglasses. Pure, glamorous LA vibes—Cape Town style!
Pink, Perky, and Positively Fabulous:
Affectionately called the ‘Nellie’ or the ‘Pink Lady’ for its iconic Barbiecore façade. The Belmond Mount Nelson has been delighting guests since 1899 and it looks, and feels fabulous! Forget stuffy Grand Dame vibes; this place sparkles with personality and a mischievous twinkle. The striking exterior alone promises something extraordinary. It’s then you spot the beautifully restored, ever so pink vintage VW Camper Van at the door. Ready to whisk you off on a stylish, unforgettable adventure. While stepping into the vast lobby feels like you’re in a dazzling jewel box where sunlight and a riot of contemporary art pops at every turn in a visual feast. It fizzes with energy, surprises, and a genuine, joyful welcome.
125 Years of the Nellie’s Magic:
Over the past year, The Nellie has been actively celebrating its 125th anniversary with a focus on culture, creativity, and culinary excellence. Through a slew of exciting new experiences that align perfectly with Cape Town’s growing recognition as a cultural hub and major tourist destination. As Cape Town shines on the international stage. This iconic hotel is enthusiastically positioning itself as a centre of culture, seamlessly blending luxury with meaningful artistic expression, reflecting a more youthful, lively, and vibrant atmosphere, and its more glamorous than ever!
Amura the Sparkling New Jewel in the The Mount Nelson’s Crown is Making Waves:
Joining the Nellie’s already legendary culinary scene, Amura by the world-renowned “Chef of the Sea” Ángel León, famed for conjuring magic from the ocean’s depths, has chosen Cape Town as the stage for his first restaurant outside Spain. Here, he dreams up bold, gourmet seafood creations inspired by the wild energy and hidden marvels of the sea—a true marine adventure, where every plate shimmers with the mysterious beauty and astonishing biodiversity of Cape Town.
The dining room, designed by star South African architect Tristan du Plessis, is a moody, cinematic dreamscape—a nod to the city’s magical kelp forests that pulls you into an underwater reverie course by course.
The Thebe Magugu Suite & Magugu House Cape Town are about to dial up the Nellie’s dazzle even further.
The Thebe Magugu Suite is poised to become an opulent Afro-Modernist retreat that is both stylish and deeply expressive. Collaborating with the skilled team at StudioLand, Thebe Magugu one of South Africa’s premier fashion designers and a proud LVMH Prize winner, explores an “Afro-English” design ethos that seamlessly merges British and South African aesthetics.
Thebe Magugu House Cape Town is part concept store, part cultural institute, forming a dynamic hub for aesthetic exchange. The space is a showroom for Magugu’s collections and a gallery to showcase artworks from the most sought-after African artists. As Belmond’s first ever Designer Residence concept, the collaboration underscores Mount Nelson’s commitment to championing contemporary African culture. While providing a space for the continent’s next generation of creative visionaries. The highly anticipated collaboration is born out of Confections x Collections (CxC). A celebration of Pan-African fashion curated by sustainability platform Twyg. The initiative debuted in 2022, with Magugu as its inaugural designer is now a staple of Mount Nelson’s annual cultural calendar.
Confections x Collections (CxC) is an annual coming-together of creative expression that shines a spotlight on slow, considered African fashion paying homage to their craft, ethical values. and unique stories.
Let the Adventures Begin: The Mount Nelson is a Playground of Possibilities
Much like the Nellie itself, there’s nothing ordinary about the hotel’s quirky catalogue of sightseeing experiences. Snorkelling with sharks in the Cape’s kelp forests alongside a marine biologist. A must for diners at Amura, whale-watching aboard a Silvercross Airbus helicopter. Foodie tours in the Nellie’s vintage pink VW van. A jeep tour of Constantia or a classic car tour of the Cape Winelands. Plus a vintage pink side car trip to Blouberg Beach. Where you’ll experience the best Table Mountain view’s. From the vast dreamy white beach, and the wind, which makes it pretty much a full time home from home for kite surfers. For the best sunrise and sunsets, there are guided walks along the scrubby lower slopes of Table Mountain with delectable Nellie picnics to indulge as you settle in to watch the show.
Why You’ll Never Want to Leave:
This dreamy nine-acre verdant retreat in the heart of the city is pure escapism.
The Nellie oozes personality with superlative unobtrusive service and an unmistakable elegance, and the ambiance is anything but stuffy—it’s warm, inviting, and bursting with charm and vibrant personality. I truly did not want to leave, and I can’t wait to return. Quite simply the Nellie makes you feel good!
Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel Website
Share this post
Anji Connell is an internationally recognised interior architect, garden designer and self-proclaimed nomad. Known for her fabulous persona and her even more exquisite taste in all things design. She regularly writes for a variety of International titles on subjects such as art, design, lifestyle and travel from her globe-trotting adventures.
She divides her time between London, Hong Kong and South Africa.
Read Next
