A discreet evolution has taken place at The Mount Nelson. The grande dame of South African hotels has been given a contemporary, even quirky, touch-up that has helped it to No 28 in the global ranking of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024.

In its 125 years as a landmark in Cape Town, The Nellie has seen wars and hosted celebrations and celebrities. Winston Churchill stayed there upon arrival to report on the South African War, Bill Clinton’s bodyguards wanted to trim its palm trees (and were denied permission), Oprah and John Lennon meditated in its gardens. Last year on the patio Sting had a table next to mine...

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