When looking back on the past 18 months, it often feels as though the world has been placed through the wringer. We’ve survived three waves of COVID-19 infections, hard lockdown, and having our travel spirit shattered due to border closures and the UK’s infamous Red List.

After a year and a bit filled with more downs than ups, it’s only fitting that we take the time to celebrate the tenacity of South Africa’s tourism industry, and Cape Town is celebrating a big win.

The Mother’s City’s famed properties, Tintswalo Atlantic and Babylonstoren have both been featured in the 2021 Conde Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. This is a biggie, as these awards are one of the longest-running and most prestigious travel awards out there, shining a spotlight on some of the incredible properties that are right in our backyard.

Babylonstoren took the spot for the top pick in Southern Africa, while Tintswalo Atlantic was included in the Top 30 Hotels in Southern Africa for the first time at number 30.

Check out the full list below:

Europe: 

Spain and Portugal

Paris

Rest of France and Monaco

Rome

Florence

Venice

Rest of Italy

Greece and Turkey

Australia and New Zealand

Africa

Northern Africa

Southern Africa

The Middle East 

The Americas 

Mexico

South America

USA 

Los Angeles

Canada

Asia 

India

Hong Kong

China

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund

Japan

Bangkok

Singapore

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Picture: Babylonstoren Facebook