Thebe Magugu Brings His Afro-Modernist Aesthetic to Cape Town With a Pair of New Openings

Affectionately known as “The Nellie,” this hotel opened in 1899, and from every angle this picturesque hotel retains its British charm of yesteryear, with lush bougainvillea and hibiscus blooms, candy-colored striped umbrellas and dapper ties worn by staff adding to the pink hue. However, if nostalgia infuses traditions like afternoon tea, or an antique ocean liner model with a name like this, windsor castle Magagu’s space, showcased in the corridor, reflects the cultural depth of Mount Nelson’s surroundings, and how rich personal narratives can be introduced through design and art, with greater meaning than a typical hospitality atmosphere (although Amura, a sparkling new restaurant helmed by Michelin-starred chef Ángel Leon, fulfills that requirement). While he describes Belmond’s first designer home as “merging British grandeur with African sensuality,” he also considered how he could use the opportunity to showcase their work to other creatives whose work similarly explores ancestral and contemporary aesthetics.

“Even if you never step foot out of the suite, I think it will give you an incredible summary of where we’ve been, who we are now, and a little prediction of where we’re going,” he told me.

On Saturday we practiced ahead of a lively afternoon garden party which attracted family, friends and fans – many of whom turned up in full Magugu attire.

“I think this moment is important because it marks a belief in African authorship, not just access to that authorship,” Magugu told guests at the event. Between his broad, warm smile and the gold badge emblazoned with his logo on the tip of each braid, he exuded an air of gracious princeliness.

When discussions around the project began about two years ago, what stood out from the outset was “not just the openness of the hotel, but also the courage to trust creative voices and creativity”. [to] Go beyond surface-level collaboration to collaboration that has never existed before in this context. “

The suites and Magugu House are located in adjacent white villas on the hotel’s palm tree avenue. An antique wrought-iron gate leads to a path with a small fountain – installed at Magugu’s request – with white water lilies opening and closing throughout the day and a gentle gurgle of water.