BBC Lifestyle crowns first ever Hidden Gems South Africa winner
New BBC Lifestyle travel format Hidden Gems South Africa, saw six local travel influencers go head-to-head in a competition to uncover the country’s most remarkable undiscovered destination. Across the series, each ‘Gemfluencer’, alongside their plus one, visited two Hidden Gems, with audiences voting weekly for their favourites.In the final episode, the top five Hidden Gems were revealed, with Tebogo Pin-Pin’s Gem, the Stargazing Cube at the Misty Mountain Reserve, claiming the top spot. Nestled in the heart of Tsitsikamma along the iconic Garden Route, this Gem offers a secluded, luxury retreat ideally located for nature lovers and adventure seekers.The Stargazing Cube isa modern, transparent cube featuring a king-sized bed that slides outside onto a private deck, offering a truly immersive and unparalleled stargazing experience.As the winning Gemfluencer, Tebogo also takes home a R25,000 voucher from series sponsor LekkeSlaap – who also gave away a R10,000 voucher each week lucky viewers who voted for their favourite Hidden Gems, and a top public prize of R25,000.Tebogo Pin-Pin said: “Winning the first season of Hidden Gems South Africa on BBC Lifestyle is an incredible honour that means much more to me than simply taking home a title. It honours authentic travel storytelling and recognises the remarkable people and places that make South Africa so unique.“For the Stargazing Cube at the Misty Mountain Reserve, this victory brings well-deserved attention to a place that embodies luxury, adventure, natural beauty, and true hospitality, and it's wonderful to see it being acknowledged on such a significant platform.”Greg Potter, owner of the Stargazing Cube at the Misty Mountain Reserve, said: “This award is about the people behind the journey; to Tracey (wife and co-owner) and our incredible team, management and to the community, it all played a part. It shows that dedication, resilience and believing in Tsitsikamma can create something truly special and nationally recognised.“To receive the Hidden Gems South Africa winner award is extremely humbling, together we have showcased that beauty of Tsitsikamma and proven that a world class experience can come from a small corner of South Africa.”Second place was awarded to Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway, showcased by South African hiking creator and travelling content creator Linda Munnik. Set among mountains, vineyards and wine farms, this scenic retreat offers guests a crystal-clear river pool for swimming, as well as hiking, mountain biking and trout fishing experiences. Taking third place was unique stay Kruger Shalati, experienced by travel and lifestyle content creator Senzelwe Mthembu. Suspended over the Sabie River on the Selati Bridge overlooking the iconic Kruger National Park, this luxury stay offers an unforgettable experience. Guests can enjoy accommodation within train carriages stationed on the bridge itself, as well as rooms adjacent to it. In fourth place was Mont Esprit, an eco-pod retreat presented by Cape Town-based filmmaker and photographer Melissa Blanche. Located just a 10 minute drive from Franschhoek, this gem offers tranquillity, privacy and a close connection to nature in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley.Rounding out the top five, Kagga Kamma Eco Lodge & Spa, also visited by Melissa Blanche, placed fifth. Situated in the Cederberg region, the destination is renowned for its dramatic rock formations and natural surroundings. The lodge offers a unique escape where guests can sleep in cave-style suits and enjoy exceptional stargazing under clear night skies. South Africa’s Top 5 Hidden GemsThe Stargazing Cube at the Misty Mountain Reserve – TsitsikammaDwarsberg Trout HideawayKruger Shalati – Kruger National ParkMont Esprit – FranschhoekKagga Kamma Eco Lodge & Spa – CederbergHidden Gems South Africa was produced by PD Productions for BBC Lifestyle and forms part of the channel’s on-going commitment to high quality local content that reflects the richness and diversity of South African storytelling.If you missed the final episode, you can catch up on DStv Stream until 8th September.Hidden Gems South Africa is proudly sponsored by LekkeSlaap, in association with Toyota.
