Thebe Magugu Brings His Afro-Modernist Vision to Cape Town’s Mount Nelson

South African designer and LVMH Prize laureate Thebe Magugu is venturing into the realm of luxury hospitality this December with the launch of the THEBE MAGUGU SUITE and MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN at Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel. This collaboration marks Magugu’s first step into hotel design and Belmond’s inaugural Designer Residence concept, merging high fashion sensibilities with immersive hospitality experiences.

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to celebrating contemporary African creativity. For Mount Nelson, it strengthens the hotel’s mission to highlight the continent’s cultural innovations, while for Magugu, it’s an opportunity to translate his signature Afro-modernist approach into physical spaces. Through thoughtful interiors and curated experiences, the project brings his storytelling to life beyond clothing, crafting spaces that feel both personal and profoundly African.

The THEBE MAGUGU SUITE spans two floors, combining intimacy with grandeur. A dramatic lobby opens to a lounge and dining area designed for private gatherings, complete with a cocktail cabinet for relaxed entertaining. Upstairs, the suite offers a king-sized bedroom adorned with patterned textiles and a balcony framing views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and Mount Nelson’s iconic palm-lined entrance. The terrace extends the suite’s reach, providing a space to linger, socialize, or simply take in the sweeping scenery.

Complementing the suite, MAGUGU HOUSE CAPE TOWN functions as a public-facing creative hub. Opening on November 10, 2025, it will host exhibitions, screenings, salon-style events, and collaborative projects, celebrating African design, literature, and craft. A curated selection of books and objects highlights the richness of African creativity, while the space itself becomes a platform for emerging artists and innovative voices across the continent.

By merging luxury hospitality with a commitment to cultural storytelling, Thebe Magugu and Belmond have created more than just a suite and a house, they’ve crafted a destination for inspiration. Guests and visitors will not only experience refined design and comfort but also a living celebration of African artistry.

The THEBE MAGUGU SUITE will be available for bookings from December 2025, setting the stage for a new chapter in Cape Town’s creative and hospitality landscape.