BBC Lifestyle Awards South Africa's First Hidden Gems Champion; Stargazing Cube Wins

BBC Lifestyle has named the Stargazing Cube at Misty Mountain Reserve as South Africa’s top undiscovered destination, concluding the inaugural season of Hidden Gems South Africa with its first-ever winner.

The competition tasked six local travel influencers, each designated a “Gemfluencer,” with identifying and showcasing the country’s most remarkable lesser-known locations. Each influencer traveled with a companion to visit two Hidden Gems across the series. Viewers voted weekly for their preferred destinations, with the top five finalists revealed during the final episode.

Tebogo Pin-Pin, the winning Gemfluencer, presented the Stargazing Cube: a modern transparent structure positioned in the heart of Tsitsikamma along the Garden Route. The accommodation features a king-sized bed that slides outside onto a private deck, offering what the series describes as an immersive stargazing experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure travelers. Its secluded, luxury setting secured the top position among competing destinations.

Pin-Pin’s victory comes with a R25,000 voucher from series sponsor LekkeSlaap. The sponsor also distributed R10,000 vouchers weekly to viewers who voted for their preferred Hidden Gems, alongside a top public prize of R25,000. In a statement, Pin-Pin said the win transcends the title itself, calling it validation of authentic travel storytelling and recognition of the people and places that define South Africa’s tourism appeal.

Greg Potter, owner of the winning property alongside his wife and co-owner Tracey, framed the award as recognition of collective effort. “This award is about the people behind the journey; to Tracey and our incredible team, management and to the community, it all played a part,” Potter said. He added that the victory demonstrates how “dedication, resilience and believing in Tsitsikamma can create something truly special and nationally recognised.”

Meanwhile, the remaining top four destinations reflect the geographic and experiential diversity of South African travel. Dwarsberg Trout Hideaway, presented by hiking and travel content creator Linda Munnik, secured second place. Nestled among mountains, vineyards and wine farms, the retreat offers a crystal-clear river pool, hiking trails, mountain biking and trout fishing.

Third place went to Kruger Shalati, showcased by travel and lifestyle creator Senzelwe Mthembu. The accommodation sits suspended over the Sabie River on the Selati Bridge, overlooking Kruger National Park, with guests staying in train carriages positioned on the bridge or in adjacent rooms.

Fourth place went to Mont Esprit, an eco-pod retreat presented by Cape Town-based filmmaker and photographer Melissa Blanche. Located a 10-minute drive from Franschhoek, the property emphasizes tranquillity, privacy and natural connection within the Franschhoek Valley. Blanche also presented the fifth-place finisher, Kagga Kamma Eco Lodge and Spa, situated in the Cederberg region and known for its dramatic rock formations, cave-style suites and clear-sky stargazing.

Hidden Gems South Africa was produced by PD Productions for BBC Lifestyle as part of the channel’s commitment to local content reflecting South African storytelling diversity. The series is sponsored by LekkeSlaap in association with Toyota. Viewers who missed the final episode can access it on DStv Stream until 8th September, leaving open the question of which lesser-known corner of the country a second season might surface next.