Lisa Goosen, Tintswalo Collection
Photograph: Supplied
Photograph: Supplied

Local Intel: Lisa Goosen

The creative energy behind the Tintswalo Collection shares her favourite corners of Cape Town.

Richard Holmes
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Want to know where the locals love to go? In this exclusive series on Time Out Cape Town, ‘Local Intel’ taps into some of the city’s best-connected characters to unearth the corners you simply can’t miss in the Mother City.

Lisa Goosen cut her business teeth in the family’s property development business, but in 2002, she and her husband Warwick channelled that hard-won expertise and their shared passion for travel into the launch of Tintswalo Safari Lodge in the Manyeleti Reserve. What started as a single lodge has since expanded into a boutique collection of characterful properties across Southern Africa.

In Cape Town, that vision of blending hospitality, unique character, and unbeatable location plays out in a trio of ocean-facing hideaways. There’s Tintswalo Atlantic, the gorgeous star of the portfolio, perched between Chapman’s Peak Drive and the Atlantic. Tintswalo at Boulders in Simon’s Town has penguins waddling past beneath the deck, while next up is Tintswalo Summer House in Glencairn, a 12-suite boutique hotel opening in early 2026 that promises a more intimate, village-by-the-sea take on coastal luxury.

Despite the expansion of the Tintswalo brand – which now spans from the Mother City to the Waterberg and Zambia – Lisa remains deeply involved in every detail, from interiors and menus to the tiny touches that turn first-time guests into lifelong regulars.

Central to the appeal of Tintswalo is a distinct sense of place, and for Lisa, the place closest to her heart is Cape Town. As she prepares for a busy summer season and the launch of a brand-new Tintswalo destination, Lisa shared her favourite corners of the Mother City.

MORE LOCALS SHARE THEIR FAVOURITES

The Tintswalo founder's favourite spots

A Tavola

My gold-standard date-night spot. The food? Impeccable. The vibe? Always on point. The service? Consistently excellent. They simply do not miss at A Tavola.

Library Square, Wilderness Road, Claremont

[A Tavola is also high on our list of Best Italian Restaurants in Cape Town!]

Veldt

Though currently charcoal-to-ashes, it will rise again! When it comes to open-fire meat mastery, nothing compares. In my family we live by FOMOM: Fear Of Missing Out on Meat. Vegetarians, avert your eyes: this is South African braai territory.

35 Main Rd, Hout Bay

[Ed: Veldt suffered a devastating fire in November 2025, and is temporarily closed. Until it opens, try our Best steaks in Cape Town guide]

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The Baxter Gift Fair

My annual happy place. The Baxter Gift Fair is the perfect spot to wander, snack, and pick up locally made gifts that make you look like you have your life (and shopping list) together.

Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road, Rondebosch

Le Lude, Franschhoek

Home of the finest sparkling wine and the cheese soufflé that could convert even the most dedicated carb-avoider. The rose garden at Le Lude is ideal for cute photos, and the interiors are the definition of understated elegance.

Lambrechts Road, Franschhoek

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The Red Room by Chef's Warehouse

A surprising love affair, but The Red Room by Chef's Warehouse serves these adorable, delicious sweetcorn bites that haunt my dreams. I would return just for those.

Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Orange Street, Gardens

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Bennetts & Co Deli, Constantia

Bennetts & Co. is tiny gem with the best biltong in town. A weekend essential; non-negotiable.

Old Constantia Village, Cnr Constantia Main and Spaanschemat River Rd, Constantia

Kalk Bay

On a sunny day, there’s nothing better than strolling through the little shops. A girl can never have too many dresses, and luckily, Kalk Bay fully supports this philosophy.

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