Luxury meets discovery in Hidden Gems: South Africa, a bold new interactive travel series premiering on 6 May 2026. Blending influencer-led storytelling with real-time audience voting, the show invites viewers to uncover the country’s most exclusive under-the-radar escapes, and decide which destination reigns supreme.
At the heart of the series is a fresh, modern twist: real audience participation. As local travel influencers journey to surprise locations, documenting every detail from design and dining to activities and atmosphere, viewers are invited to weigh in, vote, and ultimately crown their favourite “hidden gem.” With weekly rewards and a grand prize on the line, it’s a format that transforms passive viewing into an interactive experience.
As excitement builds ahead of its debut, Hidden Gems: South Africa promises to reshape the travel genre, inviting viewers to discover, engage, and ultimately decide what makes a destination truly unforgettable. Here, producers Trevor Kaplan and Nico Nel of PD Production offer us an inside look at the creative vision behind the series, unpacking how Hidden Gems: South Africa is redefining travel storytelling for a new generation.
GLAMOUR: What inspired this format, and how did the idea evolve from concept to screen?
Nico: We’ve got a brilliant creative relationship with BBC Lifestyle, and we have been trying to format a travel show with them for some time. Our previous collaborations on other shows have focused heavily on opulence, luxury, and uniqueness, so for us, it was easy to film beautiful property interiors.
We finally found the format that works, one that has a bit of dynamic range and scalability, by adding a travel element. Travel is such a desirable feature for a show, and we’ve truly captured that opulence, beauty, and desirability. We are incredibly excited to see how it’s perceived by audiences.
GLAMOUR: What makes this series different from traditional travel or lifestyle shows viewers may already be familiar with?
Trevor: There are two main differentiators that make this very different. First, the fact that we are utilising social media influencers allows you to go behind the scenes with people you likely already follow. It’s nice to spend some time with them.
Second, the interactive voting element is quite novel. It allows for viewers to really get involved with the narrative of the show.
GLAMOUR: The idea of viewers deciding the winning destination is quite novel. What challenges did that bring in production?
Nico: Logistical challenges are certain, but we are primarily excited to see what the audience considers the ultimate gem. While we have our favourites, and a few hidden gems in mind that we think could win, travel is such a subjective subject.
What will the audience consider? Is it location? Opulence? Luxury? Dining? Or the surrounding activities? There is such a big pool of criteria to consider, so we are excited to discover what the audience values most. We are completely in the dark as to which way the vote will go.
GLAMOUR: Why did you choose to centre the show around local travel influencers rather than traditional presenters?
Nico: Travel influencers bring a level of authenticity that traditional presenters sometimes lack. This is their day-to-day life; they pack their own bags and travel to these destinations by themselves. When you’re choosing your one holiday a year, that authenticity matters. What consists of a good travel experience whether it’s unique dining or a luxury bed is best communicated by them.
We deliberately sought growing voices rather than mega-influencers with millions of followers. Their opinions are untainted and fresh, and we really wanted influencers who had their own voice. This gives a good, honest experience of what these gems are really all about.
GLAMOUR: How did you select the influencers featured in the series, and what qualities were you looking for?
Trevor: It was important for us to select influencers that we connected with personally, individuals with good personalities that we could spend days filming with. We were looking for people who were hungry and saw the mutual value the show could bring.
They needed a solid follower base, not necessarily massive numbers, but enough that viewers could already be familiar with their work on Instagram. This cross-pollination ensures that people can see them developing and spend some time with them. Above all, we wanted nice, authentic people.
GLAMOUR: South Africa is known for iconic destinations. How did you go about uncovering the hidden gems featured in the show?
Nico: To create the final list, we began by asking our selected influencers for their favourite destinations. While we didn't necessarily take them back to those specific locations, we had a good list to start with. The challenge was aligning production, traveling, and influencer schedules.
There are thousands of gems in South Africa, so we focused on ensuring the series offered variety by working with specific themes: Water, Mountain, Urban, Eco and a few others. We curated options within those categories to showcase a diverse range of accommodations, landscapes, and dining experiences.
GLAMOUR: What criteria define a hidden gem in the context of this series?
Trevor: For us, a hidden gem is defined by more than just accommodation. It’s a holistic experience that includes unique dining, often featuring local cuisine and various activities. Defining a 'gem' is highly subjective. It isn't just about the bed; it is about the story you tell on a Monday morning after your trip.
We divide them into specific categories, but it’s that whole experience. When you get back to work after a weekend breakaway with your plus-one, what is the story you are going to tell? All ten of these gems provide that proper story to tell.
GLAMOUR: Were there any destinations that surprised you during filming?
Nico: All of them surprised us in one way or another. While you see images on social media, the actual travel experience the 'hunt' and the final discovery is highly unique. There is nothing like getting out of your car, opening the door, and seeing if it matches.
What surprised me most was realizing just how many hidden gems exist in South Africa. We have barely scratched the surface. Regardless of your corner of the country, there are beautiful, accessible, and affordable destinations that people can discover. That was a big surprise, seeing that gems aren’t all expensive; there are a few that’s affordable to most people.
GLAMOUR: This is one of the first BBC Lifestyle formats where audiences directly influence the outcome. Why is this shift toward audience participation important right now?
Nico: The show's subject matter lends itself perfectly to flexibility. Most of the viewers that are following these influencers are already engaged in conversations on mobile platforms.
A successful modern campaign needs to engage across multiple platforms –linear TV, out-of-home, and curated social media. This format ensures a 360-degree conversation where the audience is fully integrated into the experience. In 2026, it almost feels like this is expected.
GLAMOUR: How do you see this interactive element changing the way viewers engage with travel content?
Trevor: We hope that showcasing these glorious local venues with total authenticity encourages people to get out and explore South Africa.
Nico: Exactly. The show provides complete objectivity. Unlike social media feeds where endorsements might be paid, no one is paying to be featured on this show. This is curated content that provides an honest opinion. It reinforces that these gems are within reach, instilling that travel bug so that people can head out on a whim on a weekend for a quick getaway.
GLAMOUR: Travel content is everywhere, from TV to social media. How does Hidden Gems: South Africa cut through the noise?
Nico: Through curated authenticity and compelling storytelling. The most interesting gems we discovered were those that incorporated local tales and history, such as thousands-of-years-old rock art.
South Africa is so rich with undiscovered history and legacies. Why do we not know about this? We aim to show the audience exactly what our country has to offer.
GLAMOUR: What does modern travel storytelling mean to you in 2026?
Trevor: Modern storytelling must prioritize authenticity, which means having local people tell their own stories. When you’re choosing your one holiday a year, there is pressure to tick all the family checklist boxes and ensure everyone is happy. With the current economic climate, your money really needs to do well.
By showcasing an authentic experience where we have already vetted the criteria, we provide that certainty. We want to show the cherished memories, incredible things without any bad curveballs. It's important to know what you’re booking.
GLAMOUR: The show focuses on luxurious yet lesser-known destinations. How do you balance exclusivity with accessibility?
Trevor: Yes, there is a fine balance between the two, but South Africa offers diverse gems across various price ranges. Exclusivity isn't just about price; if you don't have the money for it, it's exclusive.
Nico: We made sure that even when you are traveling four hours to a gem in the Klein Karoo, you still expect luxury amenities, quality dining, and distinct local stories. The locations we selected were crucial to showcase that variety. That holistic experience of a new destination experience, even if you go back a second time, is what makes it interesting.
GLAMOUR: What impact do you hope the series will have on local tourism and small, lesser-known destinations?
Trevor: In the post-COVID landscape, it is important to support local tourism. We hope this series encourages South Africans to travel locally and give back to these smaller, local businesses. We really need to explore South Africa first. It’s very important to support local in today's economic climate.
GLAMOUR: If you had to pick your personal hidden gem from the series, which would it be and why?
Nico: Trevor and I worked on all ten, but we have different things we look for. It’s a holistic experience of dining, activities, and accommodation. We often have this conversation in the car.
Trevor: It’s incredibly difficult to choose, which is why we are so excited to see what the audience thinks. The discussion of which gem reached your top three or which elements you looked at. It makes for very interesting family discussion, but it’s very hard to pick just one.
GLAMOUR South Africa often celebrates aspirational yet accessible lifestyles. How does Hidden Gems: South Africa speak to a new generation of travellers looking for both style and substance in their experiences?
Trevor: Travel has become incredibly desirable and sexy through social media. Local breakaways are very appealing and there is a subtle bragging-rights thing involved when you share beautiful moments.
Nico: People work hard and want to celebrate in beautiful spaces, even in a difficult economy. Our show provides a glimpse into that world.
Trevor: And we know that having an 'Instagrammable' recognizable moment is important. A funny sculpture or plant where you can take your selfie. You need that Instagram shots to represent that you are at some fancy hidden gem somewhere.
Recent stories by:
Thobeka Phanyeko
A Snapshot of Our Africa Month Cover Story featuring Wendy Gumede, Kealeboga “Kea” Masango, and Sphokuhle N
Man Candy: Meet the visionary behind Peers and Fisher, Jérémy Miklitarian
Let's talk about hair loss: Early intervention, at-home care, and when to see a specialist
Reclaiming Confidence: Why More Women Are Choosing Hair Restoration
