The ‘Hidden Gem’: why the architects of ‘Listing Jozi’ are trading floor plans for secret frontiers

For years, producers Nico Nel and Trevor Kaplan of PD Production have been the architects of our collective real estate envy.

Through hit franchises like “Listing Jozi” and “Listing Cape Town“, they invited viewers into South Africa’s most opulent corridors. But starting on May 6, the duo is trading floor plans for flight paths with the launch of “Hidden Gems: South Africa” on BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174).

This isn’t your typical travel show about safaris and beaches. It combines the high-quality look of a professional TV production with the fast-paced, real-life feel of social media storytelling. 

Moving from luxury real estate to travel felt like a natural progression for the team, though the focus has shifted from brick-and-mortar to the soul of a stay.

“We’ve been fortunate to work on shows like ‘Listing Jozi’, ‘Listing Cape Town‘ and ‘Listing Mauritius’, where we showcase the more opulent and aspirational side of real estate – spaces people don’t typically experience in their everyday lives,” said Nel. 

“With ‘Hidden Gems South Africa’, that foundation made it natural for us to highlight the beauty of each location. The difference now is that we’re going beyond just interiors and exteriors. We’re exploring the full experience – the people, the cuisine, and the activities around each destination.

“It’s an evolution for us creatively. We’re still comfortable showcasing luxury accommodation, but now we’re challenging ourselves to tell richer, more immersive stories about place and experience.”

In 2026, the definition of luxury has shifted away from ostentation. Kaplan notes that the “gold tap” era is being replaced by “silent luxury” and exclusivity.

“Luxury today is less about gold taps and thread counts, and more about uniqueness and experience. Many of the places we featured are sustainable or even self-sufficient, with elements like on-site gardens for their cuisine. 

Kaplan explains: “What people remember isn’t necessarily a traditional five-star hotel – it’s that off-the-grid, secluded place in the middle of nowhere that offered something truly different. That’s the kind of luxury that stays with you.”

Authenticity over algorithms

At the heart of the series are six “gem-fluencers”: Tebogo Pin-Pin, Linda Munnik, Senzelwe Mthembu, Rhett, Claire and Melissa Blanche. 

Tasked with reviewing ten untouched destinations, ranging from the plant life of Skukuza to the desert landscapes of the Cederberg, these creators were chosen for their storytelling ability rather than just their follower counts.

“We weren’t looking for influencers with massive followings,” Kaplan admits.

“In our experience, very large creators can sometimes feel less authentic because their content leans heavily toward advertising. Instead, we chose influencers with a solid following; people who are hungry, engaged and able to see the value of collaborating with a platform like BBC.”

To keep the reactions genuine, the producers kept the destinations a surprise and the filming schedules tight.

“Authenticity was a priority from the start. Unlike property shows where spaces can be styled extensively, this format is real and immediate. We filmed with the influencers as they experienced everything – often without getting too involved in the way the scene played out on camera,” says Kaplan.

“We also didn’t have the luxury of extended production time. In most cases, we were on location for just one night, so everything had to be captured as it happened – from activities to the accommodation itself. That’s why choosing the right influencers was critical. Their reactions are genuine; what you see on screen is their natural response to each experience.”

Nel adds, “It was also about practicality and chemistry. We needed people who could commit to filming and who we could spend several days travelling with.

“We considered whether we’d genuinely get along, because you’re sharing long drives to locations and experiences together. That dynamic was just as important as their audience size.”

The twist: Power to the people

Perhaps the most innovative aspect of “Hidden Gems” is that, for the first time on the channel, the audience isn’t just watching; they will also be able to judge.

Nel explains: “Episode six will reveal the top five destinations based on audience votes and ultimately announce the overall winner. There’s a short delay between episodes five and six to allow time to compile the results, but the entire process is driven by audience participation online.”

A new chapter for local content

For Pierre Cloete, VP for Africa at BBC Studios, the show represents a deeper commitment to the region.

“‘Hidden Gems South Africa’ is a perfect example of this in action, a fresh, home-grown format that not only showcases the country’s extraordinary locations but also elevates the voices of local creators who are shaping how audiences discover and experience travel,” he says.

As the series prepares to crown the “Ultimate South African Hidden Gem” on July 8, the producers aren’t worried about these spots becoming “too” popular. Many are so remote or exclusive that they can only host a handful of guests at a time.

“The term ‘hidden gems’ also reflects the exclusivity of these places. Many of them have limited capacity – some can only host a handful of guests at a time – so they’ll remain exclusive even with increased exposure,” shares Kaplan. 

“The show may inspire people to discover more hidden gems beyond the ones we feature. Ultimately, it’s up to each location to maintain its character and story as it grows. What drew us to these places was their uniqueness and sense of soul.  As long as they preserve that, they’ll continue to stand out.”  

“Hidden Gems South Africa” will premiere on Wednesday, May 6, at 8pm, on BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) with repeats every Thursday at 5pm.