New Year’s Eve with Sexy Groovy Love

Zakes Bantwini & more playing in a fairytale castle hidden in the mountains

Last updated: Wednesday, 8 October 2025

This intimate New Year’s Eve party is hidden in the mountains in a castle guarded by gargoyles and dragons, where the DJs are eclectic, and the guest list, mostly over 30, is seasoned and exclusive. You’ll arrive early at 3.30 pm to soak in the sunset and dip in the heated pool, and leave at 2am, having kissed 2025 goodbye in style. There are limited tickets for Sexy Groovy Love’s NYE party, which is one of the reasons why it sells out about a month in advance.

Sexy Groovy Love hosts boutique festivals at picturesque locations around the Western Cape. Image: Sexy Groovy Love

PRIVATE PARTY IN A CASTLE

It’s a fairytale setting at Lichtenstein Castle, the gothic castle perched on Karbonkelberg Mountain in Hout Bay. At the entrance of the castle, down the steps, you’re met by the main dance floor, swimming pool, and the beautiful lookout view. 

In there is a hall with black and white tiles, mirrored walls, and crystal chandeliers. That is the All-Inclusive Lounge, set up to host groups of friends and where all your drinks are covered for the evening. A specific wristband gets you in and out of the lounge, which has a bar and seating. 

It’s a getaway New Year’s Eve experience with a mature crowd (generally 30 and older). Image: Sexy Groovy Love

COME FOR THE SUNSET 

The music will start at 3.30 pm. It’s a spectacular venue, so come early enough to enjoy the sunshine and look out across the Hout Bay Harbour before the sun dips behind the mountains.

There will be a lawn area at the back of the dance floor with a bar and a stretch tent to keep you covered and cosy. There is another space downstairs that is completely open, so you can get the full sun.

People attending the music festival can use the pool at any time. Image: Sexy Groovy Love

ZAKES BANTWINI & MORE HEADLINERS

Grammy-winner Zakes Bantwini is known as the King of Dance. His Afrohouse sound is loved around the world, and if you’re unfamiliar with his music, you’ll definitely recognise “Osama”. 

Other internationally-acclaimed names include Airrica, known for her unique sound that mixes pumping techno, exuberant house and gritty acid. 

Beloved local artist Dean Fuel is also on the lineup. With 16 years of experience, he’s played at top festivals and underground clubs all across Africa, Dubai, China, and beyond. 

One of the opening acts is Mila-Rouse, with her infectious style of Afrohouse and Afrotech, while Abby Nurock will close the night with funky house and nu disco. She’s one of the only local DJs who DJs with vinyl, which is impressively difficult to do. 

Attendees can explore the castle’s ballroom, heated pool, and secluded waterfall. Image: Sexy Groovy Love

NYE CAPE TOWN 2025 TICKETS

This is a boutique party with limited tickets. Early Bird tickets are R1 650, and Sexy Bird tickets priced at R1 750 each are about to sell out.

The Late Bird will be available for R1 950. The All-Inclusive ticket gives you access to a private lounge and a dedicated bar, plus unlimited drinks for the evening for R3 250

Tickets can be bought through Howler. 

Get your Sexy Groovy Love tickets before they sell out. Image: Sexy Groovy Love

PARKING & DIRECTIONS (+ A DRAGON SKELETON) 

Parking and drop-off will be behind The Lookout (in the parking area behind the old Mojo’s Restaurant and Tapas Bar) on Harbour Road. A complimentary shuttle service will drive to and from the venue since cars won’t be allowed through the castle gates. 

The drive to the castle, no more than 5 minutes, is an adventure itself (keep your eye out for the massive dragon skeleton on your drive there). 

Shuttles will run throughout the event. However, we doubt you’ll want to leave early. When the countdown hits, the atmosphere will be electric, a moment you’ll remember long after the clock strikes twelve.

Make sure to plan ahead. Image: Sexy Groovy Love

HAVE A SEXY, GROOVY NYE 

Sexy Groovy Love The Castle is happening: 31 December 2025, 3:30pm to 2am. No under-21s

Find it: The Lichtenstein Castle, Hout Bay

Cost: R1 650 for Sexy Bird tickets, R1 950 for Late Bird tickets, R3 250 for All-Inclusive tickets

Book: Via Howler 

Contact them on: @sexygroovylove

By Saarah Gierdien

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MORE EVENTS & THINGS TO DO 

Explore our top picks of NYE events happening in and around Cape Town.

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