Life By Asha Singh

On a recent quick break, I checked into the  Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Johannesburg, OR Tambo  for a  one-night staycation . Located just a short drive from  OR Tambo International Airport , the hotel is designed with both  business and leisure travellers  in mind, making it a great spot for a quick recharge close to the city.

Looking for the ultimate  family-friendly holiday in South Africa ? Sun City’s beloved  Sun Vacation Club: The Reserve  is getting a  R210-million refurbishment , and it’s set to transform one of the country’s favourite  self-catering holiday destinations  into a refreshed, nature-inspired escape by  December 2025 .

After a magical time exploring the natural beauty of  De Hoop Nature Reserve , we took the scenic route back through the Western Cape. A quick stop in  Hermanus  for ocean views and fresh coffee set the tone before we arrived in the heart of the  Cape Winelands,  the picturesque town of  Stellenbosch .

A Scenic Road Trip to De Hoop Nature Reserve Our road trip from Cape Town to the  De Hoop Nature Reserve  was an unforgettable journey. Traveling with an 8-month-old, we were keen to experience the beauty of the  Western Cape  while ensuring the trip was family-friendly. Starting from  Cape Town International , we headed along the renowned  Garden Route , making stops at scenic spots such as  Somerset West Strand Beach  and  Cape Agulhas . We finished off our drive with a quick detour to  Hermanus , known for its whale watching, before reaching our final destination: the stunning  De Hoop Collection .

  Let’s be honest: navigating through Joburg traffic or cruising Cape Town’s highways can be a grind. Did you know that the average Capetonian spends 42 minutes a day in traffic—equating to a whopping 163 hours per year? But commuting doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the Ford Territory, the daily drive becomes less of a task and more of an experience, offering thoughtful features that transform your time on the road. Here are five ways the Ford Territory upgrades your drive and turns even a mundane commute into something worth looking forward to.

 Last week, I had the privilege of attending GAC Motor South Africa’s very first  Key Opinion Leader (KOL) Day  on 21 November 2024. It was an exclusive event that brought together some of the country’s top influencers for an unforgettable experience filled with scenic drives, beautiful stops, and an up-close look at GAC Motor’s impressive lineup of vehicles.

South Africans, meet the  fourth-generation Suzuki Swift  – a car that’s not just turning heads but also collecting trophies. Fresh from its local launch earlier this month, this stylish B-segment hatchback has snagged the coveted  2025 RJC Car of The Year  award in Japan. And it’s not the Swift’s first rodeo; this marks the  fourth time  it has scooped up this prestigious title.

 The holidays are here, and Disney is sprinkling its signature magic to make this festive season unforgettable. From dazzling fashion shows and heartwarming stories to exciting new products and charitable initiatives, Disney’s  Spark Joy This Holiday  campaign is the ultimate invitation to celebrate the season with joy, wonder, and plenty of surprises. A Magical Kickoff This year’s festivities began with a vibrant  fashion showcase  featuring collections from some of South Africa’s biggest retailers—Ackermans, Jet, Pep, Mr Price, and Woolworths. Models and influencers hit the runway with fresh summer looks for the whole family, but the showstopper? A surprise appearance by Mickey Mouse himself, bringing pure Disney magic to the event. Taika Waititi’s Holiday Gift Adding to the holiday spirit, Disney partnered with award-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi to release a brand-new short film:  The Boy & The Octopus . Available on YouTube, this enchanting story...

If you're dreaming of your next great South African road trip—whether it's cruising along the Garden Route, exploring the rugged beauty of the Drakensberg, or heading for a weekend escape to the Cape Winelands—the new  OMODA C9  might just be the perfect set of wheels to take you there in style.

There’s always something happening at the 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa … and right now, also at Thesen Islands.

If you're looking for a luxurious, memorable getaway, The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa in Cape Town, South Africa is the perfect destination. My recent stay here for my babymoon in May, which also coincided with my 27th birthday , was nothing short of magical. The 12 Apostles Hotel, part of the prestigious Red Carnation Hotels collection , offers an unparalleled blend of elegance, comfort, and breathtaking natural beauty.

After an early morning flight from Johannesburg, we arrived in Cape Town at 10 am, eager to kick off our adventure in the Mother City. Our first stop was the Hippo Boutique Hotel on Kloof Street, where we would spend the night, and I must say, it set a perfect tone for the rest of our trip.

Cape Town is a city of contrasts and vibrant energy, offering something for every traveler. Recently, I had the pleasure of staying at the newly rebranded Radisson Hotel Cape Town Foreshore , a gem nestled in the heart of the city.

Embarking on an adventure-packed Easter weekend getaway, I found myself immersed in the vibrant charm of Durban at the Hilton Garden Inn Umhlanga Arch.

Are you seeking the perfect getaway to ignite the flames of romance? Look no further than The Capital Zimbali—a haven of luxury nestled along the pristine coastline of KwaZulu-Natal. Join me as I recount my enchanting Valentine's weekend retreat at this exquisite destination, filled with indulgence, relaxation, and unforgettable moments.

22 November marked a momentous occasion as the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal was officially inaugurated, paving the way for a new era of luxury cruising in South Africa. MSC Cruises is thrilled to announce the grand entrance of MSC Splendida, set to make its maiden call to the country and embark on its first cruise of the season tomorrow, November 24, 2023.

With so much to offer local travellers, more and more South Africans are exploring our country’s very own hidden gems, resorts or off-the-beaten-track spots, creating lasting memories with friends and family along the way. We've hand-picked our top out-of-the-ordinary local spots that might delight you and your family.

I recently attending the anticipated launch of Signature Restaurant in Umhlanga, Durban. It’s a renowned fine dining restaurant located at the platinum walk in Oceans Mall. The launch event featured speeches by Desmond Mabuza, the founder of Signature as well as Vivian Reddy, the founder of Oceans Mall. Here are some snippets of the launch event as well as background into the Signature Group.

Located on the vibrant Chartwell Drive in Umhlanga , Granada Square stands as a testament to a delightful fusion of entertainment options, trendy restaurants, and healthy living outlets. With its recent brand repositioning, Granada Square has become to go-to destination for upmarket residents, families and holidaymakers seeking the best experiences in the area . 

This year I've prioritised exploring the best of South Africa and beyond. Earlier this year I went on an exciting journey to Victoria Falls, a majestic African destination that absolutely captivated me. The main reason for my trip was actually to even a ride on the luxurious Rovos Rail, a luxury train in Southern Africa. Given the route I chose started in Victoria Falls on the Sunday, I decided to make the most of it and extend my trip to start on the Friday so that I could experience a weekend in this beautiful African destination.