Life By Asha Singh

In a momentous development that underscores the strengthening of cultural and economic ties between nations, the Brazilian Tourism Board (EMBRATUR) has warmly welcomed the announcement of new direct flights linking Brazil with the African nation. This groundbreaking initiative is set to offer non-stop flights from key African destinations to the vibrant landscapes of Brazil, opening a new chapter in the evolving relationship between these two continents.

THIS September and October, South Africa's oldest wine-producing farm, Groot Constantia, invites you to let your wanderlust run wild and be a tourist as you explore all that Cape Town has to offer.

TANG, the   multi-award-winning Asian Luxury Restaurant and Bar is set to launch in Dubai in December 2023. Located within the prestigious Address Palace Downtown Hotel, TANG Dubai offers guests a sensory dining experience inspired by contemporary Japanese izakaya’s and the classic Cantonese eateries of Hong Kong, whilst boasting glittering views of the iconic Burj Khalifa and magnificent Dubai Fountains.

Wild Coast Sun, Sun International’s only beachfront resort, has been a family holiday destination for over 40 years, with an abundance of activities to choose from. For those who don’t enjoy a holiday unless it includes plenty of sporting action, the resort is just the ticket for year-round activities guaranteed to raise your heart rate. Whether you consider yourself a Federer, Nadal or Williams sister on the tennis court or a Tiger Woods or Gary Player on the golf course, there are adrenalin aplenty sports pastimes to love every moment of your holiday. For the less active members of your group, you can leave them to soak up the sun or enjoy a spa pampering, while you work up a sweat. 18-hole championship golf course Famed as one of the top championship golf courses in the country, Wild Coast Sun’s 18-holes extends over rugged terrain along the Indian Ocean coastline. With its par-70 card rating, these magnificently curated fairways make the resort ideal for golfing holidays...

The Houghton Hotel Conferencing, Wellness and Leisure Expo was held on 26 July 2023 at the prestigious 5-star urban resort in Johannesburg. This inaugural expo showcased the diverse and luxurious offerings at The Houghton Hotel to esteemed members of the meetings, incentive, conferencing and events (MICE) and tourism industries, and corporate guests. The event was met with such overwhelming support from attendees that it will now become an annual event on The Houghton Hotel’s calendar, serving as a valuable networking tool for the tourism and conferencing industries.

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.

Samara Karoo Reserve near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region is one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations – a landscape of space, stars and silence brought back to life by a pioneering rewilding project. Now home to the Big Five, 60 mammal species and 225 bird species, Samara provides a uniquely soulful safari for discerning visitors.

Indaba Hotel, located in Fourways, offers a remarkable escape from the bustling city life, providing guests with a range of exquisite experiences and top-notch accommodation. 

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Wellington region of the Western Cape, lies a hidden gem that is sure to take your breath away. Val du Charron is a luxury wine and olive estate that offers the perfect combination of tranquility, stunning natural beauty, and world-class hospitality.

Virgin Active South Africa’s Padel Club has partnered with Epic Padel to officially launch a new product offering to Virgin Active members in June.

House of BNG, one of South Africa's leading MCC brands, is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with the prestigious Miss South Africa pageant.

Durbanville   Hills   welcomes back a light-hearted treat for winter: their popular hot chocolate and wine tasting!

South African design as you’ve never seen it before. Together for the first time, experience 100% Design Africa and Design Joburg from 3 to 6 August 2023

The commencement of a new season coincides with cutting-edge culinary experiences at Hotel Sky Sandton. Eclipse Restaurant has carefully crafted a new menu that’s packed with flavour and soul-warming dishes. Whether you want to get around a fruity and warming Middle Eastern tagine, order up a casserole with plenty of flavour or hunker down with friends over pizza – you’ll find it all at this contemporary dining restaurant. 

Pretoria’s contemporary Maslow Time Square hotel is a novel concept in hospitality, offering a unique choice of three-star, four-star and five-star graded rooms under one roof to suit all budgets.

Buckle up, Neighbours! We are thrilled to let the cat out the bag and announce our latest addition to the HEY NEIGHBOUR festival line-up. He's a global hip-hop sensation, a 17-time Grammy winner, and a lyrical genius - Yes, it's Kendrick Lamar, and he'll be hitting our stage to bring the house down!

Qatar Airways, the leader in innovative air travel experiences, has introduced QVerse environments, offering users an immersive digital journey before even stepping foot in an airport. The airline's MetaHuman cabin crew member 'Sama' guides passengers through First Class check-in counters, Premium Lounges, and various cabins. Alongside this, passengers can now explore the luxurious Al Safwa First Class Lounge and the serene Al Mourjan Business Class lounge at Hamad International Airport. With Qatar Airways' ongoing commitment to excellence, customers can virtually experience their award-winning services online.

This year sees a birthday milestone in the history of Walkersons Hotel & Spa.  Walkersons Hotel & Spa, that much-loved country haven set in the hills of the Mpumalanga highlands just beyond the picturesque hamlet of Dullstroom, marks its 30 th anniversary year with new owners and a mini revamp.  

South Africa’s most generous and luxurious accommodation – the African Suite at The Palace of the Lost City – has been given a bespoke modern refurbishment which sees it retain its quintessential spirit of African elegance .

Following the announcement of Cotton Fest Durban recently, the highly anticipated music and lifestyle festival announced the line-up for their inaugural show in the 031. Taking place on Sunday, the 2nd July at the Kings Park Stadium Outer Fields, the festival will merge both established and young emerging talents performing live across two energy packed stages. The urban music and fashion explosion aims to  showcase the diversities in various popular music genres with the aim of fusing the gaps within the different local movements.

So often Father’s Day gift shopping is such a challenge because what do you get the man that has it all? Along with a hug, a loving note and some quality time, here are gifts your dad will love!

LIFT Premium passengers will now enjoy an elevated in-flight dining experience, thanks to a new menu, conceptualised and created by SA’s very own MasterChef winner, Shawn Godfrey. 

Introducing the sensational South African artist, Seth Pimentel, also known as African Ginger, and his highly anticipated solo digital exhibition, "The Pride Comes Before the Fall," hosted by USURPA. Pimentel is renowned for his ability to seamlessly blend painting, drawing, and digital illustration, pushing the boundaries of modern portraiture.

Get ready for the ultimate music and lifestyle festival experience: Hey Neighbour! The trailblazing team at Glen21 Entertainment is thrilled to bring you a groundbreaking event that will make waves in the African entertainment scene. Set to take place in Pretoria this December 2023, Hey Neighbour is not your average festival—it's a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community.

After an absence of seven years Joburg Ballet’s magnificent production of Romeo and Juliet returns to the stage of the Joburg Theatre for a season of eight performances from Friday 30 June to Sunday 9 July. Photography by  Lauge Sorensen

PANTRY by Gemelli, a popular brunch spot in the heart of Bryanston, is proud to announce and invite patrons to enjoy its irresistible new look, fresh menu and an atmosphere dripping with elegance. The restaurant has undergone extensive architectural and decorative renovation and officially reopened its doors to the world to indulge in the splendour on May 8, 2023.

As part of Africa Day 2023, Hilton is celebrating the continent's vibrant cultures through a series of unique collaborations with African artists. By celebrating culture and embracing diversity, these local art partnerships are in support of Hilton’s  Travel with Purpose  ESG  strategy, aimed at creating a positive impact across the communities Hilton operates in around the world. Hilton’s hotels across the Africa & Indian Ocean region are supporting their local communities and spotlighting local cultures by partnering with artists to create installations, showcase their work, as well as provide them with an opportunity to sell their art pieces. Various hotels are hosting art exhibitions – as well as art fairs, with each piece telling a story ranging from African mythology and creativity, to making use of sustainable sourcing and recyclable materials.  

Foodies, get ready to mark your calendars because South Africa’s biggest culinary event is coming to town! The Mzansi Food & Drink Show is set to take place at the Kyalami Convention Centre from June 15 to 17, 2024, and promises to be an extravaganza of all things food and drink.

Love & Light is a proudly South African collection of artisanal, vegan and cruelty-free soy wax candles that promote mindfulness and natural healing. This small business was founded in 2023 by a South African woman in the healthcare profession who combined her knowledge and passion for self-love, empowerment and mental health to create a product that emphasizes positivity and pure intention. With the use of the finest materials and ingredients, each bespoke candle is handcrafted in small batches to ensure quality and the unique touch that comes from human hands.

Cosy one pot comfort food enjoyed with a glass or two of Roodeberg is the heart and soul of an unhurried autumn day. With Roodeberg’s range of accomplished blends from the ever popular Classic Red and Rosé to the more textured Roodeberg Reserve and Roodeberg 1949, there’s a perfect wine companion for every dish.

Get ready to hit the roads of South Africa in style with OMODA, the newest vehicle brand in town. Developed by the Chery Group with a fresh approach, OMODA represents a modern and fashionable lifestyle with a focus on youth, diversification and globalization. The brand's first product, the OMODA C5, is a compact-sized SUV with a powerful 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine and unbeatable luxury and technology features. Explore South Africa's diverse and beautiful landscapes with OMODA, and experience the road trip of a lifetime!

Easter is around the corner, presenting yet another great time to squeeze in a well-deserved break in this beautiful country we call home.