Life By Asha Singh

You betcha it’s back! LIFT has announced its third annual Golden Ticket Hunt. And who doesn’t like a good spoil? From LIFT flights - including coveted Premium seats, luxury stays at The Capital Hotels & Apartments, to vouchers up for grabs, LIFT has the "grown up" hunt covered this year.

With warm, sunny days ahead, the KZN South Coast beckons visitors to its stunning beaches. As a top adventure destination boasting family-friendly offerings, it's no wonder that this region is home to the highest number of Blue Flag beaches and tidal pools in the province. The Blue Flag certification, an international standard for environmental management, ensures water quality, safety, and public environmental education, making it a coveted recognition in the tourism industry.

Radisson Hotel Group (www.RadissonHotels.com) solidified its position as one of the leading international hotel groups in the Middle East and Africa during 2023 by signing 22 hotels, resorts, and serviced apartments, adding over 3,800 rooms to its regional portfolio, remaining dedicated to its vision of being among the top three hotel brands globally and the preferred choice for owners, guests, and employees. Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit Pool Globally, the Group wrapped up 2023 with exceptional growth, adding over 30,000 keys to its international portfolio of 10 leading brands through openings and signings. The Group has grown its business by nearly 50% since the launch of its transformation plan in 2018. It also celebrated a new company record with the addition of its largest number of keys to its portfolio, amounting to over 30,000 keys through openings and signings. Looking ahead, 2024 promises to be a landmark year for Radisson Hotel Group, with 14 new hotel openings slated ac...

As Easter approaches, travelers are gearing up for a memorable Sho't Left adventure across the diverse landscapes of South Africa. With its breathtaking scenery and rich cultures, Mzansi promises an unparalleled holiday experience for those seeking rest, relaxation, and exploration.

With less than a month left until the highly anticipated 2024 edition of the Joburg Film Festival, movie enthusiasts are buzzing with excitement as organizers, alongside partner MultiChoice, unveil a spectacular lineup of over 60 titles set to grace the big screen.

Valentine's Day 2024 was more than just chocolates and roses for lucky passengers aboard the 09:30 flight from Johannesburg to Cape Town. Proudly South African, in collaboration with LIFT, orchestrated a remarkable Fashion Show in The Sky, surprising travelers with a unique blend of fashion and patriotism. As unsuspecting passengers settled into their seats, they were greeted with roses and Nestlé Kit Kat, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.

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.

What better way to spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon than surrounded by good food, refreshing drinks, and great company? At The Maslow Sandton, the first Sunday of every month beckons with an exquisite picnic experience set amidst lush lawns, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence.

As a passionate traveler and food enthusiast, stepping into the revolutionary world of KFC Play Braam was an experience unlike any other. Located in the heart of Johannesburg's bustling Play Braamfontein precinct, this concept store promised a fusion of flavors, fashion, and digital delights that piqued the blogger's curiosity.

Embark on an unforgettable journey as MSC Cruises opens sales for its South Africa 2024/25 sailing season, spotlighting the magnificent MSC Musica. Set to commence in November 2024 from the newly inaugurated R 330 million Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban, the season promises 34 enchanting sailings, concluding in April 2025 with departures from the picturesque Cape Town.

Love is in the air, and what better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than with a romantic getaway at some of South Africa's top-tier independent hotels? In this blog post, we present handpicked destinations that offer not only luxurious accommodations but also unique experiences to create lasting memories with your loved one.

Are you ready to ignite the flames of passion this Valentine's Day? Look no further than The Maslow, Sandton, for an enchanting getaway that promises to sweep you off your feet. This leap year, seize the opportunity to surprise your partner with a memorable retreat to the ultimate haven in Sandton.

Embarking on a journey beyond the ordinary, JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge promises a redefined family travel experience, transcending the traditional vacation. Nestled in the captivating expanse of the Masai Mara, the 'Interconnecting Family Suite' stands as a sanctuary meticulously designed for families, where the emphasis is on creating enduring stories and weaving bonds that stand the test of time.

Get ready to embark on an exciting journey of home and lifestyle exploration as the Johannesburg HOMEMAKERS Fair returns to the prestigious Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and International Convention Centre from March 1 to 3, 2024. Celebrating its 30th anniversary, this year's fair promises an extraordinary experience with carefully curated exhibits, vendors, and innovative features.

Experience the epitome of luxury as La Petite Ferme unveils its meticulously renovated Winery Suites, an enchanting addition to their award-winning boutique hotel and wine estate. Nestled on the slopes of the Franschhoek Mountains, these five all-new suites promise a perfect blend of modernity and heritage, providing a tranquil escape with breathtaking views over the valley.

Embark on a journey through Qatar's rich cultural heritage without leaving Hamad International Airport (HIA). Qatar Duty Free proudly presents Souq Al Matar, an innovative blend of retail and dining, immersing travelers in the vibrant energy of traditional Qatari markets. Let's explore this groundbreaking concept that redefines airport experiences.

In an exhilarating start to 2024, LIFT, the airline dedicated to redefining the air travel experience, has proudly clinched the coveted title of "Best New Airline Brand, South Africa" for 2023 from Global Brands Magazine (GBM). This prestigious accolade underscores LIFT's unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation within the aviation industry.

Summer, with its blazing sun and rising temperatures, brings forth unique challenges for our skin. From clogged pores to breakouts, diverse skin types face a range of issues. Oily skin may battle increased sebum production, while dry skin can become dehydrated under the intense sunlight. Even those with combination and sensitive skin are not exempt from summer's impact. In this blog post, we'll explore the common skin concerns of summer and unveil the perfect trio of Avene products to tackle them.

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.

The R330 million Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in South Africa’s main port of Durban today was officially inaugurated by President Cyril Ramaphosa ahead of the start of South Africa’s 2023-24 cruise season.

Joburg Ballet gives Johannesburg a magnificent festive season present this summer when the company brings The Nutcracker to the Teatro at Montecasino for 11 performances from 1 to 10 December.

Beat the heat of the summer season by sipping on a gin and tonic in the stunning natural paradise that is Sun International’s only beachfront resort, Wild Coast Sun near Port Edward.

Summer is in the air in Dullstroom…  warm days, smiling faces, flowers blooming, birds twittering, bees buzzing. 

Disney has officially unveiled its captivating holiday campaign, "May Your Wishes Come True," marking the celebration of its 100th anniversary. This enchanting campaign is centered on the profound significance of wishes and features the debut of the first-ever live-action festive ad, titled "A Wish For The Holidays." The ad draws inspiration from the upcoming Walt Disney Animation Studios' movie, "Wish," and will be showcased in over 50 countries.

Southern Sun is excited to announce that Southern Sun Rosebank will be hosting an exclusive Wine Tasting Experience following the 27th Michelangelo International Wine & Spirits Awards. This prestigious event, scheduled for the weekend of 10 and 11 November, promises an unforgettable journey through a remarkable selection of premium South African wines and spirits.

As the summer season makes its grand entrance, people across the board are rekindling their health and fitness routines . Whether the goal is to shed those extra winter layers in time for summer or to hit the reset button on their overall well-being, it's evident that gyms are filling up once again.

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.

The Walt Disney Company Africa and LIFT unveiled a co-branded celebratory aircraft livery to kick-off Disney’s biggest festive campaign to date in South Africa, “May Your Wishes Come True”. The livery features some of the most iconic and memorable characters from Disney, MARVEL and  Star Wars TM , including: Disney’s Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Moana, Black Panther, Grogu TM , Elsa, Spidey. A brand new character also makes an appearance, Asha, from Walt Disney Animation Studios’ upcoming “Wish", which releases in cinemas nationwide from 22 November. The Disney inspired plane (tail number ZS-GAS) will appear in South African skies and at airports from 20 October and service routes between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.   On board, customers can expect special Disney and LIFT surprises, as well as kiddies activity packs to make flying with little ones a breeze during the busy holiday season, with giveaways and more treats. The excitement won't stop there, because LIFT has addi...

From what to pack and how to squeeze it all in, to the benefits of roll-over folding and the 1-6 rule, Qatar Airways’ share packing secrets.   Serving more than 160 destinations around the world from its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways crew get to go lots of places, often. Here are some of their tips on practical packing.

Samara Karoo Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region and home to the Big Five, over  60 mammal species and 225 bird species, was recognised in the Top 15 Resorts in South Africa.

L eading hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) walked away with five awards at the 28th edition of the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents (AZTA) awards, including Best Resort Hotel for its flagship property Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for the 25 th   year. The prestigious event took place on September 30 at the renowned Meikles Hotel, where Africa Albida Tourism received the awards for its exceptional contribution to the Zimbabwe travel industry.

On Monday 16 October, Zolani Mahola, "The One Who Sings", joined  LIFT  to treat travellers to a surprise Silent Disco performance in the sky. 

Have you even had a South African December holiday if you didn’t spend it at the coast? With the countdown to the holiday season feeling within reach, consider Sun International’s breathtakingly beautiful four-star rated Wild Coast Sun as the ultimate family destination.

A cclaimed experiential department store We Are EGG The Zone @ Rosebank in Johannesburg marked its first anniversary this past weekend with a vibrant celebration, attended by a long list of celebrities, fashion designers, influencers and key media.

The anticipation is building as the countdown begins for the much-awaited return of the   Silver   Spirit to the shores of Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Following our initial announcement, we are thrilled to share more details about this extraordinary cruise experience that awaits traveler's  from December 2023 through February 2024.

Visiting the Western Cape in spring is an unparalleled experience. As the province sheds its winter cloak, it comes to life with a burst of vibrant wildflowers, breathtaking scenery, and a mild and inviting climate. Spring always brings a burst of colour to the landscapes opening the opportunity to experience mother nature work her magic.   Less than an hour’s drive from the Mother City nestled in the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is one of the premier wine-producing regions in the country known for its picturesque vineyards, wineries surrounded by stunning landscapes. With its surrounding breath-taking mountain ranges Franschhoek is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground, welcome the  spring wildflowers   with a short hike, work your way through dozens of winding trails - leading to views that will leave you in awe.   If sampling the finer things in life is more your style, then  one of the more than 45 wineries nestled in the valley,  should do the trick - rang...

Elevate your summer festivities with an exciting twist as we introduce the ultimate enhancement for  your Roku Japanese Gin cocktail. Bring your cocktails to life with these six exquisite garnishes that  will redefine your journey as a cocktail enthusiast. Roku Japanese Gin, with its harmonious blend of  botanicals, offers a canvas for creativity that deserves to be explored this summer.

De Hoop Nature Reserve, a World Heritage site and Marine Protected area in the Overberg region is  world renowned as one the best spots for land-based whale watching in South Africa. Every year,  between June and November some 40% of the world’s southern right whales come to these shores  to breed. According to marine conservation photographer, Jean Tresfon, Koppie Alleen in the De Hoop Nature  Reserve had the highest concentration of whales. He recently undertook the first official aerial  survey of southern right whale numbers for 2023 with Dr Els Vermeulen of the UP Mammal  Research Institute Whale Unit. “The first whale we spotted, in Hermanus just under the cliffs near the Old Harbour, was upside down  with a tiny calf on her chest. As we went on, we started to see more and more southern right whales,  with 346 whales (of which 172 were calves) counted between Struisbaai and Skipskop Point. But, as  expected we found the main concentrati...