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.

 Conceived as a love letter to the Karoo, Samara Karoo Reserve near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape offers more than just a safari, it’s a celebration of the land, its wildlife, and its flavours. Here, slow and meaningful journeys invite guests to pause, breathe in the wide-open beauty, and discover the biodiversity of this unique semi-arid region. From lions, rhinos, and cheetahs to tiny medicinal plants and the endangered Cape mountain zebra, every encounter speaks to the magic of the Karoo. But the experience at Samara isn’t limited to wildlife, it extends beautifully to the dining table. Every meal at Samara tells a story of place, season, and community.

Heritage Day in South Africa is always a time to celebrate our rich cultural tapestry and this year,  The President Hotel in Bantry Bay, Cape Town , is inviting guests to do just that in the most delicious and entertaining way. On  Wednesday, 24 September 2025 at 7pm , the hotel will host a  special Heritage Day Quiz Night , blending South African culture, culinary traditions, and a touch of friendly competition.

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 .

 Cape Town’s hospitality scene is set for an exciting transformation as The Table Bay Hotel embarks on a remarkable journey of reinvention. After nearly 30 years of welcoming guests from across the globe, this beloved Grand Dame closed its doors on 15 February 2025 to undergo a major refurbishment. But don’t worry—this is not a farewell, but a thrilling new beginning.

Get ready for a magical journey into the world of Dr. Seuss! The much-loved musical,  Seussical JR , is making its triumphant return to  Peoples Theatre  from  11 March to 21 April 2025 , and it promises to be an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

 After nearly a decade away,  Joburg Ballet  is making a grand return to the  Roodepoort Theatre  from  28 March to 6 April 2025  with its mesmerizing production,  DreamScapes . This  must-see ballet performance in Johannesburg promises an unforgettable journey through heritage, artistry, and innovation, making it a highlight for dance lovers, cultural enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a magical night out in  Gauteng’s performing arts scene .

If there’s one thing we know about  St. Patrick’s Day in Cape Town , it’s that the Irish know how to throw a party—and this year,  The President Hotel in Bantry Bay  is bringing that legendary Irish cheer to the  Mother City ! From  15 to 17 March 2025 , the hotel is rolling out the green carpet for a spectacular  St. Paddy’s Day celebration  filled with  festive feasts, Irish drinks specials, and live entertainment . Whether you have Irish roots or just an appreciation for a good time, this is the place to be for an  unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day weekend .

In the heart of Johannesburg, nestled on the picturesque Westcliff hillside, a cherished tradition returns with a luxurious twist. The Four Seasons Hotel, The Westcliff, invites you to indulge in the timeless delight of Afternoon Tea, reimagined to reflect the sophistication and beauty of its stunning surroundings.

  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.

  If you’re looking for the ultimate summer escape without leaving Johannesburg, look no further than  Math Restaurant . This vibrant dining spot is bringing coastal energy to the city with its brand-new campaign,  The Summer Circle  – a celebration of bold flavours, festive vibes, and unforgettable experiences.

 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.

  Johannesburg is about to level up its live entertainment game in a big way. Meet  The Dome  – the city’s newest, state-of-the-art venue that’s set to open its doors in January 2025. Nestled in Nasrec, right next to the iconic FNB Stadium, The Dome promises to be South Africa’s largest dedicated live entertainment space, boasting a jaw-dropping capacity of over 10,500.

 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...

  Mark your calendars!  Starting 30 November 2024, Air Tanzania is back with direct flights between Dar es Salaam and Johannesburg. If you’ve been dreaming of an easy, luxurious journey between these two vibrant cities, the wait is almost over.

Get ready, South Africa! The sleek and sporty  GWM HAVAL H6 GT  is rolling onto our streets, promising a blend of thrilling design and high-performance features that’ll have everyone turning their heads.

The latest Suzuki Swift is here, bringing fresh style, best-in-class safety, and a fuel-efficient new engine to South African roads. This fourth-generation hatchback takes everything fans love about the Swift and amps it up with sleek new design elements, a tech-forward interior, and Suzuki’s innovative safety features.

Get ready to kick off the holiday season in true festive style! Join us at Hyde Park Corner on Thursday, 7 November 2024, for an enchanting evening of sparkle and joy as we light up our grand Christmas tree. The event begins at 18h00 in the Centre Court, and admission is absolutely free!

If you’re looking for an elevated dining experience in Johannesburg, we’ve got exciting news! Pigalle, a longtime favorite in Sandton, is reopening under new ownership as Pigalle by Villamoura on Friday, November 1st. And it’s not just a new name – the restaurant is now fully Halaal certified, marking the beginning of a new chapter with fresh offerings and the premium service that Pigalle is known for.

While National Liqueur Day on October 16 may have passed, there’s no reason to stop celebrating with the luxurious taste of  Wild Africa Cream . Recently named  Best Liqueur of the Show  at the 2024 Investec Trophy Spirits Awards, the new  Wild Africa Caffé Latte Cream Liqueur  is a must-try for liqueur enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike.

Imagine streaming your favorite show, catching live sports, or staying connected with loved ones—all from 35,000 feet in the sky. Thanks to Qatar Airways, this is no longer a dream but a reality. On October 22, 2024, Qatar Airways launched the world’s first Starlink-equipped Boeing 777, redefining in-flight connectivity and passenger experience. And the best part? It’s completely free.

Nestled in the heart of Africa’s richest square mile, a game-changing nightlife destination has arrived: welcome to  OKIO  and the  Bellucci Luxury Lounge .

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Clover—a household name in South Africa—is once again showing its commitment to a cause that touches millions of lives. This year, Clover is partnering with PinkDrive to raise awareness and provide crucial support for breast cancer screenings, especially in underserved communities.

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.

TANG Hospitality Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Erick Oshiro as its new Global Culinary Director. With over 20 years of experience in the international culinary landscape, Chef Oshiro brings unparalleled expertise in Japanese, Pan-Asian and Nikkei cuisine, poised to elevate TANG’s gastronomic offerings to new heights. A Japanese-Peruvian native, Chef Erick has had an illustrious career, most notably serving as the Global and Regional Corporate Executive Chef for the Buddha Bar Group. During his tenure, he was instrumental in opening 22 restaurants worldwide, overseeing culinary operations, and establishing Buddha Bar as a leading name in Pan-Asian, Japanese and Nikkei dining. His innovative approach and mastery in blending diverse culinary traditions have earned him a reputation as a visionary chef, admired across the industry. In his new role, Chef Erick will take charge of TANG’s international expansion, including the highly anticipated opening of TANG Dubai a...

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.

This September, embracing Tourism Month’s theme of tourism and peace, The President Hotel celebrates the season of renewal and invites guests to experience tranquillity and rejuvenation with its “Peace within and peace without” approach to spring festivities.  

As the September/October school holidays approach, parents everywhere are gearing up for the ultimate challenge—keeping their kids off screens and fully engaged in fun and learning. Whether your child is a budding athlete, a little adventurer, or a mini artist, we’ve got you covered with activities that promise to make this holiday one for the books!

Cape Town rugby fans, get ready to experience the ultimate game day vibes at The President Hotel’s exclusive Rugby Fan Park in Bantry Bay! With tickets to the Springboks vs. All Blacks clash officially sold out, this is your next best shot to catch all the action, surrounded by fellow supporters in a setting that combines unmatched atmosphere, delicious food, and breathtaking ocean views.

Joburg Ballet is proud to announce that the company will be presenting the world premiere of a full-length ballet based on Roald Dahl’s  Charlie and the Chocolate Factory  at the Joburg Theatre in October, with the opening night of the 10-performance season set for Friday 4 October at 19h00.

Multi-generational travel is the biggest trend in travel at the moment. Post pandemic families have become very conscious of spending quality time with their families and nowadays the entire family, from toddlers to grandparents are going on holidays together. And of course, they are looking for the most budget-wise/pocket-friendly destinations that offer all the mod-cons, comfort, style and attractions to suit and satisfy the varying preferences of the multi-aged families.  Multi -generational safaris are hugely popular. Two ‘Big Five’ reserves in malaria-free areas where you are guaranteed a unique experience are the 5-star Samara Karoo Reserve in the Eastern Cape near Graaff Reinet, celebrated for its re-introduction of elephants, lions and cheetahs to the region and the 5-star Thanda Safari in Kwazulu-Natal, an award-winning private game reserve with a sincere commitment to conservation and community upliftment and a name that means love in isiZulu . The family-owned and run...