Whiskey, Wellness & Winning Hands: An Evening of Spirited Style
There are good nights and then there are great ones. The kind that blends curated style, indulgent tastes, unexpected treats and the company of creative minds and media movers. That’s exactly what played out at our latest Hello Lifestyle brand activation evening with Compass Box. This collaborative event brimming with good whisky, wellness moments, big poker prizes and all the sparkle.
Held at the stylish Bolton House in Johannesburg, the exclusive event was a true celebration of connection, creativity and brand synergy, expertly brought together by Paddington Station PR, who orchestrated every detail with effortless polish and charm. The evening served as both a media mixer and a luxury lifestyle showcase – an experiential playground where brands met people, people met stories and stories were poured, played and pampered well into the night.
First Sip: Compass Box Sets the Mood
As the sun dipped below the skyline, guests were greeted with the unmistakable warmth of Compass Box, an artisanal whisky house known for its unconventional blending and exceptional smoothness. Through his expert-led tasting, brand ambassador, Ntando Ngema allowed media guests to explore each flavour-filled sip. He took guests through notes and pairings while a bespoke stream of Compass Box mixers kept the vibe flowing all night long. It wasn’t just a drink. It was a journey through craft and character – one of the evening’s undeniable highlights.
Cards on the Table
Once the spirits were swirling, the games began. Courtesy of Card Monkey, South Africa’s slickest poker event specialists, the energy shifted into playful competition with professional tables, high-quality chips and charismatic dealers straight out of a James Bond film.
Guests pulled up seats and leaned into the thrill of the bluff, the luck of the draw and a few surprising all-ins. For many, it was their first foray into poker and with Card Monkey’s relaxed, guest-friendly approach, it was all smiles and strategy.
Winners walked away with bragging rights and two exclusive, sponsored tickets to high-octane motorsport experiences with the most bespoke cars that had everyone buzzing.
Time to Unwind with Bolton House
In between it all, guests indulged in moments of luxe, thanks to the incredible treatments by Bolton House. Known for their premium wellness, skincare and male-grooming services, Bolton House offered heavenly hand massages and tension-melting neck treatments.
The treatment zone – softly lit and scent-filled – was a cocoon of calm and brought brilliant balance to the night’s excitement. It reminded us that luxury isn’t always loud; sometimes, it’s the soft sigh of a herb-infused towel and a moment to surrender.
The Setting
Of course, a night like this needs a stage and Duran Sadie delivered seamless, contemporary comfort and luxe living. Every chair, table, couch and ambient touch was curated to blend intimacy with relaxed Joburg living. Think low, sculpted lounge seating in rich tones, textured throws, boma fires and layout zones that encouraged mingling and Instagrammable moments alike.
The flow between the whisky service, poker zone and wellness nook were seamless, allowing guests to move, mingle and explore without ever feeling rushed.
Sound Powered by Bang & Olufsen
If whisky, poker and pampering are the heart of the night, Bang & Olufsen provided its pulse. The luxury sound brand elevated the atmosphere with perfectly balanced speakers and a playlist that drifted between sophisticated and celebratory. Crisp acoustics, warm bass and wireless surround systems meant no one missed a beat – or a toast.
As guests chatted in velvet corners or vibed at the bomas, the sound wrapped around them with signature Bang & Olufsen finesse. Stylish to the eye and soothing to the ear, the sound system was one of those elements guests absolutely felt.
Flavour in Every Bite
No great evening is complete without incredible food and Turn ‘n Tender in Parktown North stepped in with a curated menu that kept stomachs full and smiles wide. From their iconic fillet skewers and flame-grilled sirloin sliders, the grazing was endless and the plates were ever flowing – a delicious success.
Perfectly paired with Compass Box pours, the food was both comforting and refined, echoing Turn ‘n Tender’s reputation as one of Joburg’s top steakhouses – and a firm favourite among guests by the end of the night.
A Night to Remember
As the evening wound down and guests lingered for “just one more” nightcap or card game, there was a tangible sense of connection in the air. This wasn’t just an event; it was a collaborative celebration – proof of what happens when brands with shared values come together.
For Hello Lifestyle team and our extended family of journalists, influencers, creatives and brand partners, the night served as a reminder that great things happen when we gather with intention.
A Toast to Collaboration
This event wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible energy, passion and generosity of our sponsors:
Compass Box: Pouring inspiration and innovation with every glass
Card Monkey: Bringing the play, charm and high-stakes fun
Bolton House: Creating wellness sanctuaries in the heart of the action
Duran Sadie: Turning the venue into a design-forward dreamscape
Turn ‘n Tender Parktown North: Fuelling the night with unforgettable flavour
Paddington Station PR: Pulling every thread together seamlessly and stylishly
As Hello Lifestyle continues to grow its network of media collaborators and lifestyle leaders, evenings like this remind us of our mission to elevate everyday luxury, deepen brand stories and build community – one beautiful night at a time. We’ll definitely drink to that!
