From the moment the lights dimmed, the atmosphere inside Teatro was electric. The entire theatre (including the balcony and boxes) was packed – theatre culture is so back! No curtain hid the set on stage, and audience members were gazing upon a back alley, string lights, graffiti and hidden holes. The show started with lights dimming and “cats” roaming around the audience in a display of audience inclusion and interaction.
February may be universally crowned the month of love, but with Valentine’s Day proposals now bordering on predictable, couples are rethinking how — and where — they pop the question. The once-standard script of red roses, candlelit dinners and a big “Will you marry me?” sign is quietly being replaced by engagement escapes: moments that feel deeply personal, intentional and unmistakably them.
A fresh retail and lifestyle destination has officially opened its doors at 85 Boeing Road East, Bedfordview. Bedford Crossing, a convenience-led shopping precinct, launched in December 2025, bringing a modern, community-focused mix of supermarkets, specialty shops, dining spots and lifestyle services to one easily accessible location.
Cape Town’s most iconic landmark has once again earned international recognition. A new global eye-tracking study has revealed the world’s most beautiful mountain ranges — with Table Mountain securing a coveted spot in the top 15 worldwide. The research, conducted by travel insurance experts at JustCover, used advanced eye-tracking technology to measure which mountain landscapes capture attention the fastest and hold it the longest. The findings confirm what Capetonians and travellers alike have long believed: Table Mountain isn’t just scenic — it’s visually magnetic.
Avante has also launched the new 10-year Avante XO — a striking expression crafted to showcase the depth, elegance, and layered complexity of true Cape Potstill brandy. Furthermore, for the festive season, Avante unveils a range of trendy, beautifully designed and packaged giftable pieces — from customisable cabinets to compact tasting collections — each crafted to elevate the art of gifting. Because nothing says “gift with intention” quite like Avante.
January has a way of exposing the cracks in even the most carefully planned budgets. After the festive season, households are met with a flood of unavoidable expenses — school fees, uniforms, stationery, debit orders that quietly restart and medical scheme increases that feel steeper every year. It’s the month where bank balances feel thinner, patience runs lower and even small surprises can tip a budget off balance.
Discover the best ready-to-drink (RTD) for your summer adventures. From Patch cocktails to sparkling Mimosa and whisky High Ball in a can, here are the drinks perfect for picnics, beach days and game drives.
As 2026 approaches, it’s time to fill your calendar with adventures worth anticipating. From sun-drenched beaches to crisp mountain retreats, vibrant wildflower blooms to golden vineyard escapes, Southern Africa’s landscapes and climates make this part of the world a year-round playground. Each season offers its own rhythm, experiences, and destinations that promise unforgettable memories. Let your travels follow the natural flow of the year, embracing moments of relaxation, adventure, and inspiration.
While it may not seem like much, those “holiday kilos” can linger longer than we realise. The good news is that you do not need drastic diets or punishing workouts to get back on track. With a few smart adjustments, you can shed festive weight safely and build habits that last well beyond January
Not many people realise this, but Nando’s started with humble beginnings as a single restaurant in Rosettenville, Johannesburg, in 1987. Believe it or not, this author visited that branch not long after it opened and vividly remembers the family member who took me along to try what he called “next-level chicken”, predicting it would become something massive one day. He was certainly on point with that prophecy!
Tucked discreetly between the fourth and fifth floors of Hyde Johannesburg, Nine Lives is the kind of venue that comes alive after the city goes to sleep. A new hidden speakeasy and supper club, Nine Lives invites guests into a moody, intimate world where 1970s-inspired drink culture meets modern culinary craft. Designed for lingering late into the night, it’s an after-dark destination that feels like you’re stepping into your ninth life.
S!GNS Restaurant Sandton delivers an experience that goes beyond food, blending Afro-Global flavours with a stylish setting that feels right at home in Rivonia’s dining scene. From the thoughtfully plated dishes to the attentive service and vibrant atmosphere, the evening feels curated rather than rushed. It’s the kind of restaurant you choose when you’re marking an occasion or simply craving something a little more sensory than your usual night out.
If belting out Bohemian Rhapsody at the top of your lungs still gives you goosebumps, this is one event you’ll want firmly on your calendar. Hello Lifestyle Magazine has partnered with Showtime to give two readers double tickets to the live performance of QUEEN: It’s a Kinda Magic.
If belting out Bohemian Rhapsody at the top of your lungs still gives you goosebumps, this is one event you’ll want firmly on your calendar. The internationally acclaimed tribute show Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic arrives in Johannesburg from 30 January to 8 February, bringing the legendary band’s greatest hits to life on stage.
Planning a 2026 conference or corporate event? Hello Lifestyle independently reviewed six of South Africa’s top venues, from tech-forward urban hotels to tranquil garden estates and coastal retreats. These standout spaces deliver exceptional hospitality, seamless technology and memorable experiences.
They say that necessity is the mother of all invention, and when it dawned on the author that his daily commute involved no highway or byway driving, the thought of the humble scooter crossed his mind.
“It’s red, like a Ferrari,” was the reaction from the publisher of Hello Lifestyle Magazine when I scooted down the driveway, arriving at the office on my latest mode of transport, the 150cc Big Boy Scooter on loan to us for a long-term test.
Overthinking has become one of the most common – and least spoken-about – mental wellness challenges of our time. A new global study by MoneySuperMarket has officially named South Africans the world’s biggest overthinkers. But behind the statistics lies a deeper story about stress, uncertainty, resilience and how we look after our minds.
Every generation inherits a few travel ideas from the one before it. Some we hold onto lovingly – the family road trip, the coastal December holiday, the ritual of returning to a place that knows our names. Others arrive heavy with baggage, but with a longing to carry that baggage too. For many South Africans, “timeshare” sits firmly in that latter category.
As South Africa’s summers become hotter, longer and more intense, staying hydrated has shifted from an athletic concern to an everyday health essential. With earlier heat waves and higher average temperatures reported in recent years, more South Africans are spending time in conditions that increase the risk of fluid and mineral loss through sweating.
During our recent stay at @Sandton Hotel in the heart of Sandton, Johannesburg, we experienced first-hand why this property stands out as a leading venue for business stays and city couples alike. Nestled on Benmore Road on the northern edge of the Sandton CBD, @Sandton Hotel places you within walking distance of key corporate offices, the Sandton Gautrain Station, and Sandton City Mall. This makes it an ideal base for both business travellers and leisure seekers exploring the city’s premium urban district.
Looking for a vibrant weekend escape that blends fresh produce, mouth-watering food and drink, creative crafts, interactive experiences and endless family-friendly fun? Prison Break Market in Glenferness, nestled between Lonehill and Kyalami in Johannesburg, offers just that — a unique market experience that feels more like a day-long outing than a simple shopping trip.
Ask the founders of Ribs and Burgers Grillhouse about their ethos, and they will tell you it comes down to one thing: quality you can taste. For this chain, it’s all about authenticity, craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to great food.
Put a finger down if you have caught yourself mindlessly scrolling on social media – long after you promised yourself ‘only five more minutes’ but lost an hour. You’re not alone. Here’s the thing: screens aren’t the enemy. But when South Africans are spending close to 10 hours a day staring at them, something’s out of balance. The real challenge isn’t switching off – it’s knowing what’s worth switching to.
The festive season is a time for joy, family, celebration, and often, indulgence. Between the office parties, braais, long lunches, and family reunions, it becomes easy to lose track of what we eat and drink due to the abundance of delicious food and treats. While food is central to celebration at this time of year, it can lead to unwanted weight gain, fatigue, and feelings of guilt. With a mindful approach upfront, you can still fully enjoy the festivities and maintain control over your health and weight.
Summer has arrived, and the Karoo is brimming with life. It’s the perfect season to escape the city and discover the Big 5 safari at Aquila Private Game Reserve & Spa, whether for a day trip or an overnight stay. Located just under two hours from Cape Town, this family-friendly reserve spans 10,000 hectares and is home to the legendary Big 5 — elephant, lion, buffalo, rhino, and leopard, alongside a variety of other wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, springbok, wildebeest, and more.
Lighting is one of the quietest influencers in any home; subtle enough to go unnoticed, yet powerful enough to change how a room feels within seconds. The right glow can make your kitchen energising, your bedroom calming, your braai area festive, and your patio magical. As South Africans head into the long, golden evenings of summer, now is the perfect moment to rethink the lighting choices that set the tone for everything from everyday living to special celebrations.
This summer, Sun City Resort greets travellers with a warm ‘Dumelang’, a Sesotho and Setswana word meaning hello and welcome. It’s an invitation to step into a season filled with joy, connection, and unforgettable moments.
At the heart of this sunny celebration lies one of the resort’s most tranquil hotels: The Cascades Hotel at Sun City Resort. Named for the waterfalls and calming pools that weave their way through the property, Cascades is a five-star sanctuary designed for those seeking equal parts relaxation and adventure. As the Dumelang Summer Campaign ushers in a season of play, sunshine, and family time, there is no better base from which to experience it all.
As South Africans pack their bags for European winter escapes — or prep for our own unpredictable summer storms — one outerwear hero is fast becoming a must-have: Duck Apparel’s Classic Parka™ in Ebony x Ivory. Delivered alongside the brand’s effortlessly chic woven tote and Milan sunglasses in the colour Tea, this coat proves once again why Duck is redefining stylish functionality for modern travellers.
Nestled in the heart of the Madikwe Game Reserve, on the border between South Africa and Botswana, Tau Lodge offers an unparalleled luxury safari experience. Known for its exclusivity, attentive service, and prime wildlife viewing, this five-star lodge is a destination for travellers seeking both adventure and indulgence.
Cherry season has officially returned — short, sweet, and eagerly anticipated. Each summer, for just a brief moment, South Africans get to experience the pure joy of cherries picked at their prime. And now, Cherry Time™, the beloved family-run brand from the orchards of Ceres, has announced the arrival of the 2025 harvest.
Advertisement The Overture to Opulence Share this article The World Sports Betting Cape Town Met returns to Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse on 31 January 2026, once
With some serious downtime on the cards in the following weeks, Apple is on a mission to ensure you have enough at hand to keep you entertained, be it on your phone, television, or other devices. Whether you’re watching a film or series, or streaming your favourite tunes on that amazing road trip, we’ve found a selection that we think will keep the mood light and the moments flowing.
Advertisement Escape to The Cycle Shed @ Kloofzicht this Summer. Enjoy cycling, trails, a 25m lap pool, restaurant, family facilities, and athlete-friendly memberships. Share this
Cresta Shopping Centre, Cnr Beyers Naude Drive & Weltevreden Road, Cresta, Randburg
Baxter Theatre Centre, Main Road Rondebosch Cape Town
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