Festive feasting: Making better choices after this holiday season
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.
Welcome to Aquila: Your Big 5 Summer Escape Just Two Hours from Cape Town
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.
Summer Serenity Awaits at The Cascades Hotel at Sun City Resort
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.
The One Coat You Need All Year Round: The Classic Parka by Duck Apparel
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.
Tau Game Lodge: A Five-Star Safari Escape in Madikwe
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.
South Africa Welcomes the Sweetest Weeks of the Year with Cherry Time™
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.
Embrace the Symphony of Style at the World Sports Betting Cape Town Met
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 again securing its place as South Africa’s premier lifestyle spectacle. Each year, this iconic event draws national and international attention, and the 2026 edition promises even more excitement with its […]
Your Ultimate Apple Entertainment Guide for the Festive Season
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.
Discover The Cycle Shed @ Kloofzicht – Your Summer Sanctuary in the Cradle of Humankind
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 article Hidden in the rolling landscape of the Cradle of Humankind, The Cycle Shed @ Kloofzicht offers one of Gauteng’s most refreshing summer escapes. For families and fitness enthusiasts staying […]
Hotel Sky Pulls Out All The Stops for the Festive Season
This festive season, Hotel Sky Sandton invites guests to experience the very best of city living with a curated line-up of experiences designed to inspire, delight, and celebrate the magic of summer in Johannesburg. Whether you’re planning a stylish staycation, a festive family feast, or a night out filled with laughter and skyline views, Hotel Sky has crafted the ultimate December calendar for locals and travellers alike.
Waterfall City Park – Johannesburg’s Most Versatile Outdoor Events Destination
Advertisement Advertorial A sophisticated open air venue that brings corporate gatherings, lifestyle festivals and community experiences to the heart of Waterfall City Share this article Waterfall City Park is a premier outdoor events venue, offering a refined and flexible space in one of Johannesburg’s most connected locations. Adjacent to Mall of Africa and easily accessible […]
Deck the Halls with DIY at Centurion Lifestyle Centre
Stand a chance to win your share of over R30 000 in home improvement prizes, proudly sponsored by Centurion Lifestyle Centre’s participating tenants: Sleepmasters, Essops, Dial-a-Bed, Pick n Pay Hypermarket, Volpes, The Bed Centre, Gelmar, Mr Price Home, and Panarottis.
CLOSED: WIN a Stellar Lighting Festoon String Light Package Worth R5000
Advertisement Stellar Lighting: Illuminating South African Nights Share this article As the sun dips below the horizon and the stars begin to twinkle, there’s something undeniably magical about transforming your outdoor space into a glowing haven of warmth and wonder. Imagine lazy summer evenings under a canopy of soft, vintage-inspired lights, where laughter flows […]
A Cup of Christmas Magic with Nespresso
There’s something undeniably magical about the ritual of holiday coffee. The quiet hush of Christmas morning before the festivities begin. The clink of glasses on Christmas Eve as friends linger a little longer, revelling in the final stretch of the year. This season, Nespresso is elevating those moments with a vibrant, African-inspired festive range that turns every sip — morning or midnight — into something special.
Santa Villages & Christmas Light Displays to Visit This December
December in South Africa is pure magic. From glittering city precincts to botanical gardens illuminated after dark, the festive season brings a sense of wonder that pulls families, couples, and holiday-makers into the glow. If you’re looking for the most spectacular Santa Villages, Christmas markets, and light displays to explore this month, here’s your definitive guide — spanning Joburg, Pretoria, Durban, and Cape Town.
CLOSED: The Greenhouse, Now by Day: Plus, WIN a Friendsmas Lunch for Four
There’s a certain kind of afternoon that cities like New York, Cape Town — and now Johannesburg — do so well: it begins with a lunch date, continues with a bottle of bubbly (or two), and somehow drifts into golden hour without anyone noticing. The Greenhouse Restaurant & Bar in Sandton, long celebrated as Joburg’s most atmospheric supper club after dark, is now capturing that same magic by day. And to celebrate the launch of its new daytime offering, we’re giving one lucky reader the chance to experience it firsthand with a Friendsmas Lunch for Four valued at R2,000.
J’Something: The Man Who Built a House and Called It MiCasa
He doesn’t enter a room with the swagger of a chart-topping artist. He doesn’t lead with numbers, awards, or brag-worthy milestones. Instead, he talks about love. About purpose. About light. As if these are the true measures of a life well-lived. For J’Something — born João da Fonseca — music was never about stardom. It was about connection, community, and belonging, and ultimately, about building a home people could step into, a home called MiCasa.
Boots & Bourbon: A Curated Year-End Celebration with Hello Lifestyle & Bolton House
Advertisement A Country-Themed Celebration to Close Off 2025 Share this article Hello Lifestyle Magazine and Bolton House Barbershop & Wellness Lounge in Roseabank are closing out the year with a celebration that blends refined indulgence, soulful moments, and the unmistakable warmth of community. Set to unfold on the 15th of December 2025, the Boots & […]
Early Bird Gets The Best Conference Deals at The Maslow Sandton
With its lush gardens, stylish interiors, and state-of-the-art conference facilities, The Maslow Sandton is perfectly placed for productive meetings and memorable events – just minutes from Sandton’s business hub, with friendly, professional teams who understand what seamless conferencing should feel like. When it comes to planning ahead, the early bird really does get the best deal. Book by Friday, 5 December 2025 and secure your conference or function at 2025 rates, get your 2026 year-end venue on the house.
Sir Fruit Celebrates 40 Years With A Fresh, Homegrown Campaign
South Africa’s favourite premium beverage brand, Sir Fruit, is marking 40 years of squeezing the most out of fruit – and life – this year. The recent winner of a Top 100 Luxury Lifestyle Award in the Gourmet Food & Drinks category remains a proudly local company, with strong roots in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town.
Seasons of Discovery: Where and When to Travel Across Southern Africa
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.
Finding Holiday Arts & Culture Cheer Over the Festive Season
We know the pool and those cocktails are calling your name. But if you feel like slowing down and enjoying the cultural side of the season, here are some suggestions for when you need something different.
Beyond the Massage: Luxurious Retreats That Put Wellness First
In a world where stress has become the norm and true rest feels like a luxury, South Africa’s most exclusive spa retreats are redefining what it means to unwind. Beyond indulgent massages and scented oils, these sanctuaries offer holistic wellness experiences that nurture both body and mind. From mountain hideaways and coastal sanctuaries to urban oases designed for deep restoration, each destination promises more than pampering; they offer a journey toward genuine wellbeing. Whether through guided meditation, nature immersion, or personalised health therapies, these spa getaways invite you to slow down, reconnect, and restore balance from the inside out.
BOOK REVIEW: Brahman Hills – The Making of a World-Class Garden
Some books are meant to be read. Others are meant to be experienced. Brahman Hills – The Making of a World-Class Garden belongs firmly – and beautifully – to the latter. Delivered to us with a thoughtful tin of Brahman Hills’ signature coffee (the perfect pairing, we might add), this magnificent volume immediately reveals itself as more than just a book. It is an artwork, a love letter, and a legacy bound in hard cover.
