From Mic to Stage: ShxtsNGigs Proves “Daddy’s Home” to South Africa
Podcasting is often an intimate, almost solitary experience — earbuds in, voices close, laughter shared privately. But on Saturday night in Johannesburg, ShxtsNGigs proved that some conversations are simply too big to stay behind a microphone.
For the first time ever, the wildly popular UK podcast decided live podcast shows were now a thing. They brought their Daddy’s Home live show to South African soil, transforming a digital phenomenon into a full-scale, in-person cultural event — and marking a first of its kind for local and international audiences.
A Theatrical Classic Returns: CATS Still Lands on Its Feet at Teatro
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.
Engagement Escapes: The New Way to Pop the Question
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.
Bedford Crossing Shopping Hub Opens in Bedfordview
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.
Table Mountain Named Among the World’s Most Beautiful Mountains
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.
Why January Medical Bills Can Hit Hard: And How Gap Cover Helps
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.
Seasons of Discovery: Where and When to Travel in 2026
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.
Nine Lives: Inside Rosebank’s Hidden Supper Club & Speakeasy
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.
#HelloRecommends: A Sensory Journey at S!GNS Restaurant Sandton
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.
WIN Double Tickets to “QUEEN: It’s a Kinda Magic” at Joburg Theatre
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.
“QUEEN: It’s a Kinda Magic” Coming to Johannesburg
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.
The World’s Biggest Overthinkers Live in South Africa
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.
Is Timeshare Dead? 10 Million South African Travellers Say No
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.
REVIVE: Why Electrolytes are the Secret to Enjoying the Heat this Summer
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.
@Sandton Hotel: A Top Choice for Business Trips & City Couple Getaways
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.
Prison Break Market: A Family-Friendly Weekend Destination
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
