travel Archives - Hello Lifestyle Magazine

Bleisure Travel Cape Town Radisson Collection Hotel

From Boardrooms to Beachfronts: Inside Cape Town’s Bleisure Shift

Once upon a time, travel fell neatly into two categories: business or pleasure. These days, those lines have all but disappeared — especially in Cape Town, where work trips are increasingly stretching into long, leisurely stays filled with sunsets, seaside strolls and slow mornings behind a laptop. Welcome to the era of bleisure — a hybrid style of travel where professionals blend business commitments with meaningful downtime. Furthermore, few cities wear the trend as effortlessly as the Mother City.

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.

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.

Timeshare written on the sand on a beach

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.

@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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Palace Finds Its Lost Ingredients at the Crystal Court

The Lost Ingredients of South Africa have found a new home in The Palace of the Lost City’s luxurious Crystal Court, all thanks to Chef Jan. The vision of Sun City’s founder has finally been fulfilled, with The Palace fit for royalty at the centre.

Escape The Everyday with The Catalyst Hotel

In the heart of Sandton, The Catalyst Hotel by Newmark Hotels & Reserves is perfectly designed and positioned for locals and travellers who want the best of both worlds — to feel connected to the energy of Johannesburg’s most vibrant district without sacrificing calm, comfort, or style. In the heart of Sandton, The Catalyst Hotel by Newmark Hotels & Reserves is perfectly designed and positioned for locals and travellers who want the best of both worlds — to feel connected to the energy of Johannesburg’s most vibrant district without sacrificing calm, comfort, or style. In the heart of Sandton, The Catalyst Hotel by Newmark Hotels & Reserves is perfectly designed and positioned for locals and travellers who want the best of both worlds — to feel connected to the energy of Johannesburg’s most vibrant district without sacrificing calm, comfort, or style. Whether it’s a weekend escape or an indulgent mid-week reset, this is where staycations take on new meaning from the moment you arrive.

On Auction: A Riverfront Country Estate Where Art, Architecture & Nature Live in Harmony

Tucked within the exclusive Korhaan River Estate, where fewer than 30 families share in the quiet luxury of open skies, river breeze and uninterrupted privacy, this remarkable property brings country living to life with elegance, intention, and a touch of soul.

Set along the gentle Leeuspruit River — just a short flow from the mighty Vaal — the estate unfolds across 70,500m² of manicured grounds, three shimmering dams, and sweeping lawns made for unhurried afternoons. It’s the kind of setting where mornings begin with birdsong and evenings settle beneath a canopy of stars — whether as a permanent sanctuary or a sophisticated weekend retreat from city rush.

The Cole Bedroom overlooking the ocean, complete with wooden floors and neutral furniture

The Cole: Cape Town’s New Chapter in Coastal Luxury

Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard is about to welcome a new name in luxury living. Opening December 2025, The Cole is the latest five-star boutique hotel from the acclaimed Kove Collection, known for curating some of the city’s most distinctive destinations. Located at 1 Church Road in Sea Point, this ocean-facing retreat promises a blend of modern indulgence and laid-back elegance.

Newmark Hotels & Reserves and Marvel Tours New Fleet

Newmark Hotels & Reserves and Marvel Tours Unveil New Luxury Fleet

Marvel Tours, the exclusive tour and transfer division of Newmark Hotels & Reserves, has announced the launch of its new fleet of luxury vehicles, marking an exciting step forward for the brand as it expands further into the high-end touring market.

City Sightseeing Urban Safaris Driver and Passanger shaking hands

City Sightseeing Cape Town Unveils Urban Safaris

City Sightseeing Cape Town is proud to officially announce that sales are now open for Urban Safaris, an innovative inner-city tour set to begin on Monday, 29 September 2025. Urban Safaris is designed for explorers seeking more than just major sights. This tour is about real stories and community connections that reveal the soul of the city.

Girls drinking on a night out at The Rockefeller

Check-In to The Rockefeller: Cape Town’s Staycation Gem

For Capetonians, the ultimate escape doesn’t mean going far — it’s about seeing the city through new eyes. The Rockefeller Hotel by Newmark Hotels & Reserves invites you to check-in to the city, where this lifestyle hotel blends luxury with creative culture, creating the perfect setting for an indulgent staycation.

aeroplane flying over a scenic landscape

South Africa’s Seal of Quality: Why TGCSA Grading is the Benchmark for Excellence

With local and international visitors expecting high standards, consistency, and comfort, maintaining excellence across the hospitality industry has never been more important. That’s where the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) plays a vital role.