Congratulations! As was said centuries ago, ‘the end is nigh’. Granted, it was said in more of a religious sense and could have been associated with impending doom, but I’ve always seen it to infer the culmination of something, and it’s with this in mind that I congratulate you on making it through the year that 2025 has been.
As we start dotting the final ‘i’s and crossing the final ‘t’s, this edition is designed to get your creative juices flowing for that great way to end the year. We have a smorgasbord to lay before you in these upcoming pages, be it venues for that end of year bash, how to prep for that final road trip, or even starting to master that perfect festive cocktail. Our city guides are jam-packed with cool venues to bed down for the December vibes, too.
And should you be worried about holiday budgets, there are indeed some creative ways to keep things affordable yet still get some of that holiday fun going. For starters, think mini getaways versus extended ones, remember that a splattering of overnight breaks would still bring the memories home, at the same time emphasising the uniqueness of each family opportunity. Self-catering is also a quick win, while at the same time ensuring family participation all the way through. Factor in distance too: remember that venues closer to home mean less time at the pesky fuel pumps.
And then the most obvious one, plan early, booking as far in advance as possible means better pricing and more sanity. Also remember to split the costs with extended family, should the group be swelling by the day. Planning the daily activities frugally where you can is another sure way to track the bottom line. Simplicity is not only cost-effective but sometimes the best way to keep everyone engaged - be it boardgames, some cricket in the park, or simply walking a trail.
Our cover story on local property legend Yael Geffen is a truly inspirational one, reminding us of the power that lies in both constantly reinventing oneself, and having the courage to step up to the plate when it simply seems like the hardest time to do so. Yael is a role model to many, but her story highlights intrinsically how our youth of today can be moulded into the powerful next chapter of our democracy. This story shines brightly with hope, optimism and determination, qualities which our youth could use to take the next steps towards a brighter future for us all.
This won’t be the last time you hear from us this year, but we do hope you enjoy this edition as much as we enjoyed putting it together. It’s more than just your guide for the next few weeks; it’s your inspiration to start carving out the final plans for the close of the year.
Bring it home, fam!
Minesh
iPhone
Air
The Sun City Hotel has been revamped
Discover the newly refurbished Sun City Hotel for any and all of your holiday adventures. Mom and Dad can kick back at the casino with a Martini (shaken not stirred), whilst the kids make a splash at the Valley of the Waves. The family can dine at Legends whilst listening to live music before putting the kids to bed and hitting Vibes for some midnight entertainment. Wake up and do it all again.
Bolton House Toiletry Bag
Give a practical gift wrapped up in style with the Bolton House Toiletry Bag. In their signature neutral brown colour, it is the perfect gift for colleagues or friends who are always on the go. The soft bag has a main zip that keeps all your essentials safe whilst a front compartment lets you store jewellery in a separate place. It has a strap for easy carrying, designed for durability whilst still looking fashionable on any bathroom vanity. Yours for around R300. K www.boltonhouse.co.za
The thinnest iPhone yet made (at just 5.6mm!), featuring a breakthrough titanium design that is elegant and light yet strong. The back of the new Air is protected with Ceramic Shield, while the front cover uses Ceramic Shield 2, delivering 3x better scratch resistance, making this latest model more durable than any previous iPhone. Apple also mentions that this attractive powerhouse is the most power-efficient yet, paired with redesigned internal architecture and various software optimisations. And for those you, like us, who enjoy capturing those special moments, the 48MP camera will ensure you bring those images home in serious resolution. Space black, cloud white, light gold, or sky blue, the choice is yours.
Contributors: Minesh Bhagaloo Sharon Waugh; Victoria Hill; Justyn Spinner
Photographers: Hanneri de Wet Photography
Printing: Lebone Litho
Distribution: Media Support
LEADING VENUES
MONEY TALK
CONTACT US www.hellolifestyle.co.za info@hellolifestyle.co.za
Head Office: 36 Bolton Road Parkwood, Johannesburg
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Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied and stored in a retrievable system by any form, or by any means electronic, photocopied, or otherwise without prior permission from the publishers and owners.
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PLACES TO BE
THINGS TO SEE ACTIVITIES TO DO
The ultimate calendar for the start of the festive season:
#HelloLifestyle by Victoria Hill Images: Supplied
JOHANNESBURG
Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival 4 – 5 OCTOBER
Where: Wanderers Club
Price: From R300
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
What to expect: Taste your way through some of SA’s top wine producers and discover a world of award-winning wines & sumptuous food at the Pick n Pay Wine & Food Festival at The Wanderers Club on 4 & 5 October 2025. Each ticketholder receives 20 wine tasting tokens and a tasting glass upon entry, the number of tokens “paid” per tasting is based on the Rand value of the wine. There are also add-on experiences which include: Pick n Pay Tasting Room Sessions, Mixology Theatre Sessions, and a Pick n Pay Picnic Bag for two.
3 OCTOBER – 09 NOVEMBER
Where: Teatro, Montecasino
Price: From R224
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.co.za
What to expect: Award-winning Broadway and West End hit, Chicago, will sizzle on stage at Montecasino from Friday, 3 October to Sunday, 9 November 2025. Following sold-out South African seasons and standing ovations, Chicago is back to dazzle audiences again. Prepare for a steamy tale of intrigue with a nightclub singer, a double-murderess, a smooth-talking lawyer, and a sin-filled cell block. The musical’s dazzling numbers like ‘All That Jazz,’ ‘Cell Block Tango,’ and ‘Mister Cellophane’ promise to have audiences tapping their feet from start to finish.
SingularityU South Africa Summit 22 – 23 OCTOBER
Where: Sandton Convention Centre
Price: Metaverse R3600 | In-Person
R13750
Tickets: www.
singularitysouthafricasummit.org
What to expect: The SingularityU South Africa Summit is back for its seventh year on African soil. This year’s theme, “Igniting Africa’s Future,” sets the tone for a powerful gathering of global thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and decision-makers committed to shaping the continent’s future through exponential technologies. With a spotlight on the expanding presence of artificial intelligence, the 2025 summit will explore how the latest technological breakthroughs can address global challenges, drive innovation, and futureproof societies. Attendees can expect an even richer experience: premium brand activations, immersive workshops, and curated networking opportunities - all designed to inspire meaningful conversations and connections.
4 NOVEMBER
Madagascar Jr
Where: Peoples Theatre, Joburg Theatre
Price: From R175
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
What to expect: Based on the smash-hit DreamWorks animated film, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure JR – the show follows all of your favourite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Alex the Lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York's Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends - Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe and Gloria the Hippohave spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape - with the help of some prodigious penguins - to explore the world!
CAPE TOWN
17 – 18
OCTOBER
Coppélia
Where: Artscape Opera House
Price: From R200
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
What to expect: Step into a world of enchantment as Cape Town City Ballet presents Coppélia at the Artscape Opera House on 17 and 18 October 2025. A charming tale of love, laughter, and a life-like doll, Coppélia combines playful comedy, heartwarming romance, and a dash of mystery — all set against a backdrop of dazzling costumes and captivating sets, with the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra to accompany all performances. Follow the spirited Swanilda, her love-struck fiancé Franz, and the eccentric toymaker Dr. Coppelius as a curious invention sets their village spinning.immersive workshops, and curated networking opportunities — all designed to inspire meaningful conversations and connections.to finish.
25 – 26 OCTOBER
22 NOVEMBER
Keinemusik
Where: The Ostrich
Price: From R2000
Tickets: www.howler.co.za
What to expect: Following their unforgettable South African debut in 2023, international acclaimed Keinemusik returns for what promises to be another iconic night of rhythm, connection, and pure musical energy. Known for their genre-defying sound and unparalleled stage presence, the Berlinbased collective is set to deliver a world-class experience in one of the most breathtaking cities on the planet. This extraordinary tour introduces South African audiences to the exceptional sounds of internationally renowned artists &ME, Rampa, and Adam Port, seamlessly merging under the iconic Keinemusik Kloud.
Cape Town International Kite Festival
Where: Youngsfield Military Base
Price: Children Under 5: Free | Children 6+: R40 | Adults: R70 | Penisoners: R40 |
Two Day Weekend Pass: R130
Tickets: www.quicket.co.za
What to expect: Every October, the Cape Town sky transforms into a dazzling canvas of colour, creativity, and joy. This year, the Cape Town International Kite Festival returns for its 31st edition, carrying with it a powerful theme that feels especially relevant today: #CourageToFly. From 25 – 26 October 2025, families, friends, and kite enthusiasts will gather at a brand-new venue – the Youngsfield Military Base in Ottery – for two days of uplifting fun, connection, and inspiration. This annual event raises funds for Cape Mental Health which funds essential free mental health services to those in need.
Price: From R13625 per team of two Tickets: www.epic-series.com
What to expect: The FNB Wines2Whales was born out of the desire to create a world-class 3-day stage race in the Western Cape. Since inception in 2009, the three events, aptly named after the wines of the area, have become a must-do event on the mountain bike calendar with riders from the farthest reaches of the country and the world. The spirit of the FNB Wines2Whales is “gees” – a truly South African phrase that is only understood once experienced. The race’s biggest drawcard is undoubtedly the route, which has been perfected over the past 15 years. In 2025, the race follows the SWITCHBACK route and takes teams from the shores of Benguela Cove to Oak Valley and the finish at Lourensford Wine Estate.
DURBAN
1 – 12 OCTOBER
The Rocky Horror Show
Where: Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre
Price: From R220
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
What to expect: The internationally renowned cult musical returns — in a brand-new production from Durban’s own KickstArt Theatre Company, the creative force behind this year’s sold-out sensation My Fair Lady. Seen by more than 17 000 people earlier in 2025, Steven Stead’s direction and Greg King’s designs lit up Durban’s theatre scene — and now they reunite to re-imagine Richard O’Brien’s outrageous classic. The Rocky Horror Show stars Tshepo Ncokoane as Frank, Bryan Hiles as Brad, Keryn Lynn Scott as Janet, Schoeman Smit as Riff Raff, Belinda Henwood as Magenta, Kaylee McIlroy as Columbia, William Young as Rocky, Lyle Buxton as Eddie/Dr Scott, and Michael Gritten as the Narrator. It is directed by Steven Stead, with musical direction by Evan Roberts, choreography by Simone Mann, set design by Greg King, and costumes by internationally acclaimed Terrence Bray.
12 OCTOBER
Boxer Super Run
Where: Blue Lagoon Park
Price: From R100
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
What to expect: Sun, sneakers and sea breeze – Durban, are you ready? The Boxer Super Run is back this October, and they’re bringing the energy straight to the iconic Snell Parade! Since its launch in 2023, the Boxer Super Run has made waves as one of South Africa’s most exciting 5km events. Whether you’re chasing a podium finish or just chasing good vibes, the 2025 edition is all about celebration, connection and fun. This isn’t just a run – it’s a movement. For just R100, you get to be part of a high-energy 5km experience that welcomes everyone: from elite athletes to casual joggers, club runners, families, and first-timers aged 9 and up.
31 OCTOBER
Halloween High Tea
Where: The Oyster Box
Price: R690
Tickets: www.oysterboxhotel.com
What to expect: Celebrate the Trick or Treat season in style with spooktacularly scary, eerily-delicious themed Halloween High Tea, with spine-chilling prizes for the best dressed guests. Ghosts will boogie, spiders will dance, and witches will craft spells to ensure this is the best Halloween ever.
01 NOVEMBER
Hello Durban Food & Music Experience
Where: Greyville Racecourse
Price: From R150
Tickets: www.webtickets.co.za
What to expect: The event will be a celebration of urban and street culture with popular music, good food and fashion trends as the medium. Enjoy entertainment from resident DJs and live performing artists. Guests are encouraged to express their unique style with the theme 'your fashion, your way' for a chance to win prizes. Expect a touchpoint experience linked to a celebration of youth, through urban and street culture with a premium feel.
PRETORIA
11 OCTOBER
Dancing for Rhinos Conservation Gala
Where: Deutsche Internationale Schule
Price: From R625
Tickets: www.quicket.co.za
What to expect: The Dancing For Rhinos Gala Event is a powerful celebration of art and conservation inspired by the remarkable story of Thandi, the rhino who survived against all odds. Through moving performances, elegant surroundings, and heartfelt moments, we come together to honour her legacy and raise vital support for those still fighting for their future. Now, 13 years later, the group honours how one rhino’s story became the heartbeat of a movement. Through powerful dance, stirring music, and heartfelt storytelling, they trace the path from that fateful day to the impact being made today: drones protecting rhinos, rangers being trained, orphans being cared for, and communities being uplifted.
23 OCTOBER – 01 NOVEMBER
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Where: Centurion Theatre
Price: From R300
Tickets: www.quicket.co.za
What to expect: Enter the shadowy world of Fleet Street with Stephen Sondheim’s iconic musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street! Follow the vengeful Sweeney Todd as he returns to Victorian London after years of unjust exile, determined to settle old scores. With the cunning Mrs. Lovett by his side, the pair hatch a chilling plan for retribution. As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, the boundary between justice and vengeance grows ever more perilous. This immersive production plunges audiences into the heart of the macabre, combining hauntingly beautiful music with a spine-tingling atmosphere—and a daring “splash zone” for those brave enough to get closer to the action.
Afrikaans is Groot 2025 7 – 16 NOVEMBER
Where: SunBet Arena
Price: R2500 per couple
Tickets: www.suninternational.com
What to expect: In 2025, South Africa celebrates Afrikaans' centenary as an official language – Afrikaans' Diamond Year. What could be more fitting than to celebrate this at the largest gathering in your mother tongue? Celebrate this beautiful moment with your people and be part of a historic event for our language and culture. This year’s concerts, which will once again be held at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria, has show and dine packages that are spectacular. The package includes a buffet dinner for two, two show tickets, and a fast pass entry to the arena.
Yael GEFFEN
Getting Real with the Queen of Real Estate
Yael Geffen’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and remarkable courage. Her story defies the straight lines of expectation: from couchsurfing in New York while hustling odd jobs, to an unexpected Broadway break, to navigating family tragedy that forever reshaped her destiny. Today, she stands as CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty South Africa - but the title tells only part of the story. Yael is more than a real estate leader. She is a fierce advocate for mental health, a voice for women carving space in male-dominated industries, and a mother who has learned to ground success in authenticity rather than performance. Her journey has been punctuated by glittering highs and devastating lows, but in each chapter, she chose not just to survive, but to transform. “I never took the straight line,” she reflects. “While everyone was saying I couldn’t, I went and I did it anyway.”
EARLY DREAMS, UNEXPECTED TURNS
Yael Geffen was 22 when she left South Africa to chase a dream. One that was always lingering, but it took her grandfather passing away for her to act on it. After going on a Contiki tour around Europe, which just so happened to air on television as the “Ultimate European Roadtrip” or something of the sort, she found herself on her friend’s couch in London. Watching Sex and the City, and, as the glamour of New York flashed across the screen, she thought: “The city looks alive, liberating, full of character. I want to be there.”
So, she packed her bags and headed to New York City, where she again found herself on a friend’s couch. Knowing only two people (and not all that well either), she hustled her way through odd jobs: promoting film festivals, working in a Queens shoe factory, even brewing deliberately terrible coffee as a receptionist so she would never be asked again. Eventually, her grit landed her in marketing, where she showed her natural instincts for people and persuasion.
It was there that Yael’s tenacity led her to back an unknown acting troupe that had begged for pro bono work. “I read their script and thought ‘this is brilliant.’ My bosses told me no, but I said, ‘if we don’t do this, I’m walking.’ It was a gamble.” The gamble paid off. That little play went on to win four Tony Awards.
But New York was never linear. She was soon let go again, belly-danced her way through unemployment, then picked herself back up in Los Angeles with another marketing role. Even that ended abruptly with the American financial crash. “I wanted to go down like a lady. So, I won the company the 18th Academy Awards account - and then it was over.”
Next came tragedy: “My best friend's father died, dramatically in an accident, and I came to South Africa to visit. It was meant to be brief. But I just never went back.”
LOSS, LEGACY AND LEADERSHIP
Intending to lend a helping hand to her family’s business whilst on home soil, she
always planned to go back to New York. But life rarely happens as you plan it – Yael ended up staying in South Africa, marrying her ex-husband and having a child. Amidst this, her brother lost his struggle to mental health. He had named her as an alternate director of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s in his will. When he died by suicide in 2009, she stepped into his shoes with grief still raw.
Yael waded her way through this new chapter. “I never planned to stay,” she admits. “I thought I was just helping. But life doesn’t always go as you plan.” For six years she quietly worked in marketing and on the board. Then another unimaginable tragedy struck: the then-CEO of the company murdered his wife at a company conference. Overnight, Yael became CEO. “I didn't really want it,” she recalls. “But I always think of that Shakespeare quote: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. And that felt like me, all of a sudden I was thrust upon this position overnight. And to top it all off, I was also the only female CEO in the industry.”
That last fact is what determined how she would hold herself in the years to come. It was a baptism by fire. She had to steer a shaken company through scandal and trauma while navigating her own grief and selfdoubt. The only way forward, she realised, was authenticity.
FINDING POWER IN AUTHENTICITY
At first, she tried to “play the part.” She wore suits, ties, even adopted a harder,
#HelloLifestyle by Victoria Hill Images: Hanneri De Wet Hair & Makeup: Tasneem Valley Jada Venue: CIRCA Art Gallery, Rosebank
more masculine tone to fit in with the boys’ club around her. “But one day I looked in the mirror and thought, ‘Yael, you look ridiculous. This isn’t you.”
She remembers: “In New York, they would throw a football to each other at our meetings. It would always go straight past me to the other guys. One day, I asked them to pass it to me. And they did. But as I threw the ball along, I thought: ‘I don’t need to do this’. That’s when I realised I’m different. I don’t need to be one of the boys. And that’s when I stepped into feminine power.”
When she became CEO, Yael acknowledges to have leaned into toxic masculinity, thinking she had to be more masculine simply because of the crown she wore. She stopped trying to emulate men and instead leaned into her feminine strength. She rolled up her pink sleeves and led by example. She spent her first year listening more than dictating, resisting the temptation to clean house or assert dominance. “I couldn’t arrive as the chief’s daughter after a murder and start firing people. I had to lead from a place of authenticity.”
That approach became her leadership philosophy: transparency, overcommunication, and servant leadership. “There’s always a crisis. Pretending it’s fine when it’s not only breeds chaos. I chose to be honest. I was actually overcommunicating, but people felt like they were part of something, they felt included. My leadership, like that from New Amsterdam, begins from a place of: ‘How can I help? What can I do?’ That’s how trust is built.”
THE BRILLIANT BURDEN
Mental health has always been woven through Yael’s story - first misunderstood, then painfully lived, and now powerfully embraced.
“When I was younger, my brother was going through a depression, and I never believed him. I thought it was all in his head, his head. But, all of a sudden, in New York, I started having these panic attacks from nowhere and night terrors. One day, I found myself on the subway thinking I needed to jump in front of the train just to end it all. Before I did, I burst into my GPs rooms and said: ‘I don't believe in depression. I don't believe in anxiety. I don't know what's going on with me, but if you don't give me something, I
might not be around tomorrow’. I also leaned on my brother. He was so supportive. He actually found me a great psychiatrist in New York, and I started going to a therapist, and it uncovered that I was bulimic because I had been sexually abused but had blocked it out for 15 years. My mental health journey began: I was soon put on meds and started feeling better. But, then my brother committed suicide, and I became even more passionate about advocating for mental health.”
When he died, her grief turned into a calling. She began speaking publicly about her experiences, first with terror, then with growing conviction. “I thought people would turn their backs on me. Instead, the world embraced me. Leaders, CEOs, high-powered people whispered, ‘I struggle too.’ But they were too scared to say it aloud.” Yael calls this her “brilliant burden.” She cites author Kay Redfield Jamison, who wrote about the link between the geniuses of our time suffering from mental illness in Touched with Fire. “I realised my burden gave me empathy. It made me a better leader, more connected. I stopped seeing it as shame, and started seeing it as power.” Her voice is insistent: “Suicide is the number one cause of death in South Africans over 50. It’s a silent pandemic. We need to break the stigma. That’s why I tell my story.”
BREAKING BARRIERS FOR WOMEN
In an industry long dominated by men, Yael has become a force for female representation. Her advice to young women is pragmatic: “Say yes to everything until you can afford to say no. Put your hand up, even if you’re not sure of the answer. Men will. Women wait until they’re 70% sure. It’s generational, ancestral. We have to unlearn that.” She explains that women either feel like they are too much or too little, never enough.
As a female CEO, she faced both support and hostility. “There are men who uplift women – we have to raise our sons like that – and men who feel threatened. You get both. But the tall trees catch the wind, and I’d rather be criticised than invisible. It means I am doing something right. I would much rather be a one or nine out of ten, than an average five.” That criticism only sharpened her belief in self-promotion. “I was asked by my mentor, Richard Mulholland, ‘Why don’t you market yourself the way you market your brand?’ He said to me: ‘You are the female CEO in one of the top real estate companies in South Africa, who is also a global brand. If you don’t know what makes you remarkable, no one else ever will.’ So, I started entering awards, and then I started winning. It isn’t arrogant. It isn’t egotistical. It’s self-promotion. I started to see the credibility that it gave me: not for
myself, but for those in my industry who doubted me. I realised then that credibility and likability are the two keys to success. People do business with those they trust - and you can’t expect others to know what makes you remarkable if you don’t show them.”
Nevertheless, her advocacy extends beyond boardrooms to causes like gender-based violence and supporting single mothers entering the property market. “It’s historic - the majority of first-time buyers now are women, many of them single moms. That changes the industry. That changes society.” But, Yael has received backlash for her focus on empowering women. People have criticised her and said she is on an ego-trip, but another mentor of hers, Margaret Hirsch, said: “You should be revelling, because criticism means you are doing something right. But you just carry on. Don’t pay them any mind.”
"I DON’T NEED TO BE ONE OF THE BOYS. THAT’S WHEN I STEPPED INTO FEMININE POWER.”
BEYOND BRICK AND MORTAR
For Yael, property is not just business. It’s deeply personal. “We sell masterpieces in every price range. For one person, a cottage is their masterpiece. For another, it’s a mansion. Luxury isn’t a price tag, it’s an experience.”
The Sotheby’s brand embodies heritage, dating back to 1744, older even than the United States of America. Coupled with the Geffen family legacy, it is both a privilege and a responsibility. “We’re custodians of history, but also innovators. That’s what keeps us at the forefront.”
We asked Yael what home is to her. “Home is beyond brick and mortar,” she begins. “It’s the way you create memories, and it is a journey, not a destination. Things happen between walls that will give people memories for a lifetime: markings on walls, picture frames dotted around, or chipped corners on skirtings. Home is a place of security and love. It can be a place of tragedy too, but it is always attached to something.”
Art, too, plays a role in her philosophy. “I remember my father bought me a pair of Jimmy Choos for my birthday one year. And
I said, ‘these are amazing, but can I ask you for a piece of art that has the same value from Trevor Coleman instead?’” Art becomes a treasured possession that actually moves with you from home to home. Yael tells of how it holds memories and emotions too, just like property. “This is why I absolutely love this venue and love being at the CIRCA Art Gallery. Being surrounded by art just makes me happy. And I want to give this feeling to others too, especially my child.” She also explains that art is still one of the best investments in the world, because it can only appreciate with time. “There’s got to be something behind it – the highest net worth individuals in the world all collect art.”
MOTHERHOOD, MENTORSHIP AND MEANING
Motherhood has grounded her in ways business never could. “Being present with my child is the most important thing. Success is meaningless if you’re not emotionally available to those you love.”
Yet, she also speaks candidly about the loneliness of modern life. Despite the abilities of digital connection, there is no community anymore. “There’s a pandemic of loneliness. Everyone is isolated, even in high-powered positions. That’s why authenticity matters. People want vulnerability. They want to see the human behind the empire.”
Her hope for her legacy is clear: not just a thriving company, but a culture of compassion. As a sought after keynote speaker, Yael chooses to share her story with others in the hope of empowering and guiding them through life’s hardships. She talks about lessons learnt from real estate, mental health, resilience and women empowerment, using her platform to make meaningful change and impact. “I want people to know they’re not alone. We all have crises of confidence. The key is not to let them stop you. Leadership isn’t about pretending. It’s about being real and authentic. You shouldn’t ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ because that is deception. Rather, make it without faking it.”
For Yael Geffen, success is no longer measured only in boardroom victories or industry accolades, but in the legacy she leaves behind - one of authenticity, advocacy, and courage. Whether she is mentoring women, breaking stigmas around mental health, or redefining leadership in real estate, Yael continues to prove that vulnerability and strength can coexist. Her story is a reminder that greatness is not always chosen - sometimes it is thrust upon you - and the true mark of leadership lies in how you rise to meet it. H
Travel accessories that can double-up as year-end gifts
ECO DIVA NATURAL MICRO MINIS
Eco Diva Natural introduces The Micro Minis, a practical collection of their five bestselling Superfood Skincare Icons in convenient travel sizes. Designed for everyday use, travel, or as an introduction to the Eco Diva range, this set delivers a complete skincare ritual in compact form. The collection includes: Superfood Face Serum for radiance, Ultimate Face Cream for hydration, Ecofoliant Skin Polish for renewal, Liquid Vitamin Hydra Mist for revitalisation, and Natural Face Wash for cleansing. Each product is formulated with clean, cruelty-free, eco-luxe ingredients that balance, repair, and protect the skin. Whether you’re trying the range for the first time, packing light, or gifting thoughtful skincare, The Micro Minis offer a professional, effective solution in small sizes.
R485, K ecodiva.co.za
THANDANA TRAVEL PODS
Bring style and ease to packing with Thandana’s travel pods. Crafted from soft printed nylon and finished with a genuine leather logo, each pod features durable YKK chunky zips and breathable mesh fronts for ventilation. Designed for versatility, the pods can be used individually or nested together for compact storage of clothes and essentials whilst travelling. They are especially ideal for organising outfits and accessories, and fit perfectly into travel bags, making on-the-go organisation effortless. R879, K thandana.co.za
NESPRESSO TRAVEL MUG These travel mugs are made for those who love to roam and embrace every adventure. Available in a variety of colours and sizes, they’re your ideal travel companion. Whether you’re enjoying a hot or iced coffee, the double-walled, 90% recycled stainless steel inner body keeps your beverages just the way you like them. With an easy-clean latch and a design that’s great for any journey - whether by car, train, or any trip - the travel mug is ready to go wherever life takes you. 400ml: R399 | 540ml: R449, K nespresso.com | Nespresso Boutique Stores
BOLTON HOUSE TOILETRY BAG
Give a practical gift wrapped up in style with the Bolton House Toiletry Bag. In their signature neutral brown colour, it is the perfect gift for colleagues or friends who are always on the go. The soft faux leather bag has a main zip that keeps all your essentials safe whilst a front compartment lets you store jewellery in a separate place. It has a strap for easy carrying, designed for durability whilst still looking fashionable on any bathroom vanity. R280, K boltonhouse.co.za | Bolton House Rosebank
GROW LIGHT’S MISKIE-GO
For the friend that is always bitten to death by pesky mosquitos, gift them the ultimate travel accessory, Miskie-Go. This natural product is designed to replace other foul-smelling mosquito deterrents. Its ingredients include menthol, eucalyptus extract, lemongrass extract and coconut oil. Altogether, they work to repel, deter and confuse the mosquito whilst also creating a barrier over the skin which the mozzie cannot penetrate. If by some chance the little insect finds its way through this barrier, the spray also has a cooling agent to soothe the itch. R150, K growlightza.com
APPLE AIRTAG
Lose your knack for losing things with Apple AirTags. For travellers, this is a super easy way to keep track of your luggage when you embark on long-haul flights. Simply slip it into your suitcase and watch on the “Find My” network as your bags travel with you from city to city, or country to country. Make it stylish by adding in a Moov Soft Touch AirTag keyring and cover that comes in a variety of colours for easy spotting and safe keeping. AirTag: R749 | Moov Cover: R249, K istore.co.za | iStore
SNUG 20000MAH POWER BANK
Enjoy uninterrupted power on the go with Snug’s 20000mAh Power Bank that can conveniently charge up to three devices at once. Its features include: 20W max output, 2 x USB ports, 1 x USB-C port, fast charging technology and digital power level indicator. Also in the box is a USB-C to USB-C cable for an extra slice of ease. R749, K takealot.com
OWBIA TRAVEL MAKEUP BAG
This sleek and stylish makeup bag from OWBIA is the ultimate travel companion for the women in your life. It comes with a built-in mirror that has three lighting modes ensuring you can do your makeup anywhere at any time. It also has a separate, detachable brush-holder compartment. Furthermore, adjustable, padded and shake-proof partitions offer customisable storage to suit your needs. R444, K amazon.co.za
ENTERTAINMENT
HOBBIES, BOOKS, PODCASTS, SONGS AND FILMS TO KEEP YOU ENTERTAINED
MOVIES TO KEEP AN EYE ON
Having premiered globally on Apple TV+ in late September, the highly anticipated romantic drama, “All of You,” includes Emmy Award winner Brett Goldstein (who also co-writes and produces) and Imogen Poots, alongside Emmy Award-winning director, co-writer and producer William Bridges. Best friends since college, Simon (Goldstein) and Laura (Poots) drift apart when she takes a test that finds her soulmate, despite years of unspoken feelings between them. Over the years, as their paths cross and diverge, neither can deny the feeling that they’ve missed out on a life together. Faced with the uncertainty of changing the course of their lives, are Simon and Laura willing to risk everything to experience the love that had been between them all along, or should they accept their fate? “All of You” explores whether one person can ever be your everything in this humorous and heartwrenching romantic drama.
On the thriller front, Apple Original Films recently celebrated the world premiere of the high stakes thriller “The Lost Bus,” directed by Academy Award nominee Paul Greengrass and starring Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey and Emmy, SAG and Golden Globe Award winner America Ferrera. The compelling drama premieres globally in early October on Apple TV+. Directed by Greengrass and inspired by real events, “The Lost Bus” is a white-knuckle ride through one of America’s deadliest wildfires, as a wayward school bus driver (McConaughey) and a dedicated school teacher (Ferrera) battle to save 22 children from the terrifying inferno.
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AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE BOREDOM AWAY
Apple is on a mission to keep you entertained
With all the hype at the moment around the iPhone 17 doing the rounds (yes, like you, we do fancy the new iPhone Air, very sexy), we thought this is as good a time as any to revisit the entertainment side of that Apple product in your hand or linked to your big screen. We sometimes forget just how much the Apple Streaming platform has on offer through their Music and TV offerings. We use the apps daily, more-so the Music app in our case, but do we ever really browse what’s available across the spectrum? And that’s where we come in: check out some of these highlights below, and be sure to try the QR codes for quick and easy access to try these suggestions out.
The Africa Now playlist highlights that the pan-Africanist ideal never died - it morphed into hybridised sonic fragments that connect Joburg to Nairobi via Lagos and Accra. One of the latest testaments to the continent’s far-reaching musical ingenuity is Salle, the Afrobeats star who just released her highly anticipated "Only Sad People Smile" EP. If you find the title even a little bit unnerving, know that Salle put the project together with the express intention of making the listener feel better about not feeling great.
Africa Rising. African music is a cultural melting pot of rich, diverse sounds and diasporic blends. From Dakar to Mombasa, Lagos to Cape Town, this playlist showcases the new sounds bubbling up from across the continent. Currently, that means celebrating talents like Salle, Ossie Grace, Gyakie 6LACK, Morravey, ru Magixx, Fola Victony and taves, to name a few highlights on the playlist.
SERIES, SERIES, SERIES
Also debuting in early October is “The Last Frontier,” a new original drama series from co-creators Jon Bokenkamp and Richard D’Ovidio. The 10-episode thriller will make its global debut on Apple TV+ with the first two episodes on Friday, 10 October, followed by new episodes every Friday through to 5 December. “The Last Frontier” follows Frank Remnick (Clarke), the lone U.S. marshal in charge of the quiet, rugged barrens of Alaska. Remnick’s jurisdiction is turned upside down when a prison transport plane crashes in the remote wilderness, setting free dozens of violent inmates. Tasked with protecting the town he’s vowed to keep safe, he begins to suspect the crash wasn’t an accident, but the first step of a well-crafted plan with far-reaching and devastating implications.
Apple TV+ has also announced that it will expand its award-winning series slate with “The Off Weeks,” a thrilling new eight-episode limited series starring and executive produced by Academy Award winner Jessica Chastain (upcoming “The Savant”) and Emmy Award winner Ben Stiller (“Severance”). When divorce throws writing professor Gus Adler’s life into chaos, he struggles to hold things together during “on weeks” when he has custody of his kids. But in his “off weeks,” he’s falling dangerously in love with Stella West, a mysterious woman whose arrival puts Gus’ on-week duties and off-week ambitions on a fatal collision course.
Let’s start with a few curated playlists we found, which we think will make those trips both to work or on weekends a little more vibey. The Isgubhu playlist is described as a selection celebrating an evergreen and evergrowing set of dance and electronic genres sweeping the continent – from amapiano, gqom, Afrohouse, kwaito, Shangaan electro, and more. With Isgubhu being a zulu word meaning ‘beat’, this playlist is your primer into these sounds, featuring classic hits from the most influential names, plus rising stars and artists on which to keep an eye.
SCAN TO SIGN UP TO APPLE MUSIC
And one just for the kiddies, Apple TV+ has debuted the trailer for “The Sisters Grimm,” the all-new animated fantasy adventure series set to premiere in early October. Based on Michael Buckley’s New York Times bestselling book series, “The Sisters Grimm” is a journey of adventure and heart about mystery-solving sisters descended from the Brothers Grimm who, while very different, make a pretty great team.
FIT FOR FESTIVITIES:
WHY A SIX-WEEK CHALLENGE IS THE KEY TO YOUR HEALTHIEST HOLIDAY YET
#HelloLifestyle by
Victoria Hill
Images: Supplied
Summer is officially knocking on our doors and we all know what that means: bikinis, burgers and bros! October is also the perfect time to commit to resetting your health, wellness and fitness routines by building sustainable habits (not crash dieting). After sticking to a six-week challenge, you are guaranteed to feel energised, confident and ready for the season’s festivities.
THE INSIDE SCOOP OF SIX-WEEK CHALLENGES
A six-week challenge is a structured wellness or fitness programme designed to deliver noticeable results in a relatively short time. They’re particularly popular in the lead-up to summer because six weeks feels achievable: long enough to see progress, but short enough to stay motivated. Most programmes combine exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle tweaks into
one focused plan. Workouts can vary widely - from gym classes and weight training to home routines, yoga, or running programmes. Nutrition guidance may include meal plans, portion control, or simply smarter, healthier eating habits. Many challenges also incorporate a mindset or habit-building component, helping you develop routines that stick long after the 42 days are over whilst accountability check-ins ensure you do not fall off the horse.
THE UPS AND DOWNS EXPECTED THROUGHOUT
Six weeks might feel like a big commitment, but it passes faster than you think. The timeframe is ideal for jumpstarting weight loss and boosting overall fitness. Having a set endpoint also makes the challenge feel manageable and motivates participants to stay on track.
On the flip side, six weeks isn’t always enough for habits to fully cement, and slipping back into old patterns is easy. That’s why it’s important to choose a challenge that focuses on sustainable practices – things you can realistically continue beyond the programme. The right challenge doesn’t just get you ready for summer; it helps you maintain a healthier, more balanced lifestyle year-round.
CHALLENGE TEMPLATE
We analysed various six-week challenges and compiled a template of our own that you can use to set yourself up for your healthiest holiday yet!
WEEK 1 – Kickstart Your Glow
3 full-body workouts + light cardio
Swap sugary drinks for water + add extra veggies
Set your summer goal + journal for at least
5 minutes per day
WEEK 2 – Find Your Flow
4 full-body workouts + core focus
Lean protein with every meal + balanced portions
Visualise your end goal + celebrate small wins
WEEK 3 – Push & Progress
Heavier weights, longer cardio + stretch with yoga
Meal prep: include whole grains + healthy fats
Notice energy boosts + tackle challenges
WEEK 4 – Challenge Yourself
Extra HIIT or circuit + track your bests
Go light on sugar + 5 fruit/veg portions per day
10 minutes of mindfulness + focus on consistency
WEEK 5 – Strength & Stamina
Alternate cardio and strength + increase reps
Try a new healthy recipe + limit takeout
Reflect on progress + share your wins
WEEK 6 – Finish Strong
5 full-body + high-intensity workouts
Whole, nutrient-packed meals + celebratory treat
Celebrate achievements + plan long-term habits
#HELLORECOMMENDS: THE F45 CHALLENGE
If you’re looking for a programme that actually delivers results while keeping things fun, the F45 Challenge is worth checking out. Over 45 days, it blends team-based workouts, practical nutrition guidance, and lifestyle tips to help you build stronger habits, not just muscles. What makes it stand out is the balance: you’ll get high-energy F45 sessions, meal plans designed to be realistic and sustainable, and a supportive community that keeps you motivated. It’s the kind of programme that not only helps you hit your short-term fitness goals but also gives you tools to maintain a healthier, more active lifestyle long after the challenge ends.
Nutrition: F45 focuses on a functional, personalised, and balanced approach, rather than a crash diet. You’ll learn how to build realistic, sustainable nutrition habits, with macro-balanced, customised meal plans and practical education to support long-term success.
Training: Team workouts make a difference. Studio-based sessions improve cardiovascular health, build strength, develop new skills, and help establish healthy movement patterns that last a lifetime.
Accountability: F45 isn’t just a gym, it’s a community. Coaches, fellow participants, and the F45 Training App provide individualised plans, progress tracking, and regular check-ins to keep you motivated and on track.
Wellness: The challenge goes beyond workouts. It encourages positive mindset habits, optimised recovery, and balanced lifestyle practices, with tools like dedicated recovery sessions and habit-building guidance, helping you perform at your best while prioritising your overall well-being. H
Six weeks is all it takes to kickstart a healthier, stronger, and more confident you. With the right mix of workouts, nutrition, and mindset support, these challenges are designed to help you feel amazing just in time for summer. Whether you join a studio programme or craft your own routine, the secret is simple: consistency, balance, and a positive attitude. So, grab a friend, set your goal, and get ready to move, nourish, and shine — summer is waiting!
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women of reproductive age, estimated to impact between 5–10% worldwide. While we often speak about it in relation to irregular periods and infertility, PCOS is far more complex. It is deeply intertwined with metabolism, weight, and long-term health.
WHAT IS PCOS?
PCOS is a hormonal disorder where the ovaries produce excess androgens (‘male’ hormones that are normally present in small amounts in women). This hormonal imbalance disrupts ovulation, often causing irregular menstrual cycles, infertility, and symptoms such as acne, excessive hair growth, and hair thinning. On Pelvic ultrasound, many women with PCOS show multiple small follicles, though not every woman fits this pattern.
WHAT CAUSES IT?
The exact cause of PCOS is still not fully understood, but several factors play a role:
- Insulin resistance: Many women with PCOS struggle with insulin resistance, meaning their bodies produce more insulin to keep blood sugar under control. This high insulin level drives the ovaries to produce more androgens, which worsens symptoms. These high levels of insulin also cause more fat storage and limit the bodies natural mechanism to break down fat.
- Genetics: PCOS often runs in families, suggesting a strong hereditary component.
- Hormonal imbalance: Excess androgens and disrupted signals between the brain and ovaries both fuel the condition.
THE LINK TO OBESITY
Obesity and PCOS are closely connected in a vicious cycle. About 40–80% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese. Excess body
PCOS & OBESITY:
BREAKING THE CYCLE
By: Dr. Andrew Viljoen (BSc. MBChB. FCS.) Images: Tegan Smith Photography; pexels.com
fat-particularly around the abdomen-worsens insulin resistance, causing the body to make more insulin which in turn worsens hormonal imbalance. The result? More irregular cycles, more androgen-related symptoms, and higher risks of developing diabetes and heart disease.
At the same time, PCOS itself makes weight management more difficult. Hormonal changes can increase hunger, slow down metabolism, and make fat storage more efficient. This means women with PCOS often find themselves battling against biology when trying to lose weight. Think of your body functioning like someone who has type 2 Diabetes.
FERTILITY AND PCOS
One of the most emotionally challenging aspects of PCOS is its impact on fertility. Because ovulation is irregular or absent, conceiving naturally can be difficult. Obesity compounds this challenge by further disrupting hormone levels and lowering the success rates of fertility treatments such as IVF.
However, there is hope. Even modest weight loss-just 5–10% of body weight-has been shown to restore ovulation in many women, improve chances of conception, and reduce pregnancy complications.
MANAGING PCOS AND OBESITY
Although PCOS cannot be “cured,” it can be effectively managed. The cornerstones of management include:
- Lifestyle changes: A balanced diet rich in whole foods and cutting out processed foods and sugars, regular exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce symptoms.
- Medical treatments: Options include hormonal contraceptives to regulate cycles, medications like metformin to improve
insulin sensitivity, and fertility treatments when needed. Assisted tools for weight loss like GLP1 injections, and weight loss procedures.
- Support and awareness: Because PCOS impacts both physical and emotional health, mental health support and community resources are vital.
BREAKING THE CYCLE
PCOS and obesity feed into each other, but with the right strategies, the cycle can be broken. Early diagnosis, lifestyle management, and medical support not only improves fertility but also protects longterm health. For women navigating PCOS, knowledge and proactive care are powerful tools-turning a challenging diagnosis into a manageable journey. H
1 weightlosscentre.co.za
Q @weightloss_centre
SHAKE , STIR & CELEBRATE
From tropical rum spritzers to indulgent coffee creations, these festive cocktails bring bold flavours and South African flair to your year-end celebration.
#HelloLifestyle
by Justyn Spinner Images: Supplied
This festive season calls for clinking glasses, bold flavours, and a touch of indulgence. From tropical twists with premium rums to reimagined classics that showcase South Africa’s heritage spirits, our cocktail line-up is designed to inspire your celebration.
FESTIVE BRANDY PUNCH
Discover the SA Brandy Route this Festive Season
South Africa’s oldest spirit has a new lease on life with the relaunch of the SA Brandy Route — the ultimate journey for those wanting to sip, savour, and celebrate our country’s rich brandy-making heritage. Stretching across the Western Cape, the route connects historic Brandy Homes — from the potstill pioneers of the Klein Karoo like Boplaas, to the
refined cellars of Van Ryn’s near Stellenbosch — with contemporary Brandy Hubs in Cape Town’s vibrant city centre, where mixologists are reimagining this heritage spirit in world-class cocktails.
Each stop along the way tells a story: Tokara pairs its award-winning XO brandy with artisanal chocolates on the Helshoogte Pass, while Boschendal leans into local culture by matching aged
brandies with South African dessert classics. At Lanzerac’s Craven Lounge, brandy ambassadors take guests through curated flights, showcasing just how versatile this spirit can be.
For those who like to experiment, brandy’s renaissance isn’t just about sipping it neat. Try it stirred into a Brandy Old Fashioned, shaken into a Brandy Sour, or uplifted with citrus and spice for a festive punch that’s made for sharing.
The SA Brandy Route makes it easy to explore, with digital tools to help plan your journey — whether you’re a local looking for a weekend escape or a visitor keen to discover a new side of Cape Town’s winelands.
This festive season, make it a journey worth toasting: scan the QR code below to discover the new SA Brandy Route map and raise a glass to 330 years of South African craftsmanship. 1 sabrandy.co.za
MAURITIAN SUNSHINE SPRITZ A FESTIVE COCKTAIL WITH BRITANNIA RUM
Bright, refreshing, and perfect for summer celebrations, the Mauritian Sunshine Spritz showcases the fresh sugarcane and citrus notes of Britannia Rum. It’s a playful nod to the island’s heritage, elevated with tropical flavours that make it an ideal festive-season crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients (serves 1)
• 50ml Britannia Premium White Rum
• 25ml freshly squeezed lime juice
• 15ml sugar syrup (or cane syrup for authenticity)
• 50ml pineapple juice
• Top up with sparkling wine (or soda water for a lighter version)
• Garnish: Fresh mint sprig and a pineapple wedge
Method
1. Fill a shaker with ice and add rum, lime juice, sugar syrup, and pineapple juice.
2. Shake until chilled, then strain into a large wine glass filled with ice.
3. Top with sparkling wine (or soda water).
4. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a pineapple wedge for a tropical flourish.
Think island holidays, clinking glasses under the summer sun, and a cocktail that captures the spirit of Mauritius in every sip.
AMARULA ESPRESSO INDULGENCE A LUXE COFFEE COCKTAIL MADE WITH
NESPRESSO
The Amarula Espresso Indulgence is velvety, smooth, and unapologetically festive. It blends the rich, premium flavour of Nespresso coffee with the creamy sweetness of Amarula - South Africa’s iconic liqueur - to create a cocktail that feels indulgent yet effortless.
Ingredients (serves 1)
THE ICE GLOW COCKTAIL A VIBRANT MIX THAT MATCHES SMIRNOFF ICE’S BOLD NEW LOOK
This cocktail is unapologetically fresh - just like Smirnoff ICE’s new design. It’s fun, zesty, and tailor-made for summer grooves, rooftop sundowners, or festive season link-ups.
Ingredients (serves 1)
• 1 can of Smirnoff ICE (Storm or Guarana work best)
• 25ml Smirnoff Vodka (optional, for an extra kick)
• 25ml passionfruit purée (or mango purée for a twist)
• 10ml fresh lime juice
• Top up with lemonade or soda water
• Garnish: Lime wheel and a sprig of mint
Method
1. In a tall glass filled with ice, add vodka (if using), passionfruit purée, and lime juice.
2. Pour in chilled Smirnoff ICE and stir gently.
3. Top with a splash of lemonade or soda water for extra fizz.
4. Garnish with a lime wheel and mint sprig.
Bright, bold, and instantly Instagrammable
- the ICE Glow is the perfect cocktail to kick off a festive night. Think DJ sets, rooftop clinks, and that unmistakable Nakanjani energy.
PERFECT PAIRING ZYN NICOTINE POUCHES
• 50ml Amarula Cream Liqueur
• 1 fresh shot of Nespresso espresso (40ml, your choice of pod)
• 35ml Drambuie (Honey)
• 15ml Orgeat Syrup
• 25ml Condensed Milk
• 2 dashes of Cocoa Bitters
• Garnish: a few coffee beans or a light dusting of cocoa powder
Method
1. Brew the shot of Nespresso espresso and let it cool slightly.
2. In a shaker with ice, combine all the ingredients then shake until well-chilled and slightly frothy.
3. Strain into a chilled glass.
4. Garnish with coffee beans or cocoa dusting for that finishing touch.
Sophisticated yet comforting, this cocktail delivers a touch of indulgence for the festive season. It’s a nod to premium conveniencethe ease of Nespresso meets the decadence of Amarula - making it the ultimate “luxury coffee moment” at home. And with Nespresso now readily available to order on the Mr D app, you can have your favourite pods delivered straight to your door - no festive rush required.
For those looking to elevate their festive cocktail even further, ZYN Nicotine Pouches make the perfect accompaniment. With bold new flavours like Apple Mint, Spearmint, and Citrus, ZYN offers adult nicotine users a smoke-free option that complements the layered flavours of this indulgent drink. H
ARTS & CULTURE
Finding Culture on your End of Year Road Trip
It’s almost time for that annual festive break, with many of you starting to think about that end-of-year trek to some enjoyable part of the country. Be it coastal or bushveld we know all Saffers enjoy their annual getaways, but perhaps this is the year you tackle it differently and slow it down a little. It’s like they say, “it’s as much about the journey as it is the destination”. Here are some fun stops to consider on that special road trip, which we believe will make for a few additional memories to savour.
MIDLANDS MEANDER ALONG THE N3, NOTTINGHAM ROAD
Just off the N3 on your way to Durban, Nottingham Road lies close to Mooi River and approximately 60km north-west of Pietermaritzburg. Founded in 1905 and named after the Nottingham Regiment which was stationed there, this scenic part of the Midlands offers a few stop-over opportunities worth looking into. If you have time for a sleepover, you won’t go wrong with hotels like Brahman Hills, the Gowrie Farm Lodge, or the Fordoun Hotel and Spa. But the real allure of this part of the country lies in the landscape, with its Highlands-type rolling hills and quaint little stops. The kids will love you for stopping at the Piggly Wiggly, with over 25 unique shops and loads of family entertainment including the Biggest Maze in
Africa and Piggy Putt-Putt. If that sweet tooth is looking for some action, Chocolate Heaven on Nottingham Road is a must, with its extensive range of handcrafted Belgian chocolates and decadent drinks - or go big and try the chocolate Dippingz Experience. Should you really be spoilt with a designated driver on board, make sure to check out the Abingdon Wine Estate, the first farm in KZN to produce a certified estate wine with their maiden vintage in 2007; or the Nottingham Road Brewing Company, an independent microbrewery offering a tasty range of naturally brewed ales and lagers. With products like Pickled Pig Porter, Whistling Weasel Pale Ale, Tiddly Toad Lager and Tipsy Tiger you know this will add some smiles to your dial.
#HelloLifestyle by Minesh Bhagaloo Images: Supplied
THE N2, SPOILT FOR CHOICE
Likely the prettiest of our major national highways and certainly SA’s longest national route, the N2, also known as the garden route, hugs the warm Indian Ocean coastline boasting stunning ocean views and picturesque seaside towns, making it a treat for that annual road trip. Packed with unforgettable stops that blend wildlife, adventure, and jaw-dropping scenery, we’ve chosen our favorite towns to give you a taste of what’s awaiting you on your journey. But be warned, some may tempt you with more than just a quick stop.
No mention of the N2 can go without honoring our feathered friends, the ostriches. Oudtshoorn, which is a little bit of a detour off the N2, is worth considering should your itinerary allow for a sojourn on one of the many ostrich farms, or perhaps an unusual ostrich meat lunch, or the historian in you may likely appreciate taking in the town Museum which explains the history behind the trade of ostrich feathers. Should time really permit, the kids will absolutely love the millions-ofyears old Cango Caves with its array of stalactites and stalacmites.
On the coastal front you truly are spoilt for choice, again dependent on your schedule. Dolphins and whales can be spotted from the pretty town of George, while the Wilderness area will delight the nature lover in you, offering birding retreats in the national park, horse riding through the forests or on the beaches, canoeing along waterways, waterfall visits, and even some adrenalin activities like paragliding should time permit. The more popular town of Knysna, which you may be tempted to spend more than just a stopover at, will enthrall with its lagoon and Knysna Heads cliffs, quick boat trips in the lagoon, and famous Knysna oysters on the menu.
Should you prefer something a little quieter but nearby, Plettenberg Bay, or Plett as it’s fondly known, is similarly pretty to its sister towns, offering a colorful stop on the N2 with a villageshopping atmosphere famous for art and designer stalls, local eateries, and the must-do Whale Tail lookout point. Should the kids want to quickly dip their feet, Plett beaches are known for safe swimming spots, and warmer waters than you’d expect.
VALLEY OF DESOLATION, GRAAFF-REINET ALONG THE N1
Surrounding the town of Graaff-Reinet and nestled within the Camdeboo National Park, the Valley of Desolation is a stop that is sure to marvel both the kids and the adults on your journey. With vertical cliffs and columns of dolerite that sit 120 metres above the valley floor, the scenery from this natural marvel is truly breathtaking across the arid landscape of the Karoo. Expect many sheer cliffs and various rock formations, offering visitors wide panoramic views across this quiet and desolate valley. Should the plan be to stop overnight in Graaff-Reinet, meaning you will have more than just an hour or two at the valley, the hiker in you can grab your boots and set-off on what has been recognised as a trail attracting hikers from across the globe.
The geologist in you will also appreciate that these unique rock formations have been sculpted by millions of years of geological activity. Open daily until 7.30pm, this could also be the spot for amazing sunsets before dinner in Graaff-Reinet - or grab some snacks along the N1 and make a small picnic of this newfound adventure. Other nearby city stopovers in the area include seaside cities like Port Elizabeth or East London, or even a smaller town like Grahamstown with its period architecture. H
A CULINARY JOURNEY WITH PORTUGUESE FLAIR
PIGALLE BEDFORDVIEW
#HelloJoburg by Justyn Spinner Images: Supplied
Tucked away in Bedfordview, the original Pigalle restaurant has been redefining fine dining since 2004. Founded by veteran restaurateur Naldo Goncalves, whose career spans more than four decades, Pigalle Bedfordview remains the beating heart of this iconic brand. Unlike its sister branches in Sandton and Cape Town, this flagship location offers an experience steeped in authenticity - a true reflection of Portuguese-inspired elegance and culinary mastery.
Walking through its doors, we were greeted by a space that is both stylish and inviting. Exposed brick walls meet contemporary finishes, softened by plush seating and artistic details. The atmosphere is warm, yet sophisticated - the kind of setting where every occasion, from romantic dinners to milestone celebrations, feels elevated.
At Pigalle, the promise of an extraordinary culinary journey unfolds with every dish. Specialising in shellfish, the restaurant has earned a reputation as a haven for seafood lovers. Highlights include the Prawn & Chicken Combo - half peri-peri chicken served alongside plump queen prawns, a perfect marriage of spice and succulence. Another standout is the Portuguese Steak, tender and flavourful, offered with a choice of chips or
rice and finished with Pigalle’s signature basting or a pepper crust.
For those who love to explore, Pigalle’s sharing plates are a delightful concept that encourages communal dining. Sampling two or three dishes allows diners to immerse themselves in a symphony of flavours, discovering the diversity of Portuguese cuisine one plate at a time.
The seafood here is a story on its own. From prawns dusted with tandoori spice and served atop warm julienne vegetables, to the exquisite salmon duo - a combination of cured Norwegian salmon with avocado and sesame-crusted seared salmon drizzled in teriyaki sauce - each dish is prepared with precision and passion. Fresh, bold, and beautifully plated, they capture the very essence of Pigalle’s philosophy: culinary excellence without compromise.
No culinary journey is complete without a sweet ending, and Pigalle ensures the final chapter is unforgettable. The Chocolate Fondant delivers a molten heart of indulgence, while the Salted Caramel Ice Cream Crème Brûlée offers a refined twist on a classic, its silky vanilla pod custard finished with brûléed sugar. Paired with a glass from Pigalle’s extensive wine list, hand-curated by Goncalves himself, it’s a finale that lingers long after the last bite. For a true standout, we highly recommend
both seafood and steak.
What makes Pigalle Bedfordview so special is its versatility. Whether you’re sharing plates over laughter with friends, toasting an anniversary, or indulging in a solo evening of refined dining, the restaurant’s attentive service and impeccable attention to detail ensure every visit feels memorable. H 1 www.pigalle.joburg
the IONA Chardonnay which comes from The Elgin Highlands, which is a perfect companion to
JOBURG
Discover the Best Eats, Drinks, Shops and Fun Spots in Jozi.
Spring is in full swing, and Johannesburg is buzzing with energy. As the jacarandas paint the city purple, October and November invite you to rediscover Joburg in all its vibrant glory. Whether you’re hunting for the latest foodie favourites, sipping sundowners with a skyline view, indulging in a little retail therapy, or seeking out fun things to do with friends and family, the city is serving up plenty of reasons to get out and about.
FAVOURITE MUNCH SPOTS
SINN
Redefining Italian dining in Johannesburg, SINN is where passion, art and Italian soul collide. Embark on a sensory journey with a modern Italian twist, where bold flavours, dramatic visuals and immersive design come together to create something unforgettable. At the heart of SINN is Chef Enrico, a visionary whose journey began in the charming village of Cremona. Raised in a home where generations cooked, shared, and gathered under one roof around a table, Enrico’s love for food was born in the warmth of his grandmother’s kitchen. He aims to reproduce this love within SINN, mixed with South Africa’s rich food culture and vibrant diversity. Furthermore, SINN has recently launched a new summer menu. 1 sinn.restaurant
LIBERTÉ FRENCH FOOD & WINE
If you’re searching for a Parisian street café experience in Johannesburg, look no further than Liberté. With eclectic décor that gives the space an artsy, bohemian charm, Liberté feels like a place where countless stories have unfolded over croissants and coffee. You can choose from High Tea, a Mimosa Brunch, or à la carte, with fully fledged menus for all scenes. Glasses in hand, clink in celebration, and get ready to indulge in the joy of the morning. By the time you roll out of the bistro a few hours later, you will feel lighter, happier, and very much transported to the streets of Paris.
PRONTO ITALIAN RESTAURANT
Pronto is an authentic Italian bistro that doubles as an Italian food store and deli. It basically brings the best of Italy to Joburg! Shop restaurant quality ready-toeat frozen meals, Italian pantry products, deli items, freshly baked goods and unique décor items before digging into the menu for a bite to eat. Whether you fancy a traditional spaghetti and meatball confection or a beef fillet on polenta special, Pronto has something for you on which to feast. The chef was accommodating, our waitress attentive, and the host effortlessly warm. It’s no wonder Pronto has become both our family go-to and our date-night spot: cosy, classy, and consistently delightful. You will feel as though you’ve been transported to a tucked-away side street in Italy.
#HelloJoburg by Victoria Hill Images: Supplied
TEA AND ANTIQUE
With one branch nestled in the hustle of Bedfordview and another in the bustle of Parkmore, Tea and Antique is an elegant restaurant serving authentic Chinese home-style food and tea. The husband-and-wife team, Jonsen Wang and NiNi Zhao, brought their antique shop in Qingdao, Shandong to Johannesburg, South Africa. This forms the basis of their restaurant, which acts as a window to China. Choose to order jasmine tea alongside traditional home-style Chinese dishes like hot pots, beef soup dumplings, HuangMen chicken rice or prawn noodles. They are not just serving meals, but stories, traditions and knowledge.
Q @tea_and_antique
THE SALT ROAD
As the global culinary scene rediscovers ancient techniques like curing, fermenting, and even baking with salt, Johannesburg now has its own temple to this timeless craft. The Salt Road, nestled within the elegant 10 2nd Avenue Boutique Hotel, invites Joburg’s food lovers to experience a refined approach to the art of salt-based cooking. The setting is intimate and sensory, crafted for slow dining where every bite is an exploration of flavour and technique. Therefore, whether it’s a midweek escape or a weekend culinary adventure, The Salt Road provides a serene garden backdrop that feels worlds away from its urban surroundings.
Initially hailing from Cape Town but now with 28 successful restaurants countrywide – 10 of which are in Gauteng — BOSSA is an affordable but quality offering. As a family restaurant and a friend hang-out spot, it always caters to all sorts. Their warm, inviting and colourful environment attracts patronage looking for unique bar experiences. Furthermore, the BOSSA Bedfordview branch is the Arsenal Supporters Club in South Africa, hailing all the red-wearing football fans to within its walls every weekend. Other locations include Atterbury, Castle Walk, Fourways, Glen Acres, Modderfontein, Mulbarton, Nigel, Roodepoort, and Silver Lakes.
1 bossagoodtimes.com Q @bossa_goodtimes
THE RADIUM BEERHALL
The Radium Beerhall on Louis Botha Avenue is the oldest surviving bar and grill in Johannesburg, with a genuinely historic ambience that is just as enticing as the good food on the menu and as authentic as the foot-tapping live jazz. The walls are covered in memorabilia, from photos of pre-war soccer teams and jazzmen who have played there, to vintage posters and press clippings that record the Radium’s history. Now, the jazzed-up Radium has live performances by different artists four nights a week. Since 1994, it has won an international reputation, featured in overseas travel guides as a genuine South African experience, and a “must” for tourists passing through Johannesburg.
1 www.theradiumbeerhall.co.za
RIDGEWAY RACEBAR
Bringing the noise to an otherwise serene Modderfontein, Ridgeway Racebar is the go-to for live sport. With 65 televisions showing all sport, all day, it is no wonder it is a local favourite. Nestled in Stoneridge Centre, watch your favourite premier league teams rival it out of the football field, Formula 1 drivers zoom around the Grand Prix circuit, or Motor GP riders battling it out on their playground. With a fully-stocked bar, delicious menu that keeps you wanting more, and pool tables in the back to occupy you at halftime, it is the ultimate tipple spot.
Q @ridgewayracebar
ROCKETS BRYANSTON
Rockets Bryanston is a space for dreamers, doers, and go-getters. Put simply, it is a destination where dining becomes a lifestyle. With three floors – the Rooftop Bar, culinary restaurant, and Lolitas Club, it is made of vibrant layers of luxury. Start the night sipping on extraordinary cocktails above the city before moving down to the restaurant for a bite to eat. For pudding, step into Lolitas, where electrifying beats meet exclusive dance floors and vibes. They are redefining dining and nightlife in Joburg, blending luxury with unforgettable moments for those who live life fully.
1 www.rocketslife.tv Q @rockets.life
SAINT RESTAURANT
Saint began as a spot for the people of Johannesburg to put their inner conflict to the test, surrounded by Italian fire. The space battles between good and bad, right and wrong, no and yes: the decadent mingling dangerously with the divine. Trained by the best in Milan and guided by head chef, David Higgs, Saint’s chefs use their skill and knowledge to create culinary masterpieces. Furthermore, the Saint Bar is where people gather to feed their souls and nourish their desires. With a curated selection of the finest wines, cocktails, gins, and whiskeys, the Saint Bar is one of Johannesburg’s all-time favourite hangouts. Finished with an elegant ambience, it is a luscious meeting place for post-work drinks, romantic indulgences or full-on party mania.
Q @tea_and_antique
For bookings and enquiries, contact: reservations@newmarkhotels.com +27 21 427 5901 www.newmarkhotels.com
SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP
JET FLAGSHIP STORE SANDTON CITY
Jet has brought its reimagined retail experience to Sandton City, Johannesburg. The 1,800 square-metre outlet offers shoppers a bold new take on fashion, beauty, homeware and cellular products. Shoppers can explore Jet’s full range of ladies’, men’s, kids’ and teen clothing, including an exclusive Character World fashion zone. Their Home Spring/Summer 2025 Collection adds a vibrant, feel-good touch to any space. Anchored by this season’s must-have calming green hue, the collection is perfect for refreshing bedrooms, bathrooms or outdoor areas. Jet’s beauty department has also had a sleek makeover, featuring the CLRS range and a new dedicated make-up station.
1 jetonline.co.za Q @jet_fashion
NEW BALANCE EASTGATE
With beats and besties, New Balance launched their latest store in the heart of the East Rand: welcome New Balance to Eastgate Mall. Music blared from the speakers as shoppers flocked to browse the rows upon rows of stylish and contemporary sneakers. Whether you need a new pair of running shoes or the latest fashion for smart-casual footwear, New Balance has you covered. The store is also not just a sneaker storeroom, but a vision to shop their latest apparel and accessories. T-shirts, cargo pants, socks, and statement pieces are yours at all times. They stand for something bigger, championing those who are fearlessly driven by their passions. This also shows in their fitting rooms, which motivates: “If you run, you’re a runner.” 1 www.jockey.co.za Q @jockeysa
JOCKEY
Jockey South Africa has just launched their Spring/Summer 2025 Collection, capturing the freedom of optimism of blooming anew. They celebrate self-expression and the confidence that comes from wearing pieces that fit your life, personality, and style. Thoughtful design, precise detail, and an uncompromising focus on fit and feel, the new collection is built around what matters most when it comes to underwear and sleepwear. Furthermore, the garments are made locally, showcasing the strength of South African design, creativity and craftsmanship, bringing world-class quality with a distinctively homegrown feel. Look forward to soft pastels and warm citrus hues before turning to bolder, brighter tropical blues and neons.
1 www.jockey.co.za Q @jockeysa
TSHEPO
Since their inception in 2015 by Tshepo Mohlala, the purpose of TSHEPO was to connect with people through the stories that fashion tells. Committed to the development of denim, through the promotion of africanism and localisation, TSHEPO honours denim’s ability to stand the test of time by honouring the past, acknowledging the present, and designing with the future in mind. Their main responsibility is to create desirable and functional items that consumers value and can enjoy for a lifetime. Whilst jeans are where they started, they have recently partnered with Luxurious Marble Circus to create The Kingmaster: a celebration of self-expression in the most extravagant way. In a range of ready-to-wear items, The Kingmaster takes centre stage, telling a story that allows each wearer to embody the craft, creativity, and imagination of two realms. Designed by young-designer Naledi, under the tutelage of Tshepo, the collection is a rich showcase that speaks to highfashion and purposeful luxury.
1 www.tshepo.shop Q @tshepojeans
FUN, FUN, FUN
GOLF BAR
Jockey South Golf Bar offers you the ultimate social indoor golf experience. Whether you’re looking to improve your swing, play 9 holes in your lunch break, meet up with a golf buddy, play a fourball or host an event, Golf Bar has you covered. Step into a world of virtual greens, challenging courses and precise swinging analysis. With state-of-the-art simulators, for golfers by golfers, you can now enhance and refine your golfing skills. And, with a diverse food and drinks menu, Golf Bar provides the quintessential social experience to the golfers (and socialites) of Jozi’s Fourways and Cresta.
1 golfbar.co.za Q @golfbarsa
SHOOTERS
Jockey South Johannesburg’s entertainment scene has been totally reimagined and upgraded with the official launch of Shooters at Fourways Mall. This is a first-of-itskind premium interactive social experience that blends crave-worthy food and a buzzing atmosphere into one unforgettable hub. Crazy Golf brings putt-putt to life with wild loops, rogue catapults, and hidden twists, while Virtual Clay Shooting sharpens reflexes with tech-powered precision. Add interactive darts, slick shuffleboard variations, Beer and Bubble Pong, American Pool, and fastpaced Table Football, and Shooters becomes a playground where every kind of player finds their moment. Of course, the food is just as playful as the games with the bar spurring you on to become the most carefree version of yourself.
NUMETRO
NuMetro is back and better than ever. They have been on a countrywide mission to upgrade their cinemas, and Johannesburg was top of the list. Among the upgrades is ScreenX, Africa’s first panoramic viewing experience whilst 4DX brings you into the action. Elevating the food scene is Executive Chef David M., who introduces the gourmet menu offering that elevates the Scene VIP cinema experience. Furthermore, with an exciting lineup of Hollywood blockbusters set to release over the next 18 months, NuMetro is shifting the spotlight toward homegrown talent. So, sign up for your VIP card and get two movie tickets free per week, making visits to the cinema a sure thing.
1 numetro.co.za Q @numetro
1 shooters.co.za Q @shooters_sa
FIELD BERRY FARM
This raspberry farm in the south of Johannesburg welcomes visitors for berry picking during the raspberry season (from January to April). During September, they open the doors to the public for the Almond Blossom Festival. But in the off seasons, you can opt to listen to the birds, feel the breeze, and unwind with a scenic picnic on the farm. Picnic menus have been carefully curated to celebrate the very best from their own fields and flourishing orchards. This transforms the usual picnic food into a unique farm-to-table celebration, turning a simple outdoor meal into an intimate, unforgettable experience. In addition to the picnic, guests can explore the beauty of our farm on a new 5km self-guided walking trail that winds around the farm. The trail offers birding enthusiasts ample opportunities to spot the local birdlife. Furthermore, their farm offers a variety of activities for all ages, including a children's bicycle track, an outdoor playground, and live local music from time to time. Also, don't miss their stalls selling delicious food and drinks.
1 www.thefieldberryfarm.com Q @thefieldberryfarm
HYROX TRAINING AT PLANET FITNESS
The fitness phenomenon that has taken the world by storm is now on Joburg’s doorstep, thanks to Planet Fitness. Now the official training partner for HYROX, Planet Fitness has rolled out dedicated, all-inclusive HYROX training areas to their signature clubs. So, if you are looking for a new way to challenge yourself and push your training to the next level, HYROX might be just what you need. It is a high-energy endurance and functional training event that allows you to get fit alongside your best friend. The training is scalable, meaning you can adjust the intensity to match your fitness level. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to train with purpose and join a supportive, like-minded community with group classes. [Website] www.planetfitness.co.za [Instagram] @planetfitnessza
1 www.planetfitness.co.za Q @planetfitnessza
SUN CITY HOTEL
The Polished Jewel in Sun City’s Crown
By Victoria Hill Images: Victoria Hill
They say some things age like fine wine, and the Sun City Hotel falls into this category wholeheartedly. Known as the jewel in the Sun City crown, it received a royal polish that has left it sparkling anew. This four-star property was the very first to open in December 1979 and has remained the beating heart of the resort ever since. With its glittering casino at its centre, revamped restaurants, refreshed rooms, and new energy coursing through its corridors, the Sun City Hotel continues to shine as a playground for both nostalgia seekers and modern-day adventurers.
THE CASINO: THE BEATING HEART OF THE HOTEL
We have all heard of the city that never sleeps, but Sun City takes it up a notch with their Sun City Hotel and Casino that is forever glittering. As soon as you step into the legendary Sun City Casino, you will immediately know why it has been a cornerstone of South Africa’s entertainment scene
for decades. With its glamorous design, buzzing atmosphere and tempting allure, the casino offers everything from slot machines and roulette tables to poker and blackjack. Whether you are a seasoned player or simply chasing the thrill of chance, the casino blends sophistication with excitement, ensuring every visit feels like a high-stakes adventure.
A CULINARY PLAYGROUND: RESTAURANTS THAT DAZZLE
Dining at the Sun City Hotel has taken on a new flavour with its recent revamp. Each restaurant has been refreshed to keep pace with the evolving tastes of today’s traveller while staying true to the hotel’s iconic charm. The shining star of the culinary line-up is the Sun Terrace Restaurant, encompassing a feast for the senses. Known for its expansive buffet and lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to start your morning with a lavish breakfast spread or enjoy a laid-back dinner that celebrates local and international flavours.
For casual bites between adventures, Sun City has plenty to tempt. The iconic Hard Rock Café brings rock ‘n roll energy with
food, drinks, and legacy. Sausage Saloon serves up over 5,000 flavour combinations for a quick grab-andgo, while Raj celebrates a decade of authentic Indian cuisine. At Shun De (“brothers”), guests share Asianinspired dishes and good fortune. Nightlife comes alive at Vibes, Encore and The Revue Bar - start with live sports and snooker, move downstairs to dance the night away, or venture deeper for late-night pole dancing. And before heading to bed? Stop by The Candy Store for sweet cravings and popcorn delights.
But, if you want to really experience luxury and find out why Sun City resort is still ticking, walk yourself through the doors of Legendary Legends. This Michelin-star restaurant has stories woven into its walls, and if only they could talk. The world’s most renowned celebrities have probably stood on the Legendary Legends’ stage, leaving behind a piece of themselves to display on the walls, floors and doors. To top it all off is the cuisine: a steakhouse like no other.
REFURBISHED ROOMS: RETRO GLAM MEETS MODERN LUXE
The Sun City Hotel’s rooms have undergone a stylish transformation that honours the retro-glam heritage of the resort while adding the modern comforts today’s travellers expect. Plush bedding, contemporary finishes, and thoughtful touches make each stay luxurious yet relaxed. Many rooms boast views over the rolling Pilanesberg landscape or the sparkling pool terraces, reminding guests that they’re in the heart of an iconic holiday destination.
The Sun City Hotel is more than just a place to stay - it’s an icon that continues to reinvent itself 46 years after its inception yet stays true to its glittering legacy. Whether you’re drawn to the buzz of the casino, the indulgence of its restaurants, the comfort of its refurbished rooms, or the endless adventures just beyond its doors, this hotel proves that classics never go out of style - they simply get better with time. H
FINE DINING GETS A REMIX AT THE WIGGLE ROOM
Dining to a different beat with serious food in a laid-back setting
#HelloCapeTown by Sharon Waugh Images: Supplied
When we were invited to try The Wiggle Room, we were told that we would be treated to a five-course tasting menu at a chef’s table in an intimate setting. We knew little else, except that it was part of Wiggle, the luxury car hire centre that also offers curated travel experiences, a giant indoor golf simulator, an impressive art collection and an event venue.
We arrived in attire appropriate for fine dining or anything with “tasting menu” in the title and we were ushered into an intimate space off Bree Street. The chef's table was less of a table and more of a chef’s counter, the wall was decorated with street art, and loud rap music with lots of swearing filled the air. It was clear from this moment that this would be unlike any dinner experience we’ve ever experienced in Cape Town.
A piece of paper at each setting had a series of five small images on it. Under each image were the titles of two to five songs. This was the menu. The picture indicated the main ingredient in each dish and the songs were the inspiration behind them.
Chef Ismail Amos, a.k.a. “Chef Fish,” introduced himself and explained that he was passionate about food, art, fashion and music, and that The Wiggle Room was a place where he could explore the intersection of these elements, experiment with them and collaborate with others.
The interaction between the food and the music was evident, and when the first course was placed in front of us, we could see the art too. A small tart filled with delightful things such as miso, black garlic and horseradish with pickled Shimeji mushrooms and topped with delicate flowers had taken more than four hours to prepare and looked too beautiful to eat. Not only was it a visual masterpiece but the blend of textures and flavours was pure alchemy too.
Other highlights included the scallops with apple bacon miso, green beans, pine beans, coriander oil, chilli oil, white asparagus and kimchi. It was a complex mix of salty, smoky and spicy flavours that left one wanting more. The perfectly cooked sous vide lamb was tender and flavourful, beautifully paired with silky sweet potato and rich chicken jus.
When you learn more about Chef Ismail, it highlights just how impressive his artistry is. From humble beginnings and with only a Grade 10, he found his way into the kitchen, worked his way through restaurants like the Chefs Warehouse and Mertia, and never looked back. In the coming weeks, he will be collaborating with Chef Braam Beyers, who returned to South Africa earlier this year after spending time working in a three-Michelin-star restaurant in San Francisco. This will be the first of many collaborations.
Until then, the menu will be changing constantly, determined by mood, available ingredients, and what’s on Chef Ismail’s Spotify playlist that day. Even if his taste in sweary rap music is not your cup of tea, it’s hard not to be impressed by the dishes it inspires.
Oh, and if you’d like to use the restroom, it’s just past the Ferrari on the right. H
With blue-sky weather, blooming landscapes and a calendar full of culinary and cultural happenings, Cape Town at this time of year makes every shared meal, shopping spree, and celebratory outing feel magical!
AMAZING MUNCH SPOTS
#HelloCapeTown by Sharon Waugh Images: Supplied Here is your Cape Town festive season kick-off guide
LOCÁL
There’s nothing like the buzz of a Cape Town rooftop in the summertime. The Radisson RED Rooftop has been refurbished and the famous rooftop truck bar "Van Rouge" has made way for an entirely new concept. Now known as Locál, the elevated social space is the perfect place to bring in the festive season. As the name implies, the new menu includes some distinctly local dishes such as wild garlic roti with curried vetkoek and a homage to the Gatsby, a Capetonian classic, that is, in this case, stuffed with battered fish, smoked triple-cooked chips and salad. Though the decor and menu have changed, the incredible aerial views of the mother city remain as breathtaking as ever.
This October, Century City sees the much-anticipated return of Royal Countess Zingara after a 10-year hiatus. The new show La Dolce Royal is an immersive dinner-theatre experience. In a classic circus tent, diners will be entertained by a spectacle of dancing, music, aerial acts and storytelling while enjoying a five-course meal in an experience that feels almost surreal. Described as a 'love letter to humanity,’ the performance uses imagination and beauty to rekindle hope. With group bookings available, it's a great option for a truly memorable end-of-year work function or family celebration.
1 zingara.co.za Q @zingara_royalcountess
TOEVLUG
After opening Ongetem earlier this year, renowned local chef Bertus Basson has just opened another restaurant this month. Toevlug, meaning “sanctuary,” is a familyfriendly eatery that can be found on Annandale Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. Partnering with Chef Drikus Brink, this restaurant showcases simple South African produce-focused cooking that will no doubt be paired with the estate’s acclaimed wines. Dating back to 1688, the farm is believed to be the oldest farm in the premium red-wine producing Helderberg Valley and oozes with old-world charm.
1 annandale.co.za Q @annandalewines
TAMBOURINE
Tambourine, a new restaurant in a restored heritage building on Harrington Street, is a celebration of seasonal, local produce. Chef Keane Munro crafts a short, flavour-packed menu of food cooked over an open fire, with dishes drawing on global and African influences. With a strong focus on sustainability, his ingredients consist of pasture-raised beef and lamb, line-caught fish, and produce from a pesticide-free regenerative farm in Khayelitsha. Everything is local, seasonal and organic wherever possible. The decor is understated, allowing the food to take centre stage. The result is a dining experience that’s both casual, delicious and guilt-free.
1 tambourine.co.za
Q @tambourinecpt
FOR A TIPPLE
JOSEPH BARRY
Joseph Barry is a distillery that takes South African brandy to a whole new level. The spirit produced here is technically more of a cognac than brandy, but as it does not come from the Cognac region of France, it cannot hold that title. Made with South African wine varietals with a fruit-forward palate, it has won many international awards. The distillery in Barrydale offers a brandy and chocolate tasting in an elegant tasting room. If that is too far out of your way, their Joseph Barry XO available at bottle stores around the country will make for a great gift for those who appreciate fine spirits.
1 josephbarry.co.za Q @jbcapebrandy
VAN LOVEREN FAMILY VINEYARDS
The Van Loveren Family Vineyards in Robertson, part of the Cape Country Routes, is the perfect place for those looking to toast to 2025 in a scenic and relaxed setting. From the "Almost Zero" de-alcoholised wines served with local cheeses to the Christina Master Tasting, presented in elegant stemware, they offer a large range of different wine tastings. Lunch at Christina’s Bistro completes the experience. As a three-generation family-owned winery, it carries a certain warmth and stress levels seem to dissipate here long before the first sip.
Tannin is a sophisticated new wine bar housed in a beautifully restored three-storey heritage building on Bree Street. Here you can find 430 wine labels, including rare and sought-after bottles from some of South Africa’s most respected producers. The ground floor bar is perfect for casual drinks after work, the first floor hums with an open kitchen and restaurant from Chef Blaine Coetzer, and the top-floor cellar hosts tastings or private dinners. With everything from rare South African vintages to everyday favourites, it’s a spot made for unhurried conversation and a glass that fits the moment.
1 tannin.co.za
Q @tannin_on_bree
CHINGADAS
If margaritas are your drink of choice, Chingadas is the place to go. This Tex-Mex cantina has every type of margarita you can think of in shaken, frozen and on the rocks varieties and even a sour fizz version. They also offer a range of other drinks and cocktails and classic Mexican dishes such as nachos, tacos and burritos. This familyfriendly spot is bursting with colour and personality and provides a lovely atmosphere for a sundowner at the end of a summer’s day.
1 chingadasct.com
Q @chingadas_ct
SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP
CHOMMIES
BARRYDALE HAND WEAVERS
In today’s world where so much stuff is massproduced and imported, there’s something really special about locally handmade products. Barrydale Hand Weavers is a small town company that makes high-quality hand-woven items. They have a strong focus on empowerment and believe in up-skilling their weavers according to their needs and talent. From baby blankets to towels, table linen to scarves, rugs to cushion covers, they lovingly craft a wide range of products in different colours and patterns. You can visit their shop at their Weavery, buy their products online or find them at plenty of other retail partners throughout the country.
Chommies is a boutique pet store that sells a range of premium dog accessories, with some products for cats and humans too. All their leather pet collars, leashes, harnesses and dog beds are made by hand in their Cape Town studio. Their range comes in a variety of fun colours “designed to brighten days, just like dogs do.” Their Cape Town concept store is quite the experience for pet lovers, but their products are also available at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market.
1 chommies.com Q @chommiescom
AFRIKOA
Afrikoa is known for luxury chocolate with a conscience. They use only ethically sourced singleorigin Tanzanian cocoa, bought directly from the farmers, and they keep every step of the process right here on the continent. Their award-winning chocolate comes in a range of bars, truffles, chocolate-coated nuts and a variety of other tasty treats, including vegan options. Pop into their shop at Makers Landing at the V&A Waterfront for the full Afrikoa experience, or buy their chocolate from one of their many suppliers around the country. They’re perfect for gifting or for quietly devouring yourself.
FUN, FUN, FUN
QUADBIKING & SANDBOARDING WITH BREATHLESS NOMAD
Cape Town and its surrounding areas are like a world in one city. We don’t just have mountains, forests and the ocean, we have a desert too! Just one hour north of the city are the Atlantis Dunes. Here you can join Breathless Nomad for a quad biking and/or sandboarding adventure. The quad bikes are automatic and easy to manoeuvre, and for those who struggle to stay upright on a sand board, you can slide down the dunes while seated on a sand sled. They can accommodate large groups and even team-building events or year-end functions for up to 50 people. With a range of adventure activities on offer, it’s a great option for colleagues, friends or families.
Unexplored Cape Town is a food tour company that uncovers the city’s culinary history in the most delicious way. Their guided walking tours go beyond restaurants and tourist hot spots, taking guests into historically significant neighbourhoods and lesser-known African-owned eateries. Each tour explores how Cape Town’s diverse cuisine has been shaped by colonial history, migration, trade routes and the lived experiences of African diaspora communities. They have a number of different tour options available, as well as cooking classes, to showcase different parts of Cape Town’s distinct flavour. It’s perfect for groups or individuals.
1 unexplored.co.za Q @unexplored_capetown
LEKKER HIKE
While hiking may seem like the most obvious free activity to do in Cape Town, if you’re new to the city, new to hiking, want the safety or moral support of a group, or just don’t want to get lost on your own, Lekker Hike is a tour company that offers guided hikes. Their certified guides take groups and individuals on some of the city’s most iconic trails like Lion’s Head, Table Mountain and Skeleton Gorge, with bespoke hikes heading to lesser-known trails. Sunrise, sunset and full moon hikes are also available. It’s an easy way to explore Cape Town’s trails with confidence while soaking up the scenery at your own pace.
1 lekkerhikecapetown.co.za Q @lekkerhike_ct
CAPE SIDECAR ADVENTURES
If you want to tour Cape Town in a uniquely fun way, why not do it from the sidecar of a vintage motorbike? Cape Sidecar Adventures has a fleet of 50 sidecars and a variety of offerings ranging from 2-hour city tours to full-day outings that go as far as the Peninsula or the Cape Winelands. You can even book them for a group event and create your own biker gang. And, yes, whatever option you choose, you will get to wear a cool, retro leather jacket, goggles and a helmet, as well as a complimentary bandana to complete the look. Cape Town has some of the most scenic roads in the world, and what better way to see them than through a pair of goggles from a brightly coloured sidecar.
1 sidecars.co.za Q @capesidecaradventures
CHECK-IN TO THE CITY
Set in the heart of the city, our lifestyle hotel blends luxury with local culture ideal for an indulgent city escape. Expect bold design, curated art, and buzzing energy, just moments from the V&A Waterfront, galleries, and creative hotspots. Whether you're checking into the plush suites, sipping cocktails at the rooftop bar, or heading out for a night on the town, this is where Cape Town gets its spark.
For bookings and enquiries, contact: reservations@newmarkhotels.com +27 21 427 5901 www.newmarkhotels.com
SOOPER
WHERE YOU GATHER FOR A SOOPER EVENING
While Covid a few years back was indeed a difficult time for many of us, chatting to Marc Chryssanthou, the founder and owner of the Sooper Ristorante in Val de Grace, Pretoria, it becomes clear that this difficult period in our history was also one that led to rebirth and regeneration in his life. It was the Covid period that led Marc to the decision to close-down what was then a Mimmos on the site and renovate into what we have today, the stylish Sooper Ristorante.
An unusual name, I agree, and when asking Marc if it should have been ‘Supper’ perhaps, he regales with delight the origins
as we sip on a chocolate milkshake –made with genuine Swiss chocolate powder, I might add.
“The name started with a bicycle called the Supercaliber; we were creating the restaurant and I was telling my wife, Vicky, that the bicycle was sooper to ride, with the emphasis on the Italian phonetic, and from there we decided that’s it, we’re calling our new home away from home ‘Sooper’.
And it’s this kind of spontaneity that runs through the entire upmarket venue. From the unusual Sooper signage at the door, with its cursive font, huge lettering, and walk-through design; to the unusual ‘Food’
sign on the main face brick wall facing most of the patrons, with the ‘o’ lettering in the word Food made up using an actual bicycle’s wheels pinned to the wall (Marc loves his cycling, with his greatest challenge being balancing his restaurant and cycling time).
The menu is an eclectic mix between homemade favorites like Nonna’s meatballs, which any Nonna, or gran, would appreciate with authentic parmesan, herbs and spices; to the lasagna which Marc and Vicky developed together, with quality mince mixed with veggies, and touches like the white sauce made with bechamel and old school milk and butter. “It’s the simple ingredients that make all the difference,” mentions Marc, “easy food that you can eat daily, at value for money pricing”.
And the regular customers, according to Marc, are very regular, with some even popping by more than once per day – for a coffee and quick scone in the morning, or a quick lunch, or a lazy dinner - off the menu that can see revisions as often as weekly, to keeping the offering fresh. “Having regulars keeps me on my toes and does mean I need to be in the shop often to have my little catch ups with them”.
A highlight on the menu for my daughter, Shriya, and me, who both battle with larger portion sizes, were the Café Meals, billed as ‘something a little lighter for the not so hungry, or for those looking to keep space for dessert’. This meant that the garlic, rosemary and mozzarella wood fired focaccia starter I ordered could be thoroughly enjoyed, knowing that the main would not be over-the-top in size.
The Calamari starter we ordered, along with my main of chicken trinchado, and Shriya’s main of chicken strips, were all dishes certainly above par. Rich in taste, but no dish too lavish is how I would surmise them, with every sauce having a unique flavour, and little touches like the mixed peppers and garlic in the trinchado’s peri peri sauce popping with flavour – which attests to Marc’s testament that every dish is made fresh in the kitchen to order, with only the most authentic ingredients.
Walking out of Sooper you will notice a little sign that says ‘See you later’, and this rounds up Marc’s ethos for his restaurant nicely. He mentions that patrons are family, and that you never say goodbye to family, you welcome them back by reminding them that you will see them later - an apt reminder of the warmth this restaurant exudes.
1 @sooper_eats
#HelloPretoria by Minesh Bhagaloo Images: Shriya Bhagaloo
PRETORIA
Discover the Best Eats, Drinks, Shops and Fun Spots in Pretoria
The Jacaranda trees are in full bloom, the braai fires are lit, and the march to the end of the year is officially underway. With spring now at its brightest, and the capital city enjoying the peak of those purple canopies above, it’s time to start thinking about winding down the year and heading into the holiday season. With this in mind, we give you these local munch spots, bar scenes, shops and activities, so, be sure to try at least one or two.
AMAZING MUNCH SPOTS
PROSOPA
Prosopa Restaurant is no stranger to the food scene in Pretoria, but what you might not have known is that they got a face lift earlier this year. This Greek restaurant might be an oldie, but it’s a goldie. Furthermore, with its revamped look and feel, it’s a completely new experience. Ultimately, their good reputation of being a leader when it comes to a Mediterranean adventure of taste and flavour still stands.
1 prosopa.co.za Q @prosoparestaurant
#HelloPretoria by Minesh Bhagaloo Images: Supplied
SOOPER
Sooper, in the Watermeyer Park Shopping Centre in Val de Grace, has been a staple favourite for years for locals in the area. Positioned in the same spot where Mimmos Watermeyer served residents for many years, Sooper has become somewhat of a landmark in the area as the go-to local Italian restaurant and take away shop. The vision of Marc Chryssanthou, the owner, has been to take the existing essence of the restaurant – good quality food and trusted friendly service in a relaxed atmosphere – and amplify it to the next level.
1 www.soopereats.co.za
Q @sooper_eats
HAZEL FOOD MARKET
Could this be your last chance to try to eat healthily before the festive binge starts?
Described as a uniquely international food market in the heart of Pretoria's Old East, this foodie haven in Lynnwood offers many tastes and smells of the world (including a few healthy options, just saying), with cuisine from far-away lands like India, Greece, and Portugal sure to tempt your most discerning tastebuds. Hazel Food Market is open every Saturday from 08h00 to 14h00.
1 www.facebook.com/ hazelfoodmarket
Q @hazelfood_arts_crafts
UPPER EASTSIDE
Upper Eastside is another popular spot in Hazelwood, Pretoria. Located on Maroelena Street, this lively restaurant specialises in seafood and grills whilst still being vegetarian friendly. With indoor and outdoor areas, Upper Eastside is child friendly, pet friendly and wheelchair friendly. Their big screens also broadcast live sport whenever there is an occasion, making it a laidback dining destination for friends and families to unite.
Q @uppereastside_hazelwood_
FOR A TIPPLE
CAPITAL CRAFT
We’re just going to go ahead and say it: Capital Craft at the Greenlyn Village Centre has the best beer menu in the country. With over 25 beers on tap and way more served by the bottle, theirs is the most extensive menu we’ve seen. Furthermore, their selection includes beers from breweries all over the country, as well as a range of international favourites. Their food is also delicious. While excellent quality pub food is the name of the game, burgers – both meat and vegetarian – is what they do best.
1 www.capitalcraft.co.za Q @capitalcraftpta
ELVIS BREW
Elvis Brew in Hazelwood, is the perfect location for coffee lovers and sweet-toothers to unite. They hope to uplift and inspire with one cup of coffee – or knypkoek – at a time. Whilst specialising in coffee, they understand that sweet treats or savoury snacks pair with hot drinks very well. Offering croissants, cakes, cookies, jaffles, muffins, sandwiches and burgers, the options are endless, and the joy is everlasting.
1 elvisbrew.co.za Q @elvisbrewco
THE TAPROOM
Located on the Hazeldean farm behind the Cowhouse Market, The Taproom offers a unique experience. Surrounded by veld and old farm-style buildings, a visit to the brewery makes you forget, for a brief moment, that you’re in Pretoria. While they’re famous for their gourmet burgers and wood-fired pizzas, they also brew a number of delicious speciality beers on the premises.
1 hazeldeanbrewing.co.za
Q @hazeldeanbrewing
PUZZLES
Drinks with an unusual view. The Puzzles restaurant in Pretoria talks to those who are active and often find themselves mingling beside the rugby field, overlooking the Pretoria Rugby Club. Offering the perfect get-together spot to those who just finished a session at the Willow Way Gym next door or a rugby or soccer match on the field, Puzzles offers great views across the outstretched field in front of you, which with summer almost in full swing we reckon is the perfect opportunity for your favourite late-afternoon tipple.
1 www.puzzlesrestaurant.co.za
Q @puzzlesrestaurant_pta
SHOP
'TIL YOU DROP
MO’S CRIB
While their handmade baskets and other proudly South African home accents are available at shops like @home, Woolworths, Mr Price Home, Crate & Barrel and Target, Mo’s Crib is actually located just outside of Pretoria. And what you might not have known, is that the brand’s co-founder, Morongwe (Mo) Mokone was presented with the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award 2024 last year. Essentially, it is an award that recognises her relentless determination and boldness in the face of adversity. Therefore, if you fancy some local crafts to spruce up your home, visit the outskirts of Pretoria to find Mo’s Crib.
1 www.moscrib.co.za
Q @mos.crib
MARKET AT THE SHEDS
Market at the Sheds is rated by locals as one of Pretoria’s most colourful markets with a wide variety of stalls to choose from. The market has dozens of local entrepreneurs exhibiting and selling their products from 11:00 to 00:00 every first Saturday of the month in the Pretoria CBD at 012Central. While visitors explore a curated selection of fine design, arts, fashion, food and drinks stalls, they are entertained by the best of local live performances. Find this market at 381 Helen Joseph Street, with tickets available online at Webtickets
1 www.marketatthesheds.co.za
JOHANN VAN HEERDEN'S ART GALLERY
They say that a picture paints a thousand words, making millions of words available at Johann van Heerden's Art Gallery in Pretoria. Showing dozens of Contemporary Art exhibitions all year round, along with an expansive menu offering various meals, an art class studio, as well as a picture framing shop, this could be a great stop for some unusual shopping this season.
We simply cannot overlook the Centurion Mall, a staple favourite on the Pretoria shopping scene. Since its grand opening on 24 April 1984, the mall has been on a remarkable journey, transforming from a humble retail space to the largest superregional mall in Centurion. From its very first store, OK Bazaar, to welcoming many iconic tenants, this mall is still a staple for your early festive planning needs.
1 www.centurionmall.co.za Q @centurionmall
FUN, FUN, FUN
SWEENEY TODD
Enter the shadowy world of Fleet Street with Stephen Sondheim’s iconic musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, playing at the Centurion Theatre from 23 October to 1 November. Follow the vengeful Sweeney Todd as he returns to Victorian London after years of unjust exile, determined to settle old scores. This immersive production plunges audiences into the heart of the macabre, combining hauntingly beautiful music with a spine-tingling atmosphere - and a daring “splash zone” for those brave enough to get closer to the action. Sweeney Todd tickets are available online through Quicket
1 www.centurionteater.co.za Q @centurionteater
ABSOLUTE 80’S SHOW
Admit it, you love the Barnyard Theatre, and what better way to get your almostend-of-year boogey on than by attending the ultimate 80s throwback party at the Menlyn Barnyard! Absolute 80’s brings you all the hits and nostalgia – from Billy Idol and Depeche Mode to The Bangles and Billy Ocean. Think Footloose, Ghostbusters and the magic of We Built This City – all in one epic event. Expect a high-energy mix of rock, pop and unforgettable movie themes, plus a shoutout to a few local SA musical legends.
1 www.barnyardtheatre.co.za Q @barnyard_menlyn
PRETORIA ZOO
A firm favourite for kids and adults alike will always be the Pretoria Zoo. It’s worth a reminder now and then that this iconic landmark stands proudly as the largest zoo in the country, and the only one with national status. The stats are impressive too - the 85-hectare Zoo houses 3117 specimens of 209 mammal species, 1358 specimens of 202 bird species, 3871 specimens of 190 fish species, 388 specimens of 4 invertebrate species, 309 specimens of 93 reptile species, and 44 specimens of 7 amphibian species. More than 600 000 people visit the Zoo annually, with the total length of the walkways measuring approximately 6km. And if you’re still not convinced, this very Zoo has been rated as a Top Ten globally.
1 www.pretoriazoo.org Q @ natzoopta
THROWBACK CINEMA
Let’s ponder one of our favourites, throwback cinema. We all remember the classics from our youth, now’s your chance to show the kids what made your year when you were their age. Ster-Kinekor have chosen selected cinemas nationally to bring back some of your favourite golden oldies at reduced ticket pricing. Simply keep an eye on their website for the best screening opportunities. May the Force be with you.
1 www.sterkinekor.com Q @sterkinekor
MOZAMBIQUE FLAVOURS COLLIDE WITH
COAST MOZAMBIK BALLITO
THE KZN NORTH
#HelloDurban by Minesh Bhagaloo Images: Supplied
I’ll be the first to put my hand up and say that Durbs, contrary to what the naysayers keep saying, is looking to be on the up. I spent a week there recently, mostly on the North Coast, and was pleasantly surprised with the amount of development I saw, along with the general condition of towns like Ballito and eMdloti. The new Ernie Els development near Zimbali is certainly a vote of confidence in the area, showing off a signature golf course and a significant residential development. Could KZN be glancing at the Western Cape and staging its own revival of sorts?
Another pleasant surprise while exploring Ballito, was the restaurant at which we had lunch, which according to the website was notably the first restaurant in the group, circa 19 years ago, with the chain now totaling 35 stores nationally. Inspired by the Afro-Porto fusion cuisine of Mozambique, and having dined at a few of the branches now, the standout quality of this chain for me lies in its consistency, be it Jozi or Durbs the flavours of favourites like the peri-peri chicken or prawns are always on point.
But the ace up the sleeve of the Ballito branch, as you may have guessed, is location. With a deck enjoying ocean views, and an unusual ground-floor setup that allows you to sit with your feet submerged in the refreshing pool on a hot day, it’s hard not to feel like you’re very-much on holiday while having a meal.
And based on the character of the patrons at lunch time, who look like regulars and locals, you may just be tempted to give up your keyboard for good and join them for a daily tipple.
With food (and décor) inspired by the vibrant street culture of Mozambique, you’d also be hard pressed not to find something to tickle your taste buds. And rest assured, you don’t need to always go spicy, some members of our soiree preferred the milder, lemon and herb side of things. Highlights on the menu included starters like olives stuffed with cashews, chicken trinchado, and chourico in porto sauce; while mains that raised my eyebrows were along the lines of the kingklip zambeziana, the calamari and livers, and everything under the delectable ‘Prawn Stars’ heading.
Started by a chef, an accountant, and two engineers, probably in the very bar at which we sat, at the Ballito branch, Mozambik provides a bit of escapism from the daily grind, especially in the bigger cities where you need a reprieve and a bit of that Moz vibe. The prices are keen, and the food is both tasty and fun, a definite for your restaurant roster we reckon. H
DURBAN
Drinks, Shops and
There’s nothing quite like summer in Durban, with the beach days warm and long, the cocktails at sunset making you forget that cold winter, and the ocean humming with energy. You’d almost be forgiven for feeling like every day is worthy of a small celebration, with this city guide giving you some ideas to do just that.
AMAZING MUNCH SPOTS
THE OYSTER BOX
Indulge in Ocean Twelve, a handcrafted 12-piece premium sushi platter, made with the freshest, finest ingredients at The Oyster Box. Expertly balanced, artfully presented, and bursting with flavour - accompanied by a traditional sake on arrival. Available every Monday to Thursday between midday and 9pm at the Oyster Bar, at a cost of R220 per person, this could very-well be that special close to the year experience you’ve been looking for.
GRIMALDI'S CUCINA AND SUSHI BAR
Grimaldi's Cucina and Sushi Bar, located at the iconic Durban Country Club, is a firm favourite with the locals, offering a fresh, contemporary take on Italian food that still maintains all the comforts we all love about Italy's cuisine. The sushi menu is adopted from the venue’s sister restaurant, Jack Salmon, with the owners promising the wonders of the Amalfi coastline to their loyal customers daily.
1 grimaldis.co.za Q @grimaldis_dcc
#HelloDurban by Minesh Bhagaloo Images: Supplied
THE GRILL JICHANA DURBAN
A modern and stylish Grill/Steakhouse, located within the Southern Sun propery on the OR Tambo Parade, offers a short and sizzling menu. The meaning of Jichana, "eating good" in Swahili, embraces the flavours and aromas of the original East Coast of Africa's spice route. The Grill Jichana boasts flame-grilled premium cuts from the best local producers, seasoned, infused and flavoured with tastes of the African East Coast spice route. Dishes are flavoured with fragrant cassia, cardamom, turmeric and other heady spices, which complement the grilling of meat, fish and chicken, creating that Jichana promise.
Renowned for almost two decades as the place to go for the best Bunny chow in Durban, the Hollywood Bunny Bar, part of the Hollywoodbets Group, has been serving thousands of customers a diverse range of Indian dishes. Aside from Bunnys, look out for daily specials and other favourites on the menu like Biryanis or Kebab-chutneys. But be warned, the Bunny addiction is real.
1 hollywoodbunnybar.co.za Q @hollywoodbunnybar
FOR A TIPPLE
FLORIDA ROAD
Raising a glass and Florida Road go together like Thelma and Louise. You simply cannot think of night life in Durban without thinking of the famed Florida Road, where the buzz starts in the morning with the sidewalk café coffees and breakfasts, continuing through the day with casual meals, maturing into long evenings when the street’s clubs and bars come to life, earning Florida Road its reputation as one of Durban’s top night spots. Go forth and conquer this iconic strip, especially now that the weather is getting balmy.
Revolving Restaurants are always special places, offering a slow-turning novelty factor second to none. The Roma was officially opened in February 1973 and is the only genuine revolving restaurant in the southern hemisphere, the third of its kind in the world. The Roma boasts a revolving window and floor area, offering panoramic views from the 32nd Level of the John Ross House, overlooking the whole of Durban and surrounding areas with its excellent sea and bay views. What better place to raise a glass to that special occasion.
1 roma.co.za Q @romarevolvingrestaurant
HAVANA
Think Havana and you think Cuban nights, warm balmy breezes and special cigars. While not exactly in Cuba, the Havana Grill at the Suncoast Casino on Durban’s Golden Mile is still known for a fun exotic cocktail and the right mood to get that evening vibe going. Overlooking the popular Suncoast Beach and boasting magnificent 180-degree views from the Bluff to Umhlanga Rocks, the Havana is all about food, wine, cigars and most importantly, vibe. And yes, all cigars on offer are indeed imported from Cuba.
1 suncoastcasino.co.za Q @havanasuncoast
SURF RIDERS FOOD SHACK
Okay, we know that a food shack could be an odd choice for a drinks spot, but with the Surf Riders Food Shack it’s all about sundowners and location, location, location. Our favourites are the branches in South Beach and Umhlanga, where the optimum beach views paired with the selection of South African craft beers, regional wines, and tropical cocktails make for that perfect Durbs vibe - with the wooden deck providing the ideal vantage point to watch surfers ride those sunset waves, or for simply watching those serene sunsets for which the KZN coastline is so famous.
SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP
WARWICK JUNCTION
For those looking for an unusual cultural shopping immersion, the Warwick Junction may just be your ideal fix. Lying on the edge of Durban’s inner city, this location features nine informal markets with thousands of vendors trading daily. Currently, this is the only informally structured market in a public space of this magnitude, seeking to establish itself as the single most authentic African market that South Africa has to offer. The products available vary from beadwork, traditional arts and crafts, traditional cuisine, fresh produce, music and entertainment merchandise, clothing, accessories and traditional medicine. We suggest looking out for a tour of the market, which may be the best way to navigate the different aspects of this vast landscape.
1 marketsofwarwick.co.za
PAVILLION SHOPPING MALL
The Pavillion Shopping Mall, or the ‘Pav’ as it’s fondly known, was launched in 1993 and is the oldest first-generation shopping mall in KwaZulu-Natal. Those iconic domes, modelled off European architecture, are certainly a symbol of prominence alongside the KZN landscape. Locals will attest to this mall being somewhat of a landmark as you enter Durban, further implying that it certainly cannot be overlooked for its shopaholic-attractive opportunities this time of year. The Pavillion offers a multitude of activities to suit the most discerning shoppers who choose to shop at the 255 national and international retail outlets - or choose to satisfy their cravings at one of 40 restaurants and food outlets. The jewellery outlets at The Pav are worth a special mention, hint, hint.
1 thepav.co.za Q @thepavilionsa
ILALA GALLERY
We know that Hluhluwe is a distance from Durban, but we could not resist including this special shopping destination. According to the owners, the Ilala Gallery and curio shop features the largest collection of traditional Zulu baskets under one roof in the country. Comprising of a number of rooms with many interesting nooks and crannies, visitors can enjoy an adventurous shopping experience. Whether you are hunting for baskets, souvenirs, gifts, home decor or clothing, you will be sure to find treasures from Africa at this gallery. And if you’re looking to do more than shop, check out the Fig Tree restaurant, the Zulu Cultural Museum, and the African Art Gallery when you visit.
PIGGLY WIGGLY
From what started out as a humble farm stall, Piggly Wiggly has developed into one of KZN's premier eat-shop-play destinations. Situated on the Highgate Wine Estate in Lions River, the Piggly Wiggly Country Village now offers over 25 unique shops and loads of family entertainment - including the Biggest Maze in Africa, Piggy Putt (rockventure golf), and will soon see the launch of The Biggest Piggy Bank in the Southern Hemisphere (of which all proceeds will go to selected charities). Situated on the ever-popular Midlands Meander route, Piggly Wiggly Country Village showcases some unique shopping opportunities in the form of arts, crafts and handmade exquisites.
1 pigglywiggly.co.za Q @pigglywigglymidlands
FUN, FUN, FUN
ADULT JUMPING CASTLE FUN DAY
You let the kids do it all the time, but when was the last time you as an adult took to a jumping castle? Well, here’s your chance! It’s called the Adult Jumping Castle Fun Day, it’s taking place on 25 October at the Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium, and it runs from midday to late. Arrive in your sportswear and be ready to destress from the daily grind. Also be prepared for grumpy kids watching mom and dad have all the fun, for a change. Expect Jumping Castles, a mechanical bull, wipe out Big Ball, super slides, and bumper balls. Book at Shoprite, Checkers or Computicket
The cult classic is back – bigger, bolder, and even more fabulous. The internationally acclaimed hit musical The Rocky Horror Show struts into Durban in a dazzling new production from the multi award-winning KickstArt Theatre Company, in association with Pieter Toerien Productions, and runs until 12 October at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. Slip into your fishnets, feather boas, leather, and lace – the spectacular staging promises a feast of outrageous fun. Rocky Horror Show tickets are available online through Webtickets.
1 www.sneddontheatre.co.za
BRIDAL FAIR
As the end of year closes in and the weather truly warms up, the wedding season starts finding its own rhythm across the country. Durban is no exception, especially with those stunning beaches, making the Radisson Blu Durban Bridal Fair all the more important to attend to plan for that perfect occasion. Taking place on Sunday, 26 October, at the Radisson Blu Durban Umhlanga, visitors can expect over 40 wedding exhibitors, along with special offers, bridal packs, competitions and more. Book online at Quickjet.
You’ve seen so many local and global matches take place there, but have you ever thought about a behind the scenes tour? Welcome to the Moses Mabhida Stadium Tour, a journey into the heart of Durban's architectural masterpiece and a symbol of South Africa's sporting spirit. Join the tour and you will discover the stories and secrets behind the iconic arch (yes you will ascend it and marvel at those amazing beachfront views), the meticulously manicured pitch, the 2010 World Cup change rooms, and the vibrant atmosphere that electrifies every event. There’s even a museum where you can relive all the stadium’s memorable moments. It’s hard to believe that the 2010 World Cup happened 15 years ago.
1 visitdurban.travel/tour/moses-mabhida-stadium
Q @mmstadium
ESCAPE THE CITY
6 WEEKEND GETAWAYS THAT FEED THE SOUL
#HelloLifestyle by Victoria Hill Images: Supplied
There’s something about a weekend away that does more than just break routine - it feeds the soul. Whether it’s the lure of wide-open landscapes, the luxury of a plush escape, or the thrill of discovering somewhere new, short getaways offer the chance to recharge, reconnect, and rediscover life’s simple pleasures. South Africa and its neighbours are brimming with destinations that make escaping the city effortless yet unforgettable. From treetop hideaways and bush sanctuaries to snow-dusted mountains and iconic luxury hotels, these six getaways are made to inspire your next soul-soothing adventure.
THE PALACE, SUN CITY
WHERE: North West | Nearest Major City: Johannesburg or Pretoria
WHAT TO EXPECT: A legendary favourite for decades, The Palace at Sun City continues to capture the imagination of travellers seeking wonder, indulgence, and adventure. The hotel rises like a dream from lush botanical gardens, framed by rolling mountains. Since its opening in 1992 as Sun International’s flagship “six-star” property, The Palace has enchanted visitors with its architectural grandeur, mosaic details, and timeless opulence. Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to experiences: spend a day at the Valley of Waves with its iconic wave pool and palm-fringed beach or explore two world-class golf courses designed by Gary Player. For those craving relaxation, the Royal Spa provides a sanctuary of wellness treatments, while fine-dining restaurants and cocktail bars promise indulgence long after the sun goes down. Families will love the wildlife safaris in the nearby Pilanesberg National Park, while couples can enjoy sunset hot-air balloon rides or romantic strolls through manicured gardens.
THE VINEYARD HOTEL
WHERE: Western Cape | Nearest Major City: Cape Town
WHAT TO EXPECT: On the leafy slopes of Table Mountain, The Vineyard Hotel offers a harmonious balance of luxury and natural beauty. Eight acres of tended gardens blur seamlessly into wild forest, inviting guests to reconnect with nature without ever leaving the city. From the terrace, you’ll catch breathtaking views of Table Mountain’s eastern face, while forested river trails and tucked-away nooks provide space for reflection or connection. Independently owned and infused with authenticity, The Vineyard pairs thoughtful hospitality with enriching experiences, from guided tours and wine tastings to vineyard excursions with African Eagle.
ROSEMARY HILL
WHERE: Gauteng | Nearest Major City: Pretoria
WHAT TO EXPECT: A countryside haven just outside Pretoria, Rosemary Hill is where community, adventure, and tranquility converge. Families, friends, and couples alike can create their ideal escape: think padel matches, horse riding, segway tours, wine tastings, and picnics under wide-open skies. The farm itself is a canvas for creativity, with beautiful backdrops for photo and video shoots, and a focus on wholesome connection with nature. Accommodation options are as varied as the experiences: from pods, cabins, and cottages to suites and treehouses, each stay offers its own charm against the rolling landscape of this beloved working farm.
AFRISKI MOUNTAIN RESORT
WHERE: Lesotho | Nearest Major City: Johannesburg
WHAT TO EXPECT: High in Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains, AfriSki is a year-round alpine-style destination for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. In winter, it transforms into a snowy playground with skiing, snowboarding, and tubing across slopes designed for every skill level. In summer, the mountains reveal a different kind of magic - perfect for trail running, hiking, mountain biking, or simply soaking up the serene highland beauty. Athletes also flock here for altitude training, while festivals and seasonal events keep the energy alive all year. With a wide range of accommodation, from backpacker-friendly lodgings to cozy chalets with sweeping mountain views, AfriSki ensures every type of traveller feels at home.
ESIWENI LUXURY SAFARI LODGE
TENIQUE TREETOPS
SEDGEFIELD
WHERE: Garden Route | Nearest Major City: Cape Town
WHAT TO EXPECT: Tucked into the forest canopy of the Garden Route National Park, Teniqua Treetops is where childhood treehouse dreams meet grownup comfort. Perched two to six meters above the forest floor, these eco-friendly, self-catering cabins open onto sweeping views of the Karatara Gorge or Knysna Forest. With options ranging from familyfriendly suites to intimate escapes for couples, each cabin is fitted with kitchens, braais, and cozy touches for every season. The crown jewel is the new Gorge View bungalow: elevated four meters high, complete with a king-size bed, leather sofa, indoor fireplace, and a wood-fired hot tub on the deck - the perfect place for stargazing and forest bathing in one.
WHERE: KwaZulu-Natal | Nearest Major City: Durban
WHAT TO EXPECT: In the heart of Zulu country, Esiweni Luxury Safari Lodge offers the ultimate bush escape. The Nambiti Reserve delivers sweeping plains, rivers, waterfalls, and a treasure trove of biodiversity, home to the Big Five, over 40 other animal species, and 280 bird species. Days can be filled with game drives, helicopter flights over World Heritage landscapes, or hot-air ballooning above the savannah. Perched dramatically on a cliff, this Relais & Châteaux lodge offers just five exclusive suites, each with panoramic terraces overlooking the River Sunday. Add in an infinity pool, Boma evenings, and elegant indoor-outdoor living, and you have a safari experience as intimate as it is unforgettable.
Whether it’s the thrill of a safari, the serenity of a forest, or the charm of a mountain retreat, each of these escapes offers something more than just a break - they offer the chance to reconnect with yourself and the world around you. South Africa’s diversity of landscapes and experiences means you don’t need to travel far to feel worlds away. So, pack light, leave the city behind, and let one of these soulful weekend getaways remind you of the beauty of slowing down. H
MOTORING
The end of year Road Trip
What to take, how to prep, the choices are seemingly endless, but these suggestions should ensure the holiday run is family fun
Starting to plan that end of year holiday may feel daunting, but like the planned destination, the journey for both you and the family is just as critical. With this in mind, we thought we’d give you some of our thoughts on the must-haves to pack, and more importantly, the safety checks for your trusty steed to ensure you get to your destination safe and sound.
PRACTICAL ESSENTIALS
Some of these may sound a little obvious but you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget one or two of these suggestions, leaving you in the Karoo thinking ‘Wow, how did I forget that’. We’ve got you covered, just take a screenshot of this page and you’re sorted.
Let’s start with the flashlight, especially if the trip teethers into the night and you need some emergency light. The First Aid kit is also a key item when that crazy bumble bee enters the car (speaking of which, add bug repellent to the list), or for that family member who walked around barefoot and scraped a toe.
A few water bottles are never a bad thing either, especially if hot areas like the Karoo are indeed on the radar; while loo-roll could come in handy for an unplanned stop or spillages in the car. And speaking of spillages, think tissues and plastic bags to keep the car neat and tidy, and perhaps a few nifty containers to store the snacks or midway-stop leftovers. The big one here, if you ask me, is the cooler-box though, you will appreciate a good quality cooler keeping your drinks chilled.
Being summer, you also can’t go wrong with packing a brollie, or some sunscreen (and lip balm) for that matter. And speaking of personal items, don’t forget the hand sanitiser, ear plugs (or better yet, noise cancelling headphones) for those tunes you don’t like, your favourite pair of shades for the constant window glare, and, if you’re like us and love a good nap in the car (provided you’re not the designated driver!) take along a little blankie and travel pillow. Also, keep it fun, a pack of cards or a small board game in the back seat could help while away the hours.
TECH MEETS TAR
The techie in you would likely remember a few of these, but it’s the little things, like spare batteries for gadgets, that sometimes catch us out. Also worth considering could be one of those bigger inverters with USB plugs that plug into your lighter and can run larger items like laptops, while a traditional USB adaptor is also not a bad idea to power additional USB cables. And while we’re talking power, the more power banks the merrier. The photographer in you may want to lug along your standalone camera for those special scenic shots, too. Lastly, in the downloads department, think about downloading some maps should you run out of signal and need to navigate offline; while for the same reason contemplate downloading a few playlists to ensure the tunes never stop rolling.
MECHANICALS, MECHANICALS
Spending some time thoroughly checking your ride is critical before setting off. The starting point we recommend would be swinging past your local dealership for any engine services due,
#HelloLifestyle by Minesh Bhagaloo Images: Supplied
or at least a holiday check which will result in the workshop checking all safety critical items. Should you be doing the basic checks yourself, look out for the engine oil level and be sure to top up other fluids like coolant, windscreen-washer and brake fluid.
Your tyres are critical as well: check tyre wear, tyre pressure, and consider doing some balancing and alignment should your ride not be
feeling the smoothest. Also, don’t forget that spare tyre, make sure it’s running the correct pressure and the tyre-changing kit is well-sorted. If you’re going cross-border into Lesotho or Mozambique, don’t forget the paperwork you will need, including any specific insurance requirements. Taking along your spare set of keys may also be a good idea should you lose your primary set.
And lastly, modern cars don’t like them much but consider jumper cables, provided you know how to use them properly, or look at those modern battery-jump starters, which don’t need a secondary car to jump the battery – you simply attach it to your battery and they provide the boost to get the battery active.
So yes, a lot to think about, but investing the time and prep will ensure both a safe and happy trip this festive season. Here’s wishing you safe travels on your well-earned journey! H
BUILD IT YOURSELF THE COURAGE TO CREATE AT HOME
There’s something deeply satisfying about stepping back, wiping the sawdust off your hands, and knowing you built it yourself. Whether it’s a bookshelf, a bar counter, or even an expo stand, DIY isn’t just about saving money-it’s about unleashing creativity, flexing problem-solving skills, and making a space truly yours.
Recently, Bolton House Barbershop & Wellness Lounge in Rosebank set out to create a stand for the Organics & Natural Products Expo, and instead of hiring a design team or building contractors, the project turned into a personal experiment for the owner in woodwork, tools, and imagination. Most of the stand came together with reclaimed timber, a few reliable power tools, and a lot of patience. The end result? A stylish, masculine corner complete with classic barber chairs, recliners, potted greenery, and wooden cladding that looked like it belonged in a high-end showroom.
The journey proved a valuable lesson: with a bit of courage, creativity, and resourcefulness, anyone can take on a project-whether it’s for an event space or your own living room. DIY is not reserved for master carpenters or Pinterest-perfect influencers. It’s for anyone willing to measure, cut, sand, paint, and, most importantly, try.
WHERE TO START: YOUR FIRST DIY PROJECT
The key to building confidence is starting small. A coffee table made from reclaimed wood, floating shelves for your home office, or a revamped headboard can teach you the basics while giving your space a personal, bespoke touch. Don’t be intimidated by power tools-once you’ve handled a drill or jigsaw a few times, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start earlier.
Another tip? Plan, but don’t overthink. Sketch your idea, list your materials, and head to your local supplier. Many home improvement stores like MR D.I.Y. are making it easier than ever. As one of the largest home improvement retailers in the world-now with a flagship store in Pretoria, MR D.I.Y. offers just about everything under the sun. From hardware to household furnishings, electrical to stationery, their “always low prices” motto means you can experiment with projects without blowing the budget.
ADD A SPLASH OF COLOUR
Once you’ve built something, the finishing touch is all in the colour. This is where paint can completely transform a piece-or an entire room.
Dulux recently launched its 2026 Colour
Forecast: A Rhythm of Blues, designed to match your mood, your space, and your pace. The palette is all about balancesoothing, restorative tones for when you need calm, energising hues for when you crave playfulness, and connected, earthy shades for gathering spaces. The A Rhythm of Blues pallet was created with three important elements in mind:
Slow Colour: think wholesome and peaceful-colours that create a sanctuary where you can recharge.
Flow Colour: warmer, friendly tones that encourage connection, family, and community.
Feel Free Colour: bright, upbeat hues that inspire experimentation and a carefree vibe.
#HelloLifestyle by Justyn Spinner Images:Supplied
To make life easier, Dulux has created a brilliant online tool called Colour Play. Simply upload or swipe through photos of your space, click on the ones you love, and the software suggests a palette that suits your personality and your room. It’s like having an interior designer at your fingertips, guiding you toward colours you might never have considered but will soon fall in love with.
WHY DIY IS MORE THAN A HOBBY
What makes DIY so rewarding isn’t just the final result. It’s the process. It’s problem-solving when your cut is off, the sense of achievement when you get the angles just right, and the pride when visitors ask, “Where did you get this?” and you can answer, “I built it.”
STARTER KIT ESSENTIALS
It’s also a chance to create spaces that reflect who you are. Maybe you want your lounge to feel like a Slow Colour sanctuary. Maybe your dining room should flow with warmth and community. Or maybe you’re craving the vibrant energy of a Feel Free creative corner. DIY gives you the control to tailor your home in ways that mass-produced furniture or cookie-cutter paint jobs can’t.
DIY isn’t about perfection-it’s about participation. Whether you’re building an expo stand like Bolton House did, painting your study a Rhythm of Blues shade, or crafting a bedside table on a Saturday afternoon, it’s about rolling up your sleeves and daring to create. With every nail hammered and brushstroke applied, you’re not just building furniture or painting walls-you’re building confidence, character, and a home that tells your story. H
• Measuring Tape & Spirit Level – accuracy first!
• Cordless Drill + Drill Bits – your best friend for almost any project.
• Handsaw or Jigsaw – for cutting wood with ease.
• Sandpaper or Electric Sander – smooth finishes make all the difference.
• Clamps – extra “hands” to hold things steady.
• Paintbrushes & Rollers – because colour changes everything.
• Safety Gear – gloves, goggles, and a dust mask.
TIPS & TRICKS
• Measure Twice, Cut Once: Save yourself frustration (and wood) by checking your measurements carefully.
• Invest in Basics: A good drill, measuring tape, level, and sander will take you far.
• Start Budget-Friendly: Pallet wood, off-cuts, and second hand furniture are all excellent materials for experimenting.
• Play With Texture: Wood isn’t the only option. Rope, metal, or concrete details can add dimension and style.
• Finish Strong: Never skip sanding and sealing. The small details are what elevate a project from “DIY attempt” to “designer piece.”
AT THESE YEAR-END FUNCTION VENUES BUILD COHESIVE TEAMS AND MEMORIES
It’s that time of year when thanking the team for all they delivered is critical. The year-end party is more than just an opskop, it’s the opportunity to show your team that you truly value both who they are and what they delivered. They say that a team is ultimately about human connection, and it is with this in mind that we’ve chosen these venues for your ultimate closing-ofyear conference or celebration.
Franschhoek Wine Tram
A day spent with your team on the Franschhoek Wine Tram, a vintagestyle tram and tram bus, could be a great way to end the year as a final teambuilding exercise. Should you need to throw some formal ideation or conferencing into the experience, there are many wine farms to start at to get the formalities and business session out the way, before getting onto the trams or busses and enjoying the scenery and the world class vino with your team. With three centuries of wine-growing heritage, the Franschhoek Valley is one of the Cape’s top wine areas – making it something different and special for your special team.
1 www.winetram.co.za Q @winetram
TOWN Hotel Sky
With a name like Hotel Sky you already know there will be something different afoot with this destination. Situated both in West Street, Sandton and Long Street, Cape Town, the Sky’s the limit here for your year-end party or team get-together, with the venues providing world-class restaurants and unusual bar settings for memories to be made. We love the AI-enabled robots and the automated grand piano, but the ultimate end-of-year experience could be the Sky-Hi ride – 146 metres above the Cape Town City Bowl, offering your team speeds of up to 100km/h and 4Gs of force!
1 hotelsky.co.za Q @hotelskysa
CAPE
#HelloLifestyle by Minesh Bhagaloo Images:Supplied
CAPE TOWN
DURBAN Cargo Hold
The rugby fans amongst you will be quite familiar with the shark tank, aka Kings Park Stadium, but for that year-end event with an edge why not consider Cargo Hold, a venue at the uShaka Marine World where your team can literally dine with the sharks and a few other fishy friends. Nestled in the stern of the Phantom Ship, with superb views of the ocean and actual uShaka shark tank, you can dine at the bottom of the ocean in one of Durban’s most unusual settings. You could plan the next year’s activities, or simply rejoice the year that was with your team, all in a setting that should make for some great teambuilding memories.
With terms like Milord, Milady and Wench being bandied about you may have to clear this one with your HR team, but we have it on good authority that Greensleeves in Johannesburg is still rollicking good fun and could be just that unusual location you’re looking for, for that end of year event or final conference to bid the year adieu. Think of a few courses of medieval-style feasting, accompanied by songs, stories, and fun courtesy of the Baron and his Minstrels, all to make you feel like a knight of your own corporate round table. Round this off with a bit of trumpet blowing and period costumery, and you have a close to the year to remember.
1 www.greensleeves.co.za Q @greensleeveskingdom
PRETORIA
Irene Country Lodge
If green pastures and a farm feel are your go-to for productive meetings, Irene is your place for that stand-out conference, teambuilding, or close of year event. Think oak-lined lanes where cows graze in that countryside postcard, with the options of team picnics on the grass, informal pizzas and milkshakes at the farm, a team activity in the form of a self-guided bird or tree spotting walk, or even an outdoor team movie night as the weather gets into end-of-year warmth. The days can be ended with afternoon tea and scones at the farm, or final team thoughts on a walk through the Rietvlei Nature Reserve. Your team will forget that they’re in SA’s economic heartland, making for a relaxed end of year opportunity with a serene difference.
Here at Hello Lifestyle Magazine, we’re constantly curious about how everyday choices can shape a better, more fulfilling life. So, when it came to South Africa’s rewards programmes, we decided to dive in, explore what’s out there, and see which one truly delivers on more than just rands and cents. One programme stood out above the rest for its depth, vision, and future-facing approach: Momentum Multiply.
MOMENTUM MULTIPLY: BEYOND REWARDS, TOWARDS COMPLETE HEALTH
Momentum Multiply isn’t just another rewards programme. It’s an entire philosophy built around the idea that health is more than the absence of disease - it’s the daily choices we make and the way we choose to live. Multiply incentivises holistic wellbeing, rewarding members not only for physical activity but also for investing in their mental health, nutrition, sleep, and relationships.
“YOUR GENES MAY SET THE STAGE, BUT YOUR LIFESTYLE WRITES THE SCRIPT.”
This isn’t about quick wins or ticking boxes. Multiply is a movement that encourages you to own your health journey. By making simple but meaningful changes - eating better, moving often, sleeping well, managing stressyou’re shaping the quality of your tomorrow. Chronic illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes don’t happen overnight. They’re built on habits, and Multiply helps turn those habits into stepping stones for a longer, more vibrant life.
#HelloLifestyle by Justyn Spinner Images: Supplied
What sets Multiply apart is how it integrates rewards into this lifestyle transformation. Yes, there are discounts, cashback opportunities, and partnerships that save you money. But at its heart, Multiply’s real reward is giving you back your energy, your joy, and your future. It’s about turning the act of caring for yourself into a celebration rather than a chore.
When we explored Multiply’s offering, it was clear that it’s designed to make health feel achievable for everyone. You don’t need to be an athlete or a health fanatic - you just need to start making conscious choices. Whether it’s taking a brisk walk, preparing a wholesome meal, or prioritising downtime to recharge, Multiply creates a sense of momentum (pun intended) that encourages consistency.
We also found that Multiply takes mental wellbeing seriously. This is where it really feels different from other programmes: it recognises the power of the mind in shaping health ownership and rewards members for behaviours that reduce stress, improve resilience, and build positivity. That holistic approach resonated with us - it’s not about running on a treadmill for points, it’s about building a life where health feels natural, joyful, and rewarding.
Ultimately, Momentum Multiply came out on top for us because it isn’t just about loyalty or spending. It’s about thriving. It’s about shaping a future where you’re not just watching life go by, but actively enjoying it - whether that’s hiking with your grandkids, dancing at a friend’s wedding, or simply waking up with energy and optimism.
What makes Multiply different is its purpose. It’s not just about the money you save - it’s about the life you gain. Multiply believes health is something to celebrate, and when you invest in yourself, it gives back in ways that go far beyond discounts. It’s about energy, joy, and freedom - rewards that money alone can’t buy.
So as we head into a new year, our advice is simple: don’t leave your future health to chance. Know it. Own it. Multiply it. H
1 www.multiply.co.za
TOYOTA STARLET
Meet the future of fun – the Toyota Starlet.
Step inside the Toyota Starlet and enjoy a spacious interior and comfort-boosting features like an infotainment system with navigation via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also includes enhanced safety features, as well as an auto lock system and a reverse camera, to make every trip feel more secure. Add fuel efficiency to the mix, and the fun never stops. Book your test drive today at toyota.co.za
* Illustrative AI-enhanced images. Visit the Toyota website for actual vehicle features.
