Swissôtel Corniche Park Towers Doha Review My first visit to Qatar was in 2011. When I returned in 2025, I was amazed by just how much the country had changed over the years. The skyline had evolved dramatically, transforming from a modest cluster of buildings into a futuristic cityscape of glass, steel and ambition. Doha […]
A Ha Long Bay Cruise with Emeraude Cruises Ha Long Bay is one of those places that feels so magical it almost seems unreal. This breathtaking natural wonder in Northern Vietnam covers approximately 1,553 square kilometres, with thousands of limestone karsts rising dramatically from emerald-green waters to create one of the country’s most iconic landscapes. […]
2025 – My Travel Year in Review This is my 12th annual "Travel Year in Review" post — a tradition I’ve come to enjoy. Even though I didn’t travel as much as I would have liked, I still write this post as a personal record of the places I went, and the moments that stood […]
Looking for the best things to do in Qatar. Here are my recommendations... Qatar is a small but influential country in the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia and close to the United Arab Emirates. One of the richest countries in the world, following the discovery of oil and natural gas in the 1940s, cultural […]
Review: Bontle Lodge in Welgevonden Game Reserve There’s something immensely satisfying about arriving at a lodge where the staff don’t treat you as a transient visitor, but as an old friend who’s finally made their way home. That’s how Bontle Lodge set the tone for our Welgevonden escape—with genuine warmth and hospitality. The sort of […]
The Oyster Box Hotel Review Perched on the sun-kissed golden shores of Umhlanga, under the gaze of the iconic red-and-white lighthouse, The Oyster Box exudes timeless charm and laid-back luxury. A hotspot for the elite since the 1950s, this legendary hotel has evolved into a paragon of modern indulgence while preserving the magic of yesteryear. […]
Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa Review Over a decade ago, long before I started writing about my travels, I visited Arabella Hotel, Golf & Spa with my family. We were so impressed by the resort that it carved a place in our minds as one of the best places we’ve stayed at in South Africa. […]
Last Word Madikwe Review A lion cub flees from an older male intent on killing him, taking refuge high on a mountain, in a scene reminiscent of The Lion King. Hyenas and jackals walk in and out of a decaying elephant carcass as they devour it. A lioness hunts an ostrich while a cheetah stalks […]
An African Cruise on the Norwegian Dawn Cruising holidays in South Africa have become extremely popular in recent years. While other types of holidays are mainly about the destination, cruises are as much about the journey too. They offer a blissful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life with your food, transport and […]
Le Meridien Ile Maurice Review When we discovered that our African cruise would be leaving from Mauritius, we looked forward to visiting the island again. We planned to spend 2 nights at Le Meridien Ile Maurice before we embarked on the cruise. Then a cyclone hit Mauritius, and we made a reluctant decision to postpone […]
Looking for the best family-friendly things to do in Cape Town? Read on... Cape Town, also known as South Africa’s Mother City, is consistently listed amongst the best cities in the world. It is endowed with abundant natural beauty, umpteen opportunities for adventure, world-class shopping, delicious food, and captivating history. There are so many places […]
Looking for things to do in Johannesburg by a local ? Read on... Johannesburg – South Africa’s biggest city and commercial epicentre. Also known as Jozi, Joburg, or Egoli (City of Gold in Zulu), it began as a gold-mining settlement in the 19th century. There is more to this cosmopolitan city than shopping. If you […]
Looking for the best hikes in Johannesburg and Pretoria by a local? Read on... Hike: a long walk especially for pleasure or exercise. (Merriam-Webster) I never really bothered much with hiking in Johannesburg until we were locked down in our own province. Then I started looking for parks and nature reserves in Johannesburg and was […]
There are many reasons why you should visit Seychelles. Read about them below. Regarded as one of the world’s ultimate tropical island paradises, Seychelles is a culturally diverse destination set against the perfect backdrop for those looking for an idyllic escape from everyday life. It is no wonder that this archipelago in the Indian Ocean […]
I recently wrote a post about weekend getaways in Gauteng, which has been quite popular. This is the second post in the series and it covers weekend getaways near Gauteng. These are family-friendly places that I’ve personally stayed at and enjoyed with my family. However, they are also great places for romantic weekend getaways . […]
Mercure Jakarta Sabang Review Jakarta is not a city that reveals itself instantly. At first glance, it can feel overwhelming—sprawling, energetic and unapologetically urban. Yet beneath the traffic and towering skyline lies a rich cultural fabric that rewards those willing to explore it properly. For our family, Mercure Jakarta Sabang was a well-located and comfortable […]
How to Travel Comfortably on Extended Journeys Booking a trip is supposed to feel exciting, not like the first step toward exhaustion. And that’s the annoying part. You hit “confirm,” you feel good for about five minutes… then you actually look at the itinerary. The departure’s early. Connections are tight. The return gets you home […]
The Safari Origins Gap: Why Every Luxury Travel Expert Needs a Governors’ Camp Education Safari expertise can look complete on paper: dozens of lodges, years of game drives, and enough close encounters to earn a lifelong “safari addict” badge. Yet experience can still be shaped by geography. When most stories come from Southern Africa, a […]