Where to travel! South African travel news and inspiration – March 2025

12 Mar 2025

Take your fur baby along for the ride with Drosdty Hotel and Air du Cap. Photo: Drostdy Hotel via Instagram.

Dine in style at Ouzeri in Cape Town, listed on the 50 Best Discovery platform. Photo: Ouzeri via Instagram.

Relax and rejuventae yourself at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel's Wellness Weekend Escape. Photo: Supplied by Fairlawns Boutique Hotel.

We're always on the lookout for fresh and interesting places to stay and see what's new on the local travel scene. In this edition of Where to travel! we relax at the luxurious Madikwe Safari Lodge and in our uber-fluffy bathrobes at The Maslow Hotel Sandton, while Fairlawns Boutique Hotel has a treat in store for you with its Wellness Weekend. In local hotel news, explore estate life at Steyn City Hotel by Saxon in Midrand, the good life at Park Hyatt Johannesburg in Rosebank, and the pet life at Drosdty Hotel in Graaff-Reinet.

And in other fun stuff, we follow influencers Jack Batty and Popi Sibiya on their globe-trotting adventures, celebrate 20 years of the fabulous The Peech Hotel in Melrose with free bubbly, and check out an unlikely release from Air France: a new home fragrance.

While compiling this latest travel update, we couldn't help but notice the overlap between what's in our list of newsworthy and notable snippets and what af&co and Carbonate published in its 17th annual Hospitality Trends Report. The report outlines wellness tourism, unique and immersive travel experiences, and travel influencers as the "next travel agents" as three major influencing factors in the travel and hospitality industries for 2025. We'll be watching this space.

Read on for our latest list:

Joburg hotel news and special offers

CHEERS TO 20 YEARS OF THE PEECH HOTEL – CHAMPAGNE ON THE HOUSE

The Peech Hotel in Melrose combines luxury with lush gardens. Photo: The Peech Hotel.

In November 2024, The Peech Hotel celebrated its 20th birthday. Located in Melrose, it is framed by quiet, tree-lined streets. The hotel also recently (February 2025) became home to the legendary The Pot Luck Club Johannesburg, which is known for its casual take on fine dining. So there's double cause for celebration.

In this spirit, the hotel and eatery have given us a treat for Johannesburg In Your Pocket subscribers. Make lunch or dinner reservations in March 2025, and you will receive a complimentary glass of champagne with your meal. Bookings must be made via email reservations@plcj.co.za or telephone +27 10 157 5757 to qualify – just say you're a JIYP subscriber.

Since its opening in 2004, owners James and Vicky Peech have prided themselves on creating a space that celebrates its connection with Joburg and its many local artisans. Located in a former heritage house, the hotel is ensconced in two acres of lush gardens, and it prides itself on its environmentally-conscious ethos. Read our #MyJoburg interview with the Peeches here.

PARK HYATT JOHANNESBURG SET TO OPEN IN JUNE

The new Park Hyatt Johannesburg brings elegance and sophistication to the vibrant culture of Joburg. Photo: Park Hyatt.

Formerly known as The Winston Hotel in Rosebank, the new-and-improved Park Hyatt Johannesburg has undergone extensive renovations and is taking reservations from June 2025. This conversion marks the return of the Park Hyatt brand to South Africa. Hyatt hotels are known for their attention to detail, and each hotel aims to celebrate the culture of its location in an elegant and sophisticated way.

With only 31 rooms, Park Hyatt Johannesburg is considered a more boutique version of the Park Hyatt brand. However, the hotel still features the same 5-star quality. Every room comes equipped with a king-size bed and a workstation, while the hotel itself features a dining room, an outdoor terrace, a bar, and an event space. This may be the smallest Park Hyatt hotel in the world, but it's a definite must-add to the list. Make a booking here.

THE SAXON OPENS A NEW BRANCH IN STEYN CITY

Experience elegance at its best at Steyn City Hotel by Saxon's bar. Photo: Steyn City Hotel by Saxon.

Steyn City Hotel by Saxon is the newest addition to the Saxon portfolio, and it's located in the luxurious Steyn City lifestyle resort in Midrand. Less than half an hour's drive from Sandton City, Montecasino, Mall of Africa, and the Gautrain stations in Midrand and Sandton, it is a prime location for businesspeople, tourists, or locals looking for a luxury in-the-city break.

Each of the opulent 48 rooms comes equipped with all the luxury amenities that characterise the 5-star experience, and guests can choose between one-bedroom or two-bedroom apartments, the lavish three-bedroom penthouse, or the magnificent four-bedroom Presidential Suite. Also on offer is a restaurant, bar, Saxon's renowned spa facilities, a sun terrace, conferencing facilities, co-working spaces, and a private rooftop pool.

What elevates this experience, however, is the surrounding 2,000 hectares that make up the Steyn City estate: designed by Patrick Watson, the gardens feature tracts of manicured lawns and planted areas, forests, grasslands, walking promenades, cycling trails, and a lagoon that is popular with lovers of water sports. The property also has tennis and padel courts, a clubhouse and restaurant – 19 by Michael – and an 18-hole Nicklaus Design championship golf course that is guaranteed to keep you busy for the duration of your stay. Visitors to the hotel have access to all these amenities, giving you the chance to experience estate living at its best.

We recently visited Steyn City Hotel by Saxon; stay tuned for our review.

Book for a Wellness Weekend at Fairlawns

Enjoy a weekend at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa with their Wellness Weekend Escape. Photo: Supplied by fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa.

From Fri, Mar 28 – Sun, Mar 30, 2025, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa hosts the perfect refresh in the Wellness Weekend Escape. The tranquil, 5-star hotel is a favourite with Joburg's champagne and polo set. As its name suggests, it's also home to an award-winning spa set in a Balinese-style garden, complete with cascades of water, a traditional Japanese sentō bath, private Thai sala (open pavilions), a heated outdoor pool, and calming bird sounds.

For the Wellness Weekend, the itinerary kicks off on Friday afternoon with a Healing Earth Beauty Kitchen Workshop, followed by an elegant welcome dinner hosted by the founder of Healing Earth, Elisabeth Brandt.

Saturday starts with Sunrise Yin Yoga with Tracey from Yogamore, after which guests are treated to a nutritious breakfast and a talk by dietitian Abigail Park of Nutritional Solutions on the art of eating for wellness and vitality. Breakfast is followed by a choice of various spa treatments or one-on-one consultations with registered professionals. Lunch features a sushi platter and a talk by psychologist and CEO of Rixile Health Group, Dr. Malebo Mashaba on unlocking mental clarity and emotional resilience. In the afternoon, guests are once again treated to Fairlawns' spa experience, after which guests can look forward to an evening of connection, reflection, a scrumptious meal, and a nightcap under the stars.

The weekend is topped off with a deep breathing class on Sunday morning, followed by a leisurely breakfast. And if this is not enough to entice you, add to the mix Fairlawns' exceptional service, two nights in a luxurious setting, and a special turn-down gift in your suite every night. The cost is R8,850 per person sharing. Book your tickets here.

Recent visits, from bushveld to business districts

GAME VIEWING AT MADIKWE SAFARI LODGE

Madikwe Safari Lodge is the ideal place for a game viewing experience. Photo: Madikwe Safari Lodge.

We love to travel, but what we love even more is sharing our travel experiences with you. Everybody knows about the Kruger National Park, but for most people, Madikwe Safari Lodge in the North West Province is still an undiscovered treasure. Free of malaria and only four and a half hours' drive from Joburg, it is a fantastic place for game viewing and relaxing. Touted as 'Majestic Madikwe', from owls and hyenas to giraffes and most of the Big Five, they lived up to their moniker.

Madikwe Safari Lodge lives up to its promised offering of "soul-cleansing serenity and peace". The isolated location brought a sense of calm, while the lush vegetation gave us a chance to restore our souls in a natural environment. At the same time, the drive there is no drag either. Passing by Krugersdorp, Hartebeespoortdam, Sun City, and Pilanesberg, there is plenty to explore along the way. The lodge is also close to Madikwe Western Airstrip, which means you can access the lodge by road or air. There are no excuses not to visit this gem! Stay tuned for our review.

PLUSH LIVING AT THE MASLOW HOTEL SANDTON

The Maslow Hotel Sandton features all the amenities you'd expect from a luxury hotel. Photo: The Maslow Hotel Sandton.

Greeted by a black and white marble-lined lobby, our journey to the The Maslow Hotel Sandton included all the trimmings you'd expect from a luxury hotel. There were porters to carry our bags, an exclusive lounge with premium business amenities, keypads in the elevator to keep guests safe in case of emergencies, blackout curtains, an extra-length queen-sized bed, a rain shower with customisable shower jets, and fluffy white bathrobes with matching slippers.

Plus, The Maslow Hotel Sandton features the kind of amenities that were designed to keep you coming back for more. There's an award-winning Africology Spa, the gorgeous Lacuna Bar with its poolside deck, and Lacuna Bistro, where we enjoyed a Mediterranean-inspired menu. The hotel also has a 24-hour gym and a pool, and is a mere 3km from the Sandton Gautrain station. Our full review is coming soon.

Dispatches from out of town

DORP HOTEL – CAPE TOWN'S HIDDEN HILLSIDE HAVEN

Lose yourself in Dorp Hotel's many nooks and crannies. Photo: Dorp Hotel.

Perched at the top of Signal Hill in the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, Dorp Hotel is an unexpected treasure on the fringe of Cape Town's city centre. Featuring a Georgian facade, bird-filled gardens, three plunge pools, and a variety of terraces and courtyards, this collection of eclectic and individually designed rooms, suites, studios, and cottages blend seamlessly into the surrounding hillside. It is replete with hidden nooks and crannies and panoramic views of the mountains, harbour, ocean, and city that make for magical days spent exploring the area.

OUZERI DEBUTS ON THE 50 BEST DISCOVERY LIST

Ouzeri is a Cypriot-Greek restaurant based in Cape Town. Photo: Ouzeri.

50 Best Discovery has helped thousands of travellers find the best in hotels, bars, and restaurants from all over the world. In February 2025, Ouzeri – a restaurant in Cape Town – was added to the list after the platform included 500 new venues to showcase excellence in the hospitality industry from all over the world.

Inspired by the lively bars of Cyprus and Greece, Ouzeri is the brainchild of Nic Charalambous. Since their opening in 2022, they have become a favourite with local Capetonians and visitors to the Mother City. Their Cypriot-Greek menu reflects some of the best in casual dining, and is constantly refreshed to keep their offerings seasonal. Their inclusion in the 50 Best Discovery List marks a milestone for this South African favourite. "It's really been a journey of passion and perseverance", says Charalambous; and now, thanks to this achievement, they can share that passion and perseverance with more people than ever.

PET-FRIENDLY TRAVELLING

Thanks to Drosdty Hotel and Air du Cap, your fur baby never has to stay at home again. Photo: Drosdty Hotel.

Nobody wants to leave their fur babies behind when they travel, and with Drosdty Hotel's new offerings, nobody has to. Originally built in 1804 in the heart of Graaf Reinet, the hotel brings together history and modern luxury. Along with 48 exquisite rooms to choose from, they feature outstanding Karoo cuisine, an Africology spa, an art gallery, a wine shop, and for the first time, a selection of pet-friendly rooms that include a water bowl, a food bowl, and a snuggly dog bed.

To sweeten the fur baby deal, Drosdty Hotel has partnered with Air du Cap to provide travellers with pet-friendly flights from all over the Cape to Graaf Reinet. Based at Cape Winelands Airport, Air du Cap offers guests charter flights across the Western, Eastern, and Northern Cape. With travel arrangements in place, all you have to worry about now is getting your pup to pack their own suitcase.

Airfrance's signature home fragrance

With the launch of AF001, Air France entices all five the human senses. Photo: Air France via Instagram.

Born from the talents of master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, AF001 is Air France's first home fragrance. Inspired by feelings of calm, space, and light, the launch of this fragrance is part of Air France's ongoing campaign to exhibit French expertise in all disciplines. To quote Kurkdjian, "It was the illusion of a ray of sunshine on the wings of an aircraft that inspired me to create this light, fresh and comforting home fragrance".

AF001 is characterised by a musky scent combined with hints of mimosa, jasmine, and rose. Along with the sight of their staff's haute couture uniforms, the touch of their plush interiors and seats, the taste of their delicious in-flight meals, and the sounds of their curated onboard playlists, Air France now stimulates all five senses on every one of their journeys. Travellers can look forward to experiencing AF001 in a variety of locations, including the entrances to a number of Air France lounges and the lobby of the La Première suites.

Travel inspo from our favourite influencers

JACK BATTY

Local travel influencers are setting the scene for tourism and replacing the travel agents of old. First on our list of influencers to watch is Jack Batty, owner of the Instagram page, @jackstravelling. Batty's bio keeps it simple: "I like to travel", he says, and this is evident in the content he creates. From markets in Morrocco, game drives in Kenya, and swimming in Indonesia to walking the streets of Japan and sneaking into the F1 in Melbourne, and even our fair South African shores, Batty has a wealth of knowledge that he happily shares with the rest of the world. If you're jealous, don't stress – so are we.

POPI SIBIYA

Popi Sibiya is hitchiking South Africa and sharing her journey with her fans. Photo: Popi Sibiya.

A local South African, Popi Sibiya is the creator of the popular Instagram page, @popi_sibiya. Currently busy with Season 5: Hitchiking South Africa, Sibiya creates humorous yet informative reels to share her experiences with her followers. Popularly known as 'edutainment', Sibiya has become a go-to travel vlogger who not only showcases different destinations, but also aims to challenge existing narratives and raise awareness of people's own challenges along the way. Titled a "boundary-breaking, industry-shaking travel icon" by The Dan Corder Show, she is one influencer you can always turn to for unique travel experiences.