If you’re looking for the ultimate summer escape without leaving Johannesburg, look no further than Math Restaurant. This vibrant dining spot is bringing coastal energy to the city with its brand-new campaign, The Summer Circle – a celebration of bold flavours, festive vibes, and unforgettable experiences.

South Africans, meet the fourth-generation Suzuki Swift – a car that’s not just turning heads but also collecting trophies. Fresh from its local launch earlier this month, this stylish B-segment hatchback has snagged the coveted 2025 RJC Car of The Year award in Japan. And it’s not the Swift’s first rodeo; this marks the fourth time it has scooped up this prestigious title.

 The holidays are here, and Disney is sprinkling its signature magic to make this festive season unforgettable. From dazzling fashion shows and heartwarming stories to exciting new products and charitable initiatives, Disney’s Spark Joy This Holiday campaign is the ultimate invitation to celebrate the season with joy, wonder, and plenty of surprises.

A Magical Kickoff

This year’s festivities began with a vibrant fashion showcase featuring collections from some of South Africa’s biggest retailers—Ackermans, Jet, Pep, Mr Price, and Woolworths. Models and influencers hit the runway with fresh summer looks for the whole family, but the showstopper? A surprise appearance by Mickey Mouse himself, bringing pure Disney magic to the event.

Taika Waititi’s Holiday Gift

Adding to the holiday spirit, Disney partnered with award-winning filmmaker Taika Waititi to release a brand-new short film: The Boy & The Octopus. Available on YouTube, this enchanting story follows a boy and his unlikely octopus friend as they explore the wonders of the holidays together. Packed with hidden Easter eggs from Disney classics like Moana, Lilo & Stitch, and Toy Story, this short will warm your heart and delight fans of all ages.

Holiday Shopping Made Magical

Looking for the perfect gifts? Disney’s Spark Joy This Holiday collection has something for everyone:

• Moana 2 merchandise to celebrate the release of the highly anticipated sequel on 29 November.
• Apparel, toys, games, jewellery, and accessories that bring Disney stories to life.
• Stunning plush toys that double as gifts for a good cause.

Disney’s Chari-Trees Are Back

This year, Disney’s plush-filled Chari-trees return to 20 malls across South Africa. Presented by FNB, PEP, and ToysRUs, these festive installations allow shoppers to donate plush toys to the Reach for a Dream foundation, spreading joy to children in need.

Holiday Entertainment for All

Families can enjoy a feast of Disney holiday programming:

• Disney+, Disney Channel, and Disney Junior are streaming festive classics and new specials.
• Moana 2 hits cinemas, taking audiences on an exhilarating journey through Oceania.

Embrace the Magic of Giving

Disney’s campaign isn’t just about entertainment—it’s about celebrating the true spirit of the holidays. As Luke Roberts, General Manager of Consumer Product Commercialisation for MENA and Africa, puts it:
"The holiday season is such a special time of year, and Disney is using the power of its stories and characters to inspire joy and wonder in people all over the world."

This festive season, gather your loved ones, share laughter, and create unforgettable memories. Whether through a new adventure with Moana, a heartfelt holiday short, or a charitable gesture, Disney’s Spark Joy This Holiday campaign invites you to embrace the magic of the season.

Get ready, South Africa! The sleek and sporty GWM HAVAL H6 GT is rolling onto our streets, promising a blend of thrilling design and high-performance features that’ll have everyone turning their heads.

Get ready to kick off the holiday season in true festive style! Join us at Hyde Park Corner on Thursday, 7 November 2024, for an enchanting evening of sparkle and joy as we light up our grand Christmas tree. The event begins at 18h00 in the Centre Court, and admission is absolutely free!

While National Liqueur Day on October 16 may have passed, there’s no reason to stop celebrating with the luxurious taste of Wild Africa Cream. Recently named Best Liqueur of the Show at the 2024 Investec Trophy Spirits Awards, the new Wild Africa Caffé Latte Cream Liqueur is a must-try for liqueur enthusiasts and cocktail lovers alike.

Nestled in the heart of Africa’s richest square mile, a game-changing nightlife destination has arrived: welcome to OKIO and the Bellucci Luxury Lounge.

If you're dreaming of your next great South African road trip—whether it's cruising along the Garden Route, exploring the rugged beauty of the Drakensberg, or heading for a weekend escape to the Cape Winelands—the new OMODA C9 might just be the perfect set of wheels to take you there in style.

TANG Hospitality Group is delighted to announce the appointment of Chef Erick Oshiro as its new Global Culinary Director. With over 20 years of experience in the international culinary landscape, Chef Oshiro brings unparalleled expertise in Japanese, Pan-Asian and Nikkei cuisine, poised to elevate TANG’s gastronomic offerings to new heights.

A Japanese-Peruvian native, Chef Erick has had an illustrious career, most notably serving as the Global and Regional Corporate Executive Chef for the Buddha Bar Group. During his tenure, he was instrumental in opening 22 restaurants worldwide, overseeing culinary operations, and establishing Buddha Bar as a leading name in Pan-Asian, Japanese and Nikkei dining. His innovative approach and mastery in blending diverse culinary traditions have earned him a reputation as a visionary chef, admired across the industry.

In his new role, Chef Erick will take charge of TANG’s international expansion, including the highly anticipated opening of TANG Dubai at the iconic Palace Downtown, located in the heart of the city with sweeping views of the world-renowned Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain.

This 10 000-square-foot space will echo the vibrant energy of TANG’s flagship locations in South Africa, delivering an opulent blend of Japanese izakaya-style dining and classic Cantonese cuisine.

“Nicky van der Walt’s vision for TANG has always been to offer a luxury dining experience that marries contemporary Asian cuisine with exceptional service and stunning locales,” says Chef Erick. “I am honoured to be part of this journey and look forward to contributing to the success of the group’s global growth.”

Chef Erick will collaborate closely with Group Executive Chef, Vixa Kalenga, who will continue to oversee operations at TANG’s award-winning establishments in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront and Sandton’s Nelson Mandela Square. Together, they aim to offer guests across the globe an unmatched culinary experience that reflects TANG’s signature style: modern, luxurious, and authentic.

The opening of TANG Dubai marks the next chapter in TANG Hospitality Group’s growing footprint. As one of Dubai’s most anticipated dining destinations, TANG Dubai will fuse Chef Erick’s expertise with the group’s hallmark flair for creating memorable, high-energy dining environments.

TANG Hospitality Group’s founder, Nicky van der Walt, is confident that Chef Erick’s leadership will be pivotal in shaping the future of the brand. “Chef Erick’s rich background, from overseeing Buddha Bar’s global operations to his deep knowledge of Nikkei cuisine, aligns perfectly with our vision for TANG. His appointment signals an exciting era of culinary excellence as we expand into Dubai and beyond.”

TANG Dubai will open its doors later this year, with its luxurious design, curated by award-winning interior architect Tristan Du Plessis, creating an immersive dining experience that is bound to captivate the Dubai culinary scene.

This September, embracing Tourism Month’s theme of tourism and peace, The President Hotel celebrates the season of renewal and invites guests to experience tranquillity and rejuvenation with its “Peace within and peace without” approach to spring festivities. 

Cape Town rugby fans, get ready to experience the ultimate game day vibes at The President Hotel’s exclusive Rugby Fan Park in Bantry Bay! With tickets to the Springboks vs. All Blacks clash officially sold out, this is your next best shot to catch all the action, surrounded by fellow supporters in a setting that combines unmatched atmosphere, delicious food, and breathtaking ocean views.

Multi-generational travel is the biggest trend in travel at the moment. Post pandemic families have become very conscious of spending quality time with their families and nowadays the entire family, from toddlers to grandparents are going on holidays together. And of course, they are looking for the most budget-wise/pocket-friendly destinations that offer all the mod-cons, comfort, style and attractions to suit and satisfy the varying preferences of the multi-aged families. 

Multi-generational safaris are hugely popular. Two ‘Big Five’ reserves in malaria-free areas where you are guaranteed a unique experience are the 5-star Samara Karoo Reserve in the Eastern Cape near Graaff Reinet, celebrated for its re-introduction of elephants, lions and cheetahs to the region and the 5-star Thanda Safari in Kwazulu-Natal, an award-winning private game reserve with a sincere commitment to conservation and community upliftment and a name that means love in isiZulu.

• The family-owned and run Samara Karoo Reserve’s Manor is the ideal safari villa for multi-generational families. With four suites it accommodates up to eight and if booked exclusively there’s a private vehicle, guide, tracker, chef and experienced child/baby minders on hand. Children’s  programmes, jam-packed with fun activities, showcase everything from little bugs and beetles through to the ‘Funny Five’ for the kiddies, there are bush walks, sleep-outs and overnight trails for the tweenies and teens, while parents and grandparents can relax, unwind, take in talks by specialists or join in with the kids (kids aged 8 and over can join the adults on the twice-daily guided game drives). Founded as a conservation journey of born-again wilderness in the beautiful Great Karoo, every guest plays a role in also safeguarding the landscape and can connect to the land by planting spekboom. An immersive safari  at Samara is one that feeds the soul. Ts & Cs apply. To book: 049 940 1111 or reservations@samara.co.za | www.samara.co.za

• At Thanda Safari families will create memories of thrilling wildlife experiences and adventures – safaris, game drives (children permitted from the age of 6) and bush walks, that offer up-close encounters with Africa’s wildlife and experiencing the magic of the bush together. Thanda Safari’s exclusive accommodation comprises Thanda Safari Lodge, Thanda Tented Camp, the luxurious Villa iZulu - a perfect retreat for families with children (fenced to provide safety from wildlife) and recently launched, The Royal Residences in the central part of Thanda within The Royal Thanda Club Estate, a fenced area free of dangerous game. Family-friendly activities include a kiddies Bucks & Bugs Club, a Junior Rangers Course for the older kids where they learn the ‘ways of the wild’ - game tracking and spotting, spoor identification also bird and plant life. Child minders are available and can be booked at reception on arrival or when making the reservation. With the kids taken care of and having the time of their lives, parents and grandparents can enjoy time out in the bush or relax at their accommodation or indulge at the spa. Thanda Safari - the essence of a private luxury family safari. Ts & Cs apply. Thanda Safari: reservations@thanda.co.za | +27 (0) 32 586 0149| www.thanda.com

For those desiring conventional luxury comforts with a twist, one of the country’s most unusual hotels, housed in a transformed old power station - the 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa on Thesen Islands, Knysna,  delivers on all counts. With luxury accommodation - including a self-catering family room and the Island Café Restaurant, Gastro Pub and its spa it makes an excellent base for exploring Knysna. There’s plenty to do in Knysna – a multitude of multigenerational family friendly activities and excursions include canoeing, cruising on the lagoon, cycling, walks in the forest, ziplining, Featherbed Nature Reserve and shopping on Thesen Island, plus there are plenty of restaurants, many with kids play areas. Ts & Cs apply. Booking is essential. 

Reservations: 044 050 3500 |reservations@turbinehotel.co.za |visit www.turbinehotel.co.za  

For an active, hands-on immersive and transformative family experience that won’t ‘break the bank’, there’s The De Hoop Collection, a member of Cape Country Routes, in the De Hoop Nature Reserve, one of the Western Cape’s largest and most beautiful nature reserves. Its pocket-wise accommodation options include convenient self-catering cottages and houses; also luxury suites - some interleading, that include dinner and breakfast; the private Melkkamer Homestead that can accommodate up to 22 guests, and the private (fully catered and guided) De Mond Villa that sleeps up to 10 guests. From guided marine walks, bird walks, mountain biking and nature drives to boat cruises for the whole family the days are filled with exciting adventures, each designed to engage and inspire young and the not-so-young minds alike. There’s also a guided Vulture experience out at the Potberg Mountains to see the last remaining breeding colony of these majestic birds and the 70 kilometres of marine protected area that is equally excellent for land-based, whale-watching during May to October and a fun-filled family beach day (picnic baskets can be ordered for a day out in the reserve). Additionally, there is the fascinating 'Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour’ exhibition with a children’s area where the whole family can be entertained and the new four day/three-night slackpacking trail - De Hoop Trail: Vlei to Whales for an unforgettable walking experience through spectacular scenery. The on-site Fig Tree Restaurant is open daily and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A family adventure awaits at De Hoop – look, learn, love, grow and bond… the memories you create here will last a lifetime! Ts & Cs apply. Booking is essential.

Reservations: 021 422 4522| res@dehoopcollection.co.za | www.dehoopcollection.com  

Other members of Cape Country Routes - a collection of privately owned hotels, lodges and guest houses on the scenic and historic routes of the Cape - that tick all the boxes for multi-generational family holidays include:

• The 4-star Arniston Spa Hotel at Cape Agulhas - the perfect destination for a relaxed, multi-generational family holiday. Not only does it run a Kids Club during school holidays and long weekends for children from 2 years up to adults (those who happily admit to being ‘recycled teenagers’) which includes arts and crafts, games, billiards and table tennis. It also has a number of inhouse and outdoor activities for all ages. As the area is relatively flat it is excellent for cycling and families can use the hotel’s complimentary bicycles. A day of swimming and making sand castles at the various beaches is the perfect family outing and hiking the cliffs and beaches, climbing the Waenhuiskrans at low tide and taking a leisurely stroll through the 180 year old fishing village of Kassiesbaai (a grade one Heritage site) are essential activities for lovers of the great outdoors. For adults with relaxation being a prerequisite, the onsite exclusive spa run by the renowned Ginkgo Spa & Wellness Group, is the place for a bit of self-indulgence or you can opt to relax at the pool with a cocktail while reading a book from the hotel library. The Bistro with a patio overlooking  the Indian Ocean is a perfect venue to enjoy a cocktail while savouring sushi or fresh oysters. And if you want a day out exploring you can visit Cape Agulhas, the Elim wineries, the Bredasdorp Shipwreck Museum, Kapula Candles and De Hoop Nature Reserve. 

Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com|www.capecountryroutes.com

• Val du Charron Wine & Leisure Estate in Wellington in the heart of the winelands, is just under an hour’s drive from Cape Town and offers -from a ‘kids point of view’- 4-star accommodation where there’s no charge for kids up to age 7 sharing with adults, and from age 7 to 12, half price. New family rooms feature bunks beds with charging stations for the kids and a private enclosed garden. For gran and grandad there are adjoining rooms on the ground floor with a private balcony and easy access to the Grillroom. The Pizza Vista restaurant has a kids menu. Onsite activities include a splashpad, a play centre and a pool, Wild Boar trails to walk or ride and close by there are pony joy rides, an inside play area at Dunstone, the Wellington Museum, Old Tannery vintage cars, the Drakenstein Lion and Monkey Park and Animal World. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com|www.capecountryroutes.com

• The ultimate urban oasis - the 4-star Hippo Boutique Hotel, smack in the heart of Cape Town’s buzzing Kloof Street precinct at the foot of Table Mountain is a great location for families of all ages. Three of its executive apartments have fitted kitchens which allow families to self-cater for some meals, also the recent addition of luxury sleeper couches to these apartments makes it possible for families with children to be in one room. Its standard and deluxe rooms feature a kitchenette fitted with a bar fridge and microwave. The introduction of new Blocshop ottomans which fold out into a single mattress to the spacious (40m) deluxe rooms makes them ideal for toddlers/young children. The Hippo is within easy access to all the must-see local attractions – the Waterfront, Camps Bay and Clifton beaches, Table Mountain, Constantia Wine route to name just a few, as well as walking around the corner to a large selection of local restaurants and eateries  - and not to forget the Hagen-Daas shop around the corner! 

Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com|www.capecountryroutes.com

• Wildehondekloof, a family-owned, privately-operated, off the grid and malaria-free luxury Game Lodge 50 kms from Oudtshoorn, is home to nine ensuite, air-conditioned luxurious bedrooms and a self catering house that is perfect for extended families with kids of all ages (babysitting facilities are available) and adults of all ages too. Enjoy great food and the host of activities and fun things to do - swimming, hiking, guided game drives and mountain biking - explore the beautiful countryside teeming with diverse wildlife – most buck species including sables, cape mountain zebra, giraffe and wildebeest and diverse birdlife. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com|www.capecountryroutes.com

• and its sister property… De Zeekoe Guest Farm - a working lucerne farm situated outside Oudtshoorn, welcomes multigenerational families and kids of all ages (babysitting facilities are available). It has a range of accommodation - ensuite rooms - luxury and deluxe with interleading rooms, superior rooms with extra beds for kids at the main house and  luxurious, private self-catering options. There’s also a great onsite restaurant The Windpomp. Activities are aplenty - swimming, hiking, biking, canoeing and its popular Five Shy Meerkat tours, there’s also a kiddies play area. 

Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com|www.capecountryroutes.com

• The 4-star Lily Pond Country Lodge, situated near Nature’s Valley on the edge of the Tsitsikamma National Park is a tranquil and popular retreat with a magnificent garden and two big lily ponds. Its spacious luxury suites (two of which can accommodate a child (up to 14 years)  on a sofa-bed sharing with two adults. All rooms are on ground level with a just a few steps along the walkways and into some of the rooms ensuring easy access for all and are situated in a way that each block consists of two rooms with each front door are conveniently less than 2 metres apart. The onsite restaurant has special children dinners catering to their likes and dislikes. Bird watching, koi fish watching and a small nature trail are just some of the relaxing activities at Lilypond Country Lodge. 

Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com|www.capecountryroutes.com

• Located on Route 62, halfway between Cape Town and the Garden Route, Montagu Country Hotel - the only original Art Deco hotel in South Africa - offers various accommodation options for multigenerational families from stylishly furnished self-catering suites to interleading rooms, ground floor rooms for older adults, also a wheelchair friendly room – all the hotels’ public areas are wheelchair friendly. The two on-site restaurants, Charleston’s & Feathers & Flatcaps offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner and kids' meals. There’s a Jungle gym for small children and the Activity Centre is geared for the more adventure orientated family – try the biking tour through Montagu with Flying Feet situated in the Activity Centre. There are two swimming pools. Additionally, babysitting can be arranged and it’s pet friendly. 

Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com|www.capecountryroutes.com

• Just off Route 64, in Barrydale the Karoo Art Hotel - where creativity meets comfort, nestles in a beautiful valley surrounded by mountains and mountain passes. Accommodation options The Prynnsberg Room, the Ostrich Room and both Groot Karoo Rooms (the more luxurious rooms) have interleading rooms for the kids, while the ground level Garden Suite is ideal for grandparents - no stairs, but there is a fireplace, so no worries about the Karoo winters. In summer the hotel pool is the place for kids, parents and grandparents to chill out and be spoiled with drinks and snacks served all day. With a top chef in the kitchen the kids can enjoy their favourite pancakes, pizzas and hamburgers while parents have a more sophisticated choice from the Karoo specific menu. And if your kids love art, there is always a sketchbook waiting for the budding young artists to enter the annual drawing competition. Ts & Cs apply. 

Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com|www.capecountryroutes.com

• In the Great Karoo about 325 kms from Cape Town the eco-conscious Rogge Cloof Private Nature Reserve with accommodation options within its Eco-Village that include self-catering cottages (sleeping up to eight), large enough for three generations to share, is perfect for multigenerational travel. Kid friendly rooms (bunk beds) to spacious living area where board games can be played around a fireplace. There are activities that are fun for old and young - fossil and nature drives, stargazing, cycling together; there’s plenty space for kids to run around and guides are available to take the kids on an hour-long ‘treasure hunt’, while adults enjoy time together around a fire with a glass of wine – safe and secure environment; Rogge Cloof Private Nature Reserve is home to the greatest heaven on Earth – this is where you will awaken your senses! Booking is essential. 

Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com|www.capecountryroutes.com

• In the Eastern Cape Supertubes Collection: Supertubes Guest House, with the world-famous, Jeffreys Bay surfing beach right on its doorstep is multi-level family friendly. Accommodation includes standard and luxury rooms and two self-catering apartments - the ‘11 Pepper’ with three en suite rooms and the ‘Khaya Zinza’ with five rooms. For the family elders there is a downstairs bedroom with grab rails in the shower and a comfortable shower chair; there’s also a wheelchair friendly bedroom with access to the deck and dining area. For infants there are camping cots and feeding chairs, and babysitting can be arranged in advance. In the lounge area there are baskets with toys, also board games. Beach bats, spades and buckets, beach balls, as well as fishing nets are available to take to the beach. Beach towels, beach umbrellas and sun chairs are provided to take to the beach. Aside from the surfing of course, there are plenty other activities including whale watching, fishing and Big Five game viewing;  excursions and activities like surf lessons, horse riding, hiking and shell museum visits can be booked at the reception desk and for the teenage daughter, mum and grandmom there’s always shopping! 

Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com|www.capecountryroutes.com