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Johannesburg’s Sandton area is known as Africa’s financial hub, and at the heart of one of its grandest suburbs lies one of the continent’s most revered hotels. Once a prestigious private home, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa has for the past 25 years, welcomed guests from around the world, including a fair share of distinguished names. Having visited the hotel several times as a Johannesburg resident a decade ago, I eagerly anticipated my latest visit: having concluded a month of travel around South Africa, the Saxon would be my final treat before flying out. The welcome Driving through the leafy suburb of Sandhurst, there are occasional glimpses through the topiary of the palatial homes behind, until the near-Jurassic-size wooden gates of the Saxon come into view. After confirming the booking name, they glided open, and we meandered through the lush, manicured gardens until stopping at the hotel entrance. Already waiting for us, the staff whisked away our bags, and after signing the welcome sheet, I heard the words every weary traveller wants to hear: “Can I escort you to your room, where sparkling wine and a hot bath are waiting?” The walk to the room offered glimpses of the recently

Summer is the season to trade your daily routine for golden beaches, buzzing streets, and sunsets that make your heart skip a beat. It’s the perfect excuse to feel the sun on your skin, wander somewhere new, and let adventure find you. Whether it’s listening to waves kiss a Caribbean shore, larking around in the pool with the kids, or getting lost in the charm of a historic city, summer invites you to slow down, laugh louder, and make memories that linger long after the season ends. Every holiday is a story waiting to be written — full of joy, discovery, and the simple magic of being alive in the moment. But summer can be expensive, right? That’s where Avios swoop in like your personal holiday sidekick. Use your points to snag British Airways reward seats on hot routes without paying sky-high fares, or upgrade to business class for a more indulgent escape. Essentially, Avios turns a pricey summer adventure into a smarter, more rewarding experience. Short-haul escapes: Quick trips, big fun Sometimes it’s not about crossing continents — it’s about capturing the magic closer to home. Short-haul British Airways Avios bookings may not give you the absolute highest points-per-pound

Kenya and Tanzania have long been among those destinations which people regarded ideal for honeymooners, adventure getaways and so on. Rarely did they include the younger people in the household. However, there is little more rewarding than taking your kids on a safari in Africa, or showing them some of the most stunning tropical beaches and islands in the Indian Ocean. Luckily things have changed a lot and nowadays family travel has found a firm spot in these two stunning countries. To make your life easier, I’ve selected 5 properties across different regions, making it easier for you to design your next getaway in East Africa. Angama Amboseli, Kenya For many the name Angama might sound familiar, and that’s because they equally have one of the most luxurious safari lodge in the Masai Mara. However, Angama Amboseli shouldn’t be ignored, on the contrary. With only 10 guest suites this is certainly not another giant safari lodge, overpromising and underdelivering your next experience. No, it’s the total opposite. Situated in its own private sanctuary called Kimana (which by the way is the first community conservancy created in Kenya) it delivers the ultimate safari luxury…..privacy and no crowds. Certainly something you can’t

Amora Beach Resort looks like the sort of paradise that only a combination of AI and Instagram could create. A 5* Phuket paradise with an irresistible aroma of coconut sun lotion and sundowner cocktails.  Sunbathing, almost paddling in the Andaman Sea, the Amora Beach Resort, on Bang Tao Beach, relaxes on Phuket’s west coast. With direct access to 80 metres of prime beachfront there are no roads to cross, no mopeds to sidestep, just easy to access Phuket’s second longest beach. Softly undulating hills ease down through a green fringe of casuarina trees, coconut palms and sea almonds to warm seas that are lagoon placid on many days. Off-shore, reef fish flit through coral patches.  Amora Beach Resort stretches over many acres, easily absorbing guests from 264 rooms and suites. Guests chilling at the Nora Beach Club could be in a different province to children at the Aqua Kids Club.  The welcome Amora arranges for a driver to meet us at Phuket airport. Within 30 minutes we are at Amora Beach Resort with porters taking our luggage.  Sipping chilled coconut water and dabbing at our foreheads with a cool flannel; this is a check-in and chill-out welcome. The room Completed at