Where travel was once about all the sights – rushing from landmark to landmark to See It All – travel today is far more mindful. It’s about immersive experiences, allowing yourself to take it all in and embrace the depth and breadth of what a destination has to offer.
Travel is, of course, also about relaxing and recharging, something many of us feel the need for as the mid-year slump sets in. It’s certainly not too late to make travel plans for 2025 and with themes like luxury, wellness and bleisure still trending, there’s every reason to do it whichever way you like.
Luxury, redefined
Once the preserve of the wealthy, luxury travel today continues to evolve to something more nuanced and more personal. For some, luxury is time spent in a beautiful location in fine accommodations, while for others luxury is about having your every need seen to.
“Today luxury is defined less by opulence alone and more by authenticity, exclusivity and thoughtful design,” says Leonie Andereya, GM at Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town. She adds that this is one of the reasons the recent rebrand of this flagship property has been so positively received.
For many travellers today, luxury is about the story a location or setting tells. Andereya adds: “Guests are increasingly drawn to experiences that reflect the culture, nature and personality of the place they’re in.”
Wellness, holistically
The pursuit of wellbeing is today a well understood part of modern travel, and understandably so. We travel to escape the hustle and bustle, and the general demands, of everyday life, and immersing oneself in whatever your preferred form of wellness is while travelling is surely the ultimate luxury.
At Amani Spa and Wellness at Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town guests have a wide variety of treatments and experiences to choose from. From the Aroma Bubble Bath Ceremony where an aroma-infused bubble bath precedes a body balm application, to the signature Traveller experience that starts with a mineral-rich foot soak and is all about releasing tension, it’s about relaxing both mind and body.
Bleisure – have it both ways
Combining business travel with leisure into the so-called ‘bleisure’ is a trend that’s been around for a while now but continues to be popular.
Recent studies reveal a significant rise in bleisure travel, blending business trips with leisure time. A 2024 survey by Expedia found that 60% of business trips now include a leisure component, with millennials leading the charge.
Yes, it’s about seamlessly integrating work and personal time, but to make the most of it requires embracing the “blur” and one of the best ways to do it is by choosing accommodation that effortlessly balances professional needs with leisure perks, ensuring both productivity and relaxation for you and your plus one.
Lekker local
Today’s travelers crave deeper connections with a destination’s culture, which means looking beyond the marvels most frequently spotted on social media and the iconic brochure-worthy attractions to really connect with a destination’s local culture to engage with its sense of place, its history and heritage, and its stories.
At the Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town, for example, cultural immersion is part of the experience. “We don’t just offer a place to stay; we offer an experience that connects you to the soul of the city,” shares Michelle Cyster, Front Office Manager at Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town . With curated art exhibitions and vibrant heritage reflected in every corner of the hotel, guests are invited to dive deep into Cape Town’s rich cultural tapestry. It’s about more than just seeing; it’s about feeling and living the city’s stories.
Food, glorious food
Beyond the biltong and the pinotage, South Africa’s culinary scene today is as dynamic, deep and interesting as some of the world’s foremost gastronomic destinations.
From bespoke tasting menus crafted by acclaimed chefs to private cellar dinners and vineyard picnics, South Africa is creating soulful journeys through taste. Collaborations with truffle-makers, spice blenders, and gin distillers are adding new layers of depth, offering travellers an intimate exploration of terroir, culture, and culinary brilliance in every bite and sip.
Tobago’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace at Radisson Collection Hotel, Waterfront Cape Town, for example, celebrates the essence of South African cuisine in new and unexpected ways. The Van der Hum brûlée on the winter menu offers a new interpretation of the iconic tangerine-flavoured South African liqueur.
Travel, irrespective of the time of year you choose, is always about expanding horizons, embracing passions and immersing yourself in the new and the unknown. And luxury travel today is about personalisation and tailoring the experience – through food, wellness, culture and more – to what revives you most.
