As the world slowly reopened its borders and travel regained its spark, 2024 proved to be a year of extraordinary journeys and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
- The ultimate in luxury travel, The World Private Residences at Sea, offering a life surrounded by the horizon, visited Cape Town.
- Sandton’s skyline evolved, with the NH Collection Hotel elevated the city’s hospitality scene starting in July 2024.
- Cathay Pacific’s Business Class combined comfort with a vibrant cultural journey to Hong Kong.
- Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.
From private residences at sea to indulgent escapes in Venice, Dubai, and beyond, The Sandton Times brought readers the most captivating travel tales of the year. Whether soaring in luxury 35,000 feet above ground, sipping cocktails on a yacht, or sharing a morning with meerkats in the Eastern Cape, these stories inspire wanderlust and celebrate the art of exploration.
Here are the seven travel adventures that had us packing our bags and dreaming of destinations near and far!
On Top Of The World: Owning A Private Residence At Sea
Welcome aboard The World, the largest privately owned residential yacht on the planet, where a select group of individuals have made the high seas their home. In the realm of luxury living, where opulence knows no bounds, there exists a realm beyond the shores, where some consider the waves their neighbours and the horizon a constant companion – at least, that’s what The World website says, and for a private community concealed at sea, that’s about as much as most will ever get to know about it.
Read the full story: On Top Of The World: Owning A Private Residence At Sea
Sandton To Welcome First NH Collection Hotel In Minor Hotels & Cavaleros Group Partnership
Effective 1 July 2024, a partnership between The Cavaleros Group and Minor Hotels will see the hotel group assuming management of the landmark property at 138 Rivonia Road located in Sandton, bringing the NH Sandton to life.
A few weeks ago The Sandton Times reported that after 26 years gracing the skyline of Sandton, the Hilton Sandton will bid adieu to the Hilton portfolio from 1 July 2024. Now, The Cavaleros Group and Minor Hotels have joined forces to bring the NH Collection brand to Sandton, aiming to set a new standard of luxury and excellence in the heart of South Africa’s bustling financial district.
Read the full story: Sandton To Welcome First NH Collection Hotel In Minor Hotels & Cavaleros Group Partnership
Exclusive Tour: Norwegian Aqua Explored Amid Venetian Grandeur
The Sandton Times joined a select group of international media in Venice, Italy this week at an event hosted by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), to showcase the upcoming Norwegian Aqua cruise ship, set to debut in 2025.
From 16 – 19 September 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) hosted an exclusive event in Venice, Italy, to unveil the highly anticipated Norwegian Aqua cruise ship, set to debut in 2025. Held at the historic Hotel Excelsior on Lido, the four-day event showcased Venice’s rich culture alongside NCL’s innovative ship design. Invited guests experienced private tours of the ship under construction, Venetian island excursions, and a dazzling reception, while NCL leadership revealed exciting features of the new ship, including the world’s first hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide, promising to set new entertainment standards in worldwide cruising.
Read the full story: Exclusive Tour: Norwegian Aqua Explored Amid Venetian Grandeur
All The Spoils At 35’000 Feet On Cathay Pacific Business Class
Cathay Pacific’s Business Class on the Airbus A350-900 offers luxury air travel with comfort and cutting-edge amenities. From Johannesburg to Hong Kong, this journey offers a seamless blend of relaxation, gourmet dining, and high-tech entertainment.
Flying Business Class with Cathay Pacific from Johannesburg to Hong Kong is an extraordinary experience, especially aboard the state-of-the-art Airbus A350-900. Earlier this year, The Sandton Times was invited to test the waters of this luxurious offering firsthand. Not only did we experience Cathay Pacific’s renowned hospitality during the 12-hour flight, but we were also fortunate to join the senior management team at the thrilling final of the Hong Kong Sevens. What followed was a journey that perfectly combined comfort, style, and a taste of Hong Kong’s vibrant culture.
Read the full story: All The Spoils At 35’000 Feet On Cathay Pacific Business Class
Eastern Cape Escape: Meerkat Mob Mornings At Gorah Elephant Camp
Always on the lookout for unique, magical safari experiences, The Sandton Times ventured to the under-explored Eastern Cape for an unforgettable adventure at Gorah Elephant Camp.
Tucked within one of South Africa’s most captivating game parks, Addo Elephant National Park, Gorah Elephant Camp delivers a safari experience that’s both deeply authentic and luxuriously modern. Here, amidst rolling landscapes, herds of elephants, and the rare chance to sit with meerkats at dawn, Gorah promises a stay like no other.
Read the full story: Eastern Cape Escape: Meerkat Mob Mornings At Gorah Elephant Camp
We Went There: The ‘Wunderbar’ W Dubai – Mina Seyahi
Nestled on the prestigious Jumeirah Beach coastline, W Dubai – Mina Seyahi, a 31-story marvel and part of W Hotels Worldwide offers visitors to the sun-drenched Arabian Gulf something quite different.
During a recent stopover in Dubai, The Sandton Times explored all that this dazzling city had to offer – well, in 72-hours that is! From fine dining, to shopping, sightseeing and of course an array of hospitality, Dubai is forever changing, growing and evolving, setting a benchmark for many international destinations. As a popular transit point for South African’s on route to Europe, the Middle East and Asia, Dubai offers travellers a chance to stopover for a visit, that certainly won’t disappoint!
Read the full story: We Went There: The ‘Wunderbar’ W Dubai – Mina Seyahi
Hilton Molino Stucky Venice: A Luxurious Getaway In The Heart Of La Serenissima
Step into Venice’s charm with a stay at the Hilton Molino Stucky Venice – a captivating blend of luxury, history, and unparalleled views, nestled on Giudecca Island. Welcome to Venice, the enchanting city known for its picturesque canals, exquisite cuisine, and rich cultural heritage. From the iconic Tiramisu to the refreshing Aperol Spritz, every moment spent here is a taste of la dolce vita. As you arrive at Venice Airport Marco Polo (VCE), the gateway to this water-filled paradise, prepare yourself for an adventure that begins the moment you step outside.
Read the full story: Hilton Molino Stucky Venice: A Luxurious Getaway In The Heart Of La Serenissima
In 2024, the world of luxury travel brought unforgettable experiences, from dining aboard the world’s largest private residential yacht to indulging in extraordinary accommodations and experiences across Sandton and beyond. With exciting hotels, exclusive cruise unveilings, and exceptional journeys that combined comfort, adventure, and cultural richness, this year’s travel stories have redefined what it means to explore in style. As we look ahead, these highlights remind us of the endless possibilities that await those who seek the extraordinary.
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