Vitality Travel Magazine by Vitality_Travel

AN AFRICAN IN AFRICA FHATUWANI MUKHELI FINDS HIMSELF IN ZANZIBAR THE DIGITAL NOMAD HAVE JEEP, WILL TRAVEL

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A REWARDING ADVENTURE AWAITS WITH THE WORLD’S FIRST SHARED-VALUE TRAVEL PLATFORM A NOTE FROM HYLTON KALLNER ON VITALITY TRAVEL

In 2000, Discovery’s Vitality wellness programme introduced the first discounted flight rewards for Vitality members who managed their health well. Even though the science wasn’t fully developed at the time, we intuitively knew that travel has the power to heal the soul and motivate and inspire people in a unique way. Over the years, Discovery’s Shared-value Insurance model has evolved, and we have distilled the latest science and behavioural economics principles into Vitality. The rewards for healthy behaviours today manifest in distinct areas that promote health, better driving and, more recently, managing money well with Discovery Bank. Throughout this time, the travel rewards have been among our most popular benefits with our Vitality members booking nearly 1.5 million flights a year – enough to fill 10 planes a day.

Quality downtime and new experiences are the food for a healthy mind and body. Vitality Travel brings this closer as the world’s first shared-value travel platform. As the world begins to open again and people now start to travel more, Discovery Bank clients can look forward to even greater travel experiences in 2022, whether for leisure travel with families or for business. We have built an all-new Vitality Travel platform into the Discovery Bank website to expand the capability and rewards clients will receive – all with the goal to make travel more affordable, accessible, and easier to book and pay for. This reflects what we knew to be true from the outset: quality downtime and new experiences are the food for a healthy mind and body. Vitality Travel brings this closer as the world’s first shared-value travel platform – it channels the behavioural savings across our Discovery products into the deepest possible savings on flights, accommodation, car hire and holiday packages. Essentially, we are significantly expanding the value our clients get as we continue to monetise their positive health, and financial behaviours into unprecedented travel discounts. In this special edition Vitality Travel magazine, you can read about our broader travel partner network – including over 40 local and regional flight destinations – and the easy-to-use booking platform. This new travel platform simplifies the entire journey, including visa applications, foreign currency exchange services and travel insurance integration. Each Discovery business has the purpose of making people heathier and sharing value with our clients, and to achieve this is at the centre of our model. It’s the same with Vitality Travel, featured across the pages of this magazine. Our vision is to make travelling for any purpose more rewarding, accessible, and affordable with the first shared-value travel platform – and we look forward to seeing you on board. Safe travels.

In this edition From Zanzibar’s idyllic beaches to the canals crisscrossing Amsterdam, to six more cities where our sport stars served us from, we invite you to engage in the physical world again, offering moments that will inspire you to Go Everywhere.

HYLTON KALLNER – CEO, DISCOVERY BANK

Published for Discovery by John Brown Media. www.johnbrownmedia.co.za

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HELLO GORGEOUS Crowning the Gorgeous George is Gigi, Cape Town’s favourite rooftop bar and a bold testament to both local and international design. Cool as you like, smart and sophisticated, it’s got that Insta-worthy indoor-outdoor jungle vibe with a cool oasis-like pool that by now would’ve found its way onto your discover feed. A platform for South African art, it makes sense then that Cape Town’s first Design Hotel attracts the local art set. Porky Hefer, David Brits and Lucie de Moyencourt are just some of the artists whose work you’ll see here. Otherwise, the DJ line-up is better than what you’ll hear at most music venues, the cocktails are inspired and chef Guy Bennett will make you stretch out your welcome every time.

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B UREAU -

LEBOGANG RASETHABA’S IN-FLIGHT VIEWING After studying film in Beijing, director Lebogang (Lebo) Rasethaba returned to South Africa speaking Mandarin, and he was also no longer able to enjoy a movie like a normal person. With plenty of award-winning documentaries and TV commercials under his belt, for Lebo, the best way to enjoy an in-flight movie after the ‘fasten seatbelt’ sign has been switched off is also one of his greatest guilty pleasures. “Rom-coms are my in-flight movies of choice. I’m a Libra; I’m a hopeless romantic, but also the format, that mini screen doesn’t hinder the viewing at all,” he says. “I have a bit of a ritual where, on a long-haul flight, I’ll order a whisky then find the sweetest rom-com to drift off to.”

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MARIA MCCLOY’S MIXTAPE As a fashion designer, aspiring DJ and publicist working with artists that include Nakhane, Thandiswa Mazwai and Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who better to create the soundtrack to your summer than Maria? “I reckon this playlist is good for your road trips, but also works at braais, sit-ins and even a wedding…” she says.

Busi Mhlongo – Yise Wabant’a Bami Zoë Modiga – Umdali Simphiwe Dana – Ndize Mama Tata Thandiswa Mazwai – Ndiyahamba Mpho Sebina – Too Late for Mama Miriam Makeba – Welela Letta Mbulu – Down by the River Tsepo Tshola – Akubutle Hugh Masekela – Market Place Jabu Khanyile – Sponky Ponky Wizkid – Mood Ladipoe – Feeling Lojay and Sarz – LV N ATTN DJ Spinall – Sere Joeboy – Sip (Alcohol) Skales – I Dey Miss You Splash – Peacock Brenda and the Big Dudes – Higher and Higher Bongo Maffin – Iphindlela Mshoza - Kortes Brenda Fassie – Istraight Lendaba Lebo Mathosa - Free Trompies – Magasman Thebe – Bula Boot Black Coffee – We Dance Again Kabza De Small – Abalele Njelic & Boohle – Wamuhle De Mthuda – Jola Oskido – Ayazizela DBN Gogo – Possible Kabza De Small – Bopha Felo Le Tee – 66 De Mthuda – Abekho Ready Scan the code to listen on Spotify now!

PHOTOS AND ILLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES AND SUPPLIED

What to watch, read, listen to, drink, eat and see

C U LT U R E A N D N E W S

DURBAN FINALLY GETS THE BEACH BAR IT DESERVES Reg MacDonald built Cape Town institutions Aces 'n' Spades, SurfaRosa, The Village Idiot, Harringtons, Villains, District Night Club, and The Rum Runner Bar, as well as a few other spots stateside. Now, for the first time ever, he returns to his KZN hometown. “Being a lifelong surfer who grew up in Durban, I felt it strange that our rich and diverse surf culture had never been truly and authentically represented,” says Reg. Located in Chartwell Drive on the Umhlanga Rocks restaurant row, The Beach House is a fitting homage to Durban surf culture. Pull in for a lobster roll and then eat up the décor, which includes 40 period-correct vintage surfboards, 50s lifeguard uniforms, 60s Springbok board shorts, a vintage wax collection and various photos of watermen, lifeguards, and surfing royalty.

KHAYA DLANGA’S ULTIMATE HOLIDAY READ

“ IT’S INSPIRED BY THE DAYS WHEN MISFITS AND VAGABOND TRAVELLERS ROAMED THE RUGGED SA COASTLINE IN SEARCH OF WAVES.” – REG MACDONALD

As a marketing executive working on some of the world’s most recognisable brands, Khaya's also the author of three bestsellers: It’s The Answers For Me, These Things Really Do Happen To Me and To Quote Myself. The man deserves a break and for Khaya that always includes Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea. “Not only is it a supremely well-told story, but it's short and unintimidating; not even 100 pages long. Hemingway somehow manages to make you feel compassion for a fish. And the old man,” explains Khaya. “Depending on your perspective, the book is [either] hopeful or devastating.”

HOW TO TRAVEL SAFELY The ‘new normal’ means reconsidering how we travel, something most of us haven’t had to think about for quite a while. We know that being on an aircraft is relatively safe due to strict conditions and strong air filters – but the exposure at an airport and while queueing and boarding are risks you must consider. The same goes for travelling in a vehicle with strangers, family or friends. Simple measures, such as wearing masks, social distancing and sanitising can help to reduce the risk of infection.

Bear these tips in mind for safe travel:

• Ensure you are fully vaccinated at least two weeks before you are due to leave • Don’t make travel plans if you are feeling sick. Even if you don’t have COVID-19, a compromised immune system makes you more vulnerable • When travelling by bus, train, taxi or plane, wear a mask (or double mask if you can), and try not to touch other people,

objects or surfaces. Wash your hands immediately for 20 seconds when you reach your destination. Try to keep your distance when queueing and observe sanitising procedures in public spaces, like bathrooms • If you are staying in a hotel, use online reservation and check-in systems, mobile room keys and contactless payment when available • Take the stairs instead of the lift. Otherwise, ride alone or only with close family members

• Go outside. Stay outdoors, particularly in the sun and at the sea, which are safer environments • Only eat at well-ventilated restaurants that follow the correct COVID-19 protocols. Try to eat outdoors or, if you do need to sit inside, ensure you are seated near an open window • Follow the basic World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommended guidelines as closely as possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19:

- Wear a mask - Keep a physical distance of 1.5 metres or more between you and others - Wash your hands regularly - When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue - Avoid touching your eyes, mouth and nose. • Visit www.discovery.co.za/ vitality/latest-news to get the latest updates from the world of Vitality and our travel partners.

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INTRODUCING

BROUGHT TO YOU BY DISCOVERY BANK

Making positive behaviour changes is rewarding for good health – but now these can translate to exciting experiences with the new Vitality Travel platform

USING NUDGES TO CHANGE BEHAVIOUR

TRAVEL REWARDS – A CORNERSTONE OF VITALITY’S MAGIC Vitality is as known for filling kulula.com planes as it is for making gyms accessible to millions of South Africans. “Our travel partnerships with British Airways, kulula.com and Southern Sun (now Tsogo Sun) were probably one of our biggest product innovations in our history. We know that our clients value the ability to take time to rest and discover the joy of experiencing a new destination. Travel has always been an important reward for positive lifestyle changes,” says Dinesh. Now, Vitality is ready to disrupt the world of travel in 2022 through a NEW product offering that makes travel even easier and much more rewarding, with Discovery Bank. Vitality Travel combines the rewards and partner network of Vitality with the digital platform and capabilities of Discovery Bank. Hylton Kallner, CEO of Discovery Bank explains: “Vitality Travel is an expansion of the value our clients get as we continue to monetise their positive health, driving and financial behaviours into unprecedented discounts. These discounts touch every aspect of travel. The world’s first shared-value travel platform channels behavioural savings across our Discovery products into unprecedented

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savings on flights, accommodation, car hire and holiday packages. Then, we cover the logistics in one place, with Discovery Bank.”

A REWARDING ADVENTURE WITH ADDED SAFETY FEATURES “Along with a digital vault to store important documents like vaccination certificates, passports and visas, members get free travel insurance included when booking international flights with a Discovery Bank card. You can also buy additional top-up travel cover on the platform for any eventuality,” says Hylton. “The beauty of Vitality Travel is that it’s easy to use, with all your travel needs looked after through a single platform. It really makes it possible to have the ultimate travel experience and go everywhere, just by changing your behaviour for the better,” says Dinesh. He adds: “Behaviour change also applies to avoiding COVID-19 and other infection. We know that in terms of health safety measures, being on an aircraft is relatively safe due to strict conditions and strong air filters. “To avoid possible exposure to any communicable diseases at airports, while travelling in cars and at holiday destinations, we can mitigate risk by vaccinating, wearing two masks while travelling, social distancing and avoiding crowds. Stick to well-ventilated outdoor venues as far as possible. Should we be strict about cementing these habits, we can travel safely today and in the future,” says Dinesh.

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

Vitality, the world’s leading behaviour-change programme, intimately understands the factors that drive behaviour, and what’s needed to effect change. Vitality applies behavioural economic principles in innovative ways to encourage members to exercise more, drive safely and manage their money well. The key to the programme is how the combination of rewards and knowledge work together to encourage behaviour change. “Over 25 years, we’ve been refining the Vitality programme, and we’ve seen the beautiful interplay between incentives and sustained behaviour change over time. Vitality members have better health outcomes and make positive lifestyle changes a lifelong habit – this includes managing a pandemic,” says Dinesh Govender, who heads up Discovery Vitality in South Africa.

"ALONG WITH A DIGITAL VAULT, MEMBERS GET FREE TRAVEL INSURANCE INCLUDED WHEN BOOKING WITH A DISCOVERY BANK CARD."

WHAT THE VITALITY TRAVEL BOOKING PLATFORM OFFERS From 2022, Discovery clients can book their entire travel experience on the NEW offering from Discovery Bank, Vitality Travel. When Discovery Pay launches, all qualifying Discovery members will get access to the platform. Clients will get:

INTEGRATED TRIP MANAGEMENT One place to: • View, book and change flights, accommodation and car hire • See your rewards

MASSIVE REWARDS • Get up to 75% off local and international flights, 25% off accommodation and car hire and up to 15% off holiday packages • All bookings made with travel partners on the Vitality Travel platform qualify for a base 10% discount. • Discounts on premium World Leisure Holidays properties, Contiki Tours, and Royal Caribbean cruises

BETTER TRAVEL MANAGEMENT Soon, members will also be able to: • Access a digital vault to store important documents • Get free travel insurance when booking international flights with a Discovery Bank card • Buy additional top-up travel cover • Save for a holiday in multiple currencies with a Discovery Bank Forex Account

TRAVEL BETTER WHEN YOU GO • Get exclusive travel benefits, including Discovery Bank Priority Fast Track, lounge access and foreign exchange services

* Flight discounts are off the base ticket fare only. Accommodation discounts include VAT, but exclude any optional extras. All terms and conditions can be found on discovery.co.za.

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P H O T O F E AT U R E

A N AF RIC A N I N AF RIC A The Indian Ocean idyll of Zanzibar has adventure, romance and more to offer the traveller. And if you spend enough time here, you might just find yourself

WORDS AND PHOTOS: FHATUWANI MUKHELI

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GO EVERYWHERE

Fhatuwani Mukheli is the Soweto-born creative and co-founder of the I See A Different You arts collective. As the visionary responsible for bringing an alternative view of South Africa to a global audience, he’s equally passionate about better understanding Africa, and says that in the process of exploring the continent he has learnt more about himself. Flanked by two oceans, Africa is home to 54 countries and almost 1.4 billion people (according to current UN statistics) and Fhatuwani has made it something of a mission to see, meet, and understand as much of the continent as possible.

“TRAVELLING AFRICA, YOU NEED TO KNOW YOURSELF BEFORE YOU CAN GET TO KNOW OTHERS. AND IT’S IMPORTANT FOR US TO UNDERSTAND OUR OWN CONTINENT AND ITS PEOPLE BEFORE WE EXPLORE THE REST OF THE WORLD.” After a recent adventure in and around East Africa with his girlfriend Leandra Besters, Fhatuwani shared these photos and the following story with us… “Travel is the best investment I’ve ever made. This last trip was inspired by me trying to find out where I’m from. No, I’m not Tanzanian, I was born here in South Africa, but I feel that as an African I needed to get to know [my continent] as we are one and the same. “Travelling Africa, you need to know yourself before you can get to know others. And it’s important for us to understand our own continent and its people before we explore the rest of the world. “This trip changed me. I’d fallen out of love with photography, but travelling aroused my love of the craft again. It was liberating to leave behind the DSLR and other equipment and just shoot with what I had, my iPhone 12. “As you can see, Zanzibar has the most amazing coastline. The most amazing texture. It’s just so visually appealing. And that comes through in the food, the culture, the traditions… “I’d recommend a visit to anyone. Especially those of us living on the continent,” he says.

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Zanzibar is not that far… Go to Vitality Travel at discovery.co.za for the latest and best travel rewards and offers. Travel everywhere with Vitality Travel. Available from 2022.

HOW TO LIVE

TEXT AND PHOTO: MISCHKE BOSSE

Free-spirited road tripper Mischke Bosse has been on an inspirational year-long adventure exploring South Africa in her 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ. She relates some of her experiences so far

I wanted the road. I wanted a car packed with campware and just enough and spending some time in the Mpumalanga bush made me understand clothes. I wanted petrol stations in the middle of nowhere and mountain why so many tourists visit South Africa. The Transkei stole my heart and tops that left me breathless. I wanted to follow coastlines and Karoo I’ve vowed to return the minute I’m finished with this trip. As I write this, highways. I wanted to hear the stories of strangers, and discover a new I’m in Storms River Village, Tsitsikamma, with the plan to stick to the N2 way of living. all the way back to Cape Town. After the initial COVID-19 lockdown and with my apartment’s lease I knew that in order to enjoy this trip I’d really have to give myself to the coming to an end, I decided to hit the road. I told my clients that I’d be road, completely surrendering to the ebbs and flows on which it takes me, working remotely and with the help from the guys over at 4 x 4 Mega World, and this I have done. I turned my Jeep into a ‘soft overlander’. While I’m all too aware of the dangers of “A FIXED DESTINATION WAS NEVER SO MUCH THE PURPOSE OF THIS JOURNEY, being a single female traveller, something AND I’VE ALLOWED THE ROUTE TO MAKE ITSELF UP AS IT GOES.” that scares me even more is the prospect of a life half lived. Of course, it’s always important to be safe, and I made sure that I was as prepared as possible I left because I was curious and wanted to experience a new way of before hitting the road. existing in this world. I wanted to redefine what success means to me, So, where to? And, most importantly, why? I loosely say South Africa, because it doesn’t have to be conventional. And it certainly doesn’t have because a fixed destination was never so much the purpose of this journey, to mean impressing strangers. For me, it’s living a life that’s unequivocally and I’ve allowed the route to make itself up as it goes. I started in Cape mine. A life that’s self-defined. It’s not especially grand, and it’s certainly not Town, made my way up along the West Coast, and saw multiple new-to-me glamorous, but it’s mine. towns like the Northern Cape’s Hondeklipbaai and Pella. In Upington I had And I love showing what this big, beautiful country has to offer, especially a slight change of plans, venturing down to Graaff-Reinet, before sticking if I can inspire others to take a leap of faith, trust in the kindness of to the N1 all the way to Gauteng. Magoebaskloof in Limpopo blew my mind strangers, and get out there and explore.

VITALITY TRAVEL → TIPS AND TRICKS

• Our expanded partner network covers over 40 local and regional destinations from coast to coast.

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CITY GUIDE

AM STE RDAM When COVID-19 restrictions stranded Andy Fenner in Amsterdam, an unexpected new life chapter unfolded that changed the course of his life for the better

WORDS: ANDY FENNER

MY HAPPY ACCIDENT Imagine a world where you spend more than a year planning a move with your family to Copenhagen. Then imagine a pandemic. Then imagine Denmark closing its borders the week before you leave. Then imagine being rerouted via Germany. Then imagine Germany closing its borders. Now imagine planning a trip through Dubai, with a 14-day quarantine period, to get into your new, intended country. Then imagine the airline calling you a few days before you’re set to leave, saying that they’ve decided not to allow you entry. Imagine Googling “What country will let me in with an Irish passport?” Imagine the answer is the Netherlands. Imagine talking to border police and them saying after six days that you’ll be allowed into Denmark. Imagine landing in Amsterdam, expecting to be there for six days. Imagine landing there in the middle of winter. Imagine it’s dark and snowing and all of the shops are closed so you can’t buy any clothes. Then imagine, on your third day in a weird city, a new strain of COVID-19 is announced and branded “The South African Strain”. Now imagine the Danish border police literally laughing at you when you ask them if you’ll still be allowed in. Imagine that. And then imagine just… well… staying in Amsterdam. Imagine being me. That’s what happened. We had no intention of ever moving to Amsterdam. We wanted an adventure and we wanted, in a time when COVID-19 is making everyone’s world smaller, to make our daughter’s world bigger. We needed a change and we worked hard on not running away from anything, but to see it instead as the chance to run towards something. Which is easy to say; it’s harder to actually do. But that’s what we did. We stayed. And it’s been a beautiful accident. Amsterdam is a unique and inspiring city, rich in architecture, fashion, culture and beauty. Here, creativity is seen as currency and there’s an entrepreneurial spirit that runs through the city, wherever you look. There’s an emphasis on design and the role it can play in problem-solving, which is super progressive. The Dutch aren’t the friendliest people I’ve ever met, but they are definitely the most direct. This makes for honest – like, really honest – conversations, and a refreshing lack of nonsense. People are always up for collaboration, too. I’ve been amazed at the willingness to work on projects together over here. I have never felt more creatively inspired, and I truly believe a lot of it has to do with the city I wake up in nowadays.

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F I V E N OT-TO - B E - M I S S E D PLACES TO CHECK OUT VENU When I started accepting the fact that Amsterdam was my new home, one of the first things to find was a co-working space. I tried a couple. They were either underwhelming or just way too expensive. And then I found Venu. What makes it unique is the fact that you can rent it by the hour. It allows for flexibility and isn’t a huge commitment. Really, really smart. The space itself is stunning – understated and minimalist, curated beautifully by owner Yulia Nikitina, who has an amazing eye for detail. The furniture, the ambience, the background music, the staff. It’s just really cool. Venu is about more than the physical space, though. You can’t help but meet the other talented people within the Venu community, all of whom are inspiring and successes in their own right. As if you needed any more convincing, they’re also making some of the best coffee in the city and serving it alongside killer pastries.

CHENIN CHENIN Yup. The natural wine movement has found its way into Amsterdam. One of the best examples of this is the beautifully designed and conceptualised Chenin Chenin. Visiting the store is worthwhile, as the branding is so well executed (look out for the window mural, which changes often and showcases local artists) and they offer a seriously impressive online experience, too. With so many venues still concentrating on old-world wines, Chenin Chenin boasts a selection sourced from all over the world. The common theme running through all of their wines (as well as beer

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and sake) is the fact that they’re all made with minimal intervention. The owners are helpful, friendly and super knowledgeable. There is substance to match the style here. They’re also generous with their knowledge – always more than willing to offer some tips and suggestions when you’re working your way through the seriously impressive shelves.

VONDELPARK Amsterdam is not shy on parks. There are a lot. The most well-known is the beloved Vondelpark, which acts as a landmark for the city if you ever want to explain where something is. “It’s five minutes on the other side of Vondelpark,” is something you’ll hear a lot here. With kids’ play areas, meditation gardens, tennis courts, restaurants, water features and running tracks it really is worth visiting. I like to take my daughter to ‘t Blauwe Theehuis, which has recently opened up under the Brouwerij ‘t IJ umbrella (a local micro-brewery). As well as the expected beers on tap, they serve a few wines by the glass and decent enough food to justify lingering, and sinking a few beers while you’re there. Riding your bike through this beautiful park is about as Dutch as it gets.

When does a hipster café become one that’s just… like, a really, really good café? Yes, the owner is cool. Yes, the staff and customers are cool. Yes, the interior, the logo and the furniture are cool. But guess what? The coffee is incredible and it’s made with care, attention and know-how. Food extends past pastries (which are what most places limit themselves to, weirdly) and includes some of the tastiest bite-for-bite sandwiches I’ve ever eaten. They’re pretty advanced palate wise, with an Asian influence and an understanding of balancing flavour that deserves to be acknowledged. Make sure you check out the Toki merch, too – wearing some of their gear around the city equals instant street cred.

MOCO MUSEUM The Moco is a museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. With the world-famous Rijks and Van Gogh museums as more ‘celebrated’ neighbours, this one often gets overlooked, which is a shame, because it’s a truly inspiring place to visit. Situated in a townhouse overlooking Museumplein, the surrounding area is pretty fantastic, too. The museum building was designed by Eduard Cuypers (nephew of the renowned Pierre Cuypers, architect of Amsterdam Central Station and the Rijksmuseum) and built in 1904. If modern and contemporary art are your thing, you’ll lose your mind here – I’ve seen some big names: Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, Kaws, Yayoi Kusama and The Kid. Be sure to check out the gift shop, too – lots of wonderful items to be found.

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PHOTOS: ZANE RIBAKOVA AND UNSPLASH.COM (MATHEO JBT, NORALI NAYLA, YOANN LAHEURTE, ROBIN OOODE, IGOR FLEK, MAX VAN DEN OETELAAR)

TOKI

CITY GUIDE

VITALITY TRAVEL → TIPS AND TRICKS

• Fly, fly and fly again. Get up to 75% off 6 one-way local flights and 2 international flight bookings.

Clockwise from top left: Get on your bike, whether an ‘Omafiets’, ‘Swapfiets’ or battery assisted; 165 canals over 100-km long snake through the city; if walls could talk; being Dutch is thirsty work; the dog-friendly city even allows pets on public transport; freedom, personal choice and diversity; 50 hectares of lush.

Amsterdam is the plan! Go to Vitality Travel at discovery.co.za for the latest and best travel rewards and offers. Travel everywhere with Vitality Travel. Available from 2022.

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D I S C O V E R Y V I TA L I T Y A M B A S S A D O R S

They dreamt, they went, they conquered. South Africa’s favourite sports stars share stories from the cities that shaped them

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WIMBLEDON’S GREENER GRASS 2021 was a big year for Kgothatso Montjane, making her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon I always got star struck because, you know: Serena Williams, Venus Williams. I got to share lockers with superstars of the WTA Tour. I also got to share the dining hall with everyone from Federer to Nadal to Djokovic. So, I have been exposed to that world. It’s unbelievable the life I’ve been living, brushing shoulders with the stars. Playing at Wimbledon in a wheelchair is hard; you need to be super fit. I like it because it favours my style of grinding hard. I’m not a person who likes to rally a lot, and grass allows me to do that. The most special Wimbledon moment was making the finals and playing on Court Number 1. I had never thought I would play there. What was extra special was that my family got to watch me play in a big tournament. Even though it was on TV, for me that meant a lot.

BRAZILLIANT

FAST TIMES IN RIO

World-renowned middledistance runner Caster Semenya remembers winning gold in Rio in 2016

Olympic sprinting world record holder Wayde van Niekerk enthuses on winning gold at Rio in 2016

I did not get time to explore much of Rio as I was so focused on my performance and winning the gold medal. I spent all of my time in the Olympic Village preparing for my races, and only had interactions with other athletes. In the few encounters I had with the people of Rio, I was welcomed and accommodated. The people in Rio are welcoming, so I did not feel much of a difference, besides the language barrier. It may be shocking to most people, but I don’t maintain a specific diet, so I got to try out and experience a lot of new dishes. When travelling, maintain the training goals you set at home and utilise anything similar to what you use back home to maintain shape. And yes, of course I brought back a souvenir – the biggest one of them all – my medal!

Rio was a dream destination I always wanted to experience and explore. The fact that the Olympic Games were there in 2016 was a double blessing. I always dreamt of going there. I got to watch one of the local football games and it’s a must-see experience for anyone who loves Brazilian football. Nothing beats watching football in Brazil and experiencing the passionate local fans. I felt like we actually had more in common. It felt like I was walking in the streets of Cape Town. My training tips for travellers are to always travel with resistance bands as they’re great as exercise equipment. And always take running shoes. There’s never any harm in taking a jog in a new city or country. It’s also a good idea to bring back a souvenir from wherever you visit. I brought back a gold medal.

PHOTOS: DALTON DINGELSTAD AND TYRONE BRADLEY

WORLDB E AT E R S

LONDON MASTERSTROKE Before he was a world swimming champion, Chad le Clos was just another wide-eyed South African in London London 2012 was the best experience I’ve ever had in my life, not just because I won but because it was my first Olympic Games. I’d just turned 20 – I’d won medals at the Commonwealth Games before – but it didn’t compare to the Olympics. I’ve been to three Olympic Games now and London was by far the best. The atmosphere, the facilities and the environment. Literally from when I arrived, I walked into the Olympic Village and saw all the greats walking around. We’d take bus rides and we’d see fans in the street cheering. It was just next-level support. We’ve done all the tourist things, but the big thing for me

is watching live sport. Premier League and FA Cup, that’s really the best thing. We’ve been to Old Trafford, we’ve watched the FA Cup finals, but the Olympics were just something special. My dad always mentions, whenever we talk about the Olympics and London, that it couldn’t have gone any better from that sense, because it was just perfect. To paint a picture, the stadium is in Stratford, you’re walking out there and there’s a huge shopping mall, and there are all these bars and restaurants, and just a great vibe wherever you go. Obviously, I wasn’t able to leave until afterwards, but just the energy that was created in that square radius was phenomenal. After my racing, I can’t even describe to you what it felt like. It felt like New Year, my birthday, Christmas Day; everything all in one. That type of energy.

“ I’VE E BE E EN TO THREE OL LYMP P IC C G AM M ES S NO OW AND LON N DON WAS BY FAR THE BES S T. TH H E AT T M O SPH H ERE E, THE E FA A CILITIES A ND TH H E EN N V IR R ON N ME E NT T. ”

LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

BIG IN JAPAN

Tokyo will always hold a special place in swimmer Tatjana Schoenmaker’s heart, after she set a world record, won gold and secured silver at the Olympic Games held there in 2020

After a successful RWC 2019 campaign, Makazole Mapimpi returned to the land of the rising sun in 2020

For the Games, Tokyo was closed to the outside world, but open in a bio-bubble to all Olympians. We weren’t able to do much sightseeing, but I had visited Tokyo before and loved how they’d kept the old-Japan intertwined with the new, modern Japan. The Japanese people are friendly and kind, and they have the utmost respect for others. They’re incredibly courteous. My training tip for travellers is to walk everywhere. You’ll embrace your new surroundings and at the same time stretch your legs. Otherwise, tap into the local way; like in Holland, I will always cycle to get my missed training sessions in. The other thing is not to be so hard on yourself when you’re on holiday or travelling. Enjoy the culture and the food but stay balanced and don’t go overboard.

Japan 2019 was an electrifying environment because of the Rugby World Cup, and people from all over the world coming to watch the games. I was surprised by how much the Japanese love rugby, and went back in 2020 to play for their top league team – Red Hurricanes. The Japanese people are very welcoming, organised, respectful and disciplined. Just like the South Africans are willing to teach tourists their language so are the Japanese, in that sense. My favourite food was yakiniku, a meal of bite-sized meat pieces and vegetables cooked on a griddle over a flame of wood charcoal known as sumibi. One could say it’s a Japanese take on the South African braai. Yakiniku is, in fact, one of Japan’s most popular national dishes.

V I TA L I T Y T R A V E L

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MEMBER STORY

LOCAL IS CERTAINLY LEKKER WHEN YOU SAVE

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Like other travel-wise Vitality adventurers, Shanthini Naidoo has seized the opportunity of reduced air fares and holiday deals that are too tempting to miss HERE’S HOW WE’VE TRAVELLED MUCH MORE WITH VITALITY IN A YEAR Without being a particularly fit or active family, we do make sure that we get to Diamond Vitality status, and more recently, Diamond Vitality Health status, with Discovery Bank every year – so we can holiday for less. First, we get those points going. The higher your Vitality status (Blue is entry level and Diamond is premium), the higher your discounts. Plus, engagement with the Vitality Drive and Money programmes further boosts your savings. Don’t be intimidated. It simply means taking care of your health, spending responsibly and driving well. We start by doing annual Vitality Health Checks, dentist visits and keeping up with reasonable exercise goals weekly. The incentives have always helped us reach our goals – healthwise! But we also get to use the rewards to save thousands of rands on travel, and spoil

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ourselves with the savings – because we deserve it.

PLANNING A YEAR OF VITALITY TRAVEL So, our travel year starts in December, usually with a big family holiday – just what we need after a tough year. Along with two young kids and my partner, we have visited Mauritius four times in recent years (pre-COVID-19), staying at idyllic resorts, which offer warm hospitality, luxury and relaxation. A favourite destination is Long Beach, a five-star resort on the beautiful east coast of the island. We’ve done this once using our kulula.com flight discount (around 30% for the family, currently 52% off for me as the hardworking main member). This once cost us R17 000 for three (and an infant) on a lovely British Airways flight in peak December! Today, the cost was R52 640 over Christmas, with a Discovery contribution of R22 478.40. That’s HUGE.

When we need a break from the children, early in the year and after the school holidays, my partner and I often travel to the Western Cape (destinations like Paternoster or Franschhoek are great for a long weekend). A trip in February, when the weather is amazing, can currently cost R3 500 for TWO return flights, and as little as R1 000 for four-star hotels per night. That is a bargain and a bit. Oh, and car hire is also discounted by 25%. For the rest of the year, the school calendar gives us a good timeline around planning short trips. We’ve booked at the Sabi River Sun to visit the Kruger National Park. Self-drive, accommodation in a family suite was recently around R6 000 (usually R11 000 over a December break). Mid-term break? Sun City for a weekend is always a winner. The Cascades (did you know there’s a mini beach and pool attached?) recently cost R7 200 in a luxury suite (usually R12 400). Splurge if you want to visit the Palace for an unrivalled breakfast menu – there are oysters. En route to the Kruger, we’ve often stopped at the Insta-worthy mountaintop infinity pool at Misty Mountain near Sabie. Decent, comfortable accommodation in chalets comes to R2 782 for the weekend (usually R4 280). Last time, we spotted a group of young ladies having a ball on a girls' getaway. With our Discovery Insure fuel discount (50%) as well as fuel rewards, it adds up to a very reasonably priced 300-km round trip.

SHO’T LEFTS ARE A MUST THROUGHOUT THE YEAR In KwaZulu-Natal, we’d never imagined that the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel would be an option for a quick family holiday. If something more practical is needed, the beachfront hotels like the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani offer a beautiful, nostalgic visit for former Durbanites and a great location for tourists to explore. Less travelled destinations like Knysna (via George), Port Elizabeth and Plettenberg Bay are also closer than you may think with Vitality Travel. While these routes were once rare and pricier, there are now more frequent flights on a wider network of airlines than ever before. Also, there are around 2 000 accommodation options available nationally, also covering the Eastern and Western Cape’s gems.

DON’T FORGET THOSE SPECTACULAR INTERNATIONAL OPTIONS In April 2018, a last-minute whim saw me book a ticket to New York to celebrate my graduation. At R8 200 return on an Emirates flight, it was an easy decision to make. Yes, it‘s a longer journey via Dubai, but much more comfortable than many airlines. Not to be outdone, on turning 40 my husband was determined to mark the occasion watching Liverpool play Everton in the UK, in December again. This cost around R8 000 return on a British Airways flight direct to Heathrow. And Liverpool WON, 5 – 0! A unicorn of a trip, shortly before COVID-19 closed the borders. If he were to do that today, return to London would cost R9 194.55 (usually R12 376). But don’t give him any ideas. Now we can use the Discovery Bank app to budget for our holidays, buy forex, save our visa and passport information, and much more. I’m planning on using the Vitality Travel platform to map out a year of joy for 2022.

Download the Discovery Bank app to get your Vitality Travel discounts and plan your year of joy for 2022.

PHOTOS: SHANTHINI NAIDOO AND UNSPLASH.COM

Plus, Long Beach and other iconic venues (such as Sugar Beach and La Pirogue) are premium World Leisure Holiday (WLH) resorts, which means the accommodation discount for Diamond members is 15% at some of the best locations on the island. We’ve also booked fuss-free package deals from WLH too, where kids often get to stay free, depending on the time of year.

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“TRAVEL IS THE BEST INVESTMENT I’VE EVER MADE." – FHATUWANI MUKHELI