2022 was a huge year for us . . . it is the year that this blog was birthed, and also the year when we travelled the most. Doing Love Coincidentally isn’t something that was planned, it was because of Instagram and the questions that we were getting asked about our travels that convinced me that it was a good idea to have a platform of our own where we could share our travel experiences and the different gems that we found throughout South Africa.
If you follow us on any of our social media profiles, you will know that we are suckers for travel and great food, so most of our posts are centered around that. And with this post, I want to look at all the places that we travelled to in 2022 that we fell in love with and left us feeling warm inside.
2022 Travel Experiences … Where Did We Actually Go and What Did We Do?
Bae and I met in 2020 during the pandemic, and we couldn’t do much travelling for obvious reasons. And in 2021, when things started getting better, it was time for us to bond over travel experiences, something that we both love to do.
It had always been my dream to travel and explore South Africa and the world with someone that I love, so when 2022 rolled around, we kick started the year by going to Radisson Hotel at OR Tambo. This was to celebrate Valentines Day, something we didn’t want to do at home. And it helped a lot that they have that huge beautiful pool, and I remember we spent at least 90% of the time playing and bonding by the pool.
But before we decided to do Radisson Hotel at OR Tambo, we crossed over to 2022 at Hotel Sky in Sandton. We opted for Hotel Sky because of the New Years Eve party that they were having, and we knew there would be a great vibe that we could enjoy, and we knew we would have fun doing the countdown there. Also, they have a nice pool, the thought of having cocktails there was an exciting thought, so that’s what we did.
After Valentines Day, Busi’s birthday was fast approaching in March, which was a big month for us. For her actual birthday, I took her to Mezepoli Restaurant at Melrose Arch, so she could at least enjoy a nice lunch over some fine wine.
Cozy Kosmos & the Rhino and Lion Safari Park
The plan for bae’s birthday was to do Cape Town, but before then we had found this beautiful tranquil place in Hartbeespoort by the dam called Cosy Kosmos. We had the Isuzu 4×4, and it just made sense to put it to good use, go have a picnic by the dam and seal that little getaway with a visit to the Rhino and Lion Safari Park.
That was one of the most beautiful experiences we have ever had as a couple, from that unplanned getaway came amazing views of the dam and Hartbeespoort, a romantic picnic right by the dam and an afternoon spent marveling at the beautiful animals such as lions, zebras, giraffes and so much more.
Camps Bay, Cape Town and More
Shortly after the unplanned getaway to Hartbeespoort, we were off to Cape Town, Camps Bay to be exact. This is our favourite city (because it’s where we got engaged!)
We booked this cute little cottage right in Camps Bay, which was about 100m to the beach, and it was perfect! We kicked off our being in Cape Town at Surf Shack, to have lunch and enjoy some cocktails overlooking the beach. On a serious note though . . . have you seen the sunset from that spot? It’s pretty magical.
The highlight of our trip to Cape Town was undoubtedly the Quad Biking at the Atlantis Dunes . . . it was something we had been looking forward to doing. We also enjoyed hanging out at the beach, and of course the romantic long walks on the beach. CT was magical!
Verandah House & Prison Break Market, Midrand
One of the gems that we found in 2022 was Veranda House, on the outskirts of Midrand. Veranda House was never on our radar, we had actually booked Four20 Bespoke Hotel, but ended up staying at Verandah House.
Loved the place, as it was in winter and we had a beautiful bath tub which was perfect for romance. The apartment also had a fireplace, all we needed to do was to add wine and some great food, and we enjoyed the place to the full.
The Prison Break Market is very close to Veranda House, and we explored the market just a few weeks ago, we enjoyed it very much. You can add it to the list of things to do when you visit Veranda House.
The Suite at Rosemary Hill Farm, Pretoria
One of the places that we enjoyed in 2022 was The Suite at Rosemary Hill Farm , just outside Pretoria. It was Xihla’s birthday, and we wanted to do something outside the city, and we found the perfect place for it.
The Suite is a beautiful space, complete with a fireplace, a beautiful bath tub overlooking the garden and a lounge area perfect for relaxation.
We took in that beautiful space, and had the time of our lives. The tub, the fireplace and so much more . . .
Rosemary Hill Farm is just one of those places that you have to experience, if you haven’t already.
Maputo and Bilene, Mozambique
One of our highlights in 2022 was doing Praia Bilene in Mozambique, this trip was a dream realized.
It was in our bucket list since 2021, however the trip just kept getting postponed due to the pandemic, so when it finally happened , we were super excited about it.
The journey wasn’t the greatest, due to the border situation and the police stopping us every single spot, but not even that could dim the excitement we felt.
We stayed at San Martinho Beach club, and wow . . . it was beautiful waking up to the beach, and doing our morning walks by the beach!
One thing is clear, Mozambique is insanely beautiful, and we will definitely be going back. The beaches are just out of this world, and it’s a special place for us, because it’s our first international trip together!
Kassel, Germany
If you know anything about us, it is that we love the water and travel experiences that involve swimming suits and shorts.
This trip to Germany however was different. It was our 2nd international trip, which was super exciting and our first winter one. It was freezing cold, and we were right in the city.
One O Eight, Benoni
One O Eight Place was a beautiful surprise, a gem in Benoni.
Their presidential suite is really something . . . it’s modern and chic and very spacious. We totally enjoyed their spa bath and the jacuzzi . . . did I mention that the is also a beautiful view of the dam from the rooms?
And their food was just as nice.
D’Oreal Grande Hotel
Another highlight that we enjoyed a lot in 2022 was the opening of Reign Restaurant at Emperors Palace. Reign is located at D’Oreal Grande Hotel, not only did we enjoy sumptuous cuisine at the restaurant, we also got to experience this stunning 5 * hotel and some of what it offers.
2022 Travels & Experiences: Year in Review
2022 was huge year for us, not only did we spent it doing what we love, and at times getting broke in the process, without a doubt we uncovered what it is that we want for our lives.
Besides the travelling, we also got to experience dope restaurants that we had beautiful meals in. These include the newly opened Reign restaurant, the newly opened Mamasamba in Rosebank, Ukko in Bryanston and more (will drop a separate blog post on our favourite restaurants).
So, with that . . . cheers to an amazing 2023! May all our dreams come to fruition . . . and may yours too
