Sometimes, the strongest move is to step back. To pause. To exhale. To disconnect so you can reconnect with yourself. Because the thing is, if you want to be present in every hat you wear (CEO, creative, caretaker, queen/king of the grind), you’ve got to take care of yourself first.

Desperately need a sign to organise that trip, arrange that roadie, or get out of your daily grind for a few moments of sanity? Look no further than the Instagram feed of Actress, Singer & Presenter Natasha Van Der Merwe.

Yes, the very same Natasha who rules screens as ruthless Suzie in Suidooster, recently took a break from shooting schedules chaos and said yes to a soul-reviving escape, destination: Mauritius. Bikini in one hand, carry-on bag in the other, she skipped out on a much-needed sibling escapade. And let’s be real—sun-kissed beaches, crystal waters, and that “I’ve got zero deadlines” vibe? That’s the kind of reboot we all need.

Her #ToerMetTash #TravelWithTash experiences aren’t wanderlust—they’re your reminder that rest is work. That slowing down is how we show up bigger, bolder, and brighter when it’s go-time.

Brunette bombshell? More like a boss in beachwear. We got the lowdown from Natasha herself on why stepping away is just as important as showing up.

1. At what exactly time in Mauritius did you have the moment you realized, “Yep, this is the reset I didn’t know I desperately needed”?

I remember it so clearly, it was in day 3 of the trip, out on the catamaran. My phone buzzed with notifications, and at that moment, I made a choice,  to switch it off, to be present, and to let go of everything happening beyond that horizon. A few hours later, I was lying in the sun, surrounded by crystal-clear water and perfect weather. And right then, it hit me—that quiet aha moment: This is the reset I didn’t know I so deeply needed.

2. What did stepping away from your usual routine (and Suzie’s melodrama!) to rediscover your best, true self, off-screen and gadget-free mean to you?

What I love most about travelling is the perspective it gives. No matter what’s happening in your world or your little bubble at home, stepping into a new country, culture, or place breaks your routine and resets your mindset. It shakes up your thought patterns in the best way. Gustave Flaubert said it perfectly: “Travel makes you modest. You see what a small space you occupy in the world.” And it’s so true. Travel is such a gift. I never take it for granted. The kind of rest and reset I get depends on the type of trip, but one thing stays the same –  the joy of stepping away from work and switching off my phone (except for snapping photos, of course). That’s when I’m most present, most reflective. It’s in those quiet moments that I can check in with myself, how I’m feeling, where I’m at, and where I want to go next. My journal always comes with me. It’s my travel companion through every moment of pause.

3. What did you bring along that was completely unnecessary—and one thing you wished you brought more of?

Oooh, I like to think I’ve become quite the pro at packing these days! I didn’t have too much clothing left over that I didn’t wear—just a few extras (you know how it is, a girl needs options). I brought along 3 books but only managed to finish one (clearly, I was a bit too excited… but hey, I do love reading!). One thing I wish I’d packed? My swim shoes. Oh, and my Garmin charger! Talk about a full reset—my Garmin gave up the ghost while I was there. I had to manually log workouts on Strava and go completely notification-free. Honestly, it was kind of refreshing. I may or may not have also packed a couple of bikinis that never saw the sun…  but who’s counting?

4. What’s your go-to routine when you need to recharge your mind and soul, even if an entire island getaway isn’t in the plans?
— Useful tips for fans who might not be able to take off, but still want that feel.

Because of my schedule, I don’t always get the chance to sneak away for weekend trips, especially when shoots run late on a Friday. But whenever I can, I try to add a little spontaneity into the mix. I love taking walks along the promenade or heading up the mountain to watch the sunset from a special spot—it’s my way of regrouping. Hiking, wine farms, little day getaways, and Sunday drives with no real destination (or just to my favourite coffee shop) are some of the ways I like to switch off and recharge. My folks live on the West Coast, so heading home is always a treat too! It’s so important to appreciate the little things and enjoy what’s right on our doorstep—you don’t always need to hop on a plane.

5. If you had to take one feeling or one experience from this trip with you into your daily routine, what would it be—and why?

If there’s one thing I’d take from this trip into everyday life, it’s the gift of permission to truly unplug. In Mauritius, the world felt so much bigger than the screen in my hand. The ocean didn’t need a status update, the sunrise didn’t ask for a filter, and conversations flowed without the constant buzz of notifications.

There was something deeply grounding about being fully present, from feeling the sand beneath my feet without needing to capture it, to hearing my own thoughts without the noise of a hundred voices. Just being there, in the moment, was more than enough.

That’s the balance I want to carry home with me,  the ability to truly switch off, to focus with intention, and to remember that not everything vying for my attention is actually important. Some things; like presence, clarity, and peace, deserve more of me than my inbox ever will.

Mauritius has just been named the World’s Best Honeymoon Destination in the 2025 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards 2025 – beating the likes of Bali and the Maldives into top spot. For Sue Garrett, General Manager Supply, Pricing & Marketing for Flight Centre South Africa, it is no surprise.

“Mauritius also secured 4^th spot in our list of Top 10 International Destinations in 2024,” says Garrett. “And while it’s a firm favourite for families, there are plenty of Mauritian resorts that cater specifically for couples – and activities that deliver pure romance.”

Is Mauritius on your list of potential honeymoon destinations? Here are just 5 reasons to lock it down (with the love of your life):

1. Swim-up rooms

Victoria Beachcomber Resort & Spa’s ‘Victoria for 2’ is an adults-only wing in a secluded area of the resort. Only steps from the beach, it boasts its own pool bar and restaurant, while ground floor, ‘swim-up’ rooms give you direct access to the pool from your veranda! It’s island bliss at it’s very best – swims, sunsets and cocktails on demand!

Good to know: Victoria Beachcomber has 17 Swim-Up rooms (where you can step directly from room to water) situated alongside a large swimming pool – so book early to avoid disappointment.

2. Moon-lit dinners

Mauritius does beach breakfasts, lazy lunches and moonlit dinners really, really well. And none better than Solana Beach Mauritius, an adults-only haven of peace on the lush East coast of Mauritius.

“The four-star Solana Beach is one of our bestsellers,” says Garrett. “There are beautiful ‘nooks’ throughout the resort’s grounds, including a jacuzzi with a waterfall and a pavilion by the beach. And they’ll set up romantic dinners on the beach. It’s an affordable option for couples – along a gorgeous stretch of the coastline.

Good to know: Out of respect for the sea life, all of the water-based activities at Solana Beach Mauritius are non-motorised.

3. Perfect picnics … on Île aux Cerfs

Just off the East Coast of Mauritius lies Île aux Cerfs, world-renowned for its stunning white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. It’s a great day out – and couples can enjoy a private boat ride, snorkelling or a romantic picnic on the beach. Most Mauritian resorts will be happy to organise a transfer to Île aux Cerfs, including Radisson Blu Poste Lafayette Resort & Spa, which is only 18 km from the privately owned island.

“Île aux Cerfs’ legendary golf course is a must for golfers,” says Garrett. “The Bernhard Langer designed course is surrounded by a spectacular marine lagoon, so there’s no other course quite like it.  But Île aux Cerfs is worth a day out even if you’re not a golfer. With its beautiful beaches, water sports, beach bars and picnics it’ll be a highlight of your honeymoon.”

Good to know: There are many different ways to enjoy Île aux Cerfs. Garrett recommends putting aside an entire day to visit the island and chatting to your accommodation provider about booking catamaran cruises, speedboat excursions, golf or water sports.

4. Spa retreats

A couples spa day is almost compulsory on honeymoon – especially if planning the wedding was more stressful than you anticipated! Happily, most resorts deliver a next-level spa experience. For example, Radisson Blu Azuri Resort and Spa, offers complimentary hammam and sauna sessions alongside a range of massages, treatments, holistic therapies, and Ayurvedic packages. Sugar Beach Mauritius is another good example, with couples’ treatment rooms at the ready!

Good to know: Rather than dashing in for a hot stone massage or pedicure, arrive early and enjoy the spa’s heated pool, hammam or sauna. Most spas will include access to all their facilities within the price of a treatment, just double-check when booking.

5. Scenic wonders

They say couples who play together, stay together. Mauritius offers plenty of adventure and natural wonder for those who want to get out and explore. Make sure at least a few of these are on your list, as you’ll be sorry to miss out:

• Chamarel Village (for the Seven Coloured Earth Geopark) and Chamarel Waterfall (the tallest single-drop waterfall in Mauritius).
• Pamplemousses Botanical Garden – its giant water lilies (Victoria amazonica) are something to behold!
• Le Morne Brabant – a hike to the top of Le Morne Brabant at the very southwestern tip of Mauritius gives a lesson in both the island’s history and biodiversity, with views for days!
• Underwater waterfall – you may spot a very rough outline of Mauritius’ legendary ‘underwater waterfall’ by hiking up Le Morne Brabant, but the best way to see this natural phenomenon is from above. Charter a seaplane for a bird’s eye view – and the added thrill of a water take-off and landing!
• Black River Gorges National Park offers guided hikes for those keen to experience Mauritius’ indigenous forests and wildlife, including the island’s flying fox, wild boar, macaque monkeys and deer.

Good to know: While it’s tempting to treat Mauritius as the ultimate ‘fly and flop’ destination, Garrett says there is much more to the island. “Chat to your travel advisor before you leave and dedicate a couple of days for activities and exploration. You can do anything from foodie tours to birdwatching hikes with a local biologist, all will add a different dimension to your honeymoon – and create memories to last a lifetime.”

Side bar: For more information, as well as special offers on a wide range of accommodation options in Mauritius, visit www.flightcentre.co.za.

As Easter nears, Spotify data paints a vivid portrait of a nation turning inward, reconnecting with spiritual roots through the power of gospel music. In South Africa, Easter is not just marked by family gatherings and church services, but by a deeply ingrained musical tradition that continues to find new life in the digital age.

Topping the charts once again is Joyous Celebration, a cornerstone of the country’s gospel landscape. In the two weeks leading up to Easter, the group was streamed nearly 9 million times on Spotify, affirming its role as a spiritual mainstay. For three consecutive years, Joyous Celebration has claimed a dominant share of the platform’s gospel charts, holding four of the top ten gospel spots with fan favourites such as Ndenzel’ Uncedo Hymn 377 – Live, Yesu Wena UnguMhlobo – Live, Hallelujah Nkateko (Lihle’s Version) – Live, and Umbhedesho – Live. These tracks, rich in vernacular and rooted in tradition, speak to a collective yearning for continuity and comfort.

Alongside these classics, Mpumi Mtsweni‘s Thath’Indawo (Live) with Spirit Of Praise emerged as the most-streamed gospel track this season. With its themes of surrender and spiritual trust, the song encapsulates the essence of Easter reflection and renewal.

Spotify’s curated gospel playlists also saw significant traction. Sunday Praise led the pack, followed closely by Clap & Tap and Gospel Greatness. These collections merge time-honoured hymns with contemporary sounds, illustrating how South African listeners embrace evolution without abandoning heritage.

Perhaps the most compelling data point lies beyond the charts. In the two weekends ahead of Easter, South Africans created more than 31,000 gospel playlists, a number that has held steady over the past three years. This surge in user-generated content reflects a deeply personal relationship with gospel music. It is not just about streaming; it is about storytelling, memory, and faith.

These patterns underscore the cultural weight gospel music continues to carry. In a time marked by noise and uncertainty, the return to familiar harmonies and spiritually grounded lyrics signals a collective desire to find meaning through music that has been passed down through generations.