The desire for deeper, meaningful, personalised experiences continues to underpin travel trends. And those experiences increasingly extend to the choice of accommodation. Travellers aren’t looking for generic accommodations anymore. They want hotels with personality—properties that feel unique, bold, and connected to their surroundings.  A growing trend is for travellers to plan trips around iconic, one-of-a-kind  properties with unique identities.

Generic hotel rooms, indistinguishable from one another and with a cookie-cutter layout, style and design, stand in stark contrast to the personalised experiences travellers are looking for when they choose accommodation.

“Guests today want accommodations that not only match their needs and preferences, but something that resonates on a more personal level. For many that is a space that offers a tangible connection to the destination so as to enhance the experience of the surroundings,” says Anton Gillis, CEO of Kruger Gate Hotel.

Authenticity, first and foremost 

The search – and preference – for authenticity is what’s fuelling the rise of this trend, and preference for distinctive properties imbued with personality that speaks to its surroundings, the needs of its guests and that becomes a destination and experience in and of itself.

These hotels offer more than a comfortable bed and nice towels. It understands the role of the accommodations in the narrative that forms the overall travel experience, and that includes the food, the people, the scenery, the ‘wow’ moments.

The South African classic braaibroodjie – translated as little grilled sandwiches – captures the warmth and tradition of Mpumalanga, making it a must-try for those seeking a true taste of local culture. “Kruger Gate Hotel’s dedicated braaibroodjie stations and unique recipes are popular among foreign guests as they get to prepare the dish on an open fire under the African sky, “ Gillis shares. Showing that flavours and rituals come together to create memorable culinary experiences.

Some of the most distinctive features of these one-of-a-kind hotels is its approach to sensory experiences, the way it priortises the personal touch and the opportunities it creates for guests to connect with the locale.

All the senses are engaged – from the aroma of hearty, local cuisine to the texture of the textiles and the scent in the reception area that draws you into the environment.

“Nothing beats the personal touch and, where possible, we love to offer bespoke services, private guided safari, and insider tips that allow guests to delve deeper into the magic of the Kruger National Park,” Gillis shares.

These properties create and facilitate opportunities for guests to connect with the locale. From promoting the work of local artists and artisans to sourcing ingredients locally, every touchpoint is carefully considered to enhance the local experience of the locale.

In 2025, travellers are not just looking to check destinations off their lists – they’re seeking deeper connections with the places they visit. This means moving beyond the well-known landmarks and taking time to explore the local culture, history, and traditions of a region.

For instance, setting out on a Panorama Route drive is the perfect way to appreciate the dramatic landscapes of the world’s third-largest canyon. A drive also offers travellers a chance to visit local communities and learn about the rich heritage of the region and the stories and traditions that shape its people. Museum towns like Pilgrim’s Rest also offer a range of deep cultural experiences tied to the region’s history.

Wellness, your way

Wellness is also holistic and engaging our various senses in new ways can positively contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing. The sights, sounds, and smells of the bush engage our senses in ways that are vastly different from their usual environments, making the experience more vivid and memorable.

It could be the smell of the earth after a summer thunderstorm, or the sound of a fish eagle or the sight of a leopard attacking its prey. These are sensory experiences beyond the everyday that stir different emotions and contribute to an overall sense of serenity.

Wellness at Kruger Gate Hotel, for example, is a holistic experience, with plenty of options for embracing wellbeing. The Fitness Centre is a key amenity, available to all guests, while those who prefer a more serene form of wellness can head to Dee’s African Spa on the property. The spa, magnificently situated on the Sabie riverbank, offers a menu of signature spa treatments, all with a uniquely African flair.

“At Kruger Gate Hotel we are proud of our ability to transform a holiday into a lifelong memory. And that’s because we care about every detail of the guest experience, especially the accommodation,” says Gillis.

Travel is always about the journey, with a hotel playing a unique and significant role in making those journeys extraordinary and memorable.

South Africa’s water resources are under growing pressure, with pollution, climate change, and population growth exacerbating water security concerns. With National Water Week (20-26 March 2025) in mind, the importance of educating the next generation on water conservation and environmental responsibility has never been more urgent. While government policies play a critical role, the active participation of communities, particularly young people, is essential for a sustainable future.

Studies show that interactive learning tools are highly effective in shaping children’s understanding of sustainability. A study by Oxford University Press found that ‘kindness’ was selected as the Children’s Word of the Year for 2024, highlighting a growing awareness among young people of their impact on others and the environment. With global challenges like climate change increasingly shaping their perspectives, early education on sustainability is crucial.

However, research on environmental literacy among South African children in the foundation phase remains limited. How many young learners truly understand concepts like sustainability, pollution, and water conservation?

Plastic pollution is one of the most urgent environmental threats. Every year, millions of plastic bottles and bags enter the ocean, endangering marine life. A single plastic bottle can persist for 450 years in the marine environment, breaking into microplastics that never fully disappear. Much of this pollution stems from single-use plastics, which could be reduced by simple habits such as refilling reusable water bottles instead of discarding disposable ones. Yet, encouraging these habits requires early education and engagement.

The South African Water Compendium, released by the Water Research Commission, emphasises that citizens play an important role in water security. The report highlights that South Africa cannot achieve a water-secure future without community involvement. It calls for initiatives that promote active participation in conservation efforts, educate the public on water management, and empower citizens to engage in decision-making processes.

Interactive learning tools, such as activity books, workshops, and hands-on environmental programmes, can be highly effective in instilling these values from a young age.

Various youth initiatives in South Africa are already making strides in this regard. The South African Youth Water Prize (SAYWP) and WESSA’s WASH programme are designed to empower young people to tackle water security challenges and implement sustainable practices in their communities. Additionally, WESSA has partnered with UNICEF on the Youth Leading in Water Resilience Project, an initiative aimed at equipping young South Africans with the knowledge and tools to address water challenges.

Interactive educational materials, such as activity and colouring books, have been identified as effective ways to engage children in environmental topics. Visual and hands-on activities improve knowledge retention and boosts creativity. One such example is Oasis Water’s newly released free colouring and activity book, which introduces young learners to key environmental themes in an engaging and accessible way.

By allowing children to explore water conservation through fun, interactive content, these resources help build a strong foundation for lifelong sustainability habits.

“We’ve seen an incredible response to the book because it presents environmental education as a fun, interactive experience rather than homework,” say Delamaine du Toit, Marketing Director at Oasis Water. “When learning feels like play, children naturally absorb the message and begin to make small but meaningful changes in their daily habits.”

With National Water Week in March, individuals can contribute to environmental sustainability by making small but meaningful changes in their daily lives.

Here are six practical steps to help conserve water and reduce pollution:

1. Turn off taps while brushing teeth – This simple habit can save up to 6 litres of water per minute.
2. Fix leaks – A dripping tap can waste more than 5,000 litres of water annually.
3. Refill, don’t discard – Using a reusable water bottle significantly reduces plastic waste.
4. Collect rainwater – Harvesting rainwater for outdoor use conserves municipal water supplies.
5. Choose water-wise plants – Indigenous and drought-resistant plants require less watering.
6. Ensure water purity – Drinking water should undergo a six-step purification process, including reverse osmosis, to remove bacteria, impurities, and dissolved solids.

Raising awareness about sustainability and water conservation must begin with our youngest citizens. By integrating interactive educational tools into school curriculums and home learning environments, we can equip the next generation with the knowledge and habits necessary to safeguard South Africa’s water future.

The future of work is evolving, and the business world stands at a pivotal moment for creating truly inclusive environments that embrace diversity in all its forms. According to Genevieve Koolen, HR Director at SAP Africa, the embracing of diversity is not just a matter of fairness – it’s a path to unlocking immense talent and diverse perspectives that will shape the future of innovation.

“Business leaders increasingly understand the critical importance of diverse teams in driving innovation and growth,” says Koolen. “Neurodiverse individuals possess unique strengths, from processing information in unconventional ways to thinking creatively to hyper-focused attention to detail, all of which can offer invaluable contributions to the workplace. For companies to fully benefit from neurodiverse talent, it’s essential to build systems, processes and cultures that support and celebrate a diversity of thought and perspectives.”

Challenging stereotypes

Neurodiversity Celebration Week, a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences. The initiative was founded to change the narrative around neurodiversity and create a balanced view that focuses equally on the talents and strengths of neurodiverse individuals.

Although all people exist somewhere on the spectrum of neurodiversity, the term is mostly used to describe individuals with distinct neurological or developmental differences, including autism, dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

“Many workplaces have struggled to accommodate employees who think or process information in ways that differ from the norm,” says Koolen. “This has led to employees with conditions such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, dyslexia and other forms of neurodivergence to be excluded or misunderstood. However, we are in the midst of a shift in how companies embrace neurodiversity and unlock the value of unique perspectives and contributions.”

A study cited in Harvard Business Review found that neurodiverse employees at one organisation were 30% more productive than their colleagues.

A recent brief by the World Economic Forum also cited a statistic that up to a quarter of CEOs believe they are dyslexic, although few feel confident enough to declare this publicly.

Building inclusive workplaces

Koolen says companies have a responsibility to foster environments where neurodiverse employees can thrive. “By redesigning recruitment practices, creating flexible workspaces, fostering inclusive communication, and building a culture of psychological safety, we can unlock the full potential of neurodiverse talent. When combined with the growing capabilities of AI to support these initiatives, we can create workplaces that not only accommodate diverse thinkers but actively celebrate and empower them.”

She provides practical tips for companies on how they can support neurodiversity:

Redesigning hiring and recruitment practices: Many traditional hiring processes exclude neurodiverse candidates by focusing on standard interview techniques that don’t align with the candidate’s strengths. “Companies should consider alternative interview formats – for example skills-based assessments or task simulations – to allow neurodiverse candidates to demonstrate their abilities. Clear and structured job descriptions that emphasise essential skills and tasks over vague or ambiguous language can also help. Hiring managers should also be trained to recognise the unique strengths of neurodiverse candidates.”

Creating more flexible work environments: It is vital to create workplaces where neurodiverse employees can thrive. Koolen notes that systems and processes offering greater flexibility can support individual working styles. “Neurodiverse employees may have sensory sensitivities that require quiet rooms, adjustable lighting or modular seating options that create a more comfortable workspace. Adaptable work schedules including remote work allows employees to work during their peak energy levels and productivity periods. In addition, AI-driven support tools may help HR teams improve their support to neurodiverse employees through personalised task management, reminders, and communication support.”

Build a culture of safety and support: Cultivating an inclusive workplace culture goes beyond systems and processes—it’s about creating a psychologically safe environment where all employees feel valued for their contributions. “Employers can normalise conversations about neurodiversity by encouraging open dialogue, breaking down stigmas and fostering greater understanding within teams,” explains Koolen. “Employee resource groups for neurodiverse employees can also offer peer support and create a sense of community, while mentorship programs can bridge the gap between neurodiverse employees and their colleagues.”

Measure – and celebrate – success: Koolen says it is essential to measure the impact of these initiatives, both on employee satisfaction and on business outcomes. “Companies that succeed in building inclusive environments for neurodiverse talent will often see improvements in innovation, problem-solving, and team dynamics. Recognising and celebrating these successes publicly is key to reinforcing the value of neurodiversity.” In addition, says Koolen, HR teams should use metrics such as employee retention, productivity and innovation to show company leadership how neurodiversity is delivering tangible benefits to the organisation.

Koolen adds: “In a future where diverse perspectives drive technological innovation, companies that prioritise neurodiversity today will be best positioned to lead tomorrow.”