We're Just Back From: South Africa

July 11, 2025

WhirlAway’s Stacey Blum shares 5 ultra-exclusive moments that redefine the classic safari.

Everyone talks about going on safari. But not everyone tells you how it feels—to experience a languid afternoon with winemakers who forgo the norm, to watch a lioness cradle her cub across the plains, to luxuriate in a Versace-drenched suite in the Winelands where the bathtub rivals the size of a Manhattan studio.

WhirlAway’s Stacey Blum (whose job is to vet the best of the best) recently spent two weeks on an indelible journey through South Africa with Abercrombie & Kent. She discovered a symphony of wow factors—equal parts city, bush, and bliss. These five moments rose to the top as her most exclusive, most unexpected, and most unforgettable.

1. A Private Peninsula Picnic 

“It was a Saturday, the weather was perfect, and there was no one around—our guide found this magical little cove, and we had a fully catered picnic. It felt completely ours,” says Stacey. 



After a morning spent meeting seals in Kalk Bay, tracking rogue penguins in Simon’s Town, and hiking Cape Point's wild coast, A&K delivered the ultimate flex: a private picnic on the Cape of Good Hope replete with white linens, fine wine, zero crowds, and a cinematic sea view.

2. Sidecar Thrills on Chapman’s Peak Drive

“If you told me I’d be clinging to the back of a motorcycle—on a cliff—taking videos with one hand? I would’ve said you were insane. But I did it.”



Chapman’s Peak is already iconic. But experiencing all 144 curves from the back of a vintage sidecar with the Atlantic wind in your hair? That’s a travel wish-list sprung to life. Top it off with surprise sundowners overlooking the ocean, and this isn’t just a drive—it’s an itinerary mic drop.


3. The Suite Life at La Residence

“My suite was Versace-inspired. The bathroom? My son said it was bigger than his apartment.”



Set in Franschhoek’s lush wine valley, La Residence is South Africa’s most decadent pause button. Stacey describes it as a place to intentionally slow down—where each intimate suite is a sensory feast, the art is collector-level, and the guests swap stories over rosé by the infinity pool.


Bonus: The six-bedroom villa on-site was originally built for the owner’s family but is now bookable for yours.


4. A Doors-Off Helicopter Over the Delta

“This felt like I was on a National Geographic film set—buffalo herds below, white birds flying above.”


After this seamless chopper transfer to Chief’s Camp, Stacey did what every true adventurer does: went back up for more. This time without doors. Flying over the Okavango Delta with unobstructed views—elephants wading, impalas leaping, and birds scattering—was simply thrilling. 


“Also while at Chief’s Camp, we watched a lioness drop the tiniest cub in the grass. Then she disappeared. I asked the guide to wait—I knew she was coming back with another. And she did.”


5. The Best in the Biz: Private Guides

“We had the most experienced and knowledgeable guides. These bushmen had a wealth of knowledge about the animals. They not only knew how to track them, but also imparted cultural customs and information on the topography. There wasn’t a question they couldn’t answer, and were the reason we were able to get up close to the incredible wildlife.”



This journey wasn’t just about ticking boxes. “I left every lodge feeling like I was leaving my family,” Stacey adds. “There aren’t enough adjectives to describe the wonders and variety of South Africa.”

Multi-Gen Magic

March 20, 2026
Multi-generational travel is booming—and it’s easy to see why. Families are seeking curated journeys where every generation—from grandparents to grandchildren—can experience the world together, yet on their own terms. At WhirlAway Travel, that means private excursions, seamless logistics, and experiences that let everyone focus on what matters: connection. Denise Booth, WhirlAway’s multi-gen travel expert, leverages her insider access and relationships with global partners to create itineraries perfectly suited for every age and interest. “Travel does not have to be all or nothing,” she says. “We craft experiences that can be enjoyed by each person, from modified activities or alternatives for those who cannot participate.” Here are three recent journeys planned by Denise and the WhirlAway team.

Just Back From … Japan with WhirlAway’s Stacey Blum

March 11, 2026
Why Japan & Why Now The neon-lit energy of Tokyo, the zen temples of Kyoto, and the restorative calm of mountain onsen towns define this unique journey across time. “It’s a place that feels both ancient and futuristic at once,” Stacey says. Japan also rewards travelers who slow down. For Stacey, early mornings—what the Japanese call the “blue hour”—were especially poignant. Known as the time just before sunrise or after sunset when the sky turns a deep indigo, the serene, otherworldly atmosphere is the perfect window for photography in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, capturing the magical light over temple roofs, as locals cycle along rivers, and as shops open their doors. To fully appreciate Japan’s diversity, Stacey recommends giving yourself at least 10 days in the destination (plus two days of travel) and visiting three distinct regions. Stacey’s Takeaway: “Japan is not a place you try to see it all in one trip. It’s somewhere you’ll want to return to again and again.”

Sail Beyond the Expected

February 17, 2026
No summer travel plans yet? Consider this your fast track to an experience that ticks all the boxes for value, ease, culture, scenery, and laid-back luxury. What: A seven-night Mediterranean cruise aboard Silver Nova with Silversea and Signature Travel Network. Where: Roundtrip from Athens, visiting seven ports throughout Greece and Turkey. When: August 16-23, 2026. Why: It’s a remarkable blend of epic history, island charm, and elegant cruising. You’ll visit spots that feel straight out of a postcard, from the delightful seaside town of Gythion and the Olympic roots of Katakolon to Santorini’s bucket-list sunsets and the lively markets of Bodrum. Onboard, the suites are beautifully spacious, the butler service is effortlessly attentive, and the all-inclusive approach is indulgent yet smart, inviting you to savor the experience without a second thought. Yes, please!

Just Back From … Northern Italy with WhirlAway’s Sara Samuel

February 12, 2026
Recently back from an immersive journey through Verona, Venice, and Trieste, WhirlAway’s Sara Samuel discovered a trio of destinations that feel worlds apart yet effortlessly connected. From Shakespearean streets and quaint canals to culture shaped by shifting borders, this is Italy beyond the expected.

Just Ask Jamie …

January 21, 2026
Why stay home for the holidays when you can discover chocolate, castles, and Christmas decorations across Europe? That’s just what WhirlAway’s Jamie Jones had in mind when she took her family on a holiday river trip through Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Brussels, and Antwerp. Here’s what happened along the way.

2026 is the Time!

January 14, 2026
If “someday” is starting to sound suspiciously like “never,” this is your sign. From polar ice to private yachts, safaris to southern skies, these six monumental journeys are proof that the best trips happen when they’re meticulously planned with insider expertise.

Just Back From … Italy’s Puglia Region

December 15, 2025
Nestled in the heel of Italy, these spots have long been Italian favorites and are now drawing travelers from around the world. But visit in the fall or winter, and it still feels like you have them all to yourself. Sara says it was nearly impossible to choose favorites—and she could easily share dozens more—but here are the places and experiences she loved most.

’Tis the Season for Travel!

December 15, 2025
In 2025, WhirlAway planned dozens of amazing vacations for the holiday season, and we’re sharing a few of our favorites. Consider this your cheat sheet to the dreamiest destinations, including a sun-kissed sojourn to Costa Rica, a multi-gen escape to South Africa, an Antarctica cruise, and the best of Turks and Caicos, and London. Happy holidays, and even happier travels!

Just Back From … the Cycladic Islands

November 18, 2025
What makes the Cycladic Islands feel so singular? For Luxury Travel Advisor Denise Booth, it’s the blend of warm hospitality, luminous landscapes, and quietly luxurious living. Fresh off her journey through Naxos, Paros, and the Athenian Riviera, she shares three experiences that showcase Greece beyond the guidebooks—intimate, delicious, and endlessly photogenic.
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