Johannesburg - LeAnne Dlamini is a singer and fashionista who doesn’t break a sweat when it comes to both.
First holiday memory?
I remember doing the Garden Route with my family when I was younger. It was the first big holiday for us and we were super-excited. We just took in the scenery all the way to Cape Town. I haven’t taken my daughters yet as my second one is too young to be in a car for that long at present.
Favourite place in South Africa?
Durban! I prefer the hot and humid weather. I love that tropical feel. Zimbali is one of my favourite places to visit.
Best holiday?
Two occasions stick out for me. The first was in Paris with my then-boyfriend who proposed on top of the Eiffel Tower. My husband is super-romantic like that. He made it extra-special because my parents and brother were there too. The second was in the Maldives where we went for our honeymoon. I would really rather sacrifice having expensive shoes and bags and rather save for a great holiday.
What have you learnt from your travels?
I’ve learnt when you don’t travel, you think what’s around you is all that exists. To see diversity really opens up your mind and I really want my children to grow up experiencing that.
Ideal travelling companion?
My husband without a doubt. He’s my best friend and the coolest person to be around. We have the best time when we are travelling.
Beach bum, culture vulture or adrenalin junkie?
I’m definitely a beach bum. On holiday, less is more for me. I hate going on holiday with people who have an itinerary. It has to be a a holiday where we do as little as possible so I don’t bungee and ski and do crazy things like that.
Greatest travel luxury?
My iPhone and iPad is how I stay connected when I travel. Plus all my music and videos are on there. Another luxury is accommodation which is 4- or 5- star. The worst thing is staying in a hotel with bad linen. I’ll fly economy so I can stay in a really nice room.
Holiday reading?
I don’t really read when I’m on holiday. I take magazines and catch up on fashion editorials.
What place has seduced you?
It wasn’t even on my list of places to go but I went to Chiang Mai in Thailand. The mountain city where I stayed at the Four Seasons. There’s also something that gets you in New York. Like a crazy adrenalin. The energy in that city is insane!
Worst travel experience?
I’ve been pretty lucky not to have a bad experience yet … There was an occasion, straight out of high school, when I went to Spain to work – sing and dance. The hotels were dodgy and I wasn’t paid on time.
Best hotel?
The Hilton in the Maldives had a water villa. The W (Retreat and Spa) in the Maldives was wonderful. We stay at The W at Times Square when we’re in New York because it’s a cool, sexy kind of hotel.
Favourite walk, swim, ride or drive?
I like walking. When I’m in countries that have a great public transport system, like London, I’d rather walk. Even when I’m in Los Angeles I try to visit Runyon Canyon Park.
Best meal abroad?
I loved everything I ate in Thailand. I’m obsessed with all things Asian. What got me in Thailand is that they like their food really hot – like I do.
Where to next?
I’d like to go to Japan or China. I haven’t been to that part of the world, so hopefully, towards the end of this year, I’ll get there.
l LeAnne Dlamini is a singer and fashionista who doesn’t break a sweat when it comes to both. This is clear with the recent release of her latest single, No Sweat, which she describes as “a playful take on one of the partners in a relationship being sexy and confident about winning the other partner back”. LeAnne’s as-yet-untitled new album will be released in October.
Saturday Star