Melissa Blanche

02/06/2026

Would you escape to a secluded eco cabin surrounded by mountains in the heart of Franschhoek? ⛰️😍

For my second Hidden Gem on BBC Lifestyle's Hidden Gems South Africa, we explored the beautiful Mont Esprit eco cabin, tucked away in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve, Franschhoek. 🍃

From breathtaking mountain views and hiking trails on your doorstep to relaxing in a wood-burning hot tub beneath the stars, this eco cabin offers a peaceful and immersive way to experience the Cape Winelands. 🤍

Two of my highlights were having a private chef prepare an incredible dinner for us right in the cabin, as well as experience a fine water tasting nearby (yes, a water tasting!), which made the entire getaway feel even more special. (And Franschhoek will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s also where Arno proposed. 🥹)

I cannot wait to share it with you. You can watch the full episode on BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) this Wednesday at 8PM.

And if Mont Esprit becomes your favourite hidden gem, don’t forget to vote after the episode airs. You can stand a chance to win a R10 000 weekly voucher from Lekkeslaap.co.za and a R25 000 voucher after the final episode. 👌🏽
Voting link: https://www.bbcafricachannels.com/hiddengems?country=ZA

P.S. Thank you to everyone who has been watching and supporting the show! 🇿🇦

18/05/2026

17/05/2026

Would you sleep here in an open-air suite, beneath the vast Cederberg skies? 🌌😍

For my very first Hidden Gem on Hidden Gems South Africa, we explored the incredible Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve in the heart of the Cederberg mountains. ⛰️

From dramatic landscapes and ancient Khoi and San rock art, to sleeping beneath the stars in their open-air Star Suite… this was one of the most unique stays I’ve ever experienced 🥹

I cannot wait to share it with you. You can watch the full episode on BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174) this Wednesday 20 May at 8PM 🤍

And if Kagga Kamma becomes your favourite hidden gem, don’t forget to vote after the episode airs. You can stand a chance to win a R10 000 weekly voucher from Lekkeslaap.co.za, and a R25 000 voucher after the final episode.👌🏽

https://www.bbcafricachannels.com/hiddengems?country=ZA

01/04/2026

I’m so excited to share my collaboration with BBC Lifestyle on their brand new show, Hidden Gems South Africa 🇿🇦😍

A travel series where we get to explore beautiful hidden gems across South Africa and share our experiences with you!

You can watch it on BBC Lifestyle (DStv channel 174), launching this May. 🤍

30/03/2026

Hop in Teddy, we’re going on an adventuuure 😍🍃

We truly had the time of our lives staying at Radisson RED (yes, they’re pet-friendly!) and cruising around Cape Town in a Cobra! 🍃

Memories I’ll cherish forever, thank you for having us ❤️❤️

📸: &

11/01/2026

05/10/2025

A cute ad I featured in for Radisson Hotels, with my boy Teddy 🐶 🥹 He did soo well on this shoot! Thanks to Radisson Red & team for an amazing stay ❤️
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPbKUHtkZeu/?igsh=MTN1Mm9yMGtoNDRkdg==
Radisson Hotels Radisson RED

18/09/2025

Some behind the scenes of shooting these beautiful coastal properties 📸🌊

Editing is a huge part of my workflow, so I wanted to share how much of a difference the ASUS ProArt monitor makes compared to a regular monitor. 👩🏽‍💻

With its 4K UHD resolution, 99% Adobe RGB, and Delta E < 2 colour accuracy (for the techies out there 😉), the difference in vibrancy and detail is clear, helping me deliver professional, quality content to my clients.

Visit this link to view their ProArt range: https://za.asus.click/ProArt_MelB👌🏽

03/07/2025

A few frames from the dreamiest little escape to Franschhoek 🥰 This town has such a unique charm with so much to explore.

Thought I’d share a few ideas for your next visit ☺️

🍃 Visit the Franschhoek Village Market on a Saturday
🍃 Hike Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve (3.5km to viewpoint)
🍃 Stay at Maison Bijoux Wine Tram Apartment
🍃 Explore the winelands on the Franschhoek Wine Tram
🍃 Visit the Huguenot Memorial Museum
🍃 Have dinner at French Connection Bistro
🍃 Walk along the main street filled with restaurants, art galleries and boutiques

…just to name a few 🤍

25/04/2025

Nature isn’t just therapy for the soul, it’s medicine for the body. It’s arguably one of the most powerful immune boosters known to us.

Simply spending time in nature leads to more vitamin D ☀️, lower cortisol (aka stress!), better sleep, improved circulation and a healthier gut microbiome, all contributing to a stronger immune system.

When I’m feeling a little run down or overwhelmed, I get outside and let nature do what it does best 🤍 And whether it’s a hike, surf, or beach stroll, I always pack a little treat from smul to fuel me along the way. Their snacks are filled with functional superfoods that support our overall immune health 😍

https://smul.com/