Cape Town’s tourism, hospitality, business, arts and culture communities gathered at the International Hotel School in Salt River on Friday evening, 5 June 2026, for the highly anticipated soft launch of the Jetsetting with Janet Immersive Culinary Experience, a unique new concept designed to bring people together through food, storytelling, travel, wellness, culture and meaningful human connection.
The event marked the official beginning of a strategic partnership between Jetsetting with Janet and the International Hotel School, creating an innovative platform where culinary tourism, experiential learning and cultural exchange come together around one table.
Hosted by travel and lifestyle curator and businesswoman, Janet Pillai, the evening welcomed a distinguished audience of tourism professionals, entrepreneurs, hospitality leaders, creatives, media personalities, arts practitioners and cultural tastemakers, all eager to experience a concept that challenges traditional dining by placing participation, connection and storytelling at its heart.
From the moment guests arrived, there was a tangible sense of excitement in the room. Warm welcomes, engaging conversations and the aromas of fresh ingredients set the tone for an evening that celebrated not only food, but the people, cultures and stories that shape South Africa’s rich tourism landscape.
“This evening was everything I hoped it would be and more,” said Pillai.
“When I first imagined the Immersive Culinary Experience, I wanted to create something that went beyond simply enjoying a meal. I wanted to create a space where people could connect with one another, learn something new, share stories and leave feeling inspired. Watching that happen in real time on Friday evening was incredibly special.”
A key component of the experience was the involvement of students from the International Hotel School, one of South Africa’s leading hospitality and tourism institutions. With more than 30,000 graduates having passed through its doors and a graduate placement success rate of 94%, the school has long been recognised for producing industry-ready professionals who contribute meaningfully to the hospitality sector both locally and internationally.
Throughout the evening, students worked alongside guests, guiding them through the preparation of various elements of their meals while sharing insights, techniques and practical knowledge.
Rather than simply being served dinner, every guest became part of the culinary journey.
Under the guidance of the International Hotel School team and students, attendees rolled up their sleeves and actively participated in creating their supper. The experience transformed strangers into collaborators and conversations into meaningful connections as guests explored flavours, ingredients and culinary traditions together.
“We wanted people to become part of the experience rather than simply observe it,” said Pillai.
“When people cook together, they naturally connect. They share stories, exchange ideas and build relationships. There is something incredibly powerful about creating a meal alongside someone you’ve just met. That spirit of connection is exactly what this concept is about.”
One of the evening’s most memorable and emotional moments was the tribute paid to renowned arts and culture leader Marlene le Roux, whose remarkable life journey and advocacy work have inspired generations of South Africans.
Guests were introduced to a specially crafted signature non-alcoholic cocktail named The Marlene, created in her honour. The beverage featured carefully selected ingredients including rooibos and pomegranate, chosen for both their flavour profiles and wellness benefits.
Receiving the tribute, Le Roux expressed her heartfelt gratitude.
“As a polio survivor, there have been many moments in my life when I have had to fight to be seen beyond my disability,” said Le Roux.
“To be recognised in this way is deeply touching. What means even more to me is the thoughtfulness behind the gesture. The ingredients selected for The Marlene are not only delicious but considerate of my health and wellbeing. Rooibos and pomegranate are both wonderful choices, and I feel incredibly honoured that something so personal was created in celebration of my journey.”
Le Roux added that the evening served as a reminder of the importance of inclusion and recognising the value every person brings to society.
“Being seen, acknowledged and celebrated is something we all need. I am grateful to Janet and everyone involved for creating a space where stories matter and where people are celebrated for who they are and what they contribute.”
For Pillai, honouring Le Roux was a natural and important part of the evening.
“Marlene is a woman who has consistently transformed challenges into opportunities,” she said.
“Her resilience, leadership and commitment to uplifting others have made a profound impact on our country. Honouring her was not only a celebration of her achievements, but a reminder that courage, authenticity and determination can change lives.”
The evening also featured a wine presentation by Pieter Badenhorst, the unveiling of key brand partnerships, culinary demonstrations, networking opportunities and discussions centred around tourism, culture, heritage and collaboration.
As conversations flowed across tables, guests explored the deeper relationship between food, travel and cultural identity, reflecting the broader vision behind the Jetsetting with Janet brand.
“Travel is about so much more than moving from one destination to another,” said Pillai.
“It is about understanding people, appreciating culture and creating meaningful memories. Food has always been one of the most powerful gateways into those experiences. Through this concept, we want to create opportunities for people to discover cultures, celebrate diversity and build genuine relationships.”
For the International Hotel School, the partnership provides an exciting opportunity to further enhance experiential learning for students while strengthening links between education and industry.
Lynn Naidoo, Managing Executive of the International Hotel School, said the event perfectly demonstrated the value of immersive learning experiences.
“Our students benefited enormously from being part of this initiative,” said Naidoo.
“They had the opportunity to engage directly with professionals from across tourism, hospitality, business and the arts while applying their skills in a real-world environment. These experiences build confidence, professionalism and industry readiness in ways that traditional classroom learning alone cannot achieve.”
Naidoo added that the school remains committed to creating opportunities that prepare students for successful careers in a rapidly evolving industry.
“With more than 30,000 graduates and a graduate placement success rate of 94%, we understand the importance of exposing students to innovative industry experiences. Partnerships such as this one with Jetsetting with Janet allow our students to expand their networks, gain practical experience and develop the human-centred skills that define exceptional hospitality professionals.”
As the evening drew to a close, guests remained long after the formal programme had ended, continuing conversations, exchanging ideas and reflecting on an experience that successfully blended culinary exploration, cultural storytelling and community building.
“The energy in the room was extraordinary,” reflected Pillai.
“There was a genuine willingness from everyone to connect, collaborate and celebrate one another. We set out to create an experience beyond the plate, and Friday evening proved just how powerful that can be. This is only the beginning, and I am incredibly excited for what comes next.”
The successful launch signals the beginning of a new chapter for experiential tourism and culinary storytelling in Cape Town – one where food becomes a catalyst for connection, cultural discovery and lasting memories.
About Jetsetting with Janet
Jetsetting with Janet is a travel, tourism and lifestyle platform dedicated to showcasing authentic experiences through storytelling, cultural exploration and meaningful connections. Through immersive events, curated experiences and strategic collaborations, the brand celebrates the people, places and traditions that make travel transformative.
About the International Hotel School
The International Hotel School is one of South Africa’s leading hospitality and tourism education institutions, recognised for producing highly skilled graduates who excel across the local and international hospitality industry. Through innovative learning programmes, industry partnerships and hands-on training opportunities, the school continues to develop the next generation of hospitality, tourism and service industry leaders.
