Hlaka Mamabolo’s Travel Secrets

Hlaka Mamabolo is the Creative Director at HxCloset, a travel-inspired male swimwear line founded in Cape Town in 2017. Hlaka recently travelled to the UK to enjoy the Wimbledon tournament and the European summer. Take a look at his favourite travel memories and his most recent picture gallery below.

Funniest Travel Story

After a lovely lunch along the River Dart, I actually forgot to pay the bill, I had already got so used to the self-service establishments in the UK but it was tricky coming from Cape Town where most restaurants are full service. I leisurely walked out of the restaurant (I thought I had paid for the food beforehand), only when I heard someone shouting “Sir” in a pool of tourists to settle my bill. I was so nervous that I ended up giving the manager a generous tip.

Your All-Time Favourite Vacation

This was my first long trip and my favourite part of it was certainly Wimbledon. Champagne, strawberries, fashion, sportsmanship. This has always been a dream and I do plan on making this an annual affair. See you next year at Centre Court,

Must-Pack Items

I am inspired by architecture, fashion, interiors, gardens, etc. I photograph so many objects that tell a story, therefore, my phone needs to always be fully charged 24/7 and power banks can achieve that. On average I take about 500 photographs when I am travelling…

Travel Motto

Travel is synonymous with education of life, always smile and always ask questions, in retrospect, the experiences will prove unparalleled.

Best Meal Eaten on A Trip

It’s really difficult for me to choose a particular meal, but I loved the range of freshly baked breads and wines at Le Manior aux Quat in the beautiful Oxfordshire, they were just heavenly and my love for Raymond Blanc keeps strengthening further.  I am so obsessed with Michelin Starred restaurants and chefs.