This past winter in Bakuriani felt like something out of a dream—especially for us South Africans. There’s just something magical about snow when you’ve grown up with sunny Decembers and braais on Christmas Day. And this season, I got to experience that magic not only for myself, but through the eyes of some incredible South African content creators who visited Georgia for their own snowy adventures.
If you were watching closely, you might’ve seen some familiar faces popping up in white landscapes and cozy cabins. Let’s take a closer look at who was in Bakuriani this past season—and what they thought of it.
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Natasha Joubert – From Miss South Africa to Mountain Queen
When Natasha Joubert, former Miss SA, touched down in Georgia, she didn’t just bring her sparkle—she brought the full South African snow-glam energy. Her trip to Bakuriani was packed with laughter, fashion, and full-on winter wonder.
One of my favourite things she shared was her “What I Packed for a Ski Holiday” video—you can find it on her Instagram and TikTok. It’s super helpful if you’ve never done snow before (spoiler: layers are everything). She also showed off her RS Sunglasses by South African designer Rolene Strauss—worn confidently on the slopes, and yes, she made them look like the ultimate snow accessory.
She didn’t just stay indoors either. Natasha hit the slopes, tried her hand at skiing (you have to see the videos of her falling over and laughing), and went snowmobiling like a pro. One reel shows her completely covered in snow, camera-ready and absolutely loving it. Her fiancé—now husband—was behind the camera, laughing and cheering her on. It was relatable, hilarious, and pure gold.
You can check out more of her winter style and experiences on her Instagram: @natasha_joubert
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Maxine Marescia – South African Style, Snowy Memories & a Proposal to Remember
Maxine brought a warm energy to the cold. She might not have packed official ski gear, but that didn’t stop her from making the snow work for her. Her South African wardrobe — fur coats, leggings, and layers — showed that you don’t always need expensive gear to enjoy the snow and still look great doing it.
She gave us a look at what she ate (and what snacks she found at Spar!), shared honest reviews of the cold, and posted some beautifully understated moments. But the highlight? The proposal.
Yes — Justin De Nobrega proposed to Maxine in the snow in Bakuriani. Picture this: fresh snowfall, trees dusted in white, and a beautiful ring moment captured forever. It was stunning. Emotional. And totally magical.
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Justin de Nobrega – Dance Moves, Energy & A Big Yes
Justin didn’t just bring the romance—he brought the vibe. Between planning a picture-perfect proposal and exploring the snow with Maxine, he made time for what he’s known for: fun content. His TikTok and Instagram were alive with dances in the snow, goofy moments, and personality-packed reels that made you want to jump on a plane.
He made the whole experience look exciting, joyful, and full of energy—which is exactly what you want in a winter holiday. If you’re looking for a sneak peek of what your snowy getaway could look like (with a little rhythm), check out his pages:
@justindenobrega | TikTok: @justindenobrega
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Amike Oosthuizen – Country #75 & Ski Goals with Mom
Amike has been around the world—literally. Georgia was somewhere around her 75th country, and for someone who’s seen so much, it says a lot that she still found joy in Bakuriani.
She brought along her mom for this trip (her husband had to hold the 9-to-5 fort), and watching the two of them enjoy the slopes together was heartwarming. Amika actually knows how to ski—she’s done it before—and you can see her confidence in the videos she shared gliding down the slopes.
What stood out to me was how much she embraced every moment. From soaking in the villa sauna to showing her RS sunglasses on the slopes (yup, just like Natasha—South African brands making it to the snow!), her content was a perfect mix of cozy and cool. And yes, she even went ice skating, which was just another dreamy winter bucket-list tick.
Her page gives a great overview of what you can expect from a full winter holiday—plus, it’s packed with practical tips and fashion inspiration: @amikeoosthuizen
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RS Sunglasses – South African Brand, Georgian Slopes
It wasn’t just the people who made their mark — a brand did too. RS Sunglasses, designed by Rolene Strauss, popped up more than once on the slopes this year. Spotted on both Natasha and Amike, the brand even shared a post celebrating the creators wearing their sunnies in the snow — and our Bakuriani was one of the destinations.
It’s small, but exciting — seeing South African brands travel with South Africans, especially to places like Georgia, where ski holidays are still a dream for many.
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A South African Snow Dream
There’s something amazing about watching South Africans experience snow for the first time—or even the second or third. I remember watching Natasha’s family arrive and run straight into the snow, throwing snowballs like kids. There’s such an unfiltered joy in that moment—because for us, it’s not just another holiday. It’s a new world.
Whether it was skiing, snowmobiling, dancing in the snow, or saying “yes” in the middle of a winter wonderland—this season in Bakuriani showed us just how much magic is possible. And you don’t have to take our word for it. Go see it for yourself on their pages, their videos, their reels. It’s all there—raw, real, and waiting.
If you’re dreaming of your own snow-filled adventure, this might be the sign you’ve been waiting for.
