Brand Copywriter

Aspen Spies

Growing up in the foothills of the Drakensberg, Aspen developed a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature from a young age. Her adventures, ranging from riding her horse during snowy winters to hiking expeditions in Lesotho, swimming and fishing in icy rivers, and sleeping under the stars, instilled in her a profound love for the wilderness. Now, as a Copywriter, she blends her passion for the outdoors with her background in digital marketing. Having worked in both agency and corporate environments, she is content to be a part of the Mahlatini family, where she crafts stories that inspire others to unplug and connect to the earth and all the goodness it has to offer while championing sustainability and conservation.

Aspen was born in KwaZulu-Natal, and after living in the Cape for a few years, she returned home and met her husband. She feels truly blessed to live on a beautiful, third-generation working farm in this region.

After completing her schooling, she shipped off to the Cape, where she pursued her studies in both Stellenbosch and Cape Town. Following her academic years, she worked in the world of glossy magazines before transitioning to marketing agencies and corporate marketing for several years. Now, she is pursuing her passion for travel writing at Mahlatini and couldn’t be more excited to see where this adventure takes her—pun intended!

She has a deep appreciation for travel and a growing curiosity about the world and what lies beyond South Africa's borders. Whilst she has done a little bit of travelling, she wants to explore new places, taste different cuisines, and feel the earth beneath her feet on every continent. Knowing that she can help others achieve this without harming the environment, is such a rewarding way to spend her days.

Mahlatini Destinations Explored

Mozambique
South Africa
Botswana
India

Most Memorable Trip

My most memorable trip was to India. It’s a destination for restless spirits and adventurers willing to get lost in its bustling streets. The people are incredibly generous and kind too, among the best I've ever encountered. There's a wild yet beautiful energy that makes it undeniably exotic.

Top of My Bucket List

Sri Lanka. I never say no to a steaming cuppa, so this destination feels like a natural choice. Beyond that, this island ticks all the boxes, including delicious food, picturesque sights, lovely people, and a strong history. I have a deep passion for the Indian Subcontinent and its untamed beauty. The vibrant culture and diverse experiences offer a intoxicating vibe that I can’t wait to explore.

Favourite Safari Animal

"It's hard to choose, but I'd have to say ellies. They possess a remarkable wisdom and intuition that feels otherworldly. I find their family structure fascinating too—it showcases their strong sense of community."

Sundowner of Choice

"A Hugo Spritz. Add a splash of elderflower, generous pour of prosecco and a spot of soda with loads of fresh mint and lemon to a chunky glass. Pair it with a good sighting and you have touched heaven!"

Favourite Property

"Babylonstoren. I love their farm-to-fork mentality, and their beautiful origin story, which was eloquently expressed by the utterly iconic Karen Roos. As a fellow copywriter, I feel a strong affinity for the brand."

Top Travel Tip

It might sound a bit unconventional, but my travel tip is to practice grounding after you land. Various studies have suggested that grounding can enhance your sleep, strengthen your immune response, and help normalise stress hormones. So, the next time you touch down in a new destination, consider removing your shoes, finding a patch of bare earth, and reconnecting with nature; it's a simple act that could facilitate a faster return to equilibrium and vitality.

The Best Part of My Job

What’s not to love? I get to research stunning destinations and write about them all day long. It’s incredibly inspiring, and I dream about visiting each place myself one day.