IOL
TRAVEL FEBRUARY 2022
The Love Edition
Editor’s Note WHILE working on this, the first issue of the IOL Travel magazine for 2022, these words by Paula Bendfeldt, a writer and social media consultant, kept ringing in my head: “Travel opens your heart, broadens your mind and fills your life with stories to tell.” And it’s so true. Now working on a magazine that is all about celebrating love and the love of travel tested me because I had to dig deep to once again find the joy that travel brings. One of the joys was remembering walking around the Dubai Miracle Garden and seeing loved-up couples fully in the moment. There was an old Israeli couple who saw me take selfies near the moat and approached to ask if I could take pictures of them and offered to do the same in return. I obliged. We spoke for about 15 minutes after that and I found out they were celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary and the Miracle Garden was the only bucket list item on their trip. It was a beautiful moment of just
how amazing it is to travel with your partner, whether it’s to celebrate an anniversary, honeymoon or it’s your first bae-cation. And that’s what this month’s IOL Travel digital magazine is all about – celebrating love in some of the most beautiful locations in the world. We have picked amazing spas, hidden gems and the most romantic locations for you to enjoy with your partner. Whether you are travelling locally or abroad, we have great options for you to check out. Even if you don’t travel for Valentine’s weekend, you can still be inspired by the locations and types of travel we have included in the magazine, and travel later in the year. Let the stories we have written and locations we have chosen open your heart, broaden your mind and when you do get to travel, may your trip with your loved one fill your life with many happy stories to tell.
Buhle
Contents Why We Love Bae-cations The Most Romantic Travel Attractions Hidden Gems to Rekindle Love The Best Waterfalls & Hiking Trails for the Adventure Couple The Food Journey of Love- How to plan a delicious culinary trip? How to Host a Galentine’s Day 7 Valentine’s Day gift ideas for the travel lover in your life The Best Spas for Loved Up Vibes
CONTACT US PUBLISHER Vasantha Angamuthu vasantha@africannewsagency.com EDITOR Buhle Mbonambi buhle.mbonambi@inl.co.za DESIGN Mallory Munien mallory.munien@inl.co.za Dominique Owen dominique.owen@inl.co.za
“xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.” xxxxxxxxxxxx The picture taken by the Israeli couple at the Dubai Miracle Garden.
PRODUCTION EDITOR Renata Ford renata.ford@inl.co.za BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni Odayan keshni.odayan@iol.co.za SALES Charl Reineke charl.reineke@iol.co.za ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com
BUHLE MBONAMBI buhle.mbonambi@inl.co.za
Picture: Pexels
THERE’S something about going away on a break with your partner. It’s time away from everyone and everything that is a distraction. It’s the time you need to get your relationship aligned again, a time to heal and also a time to reconnect. We lead such hectic lives that when the opportunity comes to go on a vacation, no – bae-cation – with your significant other, you simply have to take it. There are many reasons why going on a couple’s trip is good for your relationship. Here are some of them: Shared travel experiences bring you closer You might share the same bed, the same living space, but that doesn’t mean you should overlook the benefits of sharing travelling experiences. Seeing the world together puts you and your partner in unfamiliar situations where you have to rely on each other’s strengths to navigate challenges. You learn to rely on your partner more and work together as a team. – Allianz Travel Healthier mentally Romantic getaways are good for helping couples reduce their stress levels. People need time away to unwind. Research has shown that people who take vacations or even a little time away from work are healthier. They experience less stress and are less likely to suffer from heart disease and strokes than people who never take the time for themselves. When people take vacations with their partner, both people benefit. They are also more productive at work when they return. – Wisconsin Medical Journal
Why bae-cations are great for relationships Sleeping in a new bed Studies have shown that changing your bedtime surroundings can do wonders for your quality of sleep, and one of the reasons for this is association. Even if your bedroom is a haven of peace, there is still an element of association to nights that you’ve lain there running through to-do lists in your head, with the same crack on the ceiling, or bedside an alarm clock you’ve looked at on sleepless nights. Being in new surroundings removes you from any associations that take you away from what should be your only thought – drifting off into a deep and peaceful slumber. – Psychology Today
Memory making Shared experiences create new memories that you can reminisce about when life is crazy, and when you don’t always feel you’re on the same page. Remembering the time you were in a foreign country without a translator might bring a smile to your face when you have an Uber driver who doesn’t speak your language. Or recalling the time you walked in the wrong direction during a downpour might make you laugh when a rainstorm takes you by surprise while walking to your car from the shop. Never take for granted shared experiences and memories. – Allianz Travel
Destination romance Dubai Miracle Garden, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
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Among the most romantic travel destinations are Singapore, Dubai, the Mald ives and Marrakesh. Here’s why...
The flowers all over the Dubai Miracle Garden immediately make one feel romantic, so much so that you have no choice but to sidle up to your partner and dream of being in your own fairytale. Take in the aroma around the park, while appreciating the brilliance of the living art, the moat surrounding the gardens and tuck into some froyo. Make sure you take a picture underneath the heart-shaped flower arch.
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SINGAPORE
The romantic love story of one Nicolas Young and Rachel Chu made us all fall in love with Singapore. Crazy Rich Asians sold the Southeast Asian island like no other book (or film) before and it made one long for a loved
up vacation in the city. Singapore is perfect for those romantic and cosy vibes. From luxurious hotels, and food stalls, to romantic gardens for lazy walks, it’s a city literally made for lovers.
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THE MALDIVES
With its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, luxury resorts and the promise of total relaxation, it is fast becoming the summer destination for South Africans wanting to venture abroad. The tropical nation is composed of 26 ring-shaped atolls made up of more than 1 000 coral islands – many still uninhabited. Spend your days lazing on your day bed or private infinity pool, go snorkelling or take a sunset cruise to see dolphins. These are just some of the reasons South Africans have fallen in love with the island and who can blame us?
t Marrakesh, MOROCCO For the couples who love history, culture, beautiful architecture and great food, Marrakesh is the ideal destination. And it’s suitable for romantic sojourns. Over the years, the north African city has become a favourite for honeymooners, thanks to the variety of things one can do in the city – from adventure, and relaxing walks in any of the gardens, to luxurious experiences and special cultural vibes. Not to mention the spas, which include traditional hammam steam bath, it’s perfect for a loved up romantic holiday. Pictured is The Oasis Spa at the Riad Be Hotel in Marrakesh. | Unsplash
Where to go to rekindle love AFTER a short scenic drive to the top of the Karkloof Valley and getting kitted-up, you can enjoy 10 zip slides with 12 platforms, the longest of which is 200m. Picture: ANA Pictures Archive LUTHO PASIYA and ALYSSIA BIRJALAL
WHY not go on the road less travelled this Valentine’s by exploring some of the hidden gems of South Africa? Here are our picks of the must-see regions that are unspoilt and perfect for a break that’s all about celebrating your love for each other. Karkloof, KZN Midlands Just 90 minutes from Durban, the Karkloof Canopy Tour will provide you with an unforgettable adventure, sliding from one
platform to another above a vast landscape of natural beauty. After a short scenic drive to the top of the Karkloof Valley and after getting kitted-up, you can enjoy 10 zip slides with 12 platforms, the longest of which is 200m. The platforms are built high in the forest canopy and offer different views of the surrounding forest. The bird life is incredible. We spotted emerald cuckoos, Knysna turaco and raptors. The forest is home to a variety of mammals, but it is the loud calls and fearsome tree swinging of the samango monkeys you will remember best. – AB
Valley of Desolation (Graaff-Reinet) The valley is a national monument that lies within the Camdeboo National Park. It is a unique Karoo landscape and ecosystem that surrounds the town of Graaff-Reinet, creating a type of oasis amid the aridness of the Karoo. This is the product of volcanic and erosive forces of nature over 100 million years. The breathtaking site is 14km from the town. The Valley of Desolation invites one to stay awhile or to pass through its features and there are walking trails that range from
The Valley of Desolation lies within the Camdeboo National Park. Picture: Pixabay
an hour to overnight hikes, as well as picnic sites for those who simply want to stare at the majestic escarpments, GraaffReinet is without a doubt worth a visit just for the charmingly restored Karoo-style homes and the historical buildings. – LP
Planetarium, Blesfontein Farm or a sunrise hike. – LP
Tulbagh has wine farms, mountains, valleys and laid-back charm. Picture: Ian Landsberg
SUTHERLAND in the Northern Cape. Picture: Ayanda Ndamane / ANA
Sutherland, Northern Cape There’s something super beguiling about Sutherland. Over the years, this hidden gem has gained popularity, mainly for its culture, history and stargazing. The town, which is home to about 2 000 people, offers stargazing in some of the destination’s most picturesque settings. According to Cheapflights, guided sessions are hosted almost every night throughout the year. For guests who want to sleep under the stars, camping proves to be a top attraction for guests here. Other activities to try in Sutherland include Sutherland
Tulbagh, Western Cape Tulbagh is just a 90-minute drive from Cape Town, offering guests spectacular wine farms, mountains, valleys and all-round laid back charm. Dubbed the fourth oldest town in South Africa, there’s plenty to see and do. Spend a day at wine farms like Saronsberg and Twee Jonge Gezellen to savour the wines and views. The more adventurous can hire a bike at The Tulbagh Hotel. The routes range from easy to difficult and include
pit stops for travellers to explore. If you want to spend the night, there are plenty of quaint accommodation options, some boasting spas and other lavish amenities. – AB Clarens, Free State Clarens is a foodie destination, offering delightful restaurants at every corner. After a morning of exploring, spend a few hours savouring the food offerings. Clementines, described as the most exclusive restaurant in Clarens, has a vast food and beverage offering, including oxtail pie and chicken pot pie. Or head out for an afternoon beer tasting at Clarens Brewery, one of the country’s first brew-pubs, cideries and distilleries. Its beers, including Clarens Blonde, English Ale and Stout, are among travellers’ favourite choices. The adventurous can try outdoor activities like abseiling, white-water rafting, ziplining and hiking. Clarens is one of those destinations that may seem small, but there’s so much to see and do. Known as the Jewel of the Eastern Free State, the town is in the Maluti Mountains. – LP
Clarens is in the Maluti Mountains in the Free State. Picture: ANA Archives
This Valentine’s Day let’s go chasing waterfalls BERNELEE VOLLMER bernelee.vollmer@inl.co.za
THE year 2020 saw a spike in the number of people who became hikers. With gyms closed, travel prohibited and barely any night life existing, many took to it with gusto. Clubs were formed and joined and we saw an endless stream of content, where many shared their weekly sojourns in nature. Many found love while on these hiking journeys, while others cemented their love for each other. We all dream of having a partner who is interested in the same activities we are interested in. Whether we are foodies, gym fanatics or adventure travel lovers, there is something great about doing an activity we both love. So if you and your Valentine are an adventure and adrenaline couple, this is for you: hiking spots and forest vibes that end with amazing waterfalls. There are few things as great as simply standing underneath the gushing water of a waterfall, getting a free back massage from Mother Nature, fully ensconced in her embrace. That is, before embracing each other, after a well-earned hike. Here are some majestic waterfall spots to explore in South Africa WESTERN CAPE Meiringspoort Waterfall in De Rust Meiringspoort Waterfall is in a small town called De Rust. It’s one of the town’s main attractions and is a must-see. It’s surrounded by magnificent mountains and scenic
views. There are also hundreds of bird species to delight in if you’re a bird watcher. The best thing about it is that it’s free of charge and everyone is more than welcome to explore its beauty. Whether you’re there for the view or a swim, the Great Waterfall is a gem waiting to be experienced. Duiwelsbos Waterfall Now I know the name sounds a bit crazy, but the waterfall is worth it. It’s near Swellendam in the Western Cape. This is for those who enjoy a bit of mystery before getting to the waterfall. There is a trail to take before reaching the waterfall. The trail popular for hiking, walking, running and nature trips. Jonkershoek Nature Reserve This nature reserve is in Stellenbosch on the Jonkershoek Valley road. It is surrounded by the majestic Jonkershoek Mountains and parts of the Jonkershoek valley. The rugged mountains, which form part of the Boland Mountains, are ideal for hiking enthusiasts. If you’re in the mood for a dip after your hike, there are four rivers found in the Jonkershoek Mountains, including rock pools, and most importantly, waterfalls. Cecilia Waterfall via Kirstenbosch Cecilia Waterfall via Kirstenbosch is a 6.8km loop trail near Cape Town. It includes a waterfall and a trail that is primarily used for hiking, walking, running and bird
watching. If you have a dog that is keen on joining the trip, they are also allowed to make use of the trial. Crystal Pools – Steenbras River Gorge This is an all-time favourite, especially for those who stay close to the area. If hiking is your sweet spot, then this is perfect for you. The hiking trail is considered challenging. However, the views and the rock pools along the way make it worth it all. Entry fee for the Steenbras River Gorge is R75 a person and the entry fee for the Steenbras hiking trails is R25 a person. GAUTENG Cradle Moon: Green Trail This exquisite trail is near Zwartkop in Gauteng. It’s a heavily trafficked loop trail that features a beautiful lake. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running and bird watching. According to reviews The trail is well marked and follows a circular route around cradle lake for visitors to enjoy. Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens With such a beautiful name comes a beautiful waterfall. The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens provide one of Gauteng’s sweet escapes. The hiking trail starts at the waterfall and there is lots to explore here, with great picnic setups and perfect spots to snap that selfie.
Picture: Unsplash
The waterfall is at the source of the Crocodile River, which flows into Hartebeespoort Dam in the Magaliesberg. West Pools Mountain Sanctuary Park If you’re looking for something easy for all ages to enjoy, this is it. The hiking trail is considered easy and if you’re in the mood to cool down and chill, there are fantastic rock pools to enjoy. This beautiful location is near the Magaliesburg in Gauteng. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking,and bird watching. KWAZULU-NATAL Paradise Valley Nature Reserve Doesn’t it just sound like a great place? Paradise Valley Nature Reserve, is home to one of the two national monuments in Pinetown: the Umbilo Water Works, built in 1887. It will take you 20 minutes to reach the gorgeous waterfall. However, it is advised that visitors avoid swimming as the Umbilo River is not known for its water quality. There are four trails in the reserve that start at the Interpretive Centre and you can make your way down to the picnic area. Krantzkloof Waterfall The beautiful Krantzkloof Nature Reserve lies along the Nkutu River gorge northwest of Durban. Visitors are able to explore a variety of fun activities, such as hiking, picnicking, wildlife- viewing, and wildflower-viewing. There is a fee to enter the reserve. Howick Falls Gorge Walk The Howick Falls Gorge Walk is another easy trail to follow and enjoy at the same time. The journey, it will take you though majestic riverine forest, grottos and meandering streams, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Natal Midlands. The waterfall is a sight to behold and be sure to take a dip while you are there. The walk is manageable for all ages and you can arrange a trail guide if you would like one.
The food journey of love LUTHO PASIYA lutho.pasuya@inl.co.za
FOOD tourism is a popular way for food and travel lovers to merge their two interests into an exciting adventure. What better way to celebrate each other’s love, than to go on a travel trip that celebrates your love for good food? After all, they say, the way to a lover’s heart is through their stomach. Imagine setting up your picnic in the middle of nowhere, digging into the food you have purchased from a farm famous for its produce? Or going to a small town with a restaurant that is spoken highly of? Either way, it sounds like an idyllic way of celebrating your love for each other, while gorging yourself on delicious food. So if you are planning a foodie getaway that your significant other will enjoy, consider these six tips before you set off on your culinary journey. Define your travel radius Decide how far you are willing to travel. Some people enjoy spending hours on the road, taking in their surroundings as they go. Others begin to get restless after a couple of hours in a vehicle. Schedule the journey Scheduling a culinary trip can be tricky. Delays can happen, some restaurants might be fully booked, and other unforeseen circumstances can disrupt the plan. Therefore, you should plan as much as possible, but remain open to spontaneity. Book accommodation, reserve in advance where you can, calculate travel time, and factor in other activities when
scheduling. Plan what foods you want to try Once you have your destinations in mind you can begin gathering a list of the foods you want to try and the flavours you want to explore. When you arrive, it’s likely you will find a huge range of flavours, dishes, and ingredients that weren’t already on your list. Keep a diary of your trip with a list of things you want to explore. Add to that a list of the new flavours you will discover. This is a perfect way to keep your notes organised, ready to recreate your favourite dishes once you arrive home. Get culinary travel tips from other passionate foodies Take advantage of the experiences of others. Join Facebook groups, or check review sites. You can also post on social media and ask for recommendations or seek advice from local food lovers. Review sites such as TripAdvisor can also give you an idea of how other travellers enjoyed certain restaurants, food tours, or cooking classes as well, though you need to use a critical lens when visiting these sites, as you won't know the tastes or experience of the reviewers, which may differ greatly from yours. Focus on understanding the local culture Although this is an opportunity to try exciting new dishes, a big part of your culinary travel experience involves interacting with foreign cultures and people. Food trips create the opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together through shared interests and experiences, and you should take full advantage of this. Several destinations arrange fun activities – trips to historical places, the local markets, street food tours, and dining with locals, among others. Prepare your food traveller’s kit with all your necessary supplies. When you are out eating street food or are just away from the comforts of home, it is important to not get stuck unprepared. If your stomach starts to grumble and it’s far from where you’ve booked for overnight accommodation, it’s best to have what you need to make the best of the situation. Don’t let a small problem ruin your evening or leave you in an uncomfortable situation.
Influencers who make us fall in love with travel BUHLE MBONAMBI, THOBILE MAZIBUKO AND SACHA VAN NIEKERK
OH, THE thrill of travelling. The excitement that comes with planning the trip, packing and picking out all the places that you
Melissa Brown. | (@melissabrownza)
want to go to. The excitement of making sure your camera and lenses are ready to document every moment of your trip to share with
friends, either in real-time or when you return. And yet that has been one of the things we really haven’t been able to do as frequently as we used to. The past 23 months have forced us to live vicariously through the brave people who found a way to travel during a pandemic. From the Maldives and the Middle East to Europe and parts of the African continent, these travellers reminded us just how much of the world there is still to explore and that even with a pandemic making travel difficult, it is still possible to do so. What these travellers have done is remind us that travelling is something that no one can take away from you. The experience and memories shall live with you forever. And while we may not travel as much as we want, we do enjoy seeing other people travel. We have hand-picked travellers who have inspired us to travel more, and thanks to them sharing their trips, we have added new destinations to our bucket list. If you are not following them, you should – this is why. Melissa Brown (@melissabrownza) Melissa Brown is a film-maker and photographer based in Cape Town who is passionate about travel, wildlife, and the ocean. Her Instagram and TikTok accounts feature visual storytelling of her trips and adventures, presenting wonderful sights and experiences in South Africa while motivating others to live an adventurous lifestyle. A video posted by Brown in 2019 actually inspired me to visit Inverdoorn Private Nature Reserve in the Cape. The scene depicted her sitting beside a crystal blue swimming pool, glittering under the sun, as an elephant approached her tent. It cheekily dipped its trunk into the water, splashing about to cool down. The next October, I road tripped with two of my sisters to experience the bush for myself. One of the best tips I learned from Brown’s travels is to appreciate the natural beauty of our country. – SvN
Thobi Rose (@thobi_rose) Thobi Rose, a champion of domestic travel, she is also a nature fanatic who has inspired me to fall in love with what South Africa has to offer. For her, it’s not just about about the experience. “Travel is not just the activities we do, the people we meet, the plane ride or road trip but it’s also the joy in the little things,” she says. “It’s the in-between moments at the ocean, watching the sunrise or sunset, hearing the birds in the morning, dancing to feel-good music in the morning and knowing that there’s really a God.” – TM Senzelwe Mthembu (@senz_m) Lamu in Kenya has been one of the destinations that a number of travel fans have been longing for. And one person who helped sell the Lamu Thobi Rose. | Instagram/@thobi_rose agenda is Senzelwe Mthembu. While she has travelled to many African countries, including Tanzania, Senegal, Rwanda and Botswana, it’s her trip to Lamu that has influenced me the most. Through her eyes, Senzelwe made me want to visit Kenya. Seeing how she interacted with the locals, going to the market, the boat cruises and so forth made me envious. She genuinely gives you an experience that makes you feel like you’ve been there too. – TM Sam Muchai (@muchaii) The Kenyan photographer has long used his skills behind the camera and drone to show the beauty of the continent, especially his country. I first came across his content while looking for African travel influencers to follow, and I immediately became enamoured with his images and videos that showcase the beauty of the continent like few can. His clever use of the drone allows him to offer a different perspective of his travels, and in the process, makes us see more of his locations. His frequent collaborations with content creator Natalie Tewa have resulted in both of them being regarded as leading travel influencers in the continent. – BM
Senzelwe Mthembu. | Instagram/@senz_m
Sam Muchai. | Instagram/@muchaii
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Valentine’s gift ideas for the travel lover in your life
From cookbooks to virtual experiences, there are plenty of ways to give the gift of travel – even if you can’t travel at the moment. | Unsplash NATALIE B COMPTON
LOVED and loathed, Valentine’s Day is a holiday that can bring stress or joy depending on whom you talk to. FOR some, that anxiety stems from
struggling to find the right gift for a loved one. If your loved one loves to travel, you’ve come to the right place. While vaccine distribution may give us a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel, it’s still not safe
to be taking your Valentine on a big, romantic holiday (although you can go ahead and plan one for the future). In the meantime, you can still appeal to their love of travel through a travel-related Valentine’s Day gift.
Here are some ideas: Cookbooks, beach reads and coffee-table books Add something to your loved one’s bookshelf that reminds them of their favourite places. That could be a cookbook that captures a destination’s flavours and stories. There are great contemporary and classic travel reads, too, such as Into the Wild or Black Girl in Paris, or beach reads such as Eat Pray Love. If your Valentine doesn’t want to do much reading, try a coffee-table book based on their favourite travel memories like Gray Malin: Italy or Patterns of India: A Journey Through Colors, Textiles, and the Vibrancy of Rajasthan. Eating, drinking and cooking What did your Valentine love to eat and drink on their favourite holiday? If they love to cook, special ingredients may be the perfect gift. Is your Valentine deeply devoted to tahdig from Iran? Surprise them with Kashmiri saffron. Valentines who miss the flavours and aromas deserve a special spice package. Maybe they need tools to recreate their favourite food from a past trip. That could be a molcajete from Mexico, a Japanese chef’s knife or a Lao sticky rice steamer pot. Conversely, does your Valentine hate cooking? Try ordering already made specialities straight from the source. On the beverage front, help them drink like they’re travelling by gifting something for their bar cart. A bottle of peated Scotch will trigger sensory memories of Scotland. If you went wine tasting together somewhere special, gift a bottle from the same region. Camping equipment The pandemic has inspired a new generation of campers. Whether your loved one is a seasoned camping pro or one of those who hopped on the bandwagon, gear that supports their hobby may make a great Valentine’s Day gift. There are about a million
Gray Malin: Italy and Patterns of India: A Journey Through Colors, Textiles, and the Vibrancy of Rajasthan.
different ways you could go with this one. You could get apparel to keep them warm or just looking cool, or camping cooking essentials. Virtual travel experiences While many won’t be able to go on a far-flung romantic trip on Valentine’s Day, they can virtually. Through the magic of the internet, take your loved one on a walking tour of Norway, a ravioli class in Capri, a yoga session in Delhi, or a free tour of New York that focuses on its historic love stories. Future trip experiences If the idea of a staycation just isn’t
Buy equipment and go camping with your partner. | Josh Hild from Pexels
cutting it, surprise your loved one with the promise of a future getaway. You can take advantage of savings now on trips to take later. Buy credits and vouchers or make bookings (very) far in advance with tour companies, hotels and experiences – just make sure they can be cancelled or rebooked. Travel-y toiletries Support your loved one’s self care with travel-tinged bath and beauty products. Plenty of the world’s beloved hotels sell their toiletries, candles and robes. You can also think of local bathing rituals from the places your lover loved to visit. Anything Bourdain Pay homage to the patron saint of travel while surprising your significant other this Valentine’s Day. There are a Bourdain: The Definitive lot of Bourdain Oral Biography by Laurie gifts to choose Woolever. from – whether its one of his classic books like Kitchen Confidential or something less well-known, like one of his graphic novels. For the chef in your life, there’s Appetites: A Cookbook, as well. | The Washington Post
The best spas for those loved-up vibes BUHLE MBONAMBI buhle.mbonambi@inl.co.za
IS IT EVEN Valentine’s without a spa vacation? Nothing gets one ready for the V-Day celebrations like a full pamper session at a reputable spa. If you’re still looking for a great spa location, here are some of our favourites we’ve written about over the years. They always deliver and are great for baecations and solocations, if you feel like some self love is what you need this month of love. Valley Lodge and Spa Driving into the premises feels like entering an oasis of peace. On the grounds of the nature reserve there are many intriguing animals, such as the Burchell’s zebra, impala, dassie, and bushbabies. There is also a river and dam with a variety of fish, such as yellow fish, catfish, carp, large-mouthed bass, vlei kurper and tilapia. But it’s the spa we are obsessed with. The spa hydra therapy
Summerfield Rose Retreat and Spa
centre is perfect for some luxury pampering. Imagine you’re dressed in white comfy robes in lazy chairs enjoying a glass of champagne while waiting for your treatment? The grey-and-white therapeutically decorated spa also boasts a mineral pool and jacuzzi. You can go for the luxurious 24gold carat facial or a full body aromatherapy massage. Follow this up with an all-day session of floating about in the jacuzzi. Location: 13 Jennings Street, Magaliesburg
Fordoun Hotel and Spa With 22 luxurious styled rooms and nine fully-equipped self-catering cottages. Fordoun believes its guests should leave their hotel rejuvenated and in good spirits. The spa features internationallyacclaimed treatments such as the rasul, a saline floatation pool, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a gym, sauna, steam room, hydrotherapy, and two couples treatment suites. Location: Nottingham Road, Midlands, KZN
The Valley Lodge & Spa
Fordoun Hotel and Spa
Sediko Bush Spa
Sediko Bush Spa Sediko Bush Spa is tucked away on the banks of the Limpopo river offering a haven to unwind, relax and revive the senses. The Sediko philosophy is to craft a circular sense of relaxation and spoil with a gracious culture steeped in hospitality, where elevated levels of service and attention to detail guarantee a sense of revival and renewal of body and soul. They offer a variety of hydrotherapy spoils such as Vichy and Razul chambers, milk baths, flotation pools, sensation showers, outdoor natural stone
baths, saunas and steam rooms. Their African and international facial and body treatments, performed by world-class therapists, will guide you to find your true African wellness, while our beauty services provide you with flawless finishing touches. Location: Palala Boutique Game Lodge & Spa, Heerenberg, Groblersbrug Summerfield Rose Retreat and Spa From tented suites to forest rooms surrounded by trees, birdlife and natural beauty, surround yourself with nature while on a wellness
retreat at Summerfields. Placing a major emphasis is on comfort, relaxation and romance, their ethos is to do anything that they can do to make your stay special. The spa is surrounded by bush-clad mountains on the banks of the Sabie River. Facilities include a steam room, Jacuzzi, swimming pool, Vichy shower, unisex change rooms and hydro walk along the banks of the Sabie giving meaning to the philosophy “Sanare per Aquam” which means “health through water”. Location: R536 Hazyview-Sabie Road, Hazyview
