TRAVEL IOL SEPTEMBER 2022 HeritageMonth Be a vulture!culture
Beryl Markham
“Africa is mystic; it is wild; it is a sweltering inferno; it is a photographer’s paradise, a hunter’s Valhalla, an escapist’s Utopia. It is what you will, and it withstands all interpretations. It is the last vestige of a dead world or the cradle of a shiny new one. To a lot of people, as to myself, it is just ‘home’.”
The fact that we are celebrating both Heritage Month as well as Tourism Month this September is the perfect excuse to explore Mzansi and its countless offerings.
Of course, there is so much more to see with our historic sites, Sho’t Left offerings, Winelands and uniquely South African cuisine.Inthis edition, we single out a few getaways that help chase away that lingering mid-year mental and physical slump.
CONTACT PUBLISHERUS Vasantha vasantha@africannewsagency.comAngamuthu ACTING EXEUTIVE EDITOR/TRAVEL Debashine debashine.thangevelo@inl.co.zaThangevelo DESIGN Tanya tanya.fynn@inl.co.zaFynn ACTING EXECUTIVE EDITOR Debashine debashine.thangevelo@inl.co.zaThangevelo PRODUCTION Renata renata.ford@inl.co.zaFord BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Keshni keshni.odayan@iol.co.zaOdayan SALES Charl charl.reineke@iol.co.zaReineke ENQUIRIES info@anapublishing.com Contents 6 Sho’t Left spots to help you recharge those batteries Kruger National Park climbs in popularity as a leisure destination for South African travellers 4 of the best luxury wellness retreats in South Africa Heritage attractions that should be on your bucket list Tips from a concierge on exploring the mother city Three local luxury hotels where paw friends are welcome
The options vary in price range, catering for everyone's budget.
We also look at how the Kruger National Park, which is a major drawcard with international travellers, is now gaining popularity with the locals.
The cultural diversity and heritage of Mzansi create an insatiable appetite for more exploration. Yes, one of our biggest drawcards is the game drives and spotting the Big 5.
Editor’s Note
Of course, fur babies don’t go ignored as we reveal three local luxury hotels where their every whim is catered for. Talk about paw-fect!
I was reminded of this when I recently interviewed Viola Davis, who filmed The Woman King in South Africa, and she sang the praises of our country and its unparalleled sunsets, which filled my heart with pride.
And we point out four of the best wellness retreats that fit the bill perfectly when it comes to Sometimespampering.atipfrom an industry insider can elevate your travel experience and, on that front, a concierge points out the best way to explore The Mother City.
I hope this edition encourages you to celebrate the gems on our doorstep that not only leave you revitalised but hankering for a revisitSafetoo.travels!
Then again, everyone who sets foot on SA soil leaves with such cherished memories.
Debashine
The interior of Ghost Mountain Inn. | Facebook
Sho’t Left spots to help you recharge those batteries
DEBASHINE THANGEVELO
GhostKWAZULU-NATALMountainInn, Northern Kwa-Zulu
Dubbed Zululand’s finest country inn, this awardwinning hotel is in Mkhuze, Northern Kwa-Zulu
Natal
6
Guests can indulge in one of the packages: wildlife and boat safari or boat and spa. Other options include a hike to the top of Ghost Mountain where you can learn about the Battle of Tshaneni. Of course, the sunrises and sunsets are just breathtaking.
Natal.What is great about this spot is that you can choose between a pamper or adventure break, where you can explore the game reserves of Zululand. Also, it has a rich heritage.
No deadlines. No errands. No stress. That’s why this Heritage Month, which is also Tourism Month, we propose a Sho’t Left break. And we have earmarked a few spots, too.
sipping on some vino and putting your feet up while basking in a tranquil setting sounds heavenly right about now.
For more information, visit: https://www. ghostmountaininn.co.za/
Guests can stay at one of their various suites. Right now, they have a few packages on offer.
It was established in the early 1960s. Maureen and
Roy Rutherfoord opened up their family home to an increasing number of guests. Over time, the demand resulted in it being turned into a hotel.
WE ARE a few months away from the December holidays and a new year. Gosh, how time flies. Of course, while you are looking forward to unwinding, it is still some time away. In the meantime, the stress levels are dangerously high. Time has become a currency you have very little of. And I know the thought of
It’s family-owned, which means guests are offered bespoke experiences that leave an indelible impression long after the star.
This hotel has 22 rooms, unique in style and exudes opulence. But if you are looking for something a little more private, they recently added a self-catering farm village with 9 cottages, kitted out with all the amenities you would need
A stay here starts from R1 795 during offpeak times and R2 600 during peak times, for a minimum 2-day stay. And the 2-3 bedroom cottage starts from R4 515 during peak season and R 3 990 during off-peak periods.
for a home away from home experience.
Saving the best for last, the panoramic views of the Drakensberg immediately puts guests in a tranquil state of mind. And the country setting and fresh air help sustain the feeling during your stay.
This luxury boutique hotel and spa new Nottingham Road in the Midlands serves the best views, history and serenity.
Fordoun Hotel and Spa, Midlands
For more information, visit: https://fordoun. com/
The interior of Fordoun Hotel and Spa. | Supplied
The plunge pool at Leeu Spa by Healing Earth at Leeu Estates. | Supplied
Again, another perfect quick escape from the concrete jungle. Looking at the pictures, I can understand why they call it a slice of paradise. It looks every inch the part, surrounded by the harmonic sounds of nature and complemented by picturesque mountain views.
It’s celebrated as a Winelands gem, too.
And it does so with its premium five-star and two five-star boutique properties in South Africa’s Winelands: Leeu Estates, a five-star premium 23-room country house and boutique winery in the Franschhoek valley; Leeu House, an exclusive 12-room hotel in the heart of Franschhoek village; and Le Quartier Français, a romantic 25-room also located in the village.They have several packages available, depending on what you are wanting out of the break.
Languedoc Cabin, Stellenbosch
CAPE TOWN Leeu Collection, Franschhoek
ambience and being one with nature, as well as a braai pit and rock pond. It sleeps two and costs R1 800 per night, room only, and must be booked for a minimum of 2-nights. For more information, https://www.languedoc.co.za/visit:
My best, though, is the rustic wooden cabin, shrouded by 70-year-old liquid amber trees.
For more information, visit: www.leeucollection.com/SA/stayhttps://
The paddock suite is an openplan apartment with its own private parking that happens to be under an oak tree. It’s spacious and airconditioned. Guests can watch the horses from the patio, which also has
When it comes to location, it really doesn’t get much better than this. This haven is nestled in the heart of Franschhoek.TheLeeuCollection is the manifestation of the vision of founder Analjit Singh (aka BAS), who wanted to deliver an experience that is both sophisticated and unparalleled.
So what’s on offer? Luxurious rustic cabins or a garden or paddock suite. After all, guests love options.
But wine is definitely a great starting point, in my opinion.
The garden suite, which costs R1 300 for the room only, has a fully equipped kitchen and accommodates two people.
its own braai area. It costs around R1 400 for the room only.
The unit has a spacious verandah area, ideal for soaking up the serene
THE interior of a suite at Akabeko Boutique Hotel. | Supplied
Aside from the lack of signal in the room, the luxurious amenities make it forgivable for those truly wanting a break from everything.
This luxury hotel, which opened in early 2016, has a countryside setting. But don’t be misled into thinking it is plain. Not at all. This working cattle farm offers all the modern luxuries travellers are looking for.
Each suite, which accommodates two people, is privately situated within the gardens along the Hoppe River.
Olive Tree MagaliesburgFarm,
better known as the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Olive Tree Farm ticks a lot on the bucket list of travellers.
For more information, https://olivetreefarm.co.za/visit:
If you are looking to spot giraffe, sable, kudu, zebra, eland, blesbok and numerous other wildlife and bird life, this small private reserve makes it possible.
A stay here will cost you a pretty penny. But with a starting cost of around R11 000, it’s worth every cent.
For more information, visit: https:// akabekohotel.com/
AkabekoJOHANNESBURGBoutique Hotel, Mpumalanga
There are several stylish suites, a Kalahari Couples Spa room, an outdoor jacuzzi and local fly-fishing on offer. And if you are a golfer, the Golf Course on the property makes it a win-win situation.
A break shouldn’t mean driving for hours to get to a destination. That’s why Olive Tree Farm made the list. It’s a short drive from Johannesburg and it is the ideal weekend oneandisconservancy.partMagaliesburg,Locatedgetaway.inpicturesquethisplaceisofashared250hagameWhatthismeansthatifyouenjoywalks,hikesmountainbikeriding,thisisofthebestspotstodoitat.ClosetoMaropeng,whichis
Olive Tree Farm offers selfcatering as well as bed and breakfast options. But it is for a minimum 2-night stay on weekends or public holidays.
Akabeko Boutique Hotel has a countryside setting with all the modern luxuries guest want. | Supplied
And no expense has been spared with the design, which includes kiaat wooden floors and black marble, each with a fireplace as well as a mosaic sunken bath doubling as a small pool.
The interior of a suite at Olive Tree Farm. | Supplied
Kruger National Park a top leisure destination for South African travellers THE PARK OFFERS MORE THAN JUST GAME VIEWING
Consider that Lufthansa, for example, recently added a direct route from Frankfurt to the park.
“Wechildren.arethrilled that so many more visitors, South Africans especially, are seeing what we’ve known for some time – there is clearly more to the Kruger National Park than meets the eye,’’ Gillis said.
However, South Africa’s biggest game reserve is certainly also a top leisure destination for domestic travellers, and more so since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We are very grateful to notice an incredible uptick in bookings by locals. This spike started during the pandemic, of course, when South Africans were unable to travel internationally. But now, even with a return to normal in the travel space, we continue to see locals flock to the park – some with laptops as they take full advantage of the ‘work from anywhere’ phenomenon,’’ said Anton Gillis, CEO of Kruger Gate
The ark offers more than just game viewing. It also offers leisure activities such as golf, guided walking safaris, fishing, mountain biking, magical sunrises and much more.
BERNELEE VOLLMER
According to Thompsons Holidays, in the Kruger node, the company has achieved its 2019 room nights in just the first eight months of this year.
Anyone wishing to learn more about conservation in the area is advised to pop into the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. This centre provides care and rehabilitation for rare, vulnerable and endangered animals. This is a fun learning activity for families with young
THERE’S plenty to suggest Kruger National Park is a favourite destination for international travellers.
Popular activities in the surrounding areas include the Sudwala Caves, where thrill-seekers are able to explore the caves on a guided tour that includes wading through water, crawling through small tunnels and scrambling up and down rocks.
Those wanting to do day trips out of the park have a host of activities to choose from, such as excursions into neighbouring Mozambique or Swaziland, or visiting the stunning area called God’s Window. This area received its name due to its natural beauty that can all be taken in from one viewpoint. Visitors to the area who hike along a narrow pathway to the viewpoints will be rewarded with a view of the beautiful Blyde River Canyon.
“AHotel.tripto the Kruger has long been on many South Africans’ bucket lists and, with an increased push from destination marketing organisations to explore closer to home, locals have moved this trip towards the top of their lists, with many not only ticking it off once, but multiple times,” Gillis explained.
Thompsons Holidays goes on to say that Mpumalanga has a 5% province market share versus 4% in 2019, exceeding pre-pandemic numbers.Thesenumbers are further backed up by data from Cheapflights, a global travel search site that compares flights, hotels and rental cars. The Cheapflights data shows that there has been a massive increase in searches from South Africa to all airports near the Kruger National Park when compared with 2019.
• Implement capacity building interventions to ensure that small enterprises have the practical skills to effectively manage and operate their businesses.
Monitoring and evaluate enterprises on the programme to ensure that their growth and sustainability is achieved.Toqualify to participate in the programme small, medium and micro enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal must be operating in accommodation (hotels, resorts, B&B’s, lodges); hospitality (restaurants and conference venues not attached to hotels, professional catering, attractions) and travel and related services (tour operators, travel agents, tour guides, car rental companies, coach operators).Applications are open until October 7. Visit www. zulu.org.za to register.
• Assess enterprises to identify the gaps and interventions required for their viability and growth.
KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma said: “With limited participation of black entrants in the tourism sector, we realise that significant effort is required to transform existing businesses in the tourism sector and to grow the sector to enable more mainstream black-owned tourism businesses, of all sizes, to be established.“Bytransforming and growing the sector jobs will be “Thecreated.”rate of transformation in the tourism sector remains painfully slow, yet it is critical for the success of the tourism sector. Without transformation the growth and development of the industry is not guaranteed.”According to Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, the challenges in transforming the sector include lack of management skills which limits the potential and longevity of tourism businesses, limited access to finance and difficulty economic circumstances creating high levels of competition and an inability to maximise the efficiencies in various sectors.
• Identify and facilitate access to opportunities to ensure that small enterprises benefit from market share.•Develop an easy-to-use digital platform that enables operators to interact with their customers and set up online retail platforms.
TOURISM KwaZulu-Natal is reintroducing its Enterprise Development Programme and calling for small enterprises in the sector to apply for capacity-building support.Theprogramme aims to overcome the challenges that continue to hinder the transformation of the province’s tourism sector.
Targeting small, medium, and micro enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism sector, the programme sets out to:
• Identify existing and emerging enterprises and establish a database.
TRAVEL REPORTER
Tourism KwaZulu-Natal seeks to assist small tourism enterprises
Tourism KwaZulu Natal has established a Tourism Enterprise Development Programme which seeks to increase participation of tourism sector in KwaZulu Natal. operating
TourismEligibility:SMEs doing business in the following areas of the tourism value chain are eligible to apply for the 24 month programme: NB: All applications should be done online and accessible through the website www.zulu.org.za. The copies of supporting documents must be scanned in pdf and uploaded online against the application form. Closing date The online system of applications opened on 07 September 2022 and will close on 07 October 2022. No late applications will be accepted after the closing date. Enquiries: Mr Samora Nqweniso on: Samora@zulu.org.za / 0837906973 Thembalethu Mfeka on: thembalethu@zulu.org.za / 031 366 7542 • Accommodation: hotels resort properties, Bed and Breakfast facilities (B&B’s), and lodges. • Hospitality and related Services: restaurants (not attached to hotels); conference venues (not attached to hotels), and tourism attractions. • Travel and related Services: tour operators, travel agents, tourist guides, and coach operators. Application requirements • Proof of registration with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC). • Copy of valid tax clearance certificate issued by the South African Receiver of Revenue. • Proof that the enterprise has been in existence for at least one business financial year. • Copy of BEE Certificate or an a davit confirming the BEE status of the enterprise. • Proof of residence confirming that the enterprise is operating from and based in the KwaZulu-Natal province. • Certified ID copies of directors/members.
small, medium and micro enterprises in the
Applications are invited from interested tourism SMEs based within and
from the https://zulu.org.za/corporate/tourism-enterprise-development-application-form/province. INVITATION TO APPLY TO BE INCLUDED IN THE TKZN TOURISM ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME
Santé Wellness Retreat & Spa, Paarl
A hammam is a traditional Turkish bath package that includes 45 minutes of washing, traditional body scrubbing with a handwoven wash cloth known as a kese, a foam wash and a massage. The attendants usually provide visitors with a peshtemal, a thin cotton towel, to wrap themselves and a regular towel to use after bathing.
The restaurant serves delicious Turkish cuisine and a half-day couples package, the Royal Ottoman Hammam Indulgence, costs R 5 900.
The spa offers a multi-faceted approach to health
LONDOLOZI’S programme encompasses meditative game drives, sunrise qigong, an intensive programme of body treatments, sound healing, yoga nidra and time spent immersed in the silence of nature. | Instagram
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Hammam Turkish Bath & Spa, Pretoria
If you’re looking for a wellness retreat with hints of Middle Eastern culture, then Hammam Turkish Bath & Spa is the perfect place for you.
With Heritage day around the corner, we’ve compiled a list of five luxury wellness retreats in the country to help you connect with South Africa’s rich, multicultural and diverse backgrounds.
GLOWING PLACES
There are hammam, yoga and other treatments. The facilities include a rasul chamber, sauna, jacuzzi, showers and couples treatment room.
WELLNESS retreats are the highest form of “selfcare” and “me time” where you can switch off and forget about the worries of your life or learn healthy coping mechanisms on how to deal with stress.
4 OF THE BEST LUXURY WELLNESS RETREATS IN SOUTH AFRICA
If you are looking for activities to de-stress then you can partake in biking, bird watching, hiking, golf, horse riding, yoga and Pilates. A room at the retreat starts at R 5 615 a night.
Londolozi Game Reserve
Facilities include 16 massages, facial and wet rooms, two saunas, two steam rooms, two vinotherapy rooms, a yoga studio, a fitness centre, heated indoor pool and jacuzzi and an outdoor pool.The spa offers a hammam, Vichy showers, rasul, hydrotherapy baths and salt relaxation.
The word Londolozi comes from Zulu and means “protector of all living things”.
The reserve is in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, which borders the Kruger National Park, making it the perfect safari retreat luxury experience.
in the Cape Winelands.
Londolozi is home to the highest density of wild leopards in Africa.
Oxford Healthcare Retreat
The Health Optimising Royal Retreat offers a comprehensive health assessment and individual treatment plan, supported by specialist doctors and therapists. The Day Spa provides complementary programmes to help you rejuvenate, relax, detox, or support healthy ageing while the Bio-Energy Centre harnesses the healing and balancing attributes of magnetic fields, colour, light, and crystals.Sante’s menu contains no sugar, dairy, gluten, artificial colours, preservatives or additives, and uses fresh ingredients from the resort’s garden and local bio-dynamic produce.
There’s a lot to do at Londolozi, like game drives,
safari walks, daily yoga, community visits and village walks. The cost is up to R42 690 per room per night.
Some of Londolozi’s healing therapies and treatments include massage, aromatherapy, stone therapies, body activation, guided meditation and breath work, BEMER therapy and sound therapy.
Hammam Turkish Bath & Spa
The wellness retreat has three dedicated bodywork treatment rooms, a yoga Nidra and BEMER PEMF therapy room, a Himalayan rock salt heat cabin, a cold plunge pool and a yoga deck.
Each camp has its own dining areas and ingredients used in food preparation are ethical, sustainable, local, organic or free range where possible.
The Londolozi Healing House is where wellness experts, life coaches, wisdom keepers and shamans have created a range of retreats, activities and experiences designed to help travellers rejuvenate, restore, and transform.
The health-care facility offers kundalini yoga, flotation pool therapy, breath work, meditation and mindfulness classes, craniosacral therapy, reflexology, music sensorium, sauna, walking, qigong, shiatsu, massage therapy, psychologist consultations and nutritionist consultations.
You can also try out colour therapy, energy therapy, health optimising assessments and treatments, Kneipp therapy, lifestyle coaching, nutritional consultancy and sleep medicine therapy.
In the heart of Joburg, in Melrose, is Oxford Healthcare Retreat. The boutique wellness guest house is a specialist health care and stress detox facility.Ithas five private, luxurious suites with their own balconies and en-suite bathrooms. The tranquil and spacious retreat grounds also have ample space for relaxation and exercise, fresh air and sunshine while its multi-disciplinary team of healthcare professionals are available to look after guests around the clock.
A stress and wellness detox starts from R9 800 a person for four days and four nights.
Oxford Healthcare Retreat
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beautiful heritage. From mountains to rivers and little towns, each place tells a story of our country’s rich culture and heritage.
SOUTH Africa has some of the most beautiful places and landscapes in the world. This land is rich with history and is a constant reminder of our
POPULAR SPOTS THAT CELEBRATE SOUTH AFRICA’S HERITAGE
SOUTH AFRICAN ATTRACTIONS THAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR BUCKET LIST
The Khoi people called the Augrabies Falls “Aukoerebis”, the place of the Great Noise, referring to the Orange River thundering its way downwards for 60m in a spectacular waterfall.Thefalls are sacred to the Khoi who believe that a giant snake lives at
The Kruger National Park is one of the oldest and largest game reserves in Africa. It’s a favourite destination for safari lovers around the world.
(Left, main image)
The park was first established by the President of the Transvaal, Paul Kruger, in 1898. There are 254 known cultural heritage sites in the Kruger, including 130 rock art sites.
A visit to the Village Museum, a group of four houses dating from 1709 to 1850, which have been carefully restored and furnished in the original style, and the Rupert Museum focusing on South African art are well worth the while.
The Drakensberg Mountains, are the heart and soul of South Africa. It joins the Eastern Cape, Lesotho, Free State, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, making it one of the most popular destinations in the country.
Homo erectus roamed the area about 500 000 years ago, and cultural artefacts from 100 000 to 30 000 years ago have been found and confirmed. More than 300 archaeological sites of Stone Age humans have been found, making the Kruger National Park a place of great history.
the bottom of the falls. It is believed to be a powerful mythic creature with mesmeric eyes, shimmering scales and a huge diamond on its head for a crown.Thebeautiful story of Augrabies Falls shares Khoi and San history and heritage.
The Drakensberg, which translates to Dragon Mountains, is unique in that it carries a vast history of the first people who walked South Africa. The rock art at the Drakensberg was the work of the San or the Bushman. It’s a world heritage site that has the most extensive and perhaps most exceptional repository of rock art in the world, with close to 30 000 works.
The Mapungubwe Hill was the site of a community dating back to the Iron Age, believed to be a prosperous community as archaeologists uncovered the famous golden rhino figurine from the site.
KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, LIMPOPO, MPUMALANGA
Mapungubwe National Park is located in Limpopo by the Kolope River, south of the confluence of the Limpopo and Shashe rivers. It protects the historic site of Mapungubwe Hill, which was the capital of the Kingdom of Mapungubwe. It also protects the heritage of wildlife and riverine forests along the Limpopo River.
Stellenbosch is the second oldest European settlement in the Cape. Vine-cloaked fields, old oaks, and cobbled streets greet visitors, and charming Cape Dutch-style buildings are remnants of the cultural heritage this town has to offer.Stellenbosch is renowned for its fresh produce and flavourful wines which visitors can sample at a range of gourmet restaurants and cafés.
DRAKENSBERG, KZN
The region is one of the few places in Africa that has both meerkats and Nile crocodiles.
It covers the provinces of Limpopo and Mpumalanga and over 2 million hectares of African wildlife. Kruger National Park is home to The Big Five: lion, buffalo, elephant, leopard and rhino.
The park is managed by SANParks, and you can enjoy a self-guided tour of the park or experience a luxury safari stay at private lodges around the park.
AUGRABIES FALLS NATIONAL PARK, NORTHERN CAPE
MAPUNGUBWE NATIONAL PARK, LIMPOPO
STELLENBOSCH, WESTERN CAPE
TIPS FROM A CONCIERGE ON EXPLORING THE MOTHER CITY
SWIM with penguins at Boulders Beach. Ian Landsberg
CAPE TOWN
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He advised that you ask your concierge to organise a packed picnic basket and book an early morning drive to Cape Point after breakfast.
If you’re travelling for business or pleasure, be sure to make use of your concierge to help you with recommendations for the duration of your stay.
Jinoo said on Sundays, Capetonians have developed a tradition called “koeksister and akhni Sundays”, where home-based chefs prepare fresh spiced-coconut rolled doughnuts called koeksisters or koesisters and a type of wet briyani called akhni.
According to Jinoo, Boulders Beach and Cape Point are among Cape Town’s top nature experiences and must-sees for any visitor.
comes to food, Cape Town is famous for unique foods like the gatsby. The gatsby sandwich originated in 1976 in Athlone and is still enjoyed daily by locals across the city.
RELAX with spa treatments that will help you revitalise and give your body the perfect boost.
According to Jinoo, self-care should not be left out of your travel itinerary. “Every trip should include a massage, treatment or facial. Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront has a spa on-site, but should you be staying somewhere else and need to book something, your concierge can do this for you, too,” he said.
the city’s food culture by enjoying a gatsby like the locals.
A concierge or host’s role is to be on call for guests and share information on the best things to do in the city and beyond. They provide a wealth of knowledge to help visitors plan activities and build detailed itineraries for the duration of their stay.
“The final destination will be the ‘art square’ in Church Street, which houses The Cape Gallery, Worldart Gallery and CHURCH projects, among other art shops. These galleries and the exhibits within them offer a wonderful reflection of the past, current and future-looking culture and social conversation among Capetonians,” saidWhenJinoo.it
Here’s a guide from Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront’s concierge, Yusuf Jinoo, for visitors to explore Cape Town.
“It might seem like a far drive for those staying in the city centre and surrounds, but it’s worth it! Starting your itinerary with the more outlying experiences across the Western Cape ensures that you’re giving yourself the time required to adequately enjoy these full-day experiences,” said Jinoo.
CELEBRATERitchie
| Supplied
“Locals drive out to purchase these from their nearest seller and enjoy the dishes with family and friends for the day. Have your concierge book an ‘eat like a local’ experience for you to enjoy gatsbys, Shisanyama or koeksisters, akhni and more,” said the concierge.
According to Jinoo, local art lovers in the know have coined parts of the CBD as a free art hub of sorts, and your concierge will be able to help you plan your route, from Buitengracht Street down through Bree Street, with a few side street stops along the way.
If you are looking for a Cape Town cultural experience, he said the city had much to offer a budget-conscious traveller.
“Your first activity could be a morning hike to one of the shipwrecks within the reserve. On your return, stop along the way for a scenic picnic before heading down to the restaurant for photos with the resident baboons and ostriches and a refreshing drink,” said Jinoo.
TRAVELLING anywhere can sometimes seem like a daunting experience, especially if you are travelling for the first time. Sometimes you need advice on where to go, what to eat and what to do from a trusted source.Why not solicit some tips from a hotel concierge or your accommodation host?
CAPE Town’s city centre comes alive with dozens of art galleries staying open late along with cultural events that go on into the night. | David
The Cellars-Hohenort
seaside hotels.
The Plettenberg
It boasts 51 elegant guest rooms and suites with breathtaking views of South Africa’s iconic Table Mountain range and the property’s extraordinary gardens.
The Cellars-Hohenort Hotel & Spa is in what is known as “Cape Town’s Vineyard”, the historical Constantia Valley, a short 15-minute drive from Cape Town’s city centre and V&A Waterfront.
3FACTORWOWBOWTHElocalluxuryhotelswhere
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As such, Liz McGrath Collection of small luxury hotels has provided a list of its pet-friendly hotels in order to commemorate the day and bring awareness to the well-being of animals.
It is located on Hermanus’ famous cliff path, overlooking breathtaking Walker Bay in the Western Cape’s Overberg region. This Small Luxury Hotels of the World property is the ultimate location for whale watching during whale season, most often directly from the comfort of the sea view bedrooms.
The hotel has 35 beautifully appointed rooms and two family-style villas and showcases the most
TRAVELLING with a furry friend can be difficult at times as not all destinations are friendly to pets. Dogs provide safety and companionship, so it’s a no-brainer that you would want to take your pet along whenever you can.
The Marine
The Marine is one of South Africa’s most spectacular
The on-site restaurant, The Conservatory, offers guests an unforgettable culinary experience. To ensure a comfortable stay, the hotel further features a “Fresh Wellness Spa”, two pools, a gym and a tennis court.
It features Carchele Beauty Spa, which is a fullservice spa that offers basic and signature treatments.
International Dog Day is marked across the globe to encourage adoption at rescue centres, such as the SPCA, PAWS in Plett, (Plett Animal Welfare Service), and Hout Bay’s local charity DARG (Domestic Animal Rescue Group), rather than buying dogs from pet shops andHerebreeders.arethree local five-star luxury hotels that are more than ready to welcome you and your children and spoil your pets with treats.
THE Restaurant at The Plettenberg where patrons can enjoy breathtaking views. | Instagram
The Plettenberg, on a rocky headland in Plettenberg Bay along the famous Garden Route, is the ultimate South African seaside escape.
you can sit, stay and play with your furry friend
THE Marine has stunning views of the seaside. | Instagram
Guests may enjoy world-class cuisine courtesy of The Restaurant at The Plettenberg, where fresh seafood is the order of the day.
These include slow-cooked lamb and chunky sweet potato, smashed peas and chicken thigh with basmati rice, or treats such as “pooched” hot dogs or homemade peanut butter and oatmeal dog biscuits.
The Marine in Hermanus and The Plettenberg boast unrivalled positioning that beckons for beachfront walks, a splash on the shoreline and hours of outdoor activities for children and pets.
spectacular vistas in Southern Africa, with views of the ocean, mountains and endless stretches of golden sand.
ENJOY a beautiful lawn at the Cellars-Hohenort hotel’s garden with your children and pets. | Instagram
At the three hotels, guest rooms with terraces and balconies are perfectly suited to guests travelling with their pets. On arrival at check-in, pets receive a welcome treat, along with a dog menu with options of various healthy and tasty meals.
Small and medium-sized dogs are welcome to dine with guests on hotel restaurant patios, while the five-star service continues with the finest pet-friendly accommodation, complete with special bedding, toys, food bowls and a doggy menu.
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