travel
Fabulous international and local escapes and retreats
JOIN US... Rio’s beautiful beaches beckon Great places to stay in South Africa 5 movies to inspire your journey
PLUS: Exclusive travel offers for Club members!
41777/ECM/R2
PAY FOR YOUR MANGO FLIGHTS USING YOUR SAA VOYAGER MILES
Mango gives you the choice and flexibility to use your SAA Voyager Miles on all Mango flights in full or a part of. So, this means if you’re paying for a fare and are short on SAA Voyager Miles, the remainder of the cost can be paid using your Edgars Thank U Account Card. PLUS Edgars Club Members receive super discounts on Mango flights! Whether it’s from Durban to Cape Town, George or even Zanzibar, with Mango, SAA Voyager and Edgars you have more choice than ever before. Visit flymango.com and book today!
Terms and conditions apply
ed’s note travel
8
2
1
9
The depths of winter is the perfect time to start thinking about your next holiday. Whether it’s the heady megacity of Rio or a more low-key local escape, we put together this incredible supplement to show you all the amazing destinations that you as a Club member can visit – so add them to your bucket list! You might even find that our inspirational movies point you in the right direction. Best of all, when you book one of these awesome deals via the Travel Desk it will all happen for you efficiently and easily – so your holiday is stress-free from the get-go. All this and more and you pay as little as R29 per month. Happy travelling!
5
l o co ht of Heig
3
hot destination rio de janeiro
, ening the happ of t and gacity more me ly, ho ch y, hil o is the so mu string Head eir ers ls in de JanAnd it off and gir Nulty. Rio nt. juice et Mc w momecoconut s Bridg Lou iAAn than inis, say Adr hy bik Pho
tog
raP
7
6
4
No holiday is complete without a curated travelling wardrobe. The trick is to journey comfortably without sacrificing style. Layers are key (think leggings, tunics and lightweight sweaters), especially for long-haul flights. Keep your favourite glossy lipstick, prettiest fragrance and hard-working cosmetics close to hand. And when it comes to packing, follow these simple tips: check the weather, choose a colour palette, make a list, filter out the non-essentials and remember your accessories. from left top: 1. TOPSHOP SUEDE-BACKED TOTE (see in-store for pricing) 2. ADVENTUROUS ESCAPE 3. Dior Addict Lip Glow 004 Coral R405 (EXCLUSIVE TO EDGARS) 4. KELSO TUNIC R299.95 5. RIO DE JANEIRO 6. ANKLE BOOTs R399.95 7. FREE 2BU CORDUROY LEGGINGS R229.95 8.ROMANCE IN UMHLANGA 9. CLARINS EAU DYNAMISANTE R680
Content director Justine Stafford Editor Emma Wright Group art director Stacey Hendrikse Fashion director Anja Joubert Managing editor Desiree Kriel Beauty editor Lameez Hendricks Beauty assistant Rosie Goddard Junior fashion editor Candice Robinson Fashion assistant Robyn Ueckermann Sub-editors Mariola Fouché, christine van deemter Proofreader Liza West Afrikaans translation Erla Rabe, cila de caprio Cover photography adriaan louw Stills photography Sébastien Rohner, Andre Wepener Group account director Sam Stevens Account manager Delicia Krause Advertising director (JHB) Moyra Beeming 011 895 0402 Advertising manager (CPT) Estelle Dietrich 021 486 7609 For Edgars: Marketing manager Belinda Godfrey CRM marketing manager Cameron Burt Publications manager Sumeera Dawood Publisher John Brown Media South Africa John Brown Media SA, 2nd Floor, Block A, North Side, Black River Park, Fir Street, Observatory 7925 PostNet Suite #2, Private Bag X11, Mowbray 7705 | email: edgarsclub@johnbrownmedia.com | tel: 021 486 7600 fax: 021 486 7614
ON HAND TO HELP
For a cosmopolitan party
Istanbul boasts some pretty cool bars on the Bosphorus waterfront, and a host of friendly locals who are happy to party. Add a few Turkish pastries, Byzantine architecture to die for and souks you’re happy to get lost in, and you’ve got a city holiday second to none.
For an unforgettable historic adventure
It’s been just more than 500 years since the tropical city of Trinidad was founded, and although its glorious architecture harks back to the days of vast sugar plantations and slavery, today this jewel in Cuba’s crown is a gentle, cobbled haven. As a Unesco world-heritage site, it’s a historian’s ultimate destination.
places to go this year
While Rio de Janeiro has been drawn into focus because of the upcoming FIFA World Cup and Olympics, these destinations are just as intriguing. Here’s why…
to get away from it all
For design of the times
Capetonians have always been smug about the natural prettiness of the city. Now there’s even more to crow about. As 2014’s World Design Capital, Cape Town has license to flaunt the very best of its sustainable city art projects.
Nicaragua is fast becoming the flavour of the year – and with reason. Beautifully preserved colonial towns and miniature islands off the coast, where fresh lobster and hammocks are the order of the day, make this destination irresistible.
For sheer urban beauty
The Canadian city of Vancouver has been called the supermodel of North American cities. With its rainforests, majestic mountains, glass skyscrapers that tower over the waterfront, and outdoorsy people who are more likely to be smiling and cycling than scowling, it’s easy to see why.
Pack away the Wii and switch off Cartoon Network. There are so many outdoorsy things to do with your kids during winter. Whether your family’s idea of fun is teeing off on a golf course, tubing down a river or enjoying a lavish, hassle-free hotel brunch without any distractions, you can plan your holiday with the help of Edgars Club Travel Desk Get in touch today to find out about the latest special offers. Call 0861 22 94 63 (from South Africa) or 27 21 709 6353 (from outside South Africa) or send an email to edgars@traveldesk.za.com
news travel samsonite spinner SUITCASE, R2 459
an expert CHECKS in
1 2 3
Travel tips from Sonya Schoeman, editor of Getaway magazine
Invest in two pieces of luggage: one good-looking, heavy-duty weekend-away bag, and one larger, more solid, distinctive suitcase on roller wheels for longer trips.
Sea you there!
Photography: supplied. terms and conditions apply. visit edgarsclub.co.za
If you’re a little jaded at the thought of yet another beach villa on a paradise island, channel your inner millionaire and consider this exceptional idea. At a partly submerged hotel off the coast of Zanzibar, you can sleep below the surface of the sea without having to slip into your bikini. The Manta Underwater room bobs about 250km off Pemba Island, which means this floating three-storey wedge of privacy is unrivalled.
Understand what kind of establishment you’re visiting and ensure you are prepared for any extra expenses. Also remember to be courteous to staff at all times.
wedding in Joburg? HOT DATE FOR the Durban July? family reunion in Cape Town? holiday to zanzibar? Edgars Club members, pay with your cash or debit card and save 10% on selected Mango flights. If you pay with your thank u card, you can pay it back over six months and get a 2% discount (not available to edgars cash card holders). did you know? When a plane climbs into the sky, the change in air pressure numbs our taste buds. That’s why airlines add generous amounts of spices and salt to their meals.
Pack a medical emergency kit. Trust me, you don’t want to be trying to explain a weird rash to a Peruvian chemist who doesn’t speak English, while loads of locals look on.
WATERTIGHT HOLIDAY SOLUTION Victorian playwright Oscar Wilde stayed at The Savoy in London in 1893. The hotel was one of the first to have plumbed-in washstands with running hot water. But Wilde wasn’t impressed. “What is it good for?,” he mused. “If I want hot water, I call for it.” At today’s popular Tsogo Sun resorts, you can call for so much more. (Plus, hot running water is always guaranteed!) * Edgars Club VIP and Club Life members get 10% off on weekend bookings at Tsogo Sun.
o o c f o t h g i e H
l o
hot destination rio de janeiro
ing, n e p hap ty of the d n a e ci , hot e mega ch mor y l l i u h h t , n ri g is om dy Hea aneiro offers s rls in st it lty d gi de J R i o e n t . A n d u i ce a n e t M c N u j w m o m co co n u t y s B r i d g Lo u a n s aan a , i h r is t y Ad bikin graph Photo
hot destination rio de janeiro
‘t
But be warned – getting a happy snap of this towering masterpiece requires a bit of effort. For starters, there’s the ride on an electrically powered cog-train before climbing what seems like a million steps (or taking a series of elevators and escalators, if that’s more your style) to the feet of the serene statue. And as Christ’s calm face gazes over the city, down below are the sprawling favela slums of Rio, in sharp contrast to the luxury high-rise apartments, the legendary football stadiums, and all and tan Guanabara Bay with its scattered and young islands and boats. and lovely, It’s true, the favelas are impossible the girl from to ignore. Nor should you want to. Ipanema These urban shanty towns are famous goes walking. in Rio, not only because they stretch And when on as far as the eye can see, but also she passes, each one she passes because they are home to many of goes aah…’ Legendary singer and the best samba schools in the world. womaniser Frank Sinatra crooned Despite their reputation for being about a particular girl, but it’s nearly violent hotbeds of drug-gang warfare, impossible to visit Rio – the city that they are also brightly coloured and full inspired the song – and not go aah… of energy. Whether this is in reverence at one of Away from the shanty towns, Rio is the many churches or religious icons a complete show-off when it comes to dotted around the city (sometimes dramatic rises and uphill journeys. In in the most the early evening, unexpected rest against the places), or in quay wall at the Talk about an overachiever – Rio de wonder at the foot of Sugarloaf Janeiro has not only been named the ridiculously Mountain (Pão host for the final match of the 2014 FIFA de Açúcar) – gorgeous beaches World Cup (at the Maracanã Stadium, is up to you. But a 20-minute taxi where the 1950 FIFA World Cup final one thing’s for drive from Cristo was held), but also the 2016 Summer sure: Rio is not Redentor – with Olympics and the Paralympics. This is a city that leaves some deep-fried the first time a South American nation is sardines and many visitors hosting the Olympics, and Rio is ramping you’ll understand underwhelmed. up for the occasion in style. Choosing why. Here, green your flavour of hills cascade into overwhelmingness the Atlantic, meeting the setting sun can be a tricky decision, though. as the last cable cars sway against the Ask one of the carioca (Rio locals) luminous skyline. for their must-see list and they – Catch one of these cars to the top of along with the rest of the world Sugarloaf and infuse your senses with – will enthuse about Christ the the most extraordinary sunset views an Redeemer (Cristo Redentor). The Instagrammer could wish for. concrete-and-soapstone statue with The three-minute journey itself is outstretched arms that looms over Rio pretty spectacular – affording you from the top of Corcovado Mountain is 360-degree views over the city as the one of the world’s most-photographed gondola glides seamlessly along the landmarks ever. route between Pão de Açúcar and
city of the future
Rio is a complete show-off when it comes to dramatic rises and uphill journeys
hot desination rio de janeiro its neighbouring peak, Morro da Urca. It’s a trip you’ll remember for years afterwards… especially if you’re afraid of heights. Once on top of Sugarloaf, it’s really all about soaking up the splendour of the city. There’s an old saying about Rio: God created the world in six days – and on the seventh day, he created Rio. When you have a bird’s-eye view of the city’s abundant beauty, it’s not hard to see why. For starters there are the beaches – oh, the • The Rio Carnival is held for five glorious beaches! What days during February, when the city is extraordinary puts on a mad, spectacular about Rio de display of colour and excess. Janeiro, and • The city is divided into four main zones: perhaps unique the Centro (historic centre); Zona Sul to Brazil, is (tourist-friendly South Zone); Zona Norte the unmatched (residential North Zone); and self-confidence of Zona Oeste (West Zone). all the residents. runs alongside • The bus system is organised and Regardless Copacabana surprisingly easy to navigate – even of size, body beach. If you’re with minimal Portuguese. shape or age, lucky enough • Rio is a city with a price tag attached to to be there all Brazilians almost everything. Know this ahead of wear the tiniest, during the 2016 time, and it will make your trip skimpiest Olympics, this is a whole lot more pleasant. swimming where Jamaican costumes you can sprinter Usain imagine – with pride. It’s an Bolt will attempt to break his own eye-opener, in more ways than one… 150m world record. In the meantime, The most famous strips of coast are it’s a must for people-watching. Copacabana and Ipanema, and for good Once you’ve worked up an appetite, reason. They are known as balneario and even if it eats up your daily food beaches, after the Latin American budget (which it probably will), the seaside resorts, and offer not only a Copacabana Piano Bar is where perfect chunk of ocean shoreline, but Rio’s A-list sips also recreational facilities, sports, on aperitifs or entertainment, food and shops. The evening cocktails. water is warm, the sand is white This modern take WHAT’s IN A NAME? and soft, and the air is as humid and on traditional luxe Rio de Janeiro tropical as you could wish for on a is the ideal place means ‘January sun-soaked, piña colada-flavoured to soak up some River’ in holiday. Not to be missed is the blackof the luxury and Portuguese and-white paved promenade that glamour that has surrounded the area since 1923 and will give you a delicious counterpoint to the heat and vibrancy of the rest of the city. Back in the real world, there are two treats you have to sample from the street vendors: snack food and fresh top: an unusual angle fruit juices. On the must-eat list are pão of CHRIST THE REDEEMER de queijo (cheese bread): tiny balls of
insider tips
?
God created the world in six days – and on the seventh day, he created Rio cheese-filled dough, best eaten hot out of the oven; pastéis, deep-fried pastry envelopes filled with savoury delights like black beans, codfish, prawn, eggs and olives; coxinha, spicy shredded chicken in a crust; and globos, puffed cassava chips (these can be sweet or savoury). To drink, pale yellow fresh pineapple juice or a few swallows of caldo de cana (sugarcane juice) goes down a treat. With both the FIFA World Cup, the Paralympics and the Olympic Games on the horizon, the question is less whether to visit Rio de Janeiro than when to book your ticket… and what to pack. Luckily, that’s one question with an easy answer: definitely an itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini (or Speedo)!
special offers travel FOR SIMPLICITY
FOR SHOPPING
Best Western Augusto’s Rio Copa **** Rooms are unfussy, with light wood and clean stripes. The restaurant offers a variety of international and Brazilian cuisines.
Hotel Astoria Copacabana *** Located just two blocks away from Rio’s most famous beach, this hotel is ideal for those who want easy access to the city’s uber-chic theatres, boutiques and restaurants.
SPECIAL CLUB DEAL
Pay from R23 223 per person sharing for seven nights (valid until 31 August 2014). Includes: Return flights from Joburg; return transfers; accommodation for seven nights; breakfast daily; pool and sauna access.
Pay from R21 264 per person sharing (valid until 30 November 2014). Includes: Return flights from Joburg; return transfers; accommodation for seven nights; breakfast daily; gymnasium, sauna and disabled facilities.
FOR NIGHTLIFE
FOR GLAMOUR
Special club deal
Copa Sul Hotel *** Within walking distance of Ipanema beach, bars and nightclubs, this is perfect for those whose idea of a great holiday includes a sizzling-hot party. SPECIAL CLUB DEAL
Photography: adriaan louw.
Pay from R23 323 per person sharing for seven nights (valid until 30 September 2014). Includes: Return flights from Joburg; return transfers; accommodation for seven nights; breakfast daily; free Wi-Fi.
REVVING UP for Rio As this Brazilian hotspot readies itself for the spotlight, why not experience its delights first-hand? Make Rio your next travel destination with these exclusive deals from the Club Travel Desk
Astoria Palace Hotel **** Boasting a rooftop pool with ocean views, this bright and contemporary haven is right on the world-famous Copacabana beach. SPECIAL CLUB DEAL
Pay from R22 145 per person sharing (valid until 31 October 2014). Includes: Return flights from Joburg; return transfers; accommodation for seven nights; breakfast daily; access to pool and gymnasium.
BOOK THAT GETAWAY Get in touch with the Club Travel Desk today: call 0861 22 94 63 (from South Africa) or +27 21 709 6353 (from outside South Africa), or send an email to edgars@traveldesk.za.com. Terms and conditions apply.* Visit edgarsclub.co.za for more information. *Terms and conditions: These travel offers include return flights from Johannesburg plus breakfast daily. Subject to availability. Limited rooms are available at these prices. All offers are on a first-come, first-served basis. All prices are based on the cheapest option available, and may vary at the time of booking and according to room category. Prices may fluctuate due to currency exchange.
seaside
spectaculars Escape to beach lodges with a distinctly luxe bent
beach great escapes
MOZAMBIQUE Azura Benguerra
Make like a mermaid in this aqua fantasy-scape – where the sand is so white you’ll need designer sunglasses to shade the glare, and the reefs are considered among the best in the world. Perched on an island within a marine national park, Azura days melt away into a kaleidoscope of sunsets, twilight swims in private plunge pools and dreamless sleeps on Egyptian cotton bedlinen. Of course, your sea-fronted thatched villa boasts every creature comfort – and five-star butler service (opposite) too, naturellement.
paternoster Strandloper Ocean Boutique Hotel
Photography: Gallo Images/getty Images. Additional Photography: Supplied.
Sublime seafood? Tick. Breaking surf? Tick. Laid-back luxury. Tick? For those who’ve discovered this authentic West Coast village, there’s no need to oversell its charms: Paternoster is an unspoilt gem. This haven fits in perfectly – blending the best of simplicity with sophistication. Appreciate the rustic decor accents (think rietdakkies, whitewashed stoeps) and well-considered touches of luxe.
PORT ALFRED Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve
special offers
Book these exciting deals through the Edgars Travel Desk
PHUKET, THAILAND Centra Ashlee Hotel
The slick rooftop swimming pool and bar lounge (pictured bottom) offers a bird’s-eye view of the vibey Patong nightlife below. You’ll soon understand why Patong is the most famous beach resort on Phuket. Choose your entertainment – from upscale dining to Thai boxing – before retiring to your spacious hotel room, which is enlivened with dramatic touches of black and red. Visit edgarsclub.co.za Pay from R14 368 per person for seven nights (valid from 1 April to 31 October 2014). Includes: return flights from Joburg; return transfers; accommodation in a Centra Superior room; breakfast daily; free Wi-Fi; use of the fitness centre, VW Van Bar and Air Rooftop Bar & Lounge.
cape town Lagoon Beach Hotel
Decorated in soothing pearly tones, the well-appointed suites offer splendid views of the rumpled folds of Table Mountain. After you’ve discovered the delights of the beach on your doorstep, grab a pool lounger on the spacious timber deck, slap on some sunscreen and make a dent in that novel. Visit edgarsclub.co.za Pay R1 267 per person for three nights (valid from 1 April to 30 September 2014). Includes: accommodation in a standard room; breakfast daily; and complimentary parking.
Overlooking a magnificent stretch of golden sand and tangled scrubland, this African-themed escape is for those with a taste for excellence. Impress your Instagram followers with images of white rhino taken from your spacious thatch-roofed suite; take a coastal hiking tour or simply enjoy a five-star
picnic on the pristine beach. After the day’s activities, that OTT cocktail you order at the central bar and lounge area will be well deserved. Plus, the three-bedroomed private Ocean House is perfect for a family holiday. Texan owner Rip Miller has spared no expense in making it ultra-special, with antiques and artefacts on display throughout.
arniston The Arniston Hotel
Fringed by a spotless lawn and occupying pride of place next to a historic fishermen’s village, seeing the catch of the day offloaded from brightly painted boats is par for the course. Simply submerge yourself in the warm gentle swell of the Indian Ocean – just a beach-towel’s throw away from the well-loved hotel – and feel the cares of modern living drain away as you float, outstretched, under the aqua sky. Your luxurious fourstar room – and the onsite spa – creates a serene cocoon for you after a lazy day spent sunbathing and exploring the myriad rock pools nearby.
cape town Tintswalo Atlantic
Although this glass-and-timber Hout Bay boutique hotel is proudly Capetonian, each of the 10 luxe suites (top left) is individually decorated, celebrating the owner’s best-loved travel destinations. The Saint Marie Island suite conjures up images of Madagascar, while the Sicily Island suite pays tribute to traditional Italian decor. Understated yet spectacular, the lodge blends in seamlessly with the surrounding seaside boulders and milkwood groves.
THE HOLIDAY OF YOUR DREAMS: Experience the world’s leading holiday destinations for less with the Edgars Club Travel Desk. Whether it’s local or international travel, a budget or luxury break, the Edgars Club Travel Desk will put together your trip of a lifetime at a great price. Call 0861 22 94 63 (FROM SA), +27 21 709 6353 (FROM OUTSIDE SA), OR EMAIL EDGARS@TRAVELDESK.ZA.COM.
travel rio feature
adventure
holidays
Expand your horizons with an action getaway
adventure great escapes
KWAZULU-NATAL Zingela Safaris and River Company
special offers
Book these exciting deals through the Edgars Travel Desk
Mozambique Nkwichi Lodge
the Kalahari, northern cape !Xaus Lodge
Photography: Gallo Images/getty Images. Additional Photography: Supplied.
Looming like a row of wigwams perched on an immense dune, 12 pitch-roofed chalets (above) offer respite from the intense desert heat in the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Here, thirsty creatures, including antelope and giraffe, make the pilgrimage to a permanent watering hole that’s conveniently situated right in front of the lodge, affording you an insider’s peek at their antics. Expect ecofriendly touches, boma fires and lamp-lit meals.
BOTSWANA Deception Valley Lodge
You might not get cell reception on Lake Malawi (opposite), but you will get the chance to decompress in a beach hammock and eat fresh fish by candlelight. Despite its understated luxury, there’s something distinctly Robinson Crusoe about this award-winning ecolodge, with its chalets sculpted from primordial boulders, rock-pool baths and hand-carved furniture. Visit edgarsclub.co.za Pay from R13 665 per person sharing for four nights (valid from 1 April to 31 December 2014). Includes: return flights from Joburg; return boat transfers; accommodation in a standard chalet; all meals, coffees, teas and laundry.
MPUMALANGA Nkomazi Game Reserve
In-between sunrise game drives and trying to make out the Southern Cross star constellation at night, there’s plenty to do in this natural haven. Try a spine-jarring mountain-bike ride through the grasslands or a more sedate bird-watching outing, before surrendering yourself to a sublime massage. Be prepared for luxurious tented suites with five-star amenities... and the sound of the wilds to lull you to sleep. Visit edgarsclub.co.za Pay R4 663 per person sharing for two nights (valid from 1 May to 30 September 2014). Includes: return flight from Joburg (add airline levy, ex JNB, R1 404) to Kruger, Mpumalanga; two days’ Avis car rental with 200km free daily (limited waivers); airport surcharge and tourism levy; accommodation at Nkomazi Game Reserve; breakfast, lunch, dinner and two game drives daily.
Channel your inner survivor when you learn how to live off the land, San-people style, guided by one of the locals. If you’re after privacy, opt for one of the intimate chalets; while the main lodge, drenched in the warm hues of the Kalahari (top), accommodates 16. Once you’ve experienced a thunderstorm from the deck, you’ll be hooked.
If sitting in the shade of a thorn tree with the latest bestseller is not your ideal afternoon, get that white-knuckled feeling from a range of outdoor activities at this friendly lodge just an oar’s-length away from the Tugela River. With names like ‘the liquidiser’ and ‘the washing machine’, this river’s rapids are not for the faint-hearted, but your unique, ecosensitive en-suite accommodation, crafted from river stone, reed and canvas, offers the perfect post-adventure seclusion.
ZAMBIA The Royal Livingstone Looking for an action-packed safari that incorporates helicopter rides and bungeejumping? Do your worst, then reminisce about it at the timberdecked bar on the Zambezi riverfront (bottom left). This elegantly extravagant hotel – with its chandeliers, lavish flower arrangements and big gilt mirrors – is so close to the Victoria Falls, you might just feel some of the spray.
KALAHARI Tswalu Kalahari
If you’re feeling ultra-flush and don’t want to battle the hordes at Kruger National Park, head to this super-swish private lodge owned by the billionaire Oppenheimer family. As to be expected, you get to tailor-make your experience and your every whim is catered for. Flute of Möet, anyone?
THE HOLIDAY OF YOUR DREAMS: Experience the world’s leading holiday destinations for less with the Edgars Club Travel Desk. Whether it’s local or international travel, a budget or luxury break, the Edgars Club Travel Desk will put together your trip of a lifetime at a great price. Call 0861 22 94 63 (FROM SA), +27 21 709 6353 (FROM OUTSIDE SA), OR EMAIL EDGARS@TRAVELDESK.ZA.COM.
romantic
retreats
Creative options for that special trip for two
romantic great escapes
MPUMALANGA Serenity Forest Eco Reserve
Staying in this enchanted section of forest is an exercise in creativity because you’ll be hard-pressed to find the right words to describe the range of green hues you encounter. Elevated walkways above the riverine forest floor link the romantic chalets, and you might just get caught up in a exquisite flutter of butterflies.
kwazulu-natal Thonga Beach Lodge
If you’re looking for a place that combines contemporary beach chic with relaxed romance, your search is over. Think restful hues, authentic materials and lamp-lit dinners under the milkwood trees. Oversized doors lead out from your private hideaway to a deck overlooking the dune forest and turquoise sea. Pack your fins and snorkel: this place is paradise for underwater enthusiasts.
Photography: Gallo Images/getty Images. Additional Photography: Supplied.
GRAAFF-REINET Mount Camdeboo
From the minute you set foot on the gleaming Oregon floors, you’ll want to reach for your tiara: here, you receive nothing but the royal treatment. The honeymoon suite, originally the gatehouse to the stately main homestead, is more generous than most and thick Cape Dutch walls keep the Karoo elements at bay.
GRAHAMSTOWN Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
Flanking the banks of the great Fish River, this exceptional safari destination has featured on
special offers
Book these exciting deals through the Edgars Travel Desk
ZANZIBAR Ngalawa Beach Village
While not the most flamboyant resort on Zanzibar, this intimate retreat fans out in a relatively secluded location on the northeast coast. The beach stretches on forever, and standard rooms feature massive Zanzibar beds with fine linens from Pakistan. The honeymoon suite perches above the beach, while the jetty bar and wraparound pool deck caters for the more sociable guest. Visit edgarsclub.co.za Pay from R10 409 per person sharing for seven nights (valid from 1 May to 31 July 2014). Includes: return flights from Joburg; return transfers; accommodation in a sea-view suite; all meals, afternoon tea, mineral water, soft drinks, tea and coffee.
UMHLANGA The Oyster Box Hotel
The weekly dinner-dance evening, held on Saturdays in the elegant grill room of this landmark hotel, sets the tone for a romantic escape. Add a spa, Turkish bath and vistas to die for (opposite) and you might never want to leave. Visit edgarsclub.co.za Pay R1 475 per person sharing per night (valid from 1 May to 31 October 2014). Includes: Accommodation in a classic sea-facing room; breakfast daily; access to the hotel gym; free Wi-Fi; and complimentary return transfers to the Gateway Theatre of Shopping, between 8am and 8pm.
international Condé Nast Traveler awards lists, which is a bit like saying it has earned its (zebra) stripes. The reserve is massive, with a handful of exquisite lodges scattered in the wilderness (above), reminding us that Africa isn’t for those who think small.
MPUMALANGA Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge
The Earth Lodge at Sabi Sabi is a destination for those who demand sophisticated romance. For starters, the unexpected entrance opens to a panorama of uninterrupted bushveld, while the creative use of space and light means a lodge that is both ultra-luxe and ecofriendly.
SEDGEFIELD Teniqua Treetops
Revisit your childhood in your very own adult treehouse (left), set in an exquisite indigenous forest at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains that teems with birds. Here, you’ll gently fall asleep to magical forest sounds. And be prepared. A nearby cola-coloured river means your romantic, self-catered picnic might just end with a naughty skinny dip.
THE HOLIDAY OF YOUR DREAMS: Experience the world’s leading holiday destinations for less with the Edgars Club Travel Desk. Whether it’s local or international travel, a budget or luxury break, the Edgars Club Travel Desk will put together your trip of a lifetime at a great price. Call 0861 22 94 63 (FROM SA), +27 21 709 6353 (FROM OUTSIDE SA), OR EMAIL EDGARS@TRAVELDESK.ZA.COM.
family
Holidays perfect for those with children – young or old
Photography: Gallo Images/getty Images. Additional Photography: Supplied.
breakaways
family great escapes
special offers Book these exciting deals through the Edgars Travel Desk
MAURITIUS Centara Poste Lafayette Resort and Spa
Decked out in nautical blues and crisp whites, this low-rise east coast resort is flanked by a pristine beach with its own lagoon. It’s a perfect example of how contemporary beach chic can be family friendly too and makes a brilliant base for adventurous day trips – with or without the kids. Visit edgarsclub.co.za Pay from R16 581 per person sharing for seven nights (valid from 1 September to 31 October 2014). Includes: return flights from Joburg; return transfers; accommodation in a Superior Mountain View Room; breakfast, lunch and dinner daily; unlimited soft drinks, juices, local water, liquor, beer and imported house wines (served from 10am to 11pm daily); mid-morning tea and coffee; afternoon tea and afternoon ice creams for kids.
PORTUGUESE ISLAND MSC Opera cruise ship
Photography: Gallo Images/getty Images. Additional Photography: Supplied.
LIMPOPO The Ant Collection
Owners Ant and Tess Barber say they offer a home-awayfrom-home experience, but that means your home is a beautifully appointed lodge in the rugged hills of a malariafree game reserve (above and centre). Choose from the ranch house (Ant’s Nest) with its classic furniture fashioned from local timber and stone – or the dramatic Ant’s Hill, where each chalet has views of a spectacular gorge. For extra thrills, ditch the 4x4 crew and opt for an unforgettable horseback game-viewing family experience.
KWAZULU-NATAL Ghost Mountain Inn
There’s nothing to teleport you from normal life quicker than a session in a gym with a sea view, followed by a browse in duty-free and a crazy cocktail. Children are almost overcatered for on this floating hotel, with its scores of restaurants, libraries, cyber-cafés, theatres, disco and crèche. For quiet time, just sit on your private balcony and watch the waves as the ship cruises from Durban to Portuguese Island and back. Visit edgarsclub.co.za Pay from R3 774 per person sharing for three nights (valid for travel from 30 January to 2 February 2015). Includes: accommodation in an inside cabin; all meals and 20-hour buffet service; nightly shows, live music, all-night casino, gym and kids’ club (kids under 18 stay free when sharing with adults). Excludes: mandatory port, insurance and service charges.
This exquisite boutique hotel in Mkuze has got the kids waxed. From nature
walks for under 10s that get aspiring zoologists excited about creepy-crawlies to the navigation course for older children, which teaches them about finding their way through the bush, your offspring will be spoilt for choice. Let them at it while you enjoy a sundowner at the top of the Lebombo Mountain cliffs before a sumptuous boma braai.
MOSSEL BAY Gondwana Game Reserve
One of the big drawcards at this luxe Big Five reserve is its tailor-made programme for kids. They’ll be busy under the watchful eye of a ranger – making their own fishing rods, going on wildlife walks and game drives, and stargazing – while you get to spoil yourself at the spa, loll at the pool with a book or have your own child-free encounter with wildlife. Stay at the self-catering Bush Villas if your kids are under 12 (top left).
wild coast Umngazi River Bungalows and Spa
If the unpretentious street sign suggesting it’s ‘time to take off your shoes’ doesn’t do the trick, the panoramic view of the beach from your veranda will have you unlacing your trainers in no time. This gentle clutch of thatched bungalows climbs higgledypiggledy up the picturesque hillside of the Umngazi River mouth (left). It’s the destination of choice for nature-loving families who appreciate beachy relaxation and activity in equal measure.
THE HOLIDAY OF YOUR DREAMS: Experience the world’s leading holiday destinations for less with the Edgars Club Travel Desk. Whether it’s local or international travel, a budget or luxury break, the Edgars Club Travel Desk will put together your trip of a lifetime at a great price. Call 0861 22 94 63 (FROM SA), +27 21 709 6353 (FROM OUTSIDE SA), OR EMAIL EDGARS@TRAVELDESK.ZA.COM.
Thick with starfish,
fynbos, shell middens, powdery dunes and birdlife... few conservation areas trump De Hoop Nature Reserve. And that’s without mentioning the whales By Paola ChellEw
where to lay your head
During our early For an intrepid There are camping and caravanning morning walk eight-year-old sites for outdoor fanatics, charming along the rocky explorer and self-catering rondawels, slightly more coastline at low his work-weary luxurious self-catering cottages and tide, resident parents, this upmarket lodges such as Melkkamer guide Dalfrenzo expansive stretch Manor house. This beautiful building Laing keeps us of Cape Overberg (pictured top right) features four en-suite enthralled with coastline is just bedrooms for visitors with facts about the about as perfect five-star tastes, including fully catered limpets and as it gets. meals and butlers in tow. whelks, crabs and On our first clams, sea urchins morning, I roll out and anemones my yoga mat at that inhabit the unspoilt rock pools. dawn to salute the sun, a pale wintry Luke’s imagination runs riot at the sliver of light that promises to bathe thought of Stone Age secrets held in the entire reserve in a honeyed glow the surrounding limestone hills and within an hour. rocks, and we keep our eyes peeled for Inhaling the tangy air, pricked the occasional fossilised invertebrate. with the scent of fynbos and ocean, It is just after full moon, so the larger my husband, Don, and I need little and less frequently accessed pools encouragement to explore our new are exposed. As the tide rolls in, De Hoop playground with our small bays emerge providing enthusiastic son, Luke.
reader experience de hoop
THERE ARE MYRIAD REASONS why DE HOOP IS A NATURE LOVER’s PARADISE. FROM fascinating flora TO CURIOUS WILDLIFE AND mesmerising ROCK POOLS, YOUNG LUKE CHELLEW GETS UP CLOSE to IT ALL.
Photography: supplied
curlew sandpipers, ruffs, little stints, and whiskered and white-winged terns. a welcome opportunity for safe, Luke’s infectious delight at the pink shallow dips. clouds of flamingos and the antics of Later, we take advantage of the the pelicans is heart-warming. mountain bikes available for hire from Apart from the sheer bliss of having the main Opstal area. Choosing a fairly a few days of downtime away from strenuous route, we find ourselves deadlines and demands, I realise I have breathless not only become obsessed with from the exertion, but sighting a southern spouting the truth from the sheer beauty right whale. After all, In September and of our surrounds. We De Hoop is a favourite October, sightings of spot bontebok and Cape huge whale pods with spot for clever pregnant mountain zebra, and a calves are guaranteed whales that choose to rather startled troop of have their babies away AT DE HOOP, southern baboons that barks at us africa’s second-largest from the disturbing crossly as we casually activity of motorboats marine reserve wheel past. further along the coast. Part of our cycle takes in the vlei, As we head down to the beach for a 16km-long wetland of international sundowners, we aren’t disappointed. ecological importance. This languid lake We toast the sea, drinking in the sight provides a safe shelter for waterfowl of the dark grey beasts, who, despite species and migrant waders, including their vast size, frolic weightlessly like
ballast in a rolling ocean. When Luke, sunkissed and muscle-tired, raises his hand to wave at one of them, I feel a deep sense of rightness about the moment. De Hoop is giving us a relaxing family escape – and so much more.
special offer: pay R1 088 per night per De Hoop Village unit (Valid until 31 AugUST 2014). Includes: accommodation in a self-catering De Hoop Village Unit (price given is for up to four people, unit sleeps up to six people). the Fig Tree Restaurant is on site and a variety of outdoor activities are available.
Experience the world’s leading holiday destinations for less with the Edgars Club Travel Desk. Whether it’s local or international travel, a budget or luxury break, the Edgars Club Travel Desk will put together your trip of a lifetime at a great price. Call 0861 22 94 63 (FROM SA), +27 21 709 6353 (FROM OUTSIDE SA), OR EMAIL EDGARS@TRAVELDESK.ZA.COM.
cinematic inspirATION When film and beautiful locations collide, it’s enough to make you want to book a plane ticket
PERU
The Motorcycle Diaries South America is presented in all its multifaceted splendour – from the starkly beautiful landscapes of Patagonia to charming Latinos with their incomparable love of dance and spontaneity. Featuring the high deserts of Chile, the bone-chillingly cold mountains of Peru and the jungle of the Amazon River, this is a lush depiction of the continent’s most glorious sights.
JAPAN
SCREEN tIME
Lost in Translation Even if sushi and karaoke aren’t your thing, Sofia Coppola’s runaway success showcases Tokyo in all its neon glory. The vulnerability of the two lead actors, Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson (below), who spend much of their time in the soulless
but expensive Park Hyatt Tokyo skyscraper, taps into our feelings of being strangers in a foreign land when we travel.
KENYA
Out of Africa Who didn’t want a farm at the foot of the Ngong Hills after seeing Meryl Streep and Robert Redford (above) roaming the majestic hills of Kenya together with a few lion and buck? Inspired by the true-life story of a Danish writer and her African coffee plantation, this film inspired a generation of khaki-lovers.
SPAIN
As an Edgars Club VIP or Club Life member, you can watch any Ster-Kinekor movie in South Africa, any time, for up to 60% less!
Vicky Cristina Barcelona Between the sinuous, rippling aspects of Gaudí architecture and the quirkiness of the Miró Museum, this gothic Catalan city and surrounds is beautifully celebrated in Woody Allen’s Vicky Cristina Barcelona (above left). In fact, it’s a bit like a cinematic tour of all the city’s highlights, including the otherworldly spires of the iconic Sagrada Família church and the famous shopping avenue Las Ramblas.
armchair travel travel
The right app-titude
Make sure these free helpers are in your tech arsenal when you’re on the move
ITALY
Photography: gallo images/getty images, supplied.
Under the Tuscan Sun If this book adaptation didn’t get you yearning for a glass of deep Italian red in a dappled vineyard, it probably got you thinking you could renovate a crumbling Italian villa. As Frances (Diane Lane) tackles her new home, the real charmer in this film is the medieval town of Cortona, with its meandering roads and the most delightful piazza ever. Her sultry visit to the impossibly pretty Positano on the Amalfi Coast also got us checking the expiry date in our passports.
Amazing Places Cost Nothing by Herbert Ypma Page through Ypma’s handpicked selection of hotels, guesthouses and resorts that have nothing to do with overpriced rooms and everything to do with charm, beauty and adventure. The author includes stories about how he stumbled on each authentic gem. A Sense of Direction by Gideon-Lewis Kraus If you absolutely loved Eat, Pray, Love, chances are you’ll enjoy this self-
wi-fi finder Keeping an eye on data roaming charges should be second nature when you’re abroad. This handy app gives directions to a Wi-Fi spot closest to you, so you can update your social networks for free. Available on iPhone, iPad and Android.
Foodspotting Looking for a memorable paella? Or the very best California rolls? Dedicated foodies rave about this app for crowd-sourced restaurant recommendations for cities around the world. Available on iPhone and Android.
XE CURRENCY Next time you’re trying to figure out how much that gorgeous ring in that Moroccan souk costs in Rands, fire up this little freebie. There’s a reason it’s been downloaded five million times. Available on iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows Phone.
tripadvisor Instead of relying on a resort’s own website, turn to this ingenious resource. The honest reviews give you the good, the bad and the ugly about your destination – and it’s written by travellers just like you. Available on iPhone, iPad, Android and Windows Phone.
Buy your dream cellphone and get great data deals at your nearest Edgars store.
Quotable Quote “You either get the point of Africa or you don’t. What draws me back year after year is that it’s like seeing the world with the lid off.” – British writer and critic A.A. Gill
deprecating author’s account of his three pilgrimages – the El Camino de Santiago; an 88-temple tour of a Japanese island; and a New Year expedition to the Ukraine.
TRAVELLER’S BOOKSHELF Whether it’s a well-thumbed paperback or part of your e-book library, these books deserve a read
501 Must-take Journeys by D. Brown, J. Brown, A.Findlay, R189.90 Settle down with this tome and create your bucket list. Flag the trips you’ve already taken, and draw inspiration from the rest. The must-dos include a foray into the Sahara and a colourful adventure on America’s legendary Route 66. Available at CNA.
Photography: Gallo Images/getty Images; supplied. stills photography: andre wepener at the pixel foundry. Additional Photography: Supplied.
notebook travel
Jet set
Leigh-Anne Williams SABC 3’s gorgeous Expresso presenter shares her holiday must-haves
from top: leigh-anne; italian architecTure; nokia lumia 1020; MACHU PICCHU; KELSO DRESS, R499.95; TOPSHOP SCARF, R299
I’m travelling to Italy for my birthday, so I am learning Italian. I’m fascinated by the language and plan to immerse myself in the culture. My favourite international destination is definitely Dubai – it’s like Vegas on steroids! The buildings are breathtaking, the desert is sublime and the retail therapy is the best ever. Locally, l love the beauty, expanse and greenery of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Much of it remains untainted. My travel beauty basics are MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15, MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation and Labello Fruity Shine lip balm. My best travel companion is my fashionably yellow Nokia Lumia 1020 with its 41 megapixel camera. Things I always pack in my hand luggage include mascara and face powder, hand lotion and hand sanitiser. I can’t go away for a winter break without a body-contour dress and an oversized boyfriend blazer for smart lunches in trendy cafés. In summer, the first things I pack are sunscreen, a sun hat and some floaty sarongs. Fragrance is a must! My travelling playlist includes Beyoncé, Avicii, Bruno Mars, John Legend, Lorde, One Republic and Rihanna. My pet peeves on holiday are hard pillows and uncomfortable mattresses. I always pack smart accessories. A few lightweight scarves and patent brogues work well. The top destination on my bucket list is Machu Picchu. It’s perched right at the top of the Andes Mountains and seems as if it’s floating on clouds.
from left top: MAC STUDIO FIX FLUID spf 15, R300; TRAVEL TUNES; KELSO blazer, R499.95; DOT BY MARC JACOBS 30ml, R760; dubai; FREE 2BU brogues, R169.95.