2014 Festive Publication

www.theweekend.co.za

F Beautiful Mauritius from page 44 Zanzibar page 36

Beachcomber Tours See page 6

Maia Resort Seychelles see page 4

Cruise with MSC this Summer

Looking for something to do this weekend? You’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re a weekend warrior with a lust for adventure or a stressed exec looking for a relaxing lunch in the sun, you’ll find inspiration on our pages.

What’s Happening on the Weekend® features venues and activities in Gauteng, as well as further afield, providing you with everything you need to plan your next outing. Take a look at our special offers for a spur of the moment indulgence, or browse through our regular categories and add a few new favourites to your list of frequent haunts.

While every care & effort has been taken in compiling accurate information the publishers , its assigns , employees & heirs can not be held responsible for any omissions or errors .

Any reproduction or illustrations compiled in this issue for further use must receive permission in writing from the publisher’s

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Event & news

• Theatre & Entertainment Leisure , wellness & Dinning out • Front Cover Article’s • A History lesson • Bush holiday Specials • Recipes • Kzn & surrounding • Hospitality news • Special promotions • Extended News • Island Destinations • Travel Tips Abroad

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The world-class Black Bamboo restaurant situated at the Menlyn Boutique Hotel in Pretoria, Gauteng, is excited to introduce their new delicious menu. The Black Bamboo is the hotels’ signature restaurant which offers a fine-dining experience to hotel guests as well as the public. The new menu was designed by renowned head chef Pellie Grobler.

“We decided to change the menu to expand our reach to a broader market, as changing our menus regularly allows us to introduce new dishes and gives us the chance to keep our most popular dishes on the menu for slightly longer,” explains Chef Pellie. “The new menu took a month to complete as it is a constant work in progress as we tweak our dishes all the time to achieve the perfect end result.”

“We added an additional two dishes per course as well as selected a wine per meal.” Pairing wine with each meal is something Chef Pellie is passionate about “I taste all the meals together with the wines to decide what works best, I do a lot of research and all the new wines that we would like to offer to make sure that each vintage compliments the dish effortlessly” says Pellie. The Black Bamboo also boasts a rare selection of wines that are exclusive to the restaurant.

The magnificent hotel restaurant is in its class of its own, driven by Chef Pellie’s endless strive for excellence through his exploration and innovation of new styles and flavor combinations. Each dish is made with the finest seasonal and local produce, the restaurant places a large focus on supporting local business and responsible sourcing of goods.

With a choice of outstanding taste sensations, The Black Bamboo has options for every palate. Highly recommended is the Steak Tartare starter “the infusion of flavors makes this a delectable dish,” advises Pellie. “The Duck and Fish is a mouth-watering choice for mains and the Baked Cheese Cake is a delicious way to end off a meal,” Pellie concludes.

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Menlyn Boutique Hotel: Website: http://www.menlynhotel.com/ · Contact number: (0)861 007 387 The Black Bamboo: Website: http://theblackbamboo.co.za/

Tau is a South African luxury safari lodge situated on the far northern border of South Africa, in malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, the 4th largest game reserve in the country.

27 major species of game roam this South African nature reserve, making Tau Game Lodge the ideal place for a safari holiday, offering Big 5 game safaris and bird-watching safaris.

Privately owned Tau Game Lodge, situated in the North West Province, can accommodate up to 60 people and offers an ideal South African conference venue as well as an idyllic wedding venue overlooking a natural waterhole.

Enjoy an authentic South African safari vacation in the midst of natural wildlife, complete with great game viewing and luxury private facilities, at our South Africa luxury safari lodge Our luxury South African safari lodge was designed to reflect the natural surroundings and makes use of the natural resources wherever possible.

Privately-owned Tau Game Lodge was built in 1995 and overlooks a vast natural waterhole, which attracts a variety of game, as does the diverse vegetation which thrives in the fertile topsoil.

The main body of the Lodge is two-leveled and has a comfortable lounge, a conference room, bar and dining room which are semi open-air and overlook the waterhole. Delicious buffet breakfasts and lunches are generally served in the main building or on the verandah next to the plunge pool and dinner is served in one of the cosy boma's under the stars, or in the lapa next to the main lodge.

iSimangaliso hippos The iSimangaliso Wetland Park was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in December 1999 in recognition of its superlative natural beauty and unique global values.

The 332 000 hectare Park contains three major lake systems, eight interlinking ecosystems, 700 year old fishing traditions, most of South Africa’s remaining swamp forests, Africa’s largest estuarine system, 526 bird species and 25 000 year-old coastal dunes – among the highest in the world. The name iSimangaliso means miracle and wonder, which aptly describes this unique place. iSimangaliso Kosi Bay Come and experience the diverse experiences in the 10 jewels that make up the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Enjoy the endless beaches that stretch 220 kilometers from Maphelane in the south to Kosi Bay on the Mozambique border, view game on self-guided or guided trails and routes on the foothills of the Lubombo mountains in uMkhuze or in the coastal forests and rolling grasslands of Lake St Lucia’s Eastern Shores. See the spectacular coral reefs and colourful underwater life whilst diving or snorkeling or embark on adventures ranging from kayak trips to horse rides.

Whale watching iSimangaliso whale watching The majority of sightings of whale in KwaZulu-Natal are South Hemisphere Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) , which tend to be more spectacular and lively with thier regular breaching than the Southern Right whales. iSimangaliso whale underwater These whales pass along the KZN coast annually on a migration route between their summer polar feeding grounds in the Antarctic to the tropical and sub-tropical coastal waters of Northern Mozambique and Madagascar where they breed in the winter. The coastal waters off South America, Australia, New Zealand and the islands of the south-western Pacific Ocean are other breeding grounds for these marine mammals.

Head Office iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority The Dredger Harbour Private Bag X05 St Lucia 3936 Tel: +27 35 590 1633 Fax: +27 35 590 1602 www.isimangaliso.com

If you’ve been there and done that and are looking for a thrill to top all the rest, then the sky’s the limit.

Sky Adventures offers a variety of aviation experiences to both the corporate and private sectors. We have a proud reputation of not only meeting but also exceeding all expectations of aviation adventures because flying is in our veins and we delight in sharing the same exhilaration with all our clients-be they corporates looking for a unique team building experience or couples looking for the perfect place to get engaged.

Based in Durban, In Kwa-Zulu Natal, but operating throughout South Africa, Sky Adventures has many breath-taking aviation rides that are guaranteed to leave you with awe-inspiring memories long after you’ve landed back on terrafirma. These include; hot air balloon rides, microlight flights, helicopter flights, aerobatic flights, canopy rides, tandem skydiving and the stadium swing. In addition we offer both private and executive air charters and specialised packages for proposals and weddings.

All our sky adventures can be tailored to suit your requirements and we welcome your ideas and input to assist us in delivering a package that is not only awesome but also appropriate and, most of all, fun!

We make all our aviation adventures available as tangible gifts in the form of personalised gift vouchers.

You can contact us on 0733347911 or email at rhod@skyadventures.co.za

Food & Recipe’s All Recipes are Courtesy of additional web pages and are solely provided to tantalize your taste buds and reinvent your cooking skills

Good Food begins at Home !!!!

Eggnog Coffee Punch Ingredients 1 1/2 cups coffee ice cream 1 1/2 cups eggnog 1 cup hot strongly brewed coffee 4 tablespoons frozen whipped topping, thawed 4 pinches ground nutmeg

Directions Scoop the ice cream into a pan over low heat. Stir in the eggnog and coffee; and heat until warm, about 3 minutes. Pour into four glass or ceramic mugs. Top each with 1 tablespoon whipped topping and sprinkle with nutmeg. Serve immediately.

Ingredients 15 pounds charcoal briquets 2 pounds hickory wood chips 1 cup bourbon whiskey 1 (4 pound) standing rib roast, bone in 1/2 cup steak seasoning

Directions Start at least 10 pounds of the charcoal in a torpedo style smoker. You need a fairly hot fire. Fill the secondary pan with cold water, and wait for the coals to turn white. Soak hickory chips in bourbon with enough water to cover. Rub the roast liberally with steak seasoning, being sure to coat all surfaces.

When the coals are ready, place the roast on the top grate. Throw a few handfuls of soaked hickory chips onto the fire, and close the lid. Check the fire every 45 minutes or so, adding more charcoal as needed to keep the fire hot. Every time you check the fire, add more wood chips. Cook for 8 to 10 hours, or to your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the roast. The meat tastes best when rare: 145 degrees F (65 degrees C), but cook to your liking.

Honey-Glazed Ham Ingredients 1 (12 pound) whole ham 8 ounces butter 2 cups honey 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup red wine 3 tablespoons ground black pepper Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Cut long, shallow lines around the surface of the ham in a crossing patter, scoring the ham to create a diamond pattern all over the outside of the ham. Place ham into a roasting pan.

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium. Stir honey, brown sugar, red wine, and black pepper with the melted butter; cook and stir until ingredients blend into a glaze, about 10 minutes. Spread glaze in an even layer over the ham, reserving some of the glaze to apply while the ham roasts.

Cook ham in the preheated oven until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C), glazing every 10 minutes, 30 to 45 minutes.

Mini Orange Mince Pies Ingredients 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 2/3 cup butter, softened 2 tablespoons grated orange zest 1/4 cup ice water 3/4 cup prepared mincemeat pie filling 1 egg, beaten 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar for dusting

Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Sift together the flour, 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar, and cinnamon. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to mix in the butter until mixture resembles fine bread crumbs. Stir in the orange zest. Sprinkle with ice water, and gather dough into a ball. Roll out on a lightly floured surface to 1/4 inch thick. Cut out approximately 18 (3 inch) diameter circles, and 18 (2 inch) circles, rerolling dough as needed.

Line muffin cups or tart tins using the 3 inch pastry circles. Fill each pastry cup with about 1 tablespoon of mincemeat filling. Top with 2 inch pastry circles, pinching circles together to seal the edges. Brush the top of each pie with egg.

Bake pies in preheated oven until tops are golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Cool slightly on wire racks. Dust with 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar just before serving.

Easy Raspberry Lemonade Ingredients Original recipe makes 18 1 (12 fluid ounce) can frozen raspberry lemonade concentrate 3 cups water 3/4 teaspoon lime juice 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottlelemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage

Directions In a large punch bowl, combine raspberry lemonade concentrate, water and lime juice. Stir in lemon-lime soda and crushed ice. Garnish each glass with a fresh raspberry and a mint leaf.

www.visitmaldives.com/en

Maldives has deep blue seas, turquoise reefs, white sandy beaches and palm trees. It is also a place full of character, where its people have long spent their days languishing in the very essence of idyll living. While it is the perfect place to sit on a beach and watch a sunset with a cocktail balanced on your hand, it is also a geographical marvel, knowing that there are thousands of fish swimming around the vivid corals just a few feet away from where you sit Welcome to the Maldives, where sands are white as the smiles of the locals, where fish swim happily in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, where the weather is a dream, and the deep rays of the sun wait to engulf you their arms.

In ancient times, the shores of the Maldives welcomed lost travellers. Still welcoming, these shores remain, providing a tranquil haven for visitors.

In horizon of the vast Indian Ocean grow green palms This is my homeland, this is the Maldives From the clear blue seas, we grow like pearls, This is my homeland, this is the Maldives

Pure, hassle-free luxury in lush, natural surroundings, that’s the essence of Baros Maldives. It’s a small tropical island ringed by a reef vibrant with marine life and encircled by a golden beach, with 45 thatched villas nestled among swaying palms and 30 water villas poised over a translucent lagoon.

Created from timber and sandstone, each villa has a king size bed and décor of elegance, with en-suite bathroom in a garden courtyard or with a panoramic lagoon view. Eleven have their own beachside plunge pool, all have enviable seclusion enabling guests to indulge in sheer relaxation. Perfectly private, the villas at Baros Maldives are natural for the romantic couple, the incognito celebrity, the harassed executive and guests yearning to break free from stress.

Guests feel free at Baros Maldives, indulging in relaxed chic, intimate moments, and enjoying the lush unspoiled environment.

With three gourmet restaurants, a palm grove bar and an intimate cocktail lounge, Baros Maldives also has discreet, knowledgeable staff who respect guests as individuals and are always on hand. They can arrange excursions, organise a romantic sandbank dinner, a lagoon cruise by local dhoni, an ecofriendly diving or snorkelling safari. The Spa features the finest botanical therapies as well as yoga to rejuvenate the spirit as well as the body.

Baros Maldives is an award-winning resort exclusive to resident guests, just 25 minutes by speedboat from Male’ International Airport. No small children, no motorised vehicles, no annoying noises disrupt the serene tranquillity of this lavish tropical paradise.

Baros Maldives: Tel. +960 664 26 72, info@baros.com; www.baros.com

The islands of Maldives appear in-between the trading route of the Indian Ocean. Thus settlers, and visitors from neighbouring regions and around the world have come in contact with the islands for as long as history has been recorded. Such is the to-and-fro flow of people and their cultures, that a marked effect has been left in the Maldivian people, the language, beliefs, arts, and attitudes.

The looks of the Maldivian people may differ from one atoll to the other, attributing to the genes passed on by South and Southeast Asians, Africans, and Arabians. The language, Dhivehi, differs in dialect in some regions in the south of Maldives, possibly due to the secluded nature and subsistent ways of island life.

Maldivian beliefs have been very much based around religion and superstition, often used together in matters of significance but given separate positions in society. In matters of faith, Islam dominates, but influence of the supernatural still continues to play a major role in most island communities, possibly giving credit to the folklores and Buddhist traditions of the islands’ first settlers before conversion to Islam in 1153 AD. The mixing of cultures is very much seen in Maldivian arts. The music played with the local bodu-beru (bigdrum) resemble that of African drumming. The dhoni (a unique Maldivian sailboat) is an art form itself built with skilled craftsmanship, with significant similarities to the Arabian dows. The fine artistry of Maldivians, seen in the intricate details on wooden beams in antique mosques, represents what we have gained from Southeast Asian architecture. Then there is the undefined: the distinct geometric designs used in mats woven from local materials, the embroidered neckline of women’s traditional dresses and their ornaments too, expose another story brought in from an unknown culture that has seeped in to Maldivian society.

Maldivians are quite open to adaptation and are generally welcoming to outside inspiration. The culture has always continued to evolve with the times. Locals still eat fish and fishermen still spend days out at sea, but tourism now takes a standing prominence. Most Maldivians still want to believe in upholding unity and oneness in faith, but recent waves of reform in the country have created a whole new culture of new ideas and attitudes. The effects of the modern world are now embraced, while still striving to uphold the people’s identity, traditions and beliefs.

Diving Maldives The warm seas of Maldives have high visibility throughout the year, with water clear enough to see the passing fish as far as fifty meters away at times. Over a thousand species of fish and other underwater creatures inhabit the Maldivian waters.

Water sports In a place that is more sea than land, there is no end to the fun things you do in the water. Maldivians swim for recreation, they play water polo with their friends at weekend picnics, they surf addictively.

Excursions The best way to experience the life of an ordinary Maldivian is to travel to an inhabited island. Some of these islands are slightly more modern: with brightly painted house walls and harbour areas.

The Maldives Honeymoon If a honeymoon is meant to be a celebration of love in an intimate, secluded, and most importantly, beautiful setting, then the Maldives is the world’s best backdrop for all these things.

Spa and wellness Just lying on a deserted beach of a Maldivian island, taking in nothing but the continuous rhythm of the waves, the sea salt in the air and feeling the soft white sand on your bare feet is enough to sooth your senses.

Relax and unwind The Maldives is considered by many to be the premier tropical beach destination in the world and the best place to relax and unwind from the hectic and chaotic lifestyle of the modern world.

Seaplane Photo Flights Seaplane photo flight offers you the sightseeing sensation that gives you the opportunity of a life time. Enjoy your unparalleled Maldives holiday experience from the sky

The term "Mirihi" refers to the small exquisite yellow flowers found around this beautiful island. According to local folklore, the flowers can be used to "take away the poison". With only 36 villas, Mirihi is meanwhile one of the smallest islands available in the Maldives.

Mirihi Island Resort is located on a secluded tropical island in the South Ari Atoll, approximately 85 kilometres south of the capital Male'. A picturesque and breath-taking 30 minute seaplane ride from Male will bring the guests here. This emerald gem is just 350 meters long and 50 meters wide with a sparkling palm-fringed beach of fine white sand.

The guests can walk barefoot if they choose, this is as close to nature as they can get.

Blessed with white talc beaches, turquoise blue waters and one of the most amazing house-reefs, it is truly a vision of paradise on earth.

6 tastefully appointed Beach Villas (53sqm) are spread over the island and offer an oversized open-air bathroom with a luxurious fresh water shower as well as direct access to the beach.

The 30 tastefully appointed Water Villas (53sqm) are built on stilts over the blue lagoon offering steps from the balcony for direct access to the Ocean, as well as a fresh water shower at the staircase.

All Villas are equally designed, featuring designer furnishing, polished wooden floors, king size or twin beds, air conditioning, ceiling fan, sitting area with CD stereo system, iPod connector and fully stocked minibar, Nespresso machine, IDD telephone, personal safe and free WiFi. From sumptuous buffets in ‘Dhonveli’ Restaurant and fine dining in the overwater restaurant ‘Muraka’ with an award-winning wine list; to intimate private dining on the beach or on our very own private yacht ‘Thari’ – Mirihi offers a wide variety of superb cuisine to satisfy every appetite and occasion.

Although the main reason for coming to Mirihi is undoubtedly to kick off the shoes and do absolutely nothing but relax and revel in natures delights, there are a host of other activities on offer for you to try, should the need arise to lift your head from the peaceful slumber of our many hammocks ...

Diving is a priority for many guests and Mirihi can cater to all levels of divers, from first timers wishing to learn the basics to the experienced diver wanting to fine-tune their techniques. With over 40 dive sites and a multilingual team, every guest is assured a most personal service.

If the guests feel like being more active, they may take one of the ocean kayaks and paddle around the island. On windy days, Mirihi offers a complete range of windsurf gear available, suiting everyone from beginner to expert. The use of the water sports equipment is available complimentary to all guests.

If the guests look for relaxation and pampering, Duniye Spa is the place to go. Trained therapists know how to relieve the stress from the body and relax the muscles.

www.mirihi.com info@mirihi.com Mirihi Island Resort South Ari Atoll, Republic of Maldives Tel: +960 668 0500 Fax: +960 668 0501

KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a warm sub-tropical climate for most of the year.

However, summers are very hot and humid. Winters in inland areas are clear and cool, and cold in areas of high altitude such as the Drakensberg. These mountains frequently have snowfalls during the winter months also.

Natal Sharks board This research institute is dedicated to studying sharks, specifically in relation to their danger to humans. There are audiovisual presentations and shark dissections at 9am and 2pm Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. The public can accompany Sharks Board personnel on their boat trips from Durban.

Hluhluwe Horse Safaris Horse riding is a wonderful way to see wildlife; these rides are in the False Bay region. You may spot antelope species, as well as other animals. A second option heads to Falaza Game reserve where you can see rhino, buffalo and giraffe (a two-hour ride per person is R450) It operates out of Hluhluwe River Lodge.

Durban City Sightseeing Tour Experience Durban, a city of contrasts on the Durban City Sightseeing Tour. Shaped by the early Colonial settlers, see the city has developed from the indigenous Zulu population and the Indians who arrived as indentured laborers in the 19th Century.

Travel along the 'Golden Mile' beachfront towards the harbor entrance where you can see anything from sari clad Indian ladies walking on the sand to traditional healers collecting bottles of seawater to use as muti (medicine).

Continue past Durban City Hall and learn about its humorous history, before visiting the Phansi Museum, home to a collection of South African artifacts and traditions. See beadworks, headrests, Zulu Clay Pots and various other treasures as you browse the museum with your expert guide.

See Durban's Botanic Gardens, founded in 1849, where you'll find a mix of African, Asian and American trees. Throughout the tour your expert guide will introduce you to the rich Indian history of Durban, and you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the unique 'Bunny Chow' cuisine before your tour concludes.

Umgeni Steam Railway The Umgeni Steam Railway operates out of the old Kloof station (now home of the Stoker’s Arms Tavern). The 1000 Hills choo-choo service departs on the first and last Sunday of every month at 8.45am and 12.30pm, and huffs and puffs its way through the area for about an hour.

Since 1989 Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, North Coast, have enjoyed the pleasant seafoodballito-staff-alpescatoreexperience of our patrons and wish to do so for many years to come. Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, North Coast, offer a unique culinary experience with the owner designing original specials each and every day. What more can one ask for than a breathtaking view of the ever-changing Indian ocean, the finest food and a delightful team that is at your service. Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, North Coast, boasts many awards for these reasons.

Oldest Italian and Seafood Restaurant Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, is one of the oldest and still one of the most popular restaurants on the North Coast. The secret to their success, Al Pescatore owner Trevor Wolf believes, is the fact that they have been willing to change with the times. Having been in the area for 23 years, Trevor and his wife Jenny have delighted the tastebuds of roughly three generations of locals and holidaymakers. Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, North Coast, started out in the Boulevard Centre in 1989 as an Italian Trattoria. But because of the change in the market, the restaurant has evolved into more of a Mediterranean / seafood restaurant.

And, as the market has demanded it, Al Pescatore has kept on changing.

About 11 years ago Trevor moved the restaurant to the beach – overlooking Clark Bay. Then he erected a wooden deck outside the restaurant where patrons may enjoy a relaxed meal while watching the surfers and dolphins play in the beautiful Indian Ocean. “We have still retained the romantic, stylish feel inside the restaurant, but now we can also cater for a more casual crowd who want to come in for a light afternoon lunch in their shorts and slops", says Trevor. Visit Al Pescatore, Italian and Seafood Restaurant in Ballito, North Coast, for an unforgettable experience!

Al Pescatore Italian Seafood Restaurant 14 Edward Place On the beach South Africa Ballito, KZN Tel: (032) 946-3574

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani, Durban

Situated on the spectacular Durban beachfront, Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani is undoubtedly the brightest star on the Golden Mile. The city’s finest beaches lie metres away, from the long boardwalk and many other local attractions. While leisure travellers favour the hotel for its location, family-friendly facilities and attention to detail, business travellers will also find plenty to add to their comfort at this stylish Southern Sun hotel.

With a huge variety of restaurants, bars, conference venues, amenities and relaxation areas, you may well find many reasons to relax and unwind amidst the inviting atmosphere of the hotel. Should you feel like exploring further, the many attractions of Durban lie in wait. uShaka Marine World, Suncoast Casino, Hotel & Entertainment, Mangwanani Boutique Spa's, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Valley of 1000 Hills, Durban Botanic Gardens and many other highlights can all be explored after checking in for your stay.

A total of 734 rooms are offered within Elangeni & Maharani Tower, to ensure a wide variety of room options to suit your preferences and tastes. All spacious en-suite rooms are beautifully furnished in a modern style, and are equipped with amenities such as air-conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities, electronic safe, 24-hour room service, porter service, wakeup facility and complimentary WiFi. Tel: +27 31 362 1300 Fax: +27 31 332 5527 Postal: P O Box 4094 Durban 4000 Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani 63 Snell Parade Durban 4001

Canelands Beach Club Salt Rock Thank you for taking interest in Canelands Beach Club, ideally situated a ‘step away’ from the sea waters’ edge. Please take your time and read below on what Canelands has to offer.

Canelands is a luxurious and elegant 10 bedroom (all en-suite) beach club situated in the popular upmarket region of Salt Rock on KwaZulu Natal‘s North (Dolphin) Coast, South Africa.

Set literally a step away from the beach with safe bathing offered by the many rock pools and coves that Salt Rock is renowned for, Canelands Beach Club is the ideal holiday and weekend getaway beach hotel.

Just minutes from the major shopping centres of Ballito, less than 15 minutes for Durban’s new King Shaka International Airport and less than an hours drive from Durban City, there is little wonder why Canelands Beach Club has already become an icon of quality beach accommodation to those who have discovered this gem on the beach.

Canelands caters for both leisure and business orientated guests.

Onsite conferencing facilities allows for up to 40 delegates discussing that ever important new business venture.

The Canelands Beach Club is a one-of-a-kind experience whether it is being served by beach butlers on the beach or having menus prepared daily by the chefs or be it enjoying a micro light flight or a horse ride along the coast, Canelands and it's surrounds has so much to offer. www.canelandssaltrock.co.za www.thecanelands.co.za info@thecanelands.co.za Reception: +27 32 525 2300 SPA : +27 32 525 4835 Facsimile: +27 32 525 2301

The world class uShaka Marine World, situated in Durban, South Africa, opened its turnstiles to the general public on April 30th 2004.

Close to three years in the making, uShaka has fast positioned itself as a key attraction on Durban’s Golden Mile, offering a world of entertainment, excitement, fun and uniqueness. uShaka has brought together cultures, like no other place in Africa – into a safe, secure and clean environment that resonates the sound of fun, laughter and the spirit of togetherness. Entertainment is non-stop, extending from the day-time operations of Sea World, Wet ‘n Wild, and uShaka Beach, to the night time festivities of the Village Walk.

All New Dolphin Show!

Celebrate our Oceans at uShaka’s new dolphin stadium!

Join us for our new dolphin shows at uShaka Marine World’s new and improved ultra-high tech dolphin stadium.

Our eco-heroes Flotsam and Jetsam will be poolside to celebrate the wonders of our beautiful oceans and introduce you to our resident dolphins Gambit, Frodo, Affrika, Tombi. Khanya, Zulu, Kepie, Jula, Khwezi, Ingelosi and Khetiwe. Together, they’re spreading the word about the wonders of our beautiful marine environment and the need to clean up and conserve our heritage for generations to come.

Be amazed by dazzling dolphin acrobatics with music, laughter and dancing all in a day’s splash for our uShaka Marine World family. Add a larger than life high definition screen and a crystal clear new sound system and you have a never-to-be-forgotten aquatic experience that is as entertaining as it is educational.

Shows take place twice daily, so look out for when you can slot one into your fun filled day.

1 King Shaka Avenue, Point Durban PO Box 38416 mkt@ushakamarineworld.co.za +27 (0)31 328 8000 +27 (0)31 328 8090 http://www.ushakamarineworld.co.za

Situated in Durban’s leafy Morningside suburb, The Saint James on Venice Luxury Boutique Hotel offers guests the perfect getaway while visiting the city. This child friendly hotel, originally the home of Corobrik founder Robert Stormwho built it in 1892, is steeped in Durban history and retains much of its old world charm.

The 15 bedrooms are individually decorated in a classically elegant style, with some having a view over the century-old St James church while others look over the hotel’s peaceful garden terrace.

Originally the home of Corobrik founder Robert Storm who built it in 1892, the hotel is steeped in Durban history and retains much of its old world charm.

Our gourmet restaurant serves breakfast and lunch every day until 15h00. We regret no dinner is served but our friendly reception staff will be happy to assist you with recommending and booking dinner at any one of the many excellent restaurants in the area. We are available for private dinner group functions, so should you wish to book for a larger group please inquire with our reservations team. .

Our extensive wine list won’t disappoint and we offer the very best in South African vintages.

Dining at The Saint James on Venice is made more memorable with the option of dining indoors or outside (al fresco) on the beautiful garden terrace.

The St James’ sumptuous high tea is becoming very wellknown to locals and guests will be delighted by the wide range of confectionary treats on offer.

As always, staff at The St James place emphasis on that personal touch and guests celebrating birthdays, anniversaries or any other occasion will be given that extra special treatment.

Please Note: Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday 06h00 – 22h00 Should late check-in or early departures be required please notify reception prior. The hotel offers 24-hour security 7 days a week General Manager: (Sunet Pringle) gm@stjamesonvenice.co.za Front Office / Bookings: fo@stjamesonvenice.co.za TEL: +27 31 312 9488 Fax: 086 605 2974 100 Venice Road Morningside Durban KwaZulu-Natal South Africa 4001

Stone Town Tour This particular town has been deemed a UNESCO Heritage Site.

It has the history of Sultans, Princesses and slaves written all over it. The architecture along the coast mainly consists of styles that originate from Arabia and Asia. The tour will show you the blending of the cultures as well as teach you about the fascinating history of the town.

Pange Sandbank This sandbank is situated 20 min via boat from Stone Town. It is ideal for activities such as snorkelling as there is a vast range of coral fish and tropical fish. This is the perfect getaway setting, far away from the bustling of the busy city , alongside the calm crystal blue waters.

Dinner at Forodhani This is a night time food market that starts in the late afternoon in stone town. It is said no trip to Zanzibar is complete unless you have experienced the vibe at the market. It takes place opposite the House of Wonders and at this market you will find freshly grilled fish, meat and vegetables. The seafood options are endless and they are accompanied by fried potato balls, naan bread and samosas.

Snorkelling at Mnemba Atoll This area was recently declared a marine conservation area. This is a coral atoll that is surrounded by reefs that are alive with an unbelievable amount of fish and marine creatures. Here you will see the like of species such as the whale shark, green turtles, pelagic creatures and the rather rare nudibranchs. Where better to see all these creatures and more than in their natural setting?

Misali Island

This island is 17km from Chake Chake and is one of Pemba’s highlights. It offers superb snorkelling and diving as well as nature trails and beautiful beaches. Around this island there are over 42 types of coral, 300 species of fish, flying foxes and a rare type of vervet monkey. There is a historic rumour that this is where Captain Kidd buried his treasure.

www.hotelzanzibar.com

Welcome to Paradise Beach Resort - Hotel Zanzibar The Paradise Beach Hotel Resort is located in Uroa, one of the best tourist enclaves of Zanzibar, and just 35km from the capital, Stone Town and its international airport. If you are looking for a hotel in Zanzibar then you've found the right place. Here, you will enjoy a spacious holiday complex by the sea with 700m of sea front, where you will be surrounded by the best service possible, in perfect harmony with nature.

The hotel resort has been recently constructed, using materials that are respectful to the environment and maintaining an authentic African style with European comfort.

The Paradise Beach Hotel Resort has 56 suites, a swimming pool, lowtide beach, gymnasium, spa & massage area, theater and a conference hall, together with our various bars and restaurants. We are sure that Paradise Beach Resort has everything to make your stay an unforgettable one.

The Paradise Beach-House has 7 rooms and is located on a white-sandy beach. With the beach-bar, pizzeria and BBQ restaurant you will realize your dream holiday.

Contact us Paradise Beach Resort - Hotel Zanzibar Road Marumbi - Uroa, Zanzibar (Tanzania) Tel 1: +255 784 168 901 Tel 2: +255 777 699 000 Tel 3: +255 775 088 729 Fax: +255 736 604 268bookings@hotelzanzibar.com

Only the natural setting matches the unrivalled service, refined atmosphere and stylish surroundings of The Residence Zanzibar http://www.lhw.com/

The first inhabitants of Zanzibar were Bantus coming from mainland Tanganyika; they were mostly fishers.

Their diet thus consisted of primarily seafood, such as tuna, mackerel, lobster, squid, octopus and oysters.

Other ingredients and recipes brought by Bantus that are found in today's Zanzibari cuisine (some of which became widespread during European colonialism) are common beans, sweet potatoes,manioc chips, yam and plaintain.

In the 9th century, Omanis, Yemenis and Persians began colonizing the Swahili Coast, including the Zanzibar Archipelago. They brought along with them a new dishes and ingredients, most notably spices, coconut, mango, citrus and rice. One of the most common Zanzibar recipes, the pilau (pilaf) rice (i.e., rice, coconuts, nuts and spices), clearly reflects its Arab origin.

Between the 15th century and the 16th century, the Portuguese quickly conquered most of the African Great Lakes, including Zanzibar. The main Portuguese influences on Zanzibari cuisine was the introduction of those that would become major types of staple food in Zanzibar, namely manioc, maize and pineapple.

In 1651, the Portuguese lost control of Zanzibar to the Omani sultanate. The Omanis brought new spices and intensified the commercial relationships between Zanzibar and India; as a consequence, Indian recipes such as chutney, masala, biryani, curry, fish cakes and samoosa (samosa) made it to Zanzibar. Most recipes of foreign origin were adapted to the ingredients that were available on the island, thus giving birth to a largely original "fusion" cuisine.

Around the beginning of the 20th century most of the African Great Lakes region was colonized by the Germans and the British. Those did not mix with the local population as much as the Arabs, Persians and Indians had done, and their influence on Zanzibari cuisine is less evident; yet, some very common Zanzibari recipes, such as pepper steak, can be generically defined as having an European origin.

After independence, Tanzania established a strong relationship with China; Chinese physicians, engineers, and military consultants came to Zanzibar. Although only a small fraction of today's Zanzibari population has Chinese origins, some recipes and ingredients, such as soy sauce, have began commonplace on the island.

A family holiday like no other As a family-owned company, no one understands families better than MSC. And no one does more to help you and your loved ones enjoy every moment to the full, both together and individually on board and ashore. Just look and see!

• Kids travel free with MSC! Each child up to the age of eighteen who shares a cabin with their parents travels free of charge. So you can all enjoy a carefree voyage, exploring the most beautiful places on earth from the sea.

• Your children are always made to feel special with MSC, receiving a dedicated welcome from the Kids Corner in the port terminal onwards. Security bracelets are issued when you board, while beepers or DECT phones can be hired for a modest charge so you can keep in touch at all times.

• We provide a varied programme of whole-family and supervised activities, entertainment and social events tailor-made for four separate age groups in their own clubs. And they’re all free, too!

• Innovative activities like Fun Time Dinner, Happy Dinners and Kids Around the Clock let everyone in the family do things their own way - even at mealtimes, late at night and during shore excursions. So your children are free to explore a social life of their own, meeting new friends from around the world in a safe environment, immersed in a holiday they’ll never forget. And the grown-ups gain equally special free moments, relaxed in the knowledge that the kids are cared for and enjoying the time of their lives.

Complimentary Kids Clubs!

Four seperate Kids Clubs programs are available from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. for young guests, each tailored to a specific age group: • Mini Club: 3 to 6 years old • Junior Club: 7 to 11 years old • Y-Team: 12 to 14 years old • MSC Generation Teen Club: 15 to 17 years old What more could you ask for? www.msccruises.co.za

http://www.heritageresorts.mu/

The local cuisine in Mauritius originates from three continents – in line with the birthplaces of its inhabitants. By visiting the island, guests have the opportunity to sample a variety of foods, including Indian, Chinese, Creole and European.

Mauritian cooking is in a class of its own: a combination of flavours that have evolved through its different cultural heritages and cooking traditions.

Mauritians are creative with food, mixing various styles in a single menu. They are just as happy to experiment with recipes from Chinese, Indian or Muslim cuisines as they are to create tempting Creole or European dishes.

Mauritian cuisine is proud of its heritage, but has also gained a fine reputation in the contemporary culinary world. Leading chefs such as Paul Bocuse, Alain Ducasse and the Troisgros brothers have visited the island and introduced menus to boost the top-quality cuisine already available. Local chefs meanwhile are known for their creativity and ‘savoir-faire’, using traditional and local ingredients to create modern fare for some of the island’s most famous hotels.

‘Table D’Hôte’

One of the best ways to experience the pleasure and flavours of truly local fare is to visit a typical ‘table d’hôte’ or a local, specialised restaurants.

Do not hesitate to try the local favourite snacks, including ‘dholl purri’ wheat pancakes stuffed with dholl and served with curry and tomato sauce, faratas, gateaux piments (chilli bites) and samosas.

SUGAR Sweet crystals Golden, brown, red or white Crunchy Once a rare, precious, expensive and even reportedly magical substance, associated with pleasure and luxury…

Mauritius offers you sugary treasures and pleasures.

TEA Sensuous aromas unveil the flavours of Mauritius in a single cup of tea…

As night gives way to the first rays of dawn Tea leaves light up, still peppered with droplets of dew Rustling of leaves breaks the silence Hundreds of women with huge wicker baskets on their backs gently pick handfuls of buds From the tea plantation and the tea factory to tea tasting, the island offers an open invitation for people to discover the secrets and the history of its famous Mauritian tea.

RUM “Ho ho ho and a bottle of rum”: pirates, conquerors and explorers all loved to quaff rum Rum production: a tradition as old as the history of Mauritius An exhilarating spirit with heady aromas An invitation to enjoy lazy days beneath the tropical sun A liquor to taste and experience.

On the southwestern side of the island, the soft white sands of Le Morne Beach and its turquoise lagoon create a magical setting where lavishly appointed accommodations and pampering converge amid the many charms of Mauritius.

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort is a five star luxury resort with 172 guest rooms and suites with breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean waters.

Bask in the sun by a luxurious pool or on the beach; go wind and kite surfing; or escape to a sanctuary of rejuvenation at the signature Iridium Spa featuring 12 private treatment rooms. indulge in the sublime pleasures of the spa.

The Resort introduces a collection of carefully selected restaurants and bars including Simply India, the signature restaurant by Michelin star chef Atul Kochhar, where accomplished master chefs present exciting new fine dining experiences to the guests.

Le Morne Peninsula 路 Mauritius 路 Phone: (230) 403 9000 Central Reservations: +800 325 78734 stregismauritius@stregis.com

www.stregismauritius.com

Local company Tourist Villages Co. Ltd recently launched its first tourist village in the town of Mahébourg. Situated in the gardens of the town’s naval museum, the retail space accommodates about 20 permanent exhibitors, all from Mahébourg region. All the items offered for sale are local handicraft creations.

In view of offering stand space to the maximum of operators, 11 individual craftsmen and two associations were selected. Preference was given to craftsmen from the south of the island who showed interest and responded to the invitation of Tourist Villages Co. Ltd. This was a great opportunity for the 60 artisans represented by the Arts and Crafts Manufacturers Association of Mauritius (ACMAM) to promote their handicraft.

A second stand was also provided to Le movement Pour l’Autosuffisance Alimentaire – an association consisting of 12 member craftsmen from Vieux Grand Port who make handicraft from the pandanus (Vacoas) region.

Investment and future plans The Mahébourg tourist village required an investment of 6 million MRU prior to launch. It will be the first in a series. Tourist Villages Co Ltd is now planning to launch a much more ambitious second village in Belle Mare – something that will require an overall investment of around 200 million MRU.

The new tourist village of Belle Mare will accommodate 35 shops, a food court, a recreation centre and, of course, exhibition space for artists.

Subsequently, another tourist village is expected to be launched in Flic en Flac.

www.letouessrokresort.com The pinnacle of tropical elegance World-renowned luxury five star resort in Mauritius, Le Touessrok is one of the world’s great romantic resorts. It is the essence of cool, modern elegance basking in the cultural warmth of tropical Mauritius.

Le Touessrok resort Mauritius is one of the “Leading hotels of the World”.

This majestic resort lies on a beautiful stretch of sandy coast, with magnificent views of the tranquil Trou d’Eau Douce Bay. Out in the lagoon are two beautiful islands; Ilot Mangénie and Ile aux Cerfs , home to the resort’s Le Touessrok 18-hole championship golf course, one of the best in Mauritius.

Le Touessrok hotel: luxury and elegance for your holiday Le Touessrok hotel Mauritius is five star luxury at its best, the perfect holiday setting for couples and families, with a fabulous range of facilities, including an extensive choice of water sports and land-based activities, 5 restaurants, a renowned Givenchy Spa and personal butler service.

This five star resort also features three luxury waterfront villas, which have redefined the benchmark for luxury villas in Mauritius.

Open since May 2005, Le Touessrok Villas offer ultra-exclusive and spacious accommodation, using the latest technology to meet the high expectations of the most discerning guests to Mauritius.

Contact : Mr Nihad Kader Tel : +230 402 7700 - Fax : +230 402 7500 Email : reservation@letouessrok.mu