Every 6 months, our company has a review period where the board goes over the progress that has been made. These past few months especially, things have been slightly tight and all employees pulled together to make extra special effort. In doing so, above normal goals were met and the board decided to reward the staff to show their appreciation. The ladies were sent to Mangwanani Day Spa as their reward. The ladies thoroughly enjoyed the pampering and efforts to excel again were set as a new challenge.
A group of us decided that we deserved a mid-year treat. Since we were rather a large group, we made a smart plan and hired a vehicle and then proceeded onto our destination of delightful treatment. At the Soulstice Day Spa at Silverstar Casino on the R28, or the Krugersdorp Highway, know just how to reward a person. With treatments ranging from manicures and pedicures, to facials and massages that you can dream of, Soulstice make these dreams come true. And why not linger in the bliss, by spending the night at the hotel at Silverstar Casino. All in a day’s relaxation I’d say!
“I’ve seen elephant in the wild – but only at a distance. They seem gigantic and yet so gentle… I’d like to know more about these fascinating animals.” Mentions one of the visitors on our Elephant Sanctuary tour that we recently were privileged to be part of. The Elephant Sanctuary is nestled in pristine unspoilt bush, the home of five African elephants, a sight and keen learning experience like no other. Hiring a car allows you and any other traveler to get there with absolutely no problem. Enjoy the picturesque setting, wildlife and the magnificent African Elephant.
During the past few weeks, we’ve had a few tourists stay with some clients of ours and they asked if there was a place they could visit that was peaceful, beautiful and where they could rest and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding them. This was easy. We hired vehicles for them and booked the day at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens in Ruimsig. From the very moment you walk into the Botanical Gardens, you feel calm and at peace. Taking the stroll to the magnificent waterfall and then watching it as it tumbles over the mountain takes your breath away.
Who would’ve thought they’d be able to find a bird sanctuary in the heart of Johannesburg? I certainly didn’t. But as I was driving down Beyers Naude the other day toward Cresta shopping centre, I came across this sign “The Kelland Bird Sanctuary”. As a tourist, hire a car from Johannesburg car hire, investigate this beautiful piece of land. It is situated at the confluence of the Darrenwood Spruit and Fairlands Spruit and the Klein Jukskei River, between the Randpark Golf Course and the Willows Estate. It is fed by the Fairlands Spruit and the Darrenwood Spruit and has 24 bird species.
If you’re looking for a short break away from the stresses of everyday life, like a long weekend with friends, then I’d suggest you pay Benmore Lodge a visit. Situated on the Kei River in the Kei Mouth, this has got to be one of South Africa’s best kept holiday secrets. With wide clean beaches that are fringed with dunes that lead inland into sub-tropical bushveld and fynbos, you are one step away from whichever you choose. What I like best about this little Lodge, is that they cater for big parties, like a 21st, or a small intimate party. You don’t have to pay a fortune for good service and your guests don’t have to worry about getting back when they can just spend the night. It has something to offer the family as well, allowing children to be one with nature. It is nestled in the typical Transkei rural scenery, with scattered dwellings in the distant rolling Transkei hills. You won’t get bored when visiting BenmoreLodge, that you can be assured of, with the amazing variety of bird life to enjoy bird watching. Or game viewing with game like eland, impala, bontebok, kudu, bushbuck, wildebeest, zebra, and yes, the list does continue! Really, next time you and a bunch of friends feel like getting away for a long weekend, take advantage of the opportunity, and spend it at Benmore Lodge in the Kei Mouth on the Kei River.
Located on a peninsula at the northern tip of the island, the breathtaking view over the islets of the north coast and the Port Louis Mountain range is spectacular. The authentic Mauritian atmosphere is set off with overtones of African and Oriental décor. The Le Canonnier Hotel is set in seven hectares of tropical garden with relics of the past, a lighthouse, ruins of ancient fortifications and old cannons.
A unique feature is its two completely separate beaches, giving guests a different view of the panoramic seascape from where they choose to relax. And a big attraction is the Wellness Centre built in the branches of a centuries old Banyan tree. With rustic stone steps leading you up to the treatment cabins looking out onto peaceful pools and outdoor relaxation areas, relaxation is what you’re guaranteed to find.
Le Canonnier’s proximity to Grand Bay makes access too easy for shopping and enjoying the international atmosphere at many restaurants and bars. Grand Bay is also the departure point for many attractive excursions by boat.
With the rooms being built in crescents, either overlooking the lush, tropical grounds and swimming pool, or the beach and sea, staying indoors is a thing of the past. Individually controlled air-conditioning, minbar, electronic safe and telephone, TV with satellite channels do make it a little bit hard to choose though.
In the standard rooms, you’ll find that the garden facing rooms each have a shower, basin and toilet; whilst the sea facing rooms have a bath, basin and toilet with a shower in the bath. In the Superior rooms, the newer rooms have a separate shower while the original superior rooms have a shower in the bath. In the family duplexes, there are split level rooms which accommodate two adults and three children. The main room is downstairs and a staircase leads to the open-plan loft bedroom.
The Garden facing family apartments however, consist of two bedrooms, their own bathroom and TV with separate channels. The main room opens onto a spacious terrace area. The Suites? Well there’s no denying, these have got to be the best yet. There are four luxury suites located at the end of the northern crescent, naturally for more privacy. Then there is an open plan bedroom and lounge area.
Enjoy fine cuisine from the two restaurants available to choose from, Le Frangipanier, the main restaurant set under thatch in the garden adjacent to the pool, breakfast, lunch and dinner are served here in a tropical environment. And live cooking stations are a highlight!
There’s also the Le Navigator – which romantics are guaranteed to choose this secluded restaurant overlooking the beach. Open for lunch and dinner daily, guests may choose a set menu or a la carte dish.
Choose from only the best when travelling to Mauritius, as it offers only the best!
At the White Lodge Constantia Guest House, you’ll find the V&A Waterfront and City Centre just 15 minutes away. Take a trip to Robben Island, visit the prison where Nelson Mandela spent 27 years! Sure to be a learning experience like no other. My personal favourite though, has always been and always will be the beach and the views. Walk along the Atlantic or Indian Ocean, or simply set out a blanket with a glass of wine in hand, and where better a place to do it than the region of the winelands. Listen to the crashing of the waves, breathe in the deep salt scent and simply laze enjoying the sun. What more could a person ask for? If you’re a golf enthusiast, there are golf courses 10 to 50 minutes away, depending on which courses you’d like to be challenged on. And then of course, there’s the food. Cape Town is home to a wide variety of excellent restaurants presenting a range of cuisine from fresh Mediterranean flavours to exotic Asian spices, local Cape Malay dishes and tradition African meals. But again, the nature and beauty of this splendid town, the amazing views from this beautiful little lodge, are without doubt the way to go. I could honestly pack a little picnic basket, find myself a nice shady spot beneath one of the enormous trees in the garden, with book and wine in hand, admire the mountains in the distance, enjoy the absolute peace surrounding me and maybe even have a little nap.
When one decides to go away for a short break, you usually want to go somewhere quiet, quaint, somewhere with spectacular scenery, somewhere you can enjoy relaxing and not feel pressurized to do anything specific, meet anyone specific or go anywhere that you can’t say is not a touristy place. This amazing little guest lodge in the heart of Noordhoek, describes the above requirements absolutely perfectly, with a dash of cinnamon for the flavour on top. A stunning little lodge, with 6 different suite types to choose from, it’s probably the hardest decision you’ll have to make. Oh, that along with the type of food you’re looking for the choice of tour you’re wanting. Wild Rose Lodge have taken the time to put together specialised tours for each of their guests, which intrigued me as not many lodges take the time to do this. I love their way of making each of their guests feel right extremely spoilt by helping you make your every decision, cause admit it, when you go on holiday, thinking about certain things is something you just don’t want to do! So next time you’re looking for that break away, where you can simply put your feet up and just relax, think about booking yourself some time with Wild Rose Lodge, I can promise you it won’t be a decision you’ll regret.
The Seychelles truly has the perfect settings for a honeymoon. After the excitement of the build up to your wedding, all you want to do is relax and enjoy each other’s company, lazing on the beach, enjoying moonlit walks, savouring delicious meals and making plans for your future together. Lasting memories are made on your honeymoon, so it’s important that you make the right choice of where to stay, and choose a resort which suits your lifestyle.
It’s the extra attention that makes your honeymoon different from any other holiday. See your choice of hotel and the gifts you’ll receive whilst you’re on honeymoon. And if you don’t want to go on honeymoon directly after you’ve wedded, you don’t need to worry because you can go on honeymoon up till six months after you’ve tied the knot.
The best part of this is that you get to choose a resort to suit your lifestyle. Each with its own style and personality, ensuring your honeymoon is everything you expect it to be, so you can choose the type of hotel best suiting your personality with your own particular preference. Enjoy plenty of fun and action, or prefer peace and serenity: your ideal hotel is waiting to welcome you.
Starting your list of choice with the Royal Palm Hotel & Spa, luxurious, sophisticated and exclusive, Royal Palms ranks among the top hotels in the Indian Ocean. It is also included in the proud list of Leading Hotels of the World and counts royals, heads of state as well as movie and sports stars among its regular clientele. The calm waters lapping onto the beach are protected by the coral reef, making conditions perfect for swimming, watersports and sailing. Enter the cool, scented atmosphere of the Spa by Clarins. Indulge in soothing treatments in exotic surroundings. Relax in the most tranquil atmosphere and chic environment, and enjoy the peace and quiet of perfect luxury. The service compares favourably with the best in the world.
Next up on the list is Dinarobin Hotel & Spa. It has become prime property in the Indian Ocean region, with two 5 star hotels, an 18-hole golf course, and eight restaurants, as well as an unbeatable location in the most scenic setting on the island. Every aspect of Dinarobin reflects its five-star excellence. It has unusual architecture, and comprises accommodation exclusively in suites. The central public area overlooks the swimming pool and the sea beyond and houses the reception, two restaurants, an elegant bar, shops and tour desks. A third restaurant is located under the palms fringing the beach. Luxury suites are grouped into six U-shaped crescents with the senior suites and some junior suites on the beachfront.
And don’t forget Paradis Hotel & Golf Resort!! Come on, there is next to no better! Seven kilometres of beach ring the peninsula, and beautiful views stretch across the sea in all directions. The hotel offers superb accommodation in superior and deluxe rooms, junior, deluxe and senior suites and 13 luxury villas. The calm, clear, reef-protected waters are ideal for every kind of water sport and close off-shore is one of the most prolific marlin breeding grounds in the world. The hotel has its own Spa by Clarins, and a modern fitness centre.
Let me guess, you’re purely looking for something relaxing? Then the Shandrani Hotel is for you. Set in lush tropical grounds bordered by three separate beaches creating an air of peaceful seclusion. Accommodation is superb spanning a range of suites, family apartments and rooms, all facing the sea. Shandrani offers something for everyone. Two large pool areas and four different restaurants provide a change of scenery and experience. It has the getaway feeling appealing to couples and honeymooners. Families will enjoy the lively side of the resort, a sport and nature programme, sailing lessons, kitesurfing lessons, health and beauty facilities and accommodation specially tailored to the family market.
Make the choice and spend some time in the Seychelles on honeymoon, whichever way, you’re not going to regret it by any means.