MASTERCHEF WINNER, SHAWN GODFREY DESIGNS LIFT’S NEW PREMIUM MENU

LIFT Premium passengers will now enjoy an elevated in-flight dining experience, thanks to a new menu, conceptualised and created by SA’s very own MasterChef winner, Shawn Godfrey. 

USURPA Presents Seth Pimentel: A New Era of Digital Artistry and Innovation

Introducing the sensational South African artist, Seth Pimentel, also known as African Ginger, and his highly anticipated solo digital exhibition, "The Pride Comes Before the Fall," hosted by USURPA. Pimentel is renowned for his ability to seamlessly blend painting, drawing, and digital illustration, pushing the boundaries of modern portraiture.

Hey Neighbour: Unveiling the Epic Phase One Lineup for South Africa's Hottest Festival

Get ready for the ultimate music and lifestyle festival experience: Hey Neighbour! The trailblazing team at Glen21 Entertainment is thrilled to bring you a groundbreaking event that will make waves in the African entertainment scene. Set to take place in Pretoria this December 2023, Hey Neighbour is not your average festival—it's a vibrant celebration of music, culture, and community.

Joburg Ballet’s Romeo and Juliet returns to the stage in June and July

After an absence of seven years Joburg Ballet’s magnificent production of Romeo and Juliet returns to the stage of the Joburg Theatre for a season of eight performances from Friday 30 June to Sunday 9 July.

Photography by Lauge Sorensen

JOHANNESBURG RESTAURANT NEWS: THE GEMELLI GROUP REOPENS ALL-DAY BREAKFAST SPOT PANTRY BY GEMELLI

PANTRY by Gemelli, a popular brunch spot in the heart of Bryanston, is proud to announce and invite patrons to enjoy its irresistible new look, fresh menu and an atmosphere dripping with elegance. The restaurant has undergone extensive architectural and decorative renovation and officially reopened its doors to the world to indulge in the splendour on May 8, 2023.

Celebrating Africa Day 2023: Hilton's Dedication to Community Support and Diversity

As part of Africa Day 2023, Hilton is celebrating the continent's vibrant cultures through a series of unique collaborations with African artists. By celebrating culture and embracing diversity, these local art partnerships are in support of Hilton’s Travel with Purpose ESG strategy, aimed at creating a positive impact across the communities Hilton operates in around the world.

Hilton’s hotels across the Africa & Indian Ocean region are supporting their local communities and spotlighting local cultures by partnering with artists to create installations, showcase their work, as well as provide them with an opportunity to sell their art pieces. Various hotels are hosting art exhibitions – as well as art fairs, with each piece telling a story ranging from African mythology and creativity, to making use of sustainable sourcing and recyclable materials.  

Mzansi Food & Drink Show 2024: South Africa's Biggest Culinary Extravaganza

Foodies, get ready to mark your calendars because South Africa’s biggest culinary event is coming to town! The Mzansi Food & Drink Show is set to take place at the Kyalami Convention Centre from June 15 to 17, 2024, and promises to be an extravaganza of all things food and drink.

Love & Light: The South African Handcrafted Candles Promoting Mindfulness and Mental Health

Love & Light is a proudly South African collection of artisanal, vegan and cruelty-free soy wax candles that promote mindfulness and natural healing. This small business was founded in 2023 by a South African woman in the healthcare profession who combined her knowledge and passion for self-love, empowerment and mental health to create a product that emphasizes positivity and pure intention. With the use of the finest materials and ingredients, each bespoke candle is handcrafted in small batches to ensure quality and the unique touch that comes from human hands.

Autumn Comfort Food Pairings: Roodeberg Wine Perfectly Complements Your Meal

Cosy one pot comfort food enjoyed with a glass or two of Roodeberg is the heart and soul of an unhurried autumn day. With Roodeberg’s range of accomplished blends from the ever popular Classic Red and Rosé to the more textured Roodeberg Reserve and Roodeberg 1949, there’s a perfect wine companion for every dish.

Drive in Style: Top Destinations for Your OMODA Road Trip in South Africa

Get ready to hit the roads of South Africa in style with OMODA, the newest vehicle brand in town. Developed by the Chery Group with a fresh approach, OMODA represents a modern and fashionable lifestyle with a focus on youth, diversification and globalization. The brand's first product, the OMODA C5, is a compact-sized SUV with a powerful 1.5 litre turbo petrol engine and unbeatable luxury and technology features. Explore South Africa's diverse and beautiful landscapes with OMODA, and experience the road trip of a lifetime!

Set Your Table Anywhere This Easter: Explore South African Small Towns for Unique Experiences

Easter is around the corner, presenting yet another great time to squeeze in a well-deserved break in this beautiful country we call home.

VILLAS AND MANOR HOUSES IN SOUTH AFRICA - WHERE TO SPEND THE LONG WEEKENDS

Here, for discerning travellers, are some top of the range holiday Manor Houses and Villas where families, couples and groups of friends can enjoy the most luxurious of holidays…

For the lovers of wildlife looking for adventure - a luxury safari villa in the northern reaches of KZN, and, on the beautiful, stark plains of the Karoo an elegant and luxurious Manor with its warm design reflecting the environment…

MOO MOO MALL OF AFRICA HOSTS MOUTHWATERING STREET FOOD & WINE LUNCHEON

Inspired by the plethora of unique and mouth-watering street food offerings that Moo Moo showcases on their menu; Jimmy Eracleous, Owner of the Moo Moo Branch in Mall of Africa and Moo Moo Menlyn put together an exclusive Street Food & Wine tasting event for a me and a few other bloggers that not only introduced us to the Moo Moo brand, but offered us a taste of the Moo Moo magic by taking us on a culinary journey of tastes, flavours, aroma’s and essence.

SEVEN VILLA HOTEL & SPA REVIEW

SEVEN Villa Hotel & Spa is the ultimate inner city retreat located in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. Just a short 15 minute drive from me, it proved to be the perfect staycation and while it's literally just around the corner, it felt more like a getaway tucked away in nature. With beautiful sculptures around ever corner and a black and gold "old money yet modern" aesthetic, it's the perfect spoil for a birthday or anniversary stay.

Make your Easter sparkle with gorgeous KWV bubbly cocktails

Mellow into autumn with an enchanting KWV Sparkling Wine cocktail as we adapt to cooler climes and warmer hues with our tastes leaning towards richer, more comforting pleasures.

Escape to the Cape & Beyond: Winter Specials at Top Hotels in South Africa

Here are some great winter specials offered at prominent, independent hotels and top establishments of Cape Country Routes around the country.

Off-season travel – the seasoned traveller’s trick

The month of love has ended mara you are still in the dog box for not gifting the perfect gift. Shame! No need to worry because as always Sho’t Left has got your back and is giving you the opportunity to make things right with the perfect gift experience.

The Guide to Road Tripping South Africa in the Next-Gen Ford Ranger Raptor

Are you ready for an adventure? The new Next-Gen Ford Ranger Raptor is here and it's ready to take you on a wild ride through the breathtaking landscapes of South Africa. From rugged mountains to sandy beaches, this tough vehicle is the perfect vehicle for your road trip.

MSC CRUISES REVEALS A SELECTION OF THE TOP DESTINATIONS TO DISCOVER IN 2023

• MSC Cruises’ April to November international cruise season offers incredible choice with 22 ships, offering 140 destinations, 40 countries and more than 50 embarkation ports

• Itineraries span the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Japan

• 3 ships deployed in the Caribbean with New York City as new embarkation port, all calling at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve

• More ships than ever in Eastern Mediterranean with enriched itineraries and increased capacity on 7-night cruises to the Greek Islands, Turkey and Israel

LUXURY TRAIN IN SOUTH AFRICA: ROVOS RAIL OFFERS 50% DISCOUNT TO SOUTH AFRICANS

Rovos Rail is a luxurious train company that offers scenic trips through some of South Africa's most beautiful landscapes. With its elegant decor and exceptional service, Rovos Rail is an experience like no other. And now, South Africans have the opportunity to experience it at a discounted price.

Rovos Rail is offering a 50% discount on selected journeys if you have residency in the following countries South Africa, eSwatini, Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. This is a fantastic opportunity for locals to explore their own country in style and comfort.

To take advantage of this offer, South Africans will need to provide a valid ID or passport. The discount is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and some terms and conditions apply.

Rovos Rail is known for its exceptional service, gourmet cuisine, and elegant decor. Each journey is a unique experience, with opportunities to see wildlife, visit historic sites, and explore beautiful landscapes. And with this 50% discount, South Africans can now experience it at a more affordable price.

Dates & Rates: 

🌴 Pretoria to Durban 🌴
14-16 April 

🌴 Durban to Pretoria 🌴
17-19 April 

Pullman R14 350 per person sharing
Deluxe R21 400 per person sharing 
(Royal suite on request)

⛰️Pretoria to Cape Town ⛰️
2-5 June 

⛰️Cape Town to Pretoria ⛰️
22-25 April 
5-8 June 

Pullman R15 850 per person sharing 
Deluxe R22 900 per person sharing 
(Royal suite on request) 

🇿🇼 Victoria Falls to Pretoria 🇿🇼
5-8 March 
14-17 March 
26-29 March 
25-28 April 

Pullman R19 800 per person sharing 
Deluxe R29 800 per person sharing 
(Royal suite on request)

INCLUDES Accommodation; all meals and beverages on board; off-train excursions; room service; limited laundry and govt tax. 

EXCLUDES Pre- and post-tour accommodation, flights and transfers; travel insurance; visas; gratuities; international sparkling 
wine and personal expenses. 

T&C apply

+27 (0) 12 315 8242 • reservations@rovos.co.za 

If you're a South African looking for a unique way to explore your own country, this is an opportunity not to be missed. Book now to take advantage of this offer and experience the magic of Rovos Rail for yourself.

GATEWAY HOTEL REVIEW - HOTELS IN UMHLANGA, DURBAN

This a special one since I stayed at this hotel this New Years Eve as well as 3 times before and it's definitely one of my go to hotels in Umhlanga. Located at Gateway Theatre of Shopping, the biggest mall in Durban, aha Gateway Hotel is the ultimate choice for shopaholics that want convenience at a modern hotel.

FYI this is more of a quick mini review since I just had an overnight stay but will hopefully do another one after a longer stay :)

WILD COAST SUN: Water adventures for the whole family

Myriad leisure activities along the Mtamvuna River at Wild Coast Sun

Wild Coast Sun is Sun International’s only beachfront resort, which means an abundance of water-based activities – from rides at the Wild Waves Water Park to the hotel swimming pools – as well as on, and in, the Mtamvuna River.

Located on the South Coast with its endless summer temperatures, Wild Coast Sun guests are spoilt for choice all year round, making it the ideal place for family getaways.

Whether you prefer your activities fast or slow, there is something for everyone, from canoeing to kayaking, sit-down to stand-up paddle boats, speedboats to lazy boat cruises, and much more.  

Take to the water and paddle up and down the Mtamvuna River in your own canoe or a rented one – you can go solo or couple up. Alternatively, kayaking is a popular favourite, and for adventure seekers, there are guided tours along the banks of the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve. The scenic excursion is something you won’t forget.

What’s the difference between a canoe and a kayak? When canoeing you use a paddle with a blade at one end, while kayaking entails using a double ended paddle. Canoes are open in design while kayaks are more closed to the elements.

 

Experience an eco-adventure aboard a speedboat and explore the unspoilt coastline of the Mtavuna river that forms the border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape provinces, with the sea air and wind on your face. Jump aboard with an experienced skipper for tube rides and water skiing too.

“Walk on water” and find out why stand-up paddleboarding is one of the fastest growing water sports. Paddleboarders stand on boards floating on the water and use a paddle to propel themselves forward, providing an extensive workout range, from upper body training to leg work and core strength building. 

Take in a lazy afternoon on a sit-down paddle boat on the scenic Mtamvuna River. Easy to do, each paddle boat can comfortably take two adults and two children and is a safe, family friendly activity. Also, lots of fun (and inexpensive) for friends or couples. 

The best way to end a day of exhilarating water sport fun is to jump on a boat cruise that gently navigates up the river. Soak up nature around you with a cool breeze against your face and a cocktail or beverage in hand while you take in a glorious sunset. The cruise is between 45-minutes and an hour, which takes you up the beautiful Umtamvuna Nature Reserve. You can choose between a public or private cruise.

Fishermen can leisurely cast out their lines in the hopes of reeling in bronze bream, rock cod, and other fish. Guests can rent rods or are welcome to bring their own.

Activities are booked at the Riverside Aqua Sports Beach Bar, on 083 662 9096 or info@the-riverside.co.za. The activity pricelist is available on the website -  www.the-riverside.co.za.

The Riverside Aqua Sports Beach Bar is the hub for all the resort’s riverside activities, but also provides water sport enthusiasts with a vibey place to relax with a view. The hip bartenders handcraft classic cocktails, and the mouth-watering, savoury menu is simple but will sate your appetite built up over the course of the day – tuck into burgers, boerewors rolls, hot dogs, and bacon and eggs rolls. They also offer a ‘bring and braai’ facility for families and friends to chill alongside the riverbed. 

During peak season, the bar is open Sunday to Friday between 09h00 and 18h00 and Saturdays, 09h00 and 20h00. 

The braai facility is for guest convenience with a surcharge fee per stand or group. No outside cold drinks or alcohol are permitted as they are a fully licensed establishment.