Visiting the Western Cape in spring is an unparalleled experience. As the province sheds its winter cloak, it comes to life with a burst of vibrant wildflowers, breathtaking scenery, and a mild and inviting climate. Spring always brings a burst of colour to the landscapes opening the opportunity to experience mother nature work her magic.
Less than an hour’s drive from the Mother City nestled in the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is one of the premier wine-producing regions in the country known for its picturesque vineyards, wineries surrounded by stunning landscapes.
With its surrounding breath-taking mountain ranges Franschhoek is an outdoor enthusiast’s playground, welcome the spring wildflowers with a short hike, work your way through dozens of winding trails - leading to views that will leave you in awe.
If sampling the finer things in life is more your style, then one of the more than 45 wineries nestled in the valley, should do the trick - ranging from spectacular to the family owned, this region is known for producing astonishingly good wines, and what better way to sip your way through the list than by travelling in style on the Franschhoek Wine Tram running on tracks that are more than 100 years old the tram is a must visit if you find yourself in Franschhoek.
Whether it’s a weekend away to decompress or a weeklong staycation there are quite a number of accommodations offers – from rustic country style accommodation to quaint luxury boutique offerings like the Protea by Marriott Hotel Franschhoek.
As tourism month kicks into high gear, it's the perfect time to celebrate and support local travel by embracing the opportunity to savour the sites and flavours of Franschhoek creating cherished memories.
Elevate your summer festivities with an exciting twist as we introduce the ultimate enhancement for your Roku Japanese Gin cocktail. Bring your cocktails to life with these six exquisite garnishes that will redefine your journey as a cocktail enthusiast. Roku Japanese Gin, with its harmonious blend of botanicals, offers a canvas for creativity that deserves to be explored this summer.
De Hoop Nature Reserve, a World Heritage site and Marine Protected area in the Overberg region is world renowned as one the best spots for land-based whale watching in South Africa. Every year, between June and November some 40% of the world’s southern right whales come to these shores to breed.
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According to marine conservation photographer, Jean Tresfon, Koppie Alleen in the De Hoop Nature Reserve had the highest concentration of whales. He recently undertook the first official aerial survey of southern right whale numbers for 2023 with Dr Els Vermeulen of the UP Mammal Research Institute Whale Unit.
“The first whale we spotted, in Hermanus just under the cliffs near the Old Harbour, was upside down with a tiny calf on her chest. As we went on, we started to see more and more southern right whales, with 346 whales (of which 172 were calves) counted between Struisbaai and Skipskop Point. But, as expected we found the main concentration of whales at Koppie Alleen. There were so many whales here that the counting was an exercise in itself! The final number was 472 whales, (236 were calves) in the bay at Koppie Alleen, while another 115 whales (57 calves) were counted along the rest of the De Hoop coastline towards Cape Infanta."
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The final figure from the aerial survey from Hermanus to Witsand of 1 136 whales, showed a substantial increase over the numbers counted over the past four years, but still less than the record numbers seen in 2018.
“Whale time is definitely a favourite time at De Hoop Collection,” said William Stephens, owner of De Hoop Collection on hearing the results. “This figure comes as no surprise. Koppie Alleen, with its relatively warm and calm waters is a haven for whales and their calves and is in fact the most important nursery area on the South African coast for southern right whales and this results in impressive numbers of whale sightings.”
The De Hoop Collection situated in the heart of the magnificent reserve and just three hours from Cape Town, offers a range of affordable accommodation from campsite rondawels, self-catering cottages and houses (sleeping from two to six people) to romantic suites, an old stone Manor house and the recent addition of the De Mond Villa.
Member of Cape Country Routes, the De Hoop Collection is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway – here you get to experience a unique outdoor experience like no other - the sea, the beaches, a Ramsar listed vlei, rare indigenous plants, diverse animal and bird life… and the Whales. “De Hoop continues to be the best spot for whale watching in South Africa From the high vantage point of the pristine dunes of Koppie Alleen our guests get to enjoy incredible sightings of the whales breaching, tail slapping and spyhopping - a term for when a whale rises partially out of the water in an upright position”.
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Book now and experience the magic that is De Hoop!
Call or email Samantha at De Hoop Collection +27 (0)21 422 4522, res@dehoopcollection.co.za
Reservations: 021-422 4522 or res@dehoopcollection.co.za, www.dehoopcollection.com
Multi-award-winning airline, Qatar Airways, has triumphed in four categories at this year’s Business Traveller Awards at the Royal Garden Hotel in London. The national carrier of the State of Qatar continues to be recognised for its excellence on a global scale, being awarded Best Long-Haul Airline, Best Business Class, Best Middle Eastern Airline, and Best Inflight Food & Beverage by Business Traveller. The airline’s hub, Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar, has also been named Best Airport in the Middle East, and the Second-Best Airport in the World.
Nestled within the breathtaking Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, the Thaba Eco Hotel has always been an icon of excellence in the world of hospitality. But hold onto your hats, because they've just unveiled a transformation that's set to redefine luxury and sophistication in the industry!
A Seamless Blend of Heritage and Modern Luxury
For nearly two decades, Thaba Eco Hotel has been synonymous with hospitality excellence. Today, they're taking their commitment to the next level by introducing their newly refurbished Superior King Suites. These suites are the result of months of meticulous planning, design, and craftsmanship, all aimed at providing guests with an elevated and unforgettable experience.
Picture this: The Superior King Suites have been carefully reimagined to seamlessly blend the allure of Thaba's heritage with contemporary opulence. Every detail, from custom-built furnishings to harmonious color palettes, has been chosen to evoke a sense of timeless elegance. These suites reflect Thaba's dedication to offering a unique and captivating stay for its valued guests.
A Transformational Approach to Hospitality
At Thaba Eco Hotel, they believe in going beyond just renovating rooms. It's a holistic approach to hospitality, where every interaction, service, and detail is designed to ensure guests' utmost comfort and delight. It's all about crafting unforgettable experiences.
Introducing Our Brand Ambassadors
As part of their commitment to personalized hospitality, Thaba Eco Hotel is proud to introduce its esteemed Brand Ambassadors. These ambassadors, inspired by Thaba's resident wildlife, represent different facets of their transformational hospitality approach:
Kagosi, the luxury seeker: Kagosi embodies modern elegance and appreciates excellence in service and personalization. He envisions responsible luxury, making him the perfect advocate for Thaba Eco Hotel.
Dineo, the romantic: Dineo is a connoisseur of luxury romance, finding beauty in comfort and romantic settings. She represents Thaba as the ultimate wedding venue and experience.
Lesedi, the family traveler: Lesedi focuses on family-oriented travel in exclusive, safe environments. Thaba is the ideal destination for unforgettable family moments.
Ruri, the Trendy Traveler: Ruri craves modern luxury and cutting-edge experiences. Thaba offers a fusion of style and substance for her journey.
Thato, Thaba's Eco-Conscious Ambassador: Thato embraces nature, sustainability, and premium eco-friendly experiences.
Kabo, Thaba's Bleisure Ambassador: Kabo blends work and leisure seamlessly and appreciates luxury, fine dining, and exceptional service.
Oteng, Kraal Restaurant's Ambassador of Culinary Elegance: Oteng embodies sophistication and an appreciation for fresh, innovative gastronomy.
A World Where Opulence Meets Sustainability
Thaba Eco Hotel invites you to step into a world where opulence meets sustainability, where contemporary design merges with the ultimate in hospitality experience. Their commitment to preserving the environment and offering luxurious experiences is at the heart of their transformation.
A Celebration of Shared Journeys
In the words of Kirsty Marais, Chief Excellence Officer for Thaba Eco Hotel, "We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our cherished guests for their unwavering support throughout our journey. Thaba Eco Hotel's transformation is a celebration of our shared voyage, and we invite you to immerse yourself in the allure of our newly refurbished Superior King Suites, partake in our bespoke experiences, and create memories that will linger long after your departure."
So, what are you waiting for? The Thaba Eco Hotel's transformation promises a travel experience like no other, where luxury meets nature, and heritage meets modern opulence. It's time to embark on your next adventure in the heart of South Africa's stunning nature reserve. We can't wait to hear about your unforgettable stay at Thaba Eco Hotel. Until next time, fellow explorers!
