Located on the vibrant Chartwell Drive in Umhlanga, Granada Square stands as a testament to a delightful fusion of entertainment options, trendy restaurants, and healthy living outlets. With its recent brand repositioning, Granada Square has become to go-to destination for upmarket residents, families and holidaymakers seeking the best experiences in the area


Granada Square Umhlanga Shopping center in Umhlanga Durban shopping destination KwaZulu-Natal retail hub

Mother's Day, on 8th May 2022,  is a great time to show Mom how much you appreciate her. Get more from your Mom’s Day treat with this delicious recipe.




When asked what to do for my 21st birthday, I didn't even have to give it a second thought - Turkey had been on my bucket list for the past 2 years. So after a very last minute thought, my mom and I booked our flights and were off to Turkey! In the next few posts I'll tell you a bit more about my adventures and what I got up to in Istanbul and Cappadocia.

Here are some travel tips and advice for planning your trip to Istanbul!





In August 2022 I got to experience world-class, 5-star luxury right here in Johannesburg, at Four Seasons The Westcliff. This hillside gem overlooks the Rosebank and Johannesburg CBD skylines.


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.


With all the negativity and negative impacts during this pandemic, I thought why not find the light at the end of the tunnel and find the good and positivity. Lockdown sucks and difinitely brought to the surface a lot of issues in our society - property, hunger, unemployment and just plain sadness, isolation and a general sense of cabin fever for even the most privileged. We want things to go bad to "normal". But were things that good to begin with? As I'm sure you've heard, a phrase that's stuck with me lately, is why not create a new "normal"? A normal that's obviously a multitude better than the pandemic but also better than pre-pandemic life. I'm definitely not trying to undermine the struggles that people are going through but overall, lets think of this as a do over, and come out of it stronger than before.


To start off and to inspire you to hopefully ignite a sense of optimism in you, I'm going to highlight some of the people and brands stepping up and playing their part for the better of humanity :)




"When you buy from a small business, you are not helping a CEO buy a third vacation home. You are helping a little girl get dance lessons, a little boy get his team jersey, a mom put food on the table, a dad pay mortgage and a student pay for college."

I'm sure you've come across this quote somewhere, and I can't think of it being more relevant than it is right now. Where's the local is lekker spirit?

In South Africa supporting local is even more important because these businesses give our economy a much needed push and employ locals so that they have more cash money to support themselves and their families.

This year I wanted to prioritise supporting small to medium businesses.

No family is perfect - that's the tagline for the new local movie, 3 Days To Go. Can it get any more relatable?




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



Beat the heat of the summer season by sipping on a gin and tonic in the stunning natural paradise that is Sun International’s only beachfront resort, Wild Coast Sun near Port Edward.


When you think of touristy things to do in Cape Town, there's no doubt that Table Mountain dominates that list. The list of people who've been to Cape Town and people who've been up to Table Mountain is pretty much mutually exclusive right? While the actual mountain is what we consider synonymous with Table Mountain Nation Park, the Good Hope also falls under Table Mountain National Park. And within the Good Hope is where you'll find the Cape Point Nature Reserve. 




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.


On a recent trip to Durban I spent a night at Sibaya Lodge located just next to Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom, north of Durban. With a touch of Zulu elements in the decor and style, Sibaya Lodge is a fantastic North Coast getaway that offers great value for money. It's designed to reflect the royal heritage of KwaZulu-Natal. As a KZN born and bred, I can confirm that it in fact does reflect the Natal vibe. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, I can't think of a better way to enjoy the warm KZN weather. I couldn't believe my stay was in the middle of winter!









MY VERDICT: Family-friendly bed and breakfast accommodation that reflects the feel of KZN with Sibaya Casino easily accessible

 

Set on one of KwaZulu-Natal’s rolling green hills, Sun International’s Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom commands a magnificent 360 degree view of the Indian Ocean and the lush subtropical vegetation surrounding the 48 hectare North Coast property.

The architecture of the property, with its casino, two hotels and entertainment area, pays contemporary homage to the proud heritage of the Zulu kingdom and its brave warriors.

Sibaya offers world class accommodation for business and holiday travel. Stay at either the 118-room Sibaya Hotel or the 36-room luxurious boutique Royal Sibaya. All rooms have sea, pool or garden facing views.



Location


Sibaya Lodge is conveniently located next to Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom in northern KZN. At a 12km drive, it's just a stones throw away from King Shaka International Airport. It's an 8 minute drive away from the hub of Umhlanga and Umhlanga beach and just 5km away from the seaside town of Umdloti. It'll take you about 25 minutes to get to central Durban and 30 minutes to Ballito.



Room, Facilities & Food


Sibaya Lodge's 118 air-conditioned rooms have sea, pool and garden views and are a spacious 28m2 with either a queen bed and sleeper couch or 2 double beds. The rooms are fairly simple with your bed, couch, TV, cupboard and tea/coffee station. It also has a large bathroom with a big, open shower (I love really spacious showers!). The room had carpets and warm lighting which made it feel homely.



The best part was the view I got from my room! It featured sliding doors and a Juliet balcony which led out to a beautiful view. I could actually see part of the Umhlanga skyline and even all the way to Durban Point.

In terms of facilities, the lodge has a lovely pool area as well as an outdoor gym. There's also free parking, if you drive there, and free wifi.

I had breakfast at the hotel. The breakfast hall overlooks the pool area. The breakfast selection was a standard buffet, with hot and cold breakfast options you can choose from.



Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom


For vibrant entertainment there is the casino with both smoking and non-smoking sections. Chose from the latest technology slot machines including touch-bet Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat and Poker, or opt for real Tables games. 


Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom is a stones throw away and has amazing restaurants like Butcher's Block and Jewels of India, along with a variety of fast food places. You can also of course make use of the casino if that's your kind of thing, or have a go at the arcade.





Butcher Block Sibaya


I had dinner at Butcher Block Steakhouse Sibaya during my stay. Butcher Block was absolutely exceptional and I would highly recommend. Known for its steaks I of course couldn't resist. I went for the Blue Cheese + Jalapeño steak under Butcher's Choice, while my brother ordering the Surf + Turf. Both options were incredible with the steaks having been prepared perfect Medium Rare just as requested. Can we just take a moment to appreciate perfectly executed steak? Incredible! I also indulged in a Cherry and Cranberry Wine Spritzer as well as a Blueberry Daiquiri. Of these, I would highly recommend the Blueberry Daiquiri.


For us Joburgers, Sibaya Lodge is a great option to get out of the city and enjoy the balmy KZN weather. You also won't have to spend much on your Uber as it's so close to the airport.




Earlier this year I was luckily enough to visit the iconic The Capital Zimbali in Durban. Truly a world-class coastal getaway, The Capital Zimbali is located in Ballito, around 20 minutes north of King Shaka Airport in Durban. The weekend of my stay happened to be a very stormy and rainy weekend in the East Coast but nevertheless The Capital Zimbali had loads to do to keep me busy and it still proved to be an incredible getaway.


Looking for accommodation in Johannesburg? The Capital Melrose is part of The Capital Hotels and Apartments group and is located next to the Melrose Arch precinct in Johannesburg. The hotel only recently opened on 1 May 2019.


I stayed in the 1 bedroom apartment at the Capital Melrose recently and here’s everything you need to know about the hotel.





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.


August's theme of Women Empowerment is in full swing! Every Friday this month you can expect an interview with another #girlboss and get to know what keeps these Queens motivated to do the mostest! I'm kicking off this series today with an interview with Michelle Meilhon, a South African blogger living and working abroad in the Netherlands as an au pair. She's actually a close friend of mine who I met exactly a year during a blogging event! 






Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Wellington region of the Western Cape, lies a hidden gem that is sure to take your breath away. Val du Charron is a luxury wine and olive estate that offers the perfect combination of tranquility, stunning natural beauty, and world-class hospitality.

More often than not, the world passes us by. Be it because we’re caught up in reaching the next deadline or because we are simply too tired to notice, but some days just go by. We can’t account for what we’ve done nor can we fathom a memory that is worthwhile to speak about. Although sad, it's not uncommon. That's why, when you live life, you need to make sure you are living it for yourself and for those dependent on you. 

Waking up to the sound of birds chirping faintly in the background. You've just had the most relaxing sleep on a gigantic king size bed, lying on a cozy electric blanket. You get up, freshen up in the en suite bathroom then make your way to the lounge area of the cottage. You go straight for the curtain that covers the huge glass doors to the patio. Unlike any other patio, yours comprises of a cute little wooden stoep surrounded by a brimming dam. In the distance you see a picture picture backdrop of trees, some covered in sparse autumn leaves and some as green as emeralds. As you open the glass door you feel the midlands chill - first the cold hits your lips then your nose then your whole body. But the cold fresh air makes you feel alive. 



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