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.




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.


House of BNG, one of South Africa's leading MCC brands, is thrilled to announce its continued partnership with the prestigious Miss South Africa pageant.


"Tiger’s Milk is the best destination for ‘dude food’, made good. Epitomising handcrafted goodness with a menu that takes pizza, grills and burgers to the next level, pair these with our locally made Tiger’s Milk Lager and you’re sure to leave satisfied"
Tigers Milk, a restaurant that falls under the Life & Brand Portfolio of restaurants, recently opened a long awaited branch in Durban (Finally!). What's even better is that Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World is home to the new Tigers Milk restaurant - adding the benefit of an awesome location that's centrally located and has a ton to do just a few minutes away (Not to mention beach views for days!)



While just having launched in September, it's already a favourite with so many people I follow raving about it on social media. Positioning themselves as the new happening place to be in Durban, you can expect good music, instagramable spots, live performances on some nights (The launch party on 12 October saw Micasa party up a storm) and even quiz nights (Like a Harry Potter one).

And we haven't even got to the food. If you're thinking they're the kind of place that prioritises a good vibe and alcohol so much that the food is sidelined, think again. In fact, all other things not considered, Tiger's Milk brings something new to the table with their dishes and turns pizza, grill and pizza classics into delicacies with a twist.

I've already visited the restaurant twice (And plan to again soon) so I'll give you a look at lots of different options on the menu, what I liked, what I want to try and what's just downright unique to Tiger's Milk.



Location


Tiger's Milk Suncoast is located in Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World in Durban. Suncoast has lots to do right on the premises with shopping, restaurants, a hotel, casino, games and other entertainment, so you can make a whole afternoon of it if you like. 

Tiger's Milk also has other stores in the following places throughout the country:

JOHANNESBURG
Bryanston
Melrose Arch
Cedar Square

PRETORIA Lynnwood Bridge

CAPE TOWN
Century City
Claremont
Kloof Street
Long Street
Muizenberg
Stellies
Camps Bay

DURBAN Suncoast


Port Elizabeth







Food



Starters



The starters menu has a lot of interesting choices and some unique ones like the Party Parcels, Mac 'N Cheese Bacon Balls, Amazeballs as well as their Mexican Tacos and Nachos options. I asked what the popular choices were and settled on the Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings and the Amazeballs.
















The Amazeballs were just that - they were amazing! Picture a warm, super cheesy centre covered in a crunchy pastry and that's what you can expect from the Amazeballs. If you love cheese (And who doesn't) this will end up being the most simple yet incredibly satisfying choice for you!

On the other hand if you're looking for something meaty and want to dig in, get the Sticky BBQ Chicken Wings. I looooove me some chicken wings but the wings I had at Tiger's Milk were a whole other level and no doubt THE BEST CHICKEN WINGS this foodie has had EVER. I can honestly say this is the starter I'm going to order every single time I go to Tigers Milk.




Mains



The options of mains are between salads, pizzas, burgers, grills and steaksLuckily I can tell you a bit about all of them. 






I've been trying to prioritise that #summerbody and eat healthy lately so I wanted to see if Tiger's Milk would cater for that. Finding places that serve healthier options and especially tasty, healthy options can be a whole mission.

I tried the Crouching Tiger salad - and it was definitely the best and most satisfying salad ever. It was absolutely delicious and had so many wholesome yet tasty ingredients. The salad had seared tuna, edamame beans, cashew nuts, cucumber, cabbage, pineapple, avocado, sesame seeds and a creamy wasabi dressing. Far from the bland salads I've gotten used to at other restaurants - Tiger's Milk clearly doesn't do bland or ordinary. 



But here's the thing, it's not just the salad that's amazing. On a previous occasion I had the F.A.B.ULOUS pizza which definitely lived up to its name. I don't usually like thin base pizza's but with it being made in a wood fire oven, it was perfectly crispy and had a hint of a flame cooked taste which just ties it all together. This particular pizza has avocado, feta and bacon. 

Twice lucky maybe? Well my plus one (AKA my mama) ordered the sirloin steak with mushroom sauce and salad which also ended up being delicious. Next time I'd love to try the steak as well! And I'll let you know what I think ;) Another option that a friend of mine loved was the Rockstar burger. It has cheese, bacon and guacamole. 




Dessert


Wanna fall in love? 4 words. BREAD AND BUTTER PUDDING. I kid you not, if happiness was a dessert, that's what it would be. It completely blew me away (And that's saying a lot, because I've tasted some damn amazing desserts in my lifetime). It's not the typical style of warm pudding, and is a dessert baked in cinnamon-vanilla custard with raisins and apricot jam, toasted almost flakes with vanilla bean ice-cream on the side. If you haven't had vanilla bean ice-cream before, I highly recommend you try it. The texture it's absolutely melt in your mouth. Don't know what vanilla bean ice cream is? Basically it's the "real" ice cream - actual vanilla beans are used and you can actually see the minuscule black grains. 



Every place I go to I tend to try out the cheesecake and as such I just had to. The cheese cake at Tiger's Milk is more of a deconstructed cheese cake topped with berry coulis and vanilla bean ice cream on the side. The crust is also not on the bottom layer of the cheese cake but rather can be found separate with the ice cream. Personally I found the cheese cake on it's own to not be sour enough (I like me some sour cheese cake) although when you have it together with the berries it gives it more of a tang. The texture was also a bit too smooth considering there wasn't any crust base. 





Drinks


Unfortunately on this particular day I was driving so no alcohol for me (*sob*) so I tried the Sherbet Smack virgin cocktail. If you aren't drinking alcohol and don't mind a sweet drink, I would definitely recommend it! I also tried the Virgin Mojito, but I found it a bit too bitter.






Overall


Overall it really does make the perfect place for a weekend lunch or casual dinner and drinks with friends. The food is delicious but you'll also love the overall ambiance. Be sure to check out their specials - on Monday Tiger's Milk has a 2 for 1 burger special and everyday you can enjoy happy hour from 4pm to 6pm. I'd love to check out their events and quiz nights sometime so maybe I'll see you there ;)




The Girl Boss series aims to highlight the achievements of women just like you and me who are doing amazing things. Hopefully their stories will inspire you as much as they inspire me. This week we chat to Zahra Dada, the digital entrepreneur behind Livalil.


Have you even had a South African December holiday if you didn’t spend it at the coast? With the countdown to the holiday season feeling within reach, consider Sun International’s breathtakingly beautiful four-star rated Wild Coast Sun as the ultimate family destination.


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

22 November marked a momentous occasion as the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal was officially inaugurated, paving the way for a new era of luxury cruising in South Africa. MSC Cruises is thrilled to announce the grand entrance of MSC Splendida, set to make its maiden call to the country and embark on its first cruise of the season tomorrow, November 24, 2023.



Coastal living taken to the next level - that's how I would best describe Salta Sibaya. Think living in a stunning coastal home with shopping experiences on your doorstep, adventure zones, fitness spaces and entertainment areas for the whole family. This is unlike anything KZN has seen before and takes the convenience and allure of of a vibrant mixed use community to new heights.

Salta Sibaya, Sibaya Coast District, KwaZulu-Natal-Natal, KZN North Coast, Life By Asha Singh


Qatar Airways, the Official Airline Partner of FIFA, concluded its FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ journey in style, presenting the medals and individual awards to Argentina after their historic 4-2 victory on penalties over 2018 champions, France. Following a thrilling month of non-stop action and entertainment, the airline operated nearly 14,000 flights, uniting the world in Qatar for the greatest sporting show on Earth.


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With a tagline like “Born ‘n bread in KZN” you know it’s going to be good. It’s time for BB Bakeries second annual Some Bunny To Love food truck to hit the streets of Durban, South Africa. 



What is it?



The BB Bakeries food truck will be stationed at different places in Durban serving delicious food and supporting local artists and businesses. You can have a quick lunch or dinner at the truck and, on specific days, enjoy the live entertainment too


Why?




BB Bakeries is all about supporting what’s local and loved in KZN. Combining BB Bakeries unsliced white bread with traditional Durban curries, you get to have an authentic Natal experience


BB Bakeries is local to KZN and prioritise the use of quality ingredients and manufacturing. They are a true homegrown brand – and as such give back to the local community.



Food menu




This year they’ve definitely upped their game with the menu. The Some Bunny To Love food truck menu:

  • BB Bunny Chow Classics: A KZN favourite served with the best-loved local loaf and a side of Cheesy Bread Sticks. With the option of three popular curries, Chicken, Mutton or Bean

  • BB Squares ‘Rising Stars’: A curry filled deep fried BB square delight With the option of a chicken, mutton or bean filling

  • BB Squares Encore: A dessert filled deep fried BB square treat served with whipped cream and butterscotch sauce With the option of a raisin and cinnamon or baked apple and cinnamon filling.


The experience




My #SomeBunnyToLove experience was close to my heart – you don’t get anymore Durban than this. I went to the BB Bakeries Bunny Chow Love food truck on Friday, 3 July on Florida exchange (Behind Starbucks). The vibe was eccentric with Darren Mule of East Coast radio providing entertainment and good vibes. Soon after, Easy Freak, treated the audience to a performance and the night was filled with laughter, beautiful music and the smell of authentic Durban curries.

Don’t take my word for it – see for yourself! Here is the schedule for the duration that the BB Bakeries food truck is in town:



Florida Road: 2nd –14th July (Closed on Mondays)

Live performances

3rd July: -Jonty Hartwig (5pm-6pm) -Easy Freak (7pm -8pm)

5th July: Robin 3rd Floor (6pm –7pm)

12th July: Holly Rey (6pm –7pm)

Chatsworth Centre: 16th – 27th July (Closed on Mondays)

Live Performances and Talent Competition

20th July:  - Celestial Mic (12pm –1pm) -Talent Competition (1pm-3pm) people can come and perform for spot prizes (JBL Wireless headphones, speakers and BB Food Vouchers) - Deshan Styler(3pm-4pm)

Suncoast: 28th July Sunday Beats



With so much to offer local travellers, more and more South Africans are exploring our country’s very own hidden gems, resorts or off-the-beaten-track spots, creating lasting memories with friends and family along the way.

We've hand-picked our top out-of-the-ordinary local spots that might delight you and your family.



Following the announcement of Cotton Fest Durban recently, the highly anticipated music and lifestyle festival announced the line-up for their inaugural show in the 031.

Taking place on Sunday, the 2nd July at the Kings Park Stadium Outer Fields, the festival will merge both established and young emerging talents performing live across two energy packed stages. The urban music and fashion explosion aims to  showcase the diversities in various popular music genres with the aim of fusing the gaps within the different local movements.


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! This week we chat to Sheena Deepnarain, a South African actress and blogger, living in Johannesburg. 

Pretoria’s contemporary Maslow Time Square hotel is a novel concept in hospitality, offering a unique choice of three-star, four-star and five-star graded rooms under one roof to suit all budgets.


What better way to spend a leisurely Sunday afternoon than surrounded by good food, refreshing drinks, and great company? At The Maslow Sandton, the first Sunday of every month beckons with an exquisite picnic experience set amidst lush lawns, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and indulgence.


Embark on an unforgettable journey as MSC Cruises opens sales for its South Africa 2024/25 sailing season, spotlighting the magnificent MSC Musica. Set to commence in November 2024 from the newly inaugurated R 330 million Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal in Durban, the season promises 34 enchanting sailings, concluding in April 2025 with departures from the picturesque Cape Town.


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!

CHERY OMODA C5 IN SOUTH AFRICA

  • 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




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