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 :)
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.
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.
Being extremely passionate about the tourism industry in South Africa, it's always great seeing local businesses play a part in building a world class hospitality sector. A business I've recently come across that's making waves in the industry is PMP Germ Guard, a chemical manufacturer that supplies cleaning and hygiene products for the hospitality and tourism sector.
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The PMP Germ Guard was established in 2020 with the intention of developing a tourism sector that is health-responsive and gives customers the assurance they would be safe wherever they travel.
The Founder and current CEO Ravi Naidoo and his wife Pam Naidoo launched PMP Germ Guard in 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 lockdown, because they couldn't think of anything better when discussing the return of tourism other than health related issues and visitor safety measures.
NevrodSai Acctax Solutions, the Accounting & Tax Practice of the NEVROD GROUP got an exemption to open offices, but had to cleanse the office using 70% Alcohol Sanitizer and Antibacterial Surface spray. It was upon the utilization of hand sanitizers and antibacterial surface spray that the pair looked at venturing into the Tourism space and becoming suppliers to the industry in line with the Tourism and Hospitality standard protocols for Covid-19 operations.
This article highlights initiatives that successfully promote cooperation and health precautions to create a secure and long-lasting tourism sector. The write-up describes the significance of PMP Germ Guard, a business that developed out of worries about the demise of the tourism industry with the introduction of Covid-19, producing not only sanitary products but also making a significant contribution to the new, responsible tourism.
In an article titled "Sustainable development goals and socio-economic development through tourism in Central Africa," Kimbu and Tichaawa (2018) describe the tourism industry as one that runs entirely on goals that seek to meet the requirements of the global sustainable development goals, which means that for tourism to be successful, its objectives must be in line with the Sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Which is essentially where PMP Germ Guard comes into play. Health and safety is one of the SDGs that the entire world must work together to achieve, and PMP plays a crucial role in this. Aiming to inspire consumer motivation toward the new tourism practices that focus on maintaining a healthy and germ-free trip and stay, PMP germ guard was founded to allay traveler anxieties and develop products.
The new tourism sector standards urge the use of hygienic measures to reduce traveler worries while choosing their chosen places, notably lodging facilities. The tourism business is the one that must adjust the fastest to the new rules and standards of Practice after Covid-19 in a world that still exhibits signs of the virus.
By promoting hygienic procedures for the protection of consumers and by helping SMMEs build a platform to use health and safety assurances to drive demand for their travel enterprises, PMP Germ Guard is supporting the practice of "responsible tourism" in the tourism industry. Since tourism is a consumer market, attempts to stop the virus' transmission as well as to make it simpler to choose between enterprises that provide health services and tourism should be taken into account.
Instead of focusing on the safety of those working in the service industry, PMP products emphasizes actions that preserve the experience and comfort of the consumer.
The PMP Germ Guard was established in 2020 with the intention of developing a tourism sector that is health-responsive and gives customers the assurance they would be safe wherever they travel. The company initially provided 50ml bottles of hand sanitizers branded with the name of the lodging establishment in accordance with Section 15.7 of the tourism protocols of October 2020. Since then, the company has added three additional products to further improve the health and safety of travelers and visitors in the lodging sectors.
So far the business has a presence in Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, Western Cape, KZN & Free State and will shortly be in the North West and Northern Cape.
The goal is to illustrate responsible tourism environments; unless a particular company employs a service-driven approach to guaranteeing customer safety alertness, to enhance confidence, individuals will always find issues in their surroundings.
Managing the effects of COVID-19 and developing a product that reassures customers of the safety precautions taken to allow a healthy and safe travel experience and stay at their reserved lodging facilities.
People vary, and to some extent, some put more effort into adhering to fundamental health criteria, particularly in settings with many people. For others, health information needs to be spread so they may better take care of themselves. The PMP goods are made to encourage people's health concerns in addition to helping people keep a safe distance from other people to foster safe tourism surroundings.
Through strategic partnerships and engagement with industry stakeholders, PMP Germ Guard hopes to play a significant part in the tourism sector's increased contribution to health measures while implementing consumer satisfaction interventions in business operations. This goal is accomplished by providing the sector with PMP Germ Guard travel packs.
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.
Steenberg is synonymous with Sauvignon Blanc, the refreshing summer wine crafted from idyllic cool climate vineyards in the Constantia Wine Valley.
The notion of clean beauty has been around for some time, but it has undoubtedly now become somewhat of a revolution, thanks to the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and Goop et al. But what exactly is clean beauty? And is it the same as green beauty? And where does it fit in with the likes of natural, all-natural, plant-based, vegan and organic skincare and cosmetics? It’s not surprising that even the conscious beauty consumer may find the choices a little confusing.
The scenery in the Cape Province is drenched in natural beauty. As a result, rather than being a means to an end, our roads have become destinations in their own right.
These are the top five places that should be on your road trip bucket list to visit on your next road trip to the Cape Province, according to motus.cars.
MSC Cruises recently opened sales for its 2023-24 sailing season featuring its most modern ship to serve South Africa, MSC Splendida.
The 14-deck passenger vessel can accommodate up to 4,363 passengers and features for the first time in South Africa, the MSC Yacht Club – a premium ‘ship within a ship’ concept with 71 spacious suites, a dedicated concierge desk, 24-hour butler service, private restaurant, swimming pool and sunbathing area.
MSC Splendida will be based from November 2023 in the port of Durban and offer a range of voyages that last between 3 and 14 nights to Namibia, Mozambique and other Indian Ocean destinations. MSC Cruises will in total operate 35 sailings of MSC Splendida from both Durban and Cape Town during 2023-24.
Ross Volk, Managing Director, MSC Cruises South Africa said, “MSC Splendida will take cruising in South Africa to the next level and redefine holidays at sea. It will give our guests of all ages an incredible opportunity to indulge in wonderful, enjoyable and memorable experiences.
“This further demonstrates our commitment to the South African tourism sector and MSC Cruises’ aim to drive both the tourism industry and the cruising sector with a resultant positive economic impact to the country.
“The ship will be staffed by nearly 1,400 crew, who look forward to giving our guests the experience of a lifetime, many of whom will be sourced and trained locally through the Shosholoza Academy in Durban.”
MSC Splendida has a range of themed bars and dining venues including specialty Mediterranean and American steak house restaurants. The ship also has four swimming pools, The Strand Theatre for nighttime entertainment, Club 33 nightclub, an ultramodern gym, squash court and running track.
For more information on MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruises.co.za.
“Aladdin is so much more than a ‘boy meets girl’ story with bad guys and magic,” says Director Glenn Hayden of the current production of Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp running at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace until the 4th of December.
With a spectacular 21st Century take on the old-time classic fairy tale, Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp is filled with dreams mixed with incredible artistry and a thrilling and colourful production which continues to remind us that the magic is in all of us…and we could all do with a little hope and love at this time of the year.
When we think of magic, Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp is one of the first stories that comes to mind. Aladdin is a classic ‘rags to riches’ tale with a young hero, a beautiful princess, and an evil villain, and is made complete with genies, wishes and magic. The story is one of the best known and most retold fairy tales of all time. Based on an original text by Producer Anjil Naidoo, Aladdin has been reimagined for the stage by an international team of award-winning theatre artists and a cast of 20 of South Africa’s best young and established actors and dancers.
Director and dramaturge Glenn Hayden, playwright Lakhinandan Boruah, composer Pranashan Singh, choreographers Bertwin D’Souza and Shampa GopiKrishna and Disrupt Media have combined forces with Astrid Productions to bring to the stage a new production of truly epic proportions for South African family audiences.
This new and extravagant production of Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp is the brainchild of producer Anjil Naidoo. Determined to showcase the abundance of South African talent, Anjil wrote an original text of the Aladdin story and set about putting together a creative team of theatre professionals that would bring her vision to the stage.
Anjil says that, This is especially exciting at a time when the arts are in such immense need of revival following the difficult times, we have all experienced. I can’t wait for everyone to come out and enjoy the show!
Following the birth of her dream, the search was on to put together the best cast possible who would bring Aladdin alive. Stars Vash Singh and Yasmin Hankel in the title roles of Aladdin and Princess Almas, who are supported by the magical talents of Belinda Henwood, Rowan Bartlett, Darren King, Tshediso Kabulu, Sanele Sibiya, and an ensemble of extraordinary dancers.
Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp is set to be a unique production of size and quality rarely seen in South Africa. With the inclusion of an original score, riveting choreography and a script that is fun, witty, and heartfelt, it will be a production that no child, adult, or theatre lover will want to miss.
Final show week details for Theatre of Marcellus:
2 Dec 14:30 | 18:30
3 Dec 11:00 | 14:30 | 18:30
4 Dec 11:00 | 14:30 | 18:30
Tickets are available at Ticketpro from R243.
November 2022 is a month to celebrate… because it is Col'Cacchio Pizzeria's 30th anniversary! It’s with great pride and joy that restaurateur-and-entrepreneur-
Loxtonia, the range of 100% pure apple ciders from the Ceres Valley, have launched two LITE versions of their most popular ciders – Crispy Apple and Blush – in pace with the ever-growing trend towards no and low alcohol lifestyle alternatives.
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.
If you haven't read my full review of Four Seasons The Westcliff, what are you waiting for? During my stay I also visited the acclaimed Flames restaurant at the hotel. Here's my experience of the dinner and breakfast at Flames.
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.
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.
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.
