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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.




























