Exceeding All Expectations: The Thanda Safari Experience

A comfortable drive from the Midlands into the bush is our family’s ultimate spoil and preferred “breathing space”! During this weekend trip, we stayed at Thanda Tented Camp at Thanda Safari and absolutely loved it! From the moment we arrived, the staff were super attentive and friendly.   The Game Drives Our weekend started with a quick but very delicious late lunch. We then left for our first game drive of the trip, with reasonably...

Local Paradise

Take a deep breath of ocean air, soak in the sun and enjoy some #goodtimesandtanlines at the Surf Motel. As you step foot into the Surf Motel, your mind flatlines and starts to play “Island in the Sun” by Weezer. I’m not kidding. The Surf Motel brand and concept was established in 2017, taking an outdated holiday accommodation and breathed a fresh, cool, modern surf look and feel. The motel fits its beach theme. Not...

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A casual beach bungalow inspired by the 1950s and 60s surf era, is the exciting new spot in the Umhlanga Village strip – The Beach House. Join us as I take you through the amazing afternoon we had at this sensational hangout. Photos: Matthew Moon We had the pleasure of visiting the recently opened restaurant for a long and lazy afternoon of grazing and experiencing everything that the popular new hangout has to offer. From...

FABSTUFF December 2021/ January 2022

We’ve got loads of FABULOUS stuff you’re going to love in this edition!   Our favourites this edition! SIX DOGS BLUE GIN The first blue gin to be launched in South Africa, Six Dogs Blue is a classic dry gin with a slightly floral character, with hints of freshly cut lucerne and morning-harvested rose pelargonium. Its name derived from the blue pea flower (Clitoria ternatea), an antioxidant and alleged aphrodisiac in traditional medicine. The infusion...

Chill Out

The summer heat can be brutal, unrelenting during the holiday season. Lucky for you, we have compiled a collection of the “coolest” and sweetest places in Umhlanga for you to escape the legendary Durban heat. The Ocean Terrace With its unobstructed sea views and signature candy-stripe décor, The Ocean Terrace has become a firm favourite with in-house guests and local visitors. Their dessert menu is a particular speciality, featuring unique cheesecakes, creative tarts, a selection...

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“It has been touch and go as to whether the 2021 event would even be able to take place this year,” says Alene Naidoo, Organiser of The Durban Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights. “Last year was such a disappointment, when we had to close early, due to adjusted COVID restrictions; but we have received the go-ahead from the relevant authorities and barring any major announcements from the President, we are optimistic that the 2021 show...

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Candy Cane Lane Holiday Light Drive-Through – A First for Durban Admittedly, the usual festive cheer that takes hold of Durbanites and visitors around December, has been a bit wanting over the past two years, with the COVID-19 pandemic scuppering the holiday plans for many.   The team that brings you KwaZulu-Natal’s largest holiday light show got thinking about a complementary experience that would cater to the many that would not be able to enjoy...

The Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill to go ahead with its COVID-19 safety programme

With the new Omnicron variant driving a fourth wave of COVID-19 infections, concerns have been raised about health and safety and public events. Fortunately, event organisers of the 2021 Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill have implemented a stringent COVID-19 safety programme to protect contestants and visitors. This will allow the KwaDukuza event to go ahead as scheduled from 9 to 19 December. “In planning for The Ballito Pro, our COVID-19 safety programme has taken into...

Laidback Long Weekend Line-up at Gateway’s Palm court

A glorious outdoor venue, the Palm court at Gateway Theatre of Shopping is fronted by a range of family-friendly restaurants. With seafood, Italian, pizza, Portuguese and more, you can bring a date, the whole family, or your closest besties for brunch, dinner or a nightcap. Top live acts are playing in the evenings on Friday and Saturday and during lunchtime on Sunday. In celebration of Heritage Day weekend, you can also catch short acts during...

Ready, Set, Eat

Words by Jordyn Trollip   Your step-by-step guide to the ultimate Christmas table setting!   Step One: Pick Your Colours Having a colour scheme for your table will make your setting more cohesive and aesthetically appealing. Some great colour combinations for the holiday times are the classic red, white (or gold) and green, blue, white and silver, naval, dark green and white, or the more neutral white, grey and beige tones. If you really want...