Showing posts with label Hotels & Travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Hotels & Travel. Show all posts

3 September 2015

MONTHLY FAVOURITES {AUGUST 2015}

Yikes! 
It's the 3rd of September already and I nearly forgot to bring you my 3 "faves" from August.
Enjoy!


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1.


This Tinted Lipbalm range from L'Occitane was launched recently in South Africa
and to find out what I thought, then read my review.




L'Occitane Tinted Lip Balm


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2.


I stayed at the African Pride 5*  15 On Orange Hotel in July, but only posted my review in August and I am already 
scheming how I can return for more of the luxurious same...soon I hope!








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3.

I know I had my "Kiddiewinks" many years ago,but this Sip n See at the Oyster Box Hotel 
is such a wonderful idea.
Curious to know what it's all about? 
Then read more..





7 August 2015

AFRICAN PRIDE 15 ON ORANGE HOTEL CAPE TOWN {REVIEW}






Several weekends ago my hubby and I decided to treat ourselves to a four day July break in "Wintry" Cape Town and the weather certainly put on its best winter show, as the rain was lashing, it was many degrees colder than Durbs and the wind blew like it only can in Cape Town. After a delayed flight these two Durbanites arrived totally under dressed for the awful weather, but our "weather shocked" faces soon perked up when we got a car hire up grade...thanks Avis. 


The Disinctive Architecture of the African Pride 15 On Orange Hotel - Cape Town


After a wet drive from the airport to the city we were soon greeted with the red marble carpet treatment literally and the warming smiles of the staff at the African Pride 15 On Orange Hotel. 
15 On Orange is a luxurious,sophisticated first class hotel set in the upmarket suburb of Gardens at the foot of Table Mountain.


A red marble carpet awaits every guest


Our car was whisked off to the valet parking, our luggage disappeared and after a speedy check in we were soon reunited with our bags in our room, not the standard room that we had pre booked, but a mountain view suite, making this our second upgrade of the day.
(often a perk of "out of season" travel) 
As you can imagine our faces lit up even more, as no detail was spared to ensure optimum comfort in this spacious suite.




 The hotels location is perfect for both the business and leisure traveller and has all the usual that you would expect from a 5* establishment; free WiFi, gym, Spa, Dstv, aircon the list goes on, but I look for those little extras and 15 On Orange had plenty. 

You have a pillow menu which allows you to chose from four types of pillow,
a "super" comfortable bed that ensures you sleep well and wake up feeling rested, a variety of South African magazines other than just business publications , plenty of fluffy white towels, gowns and slippers and a responsive room temperature control system, (which I put to the test) and that all important illuminated shaving mirror in the bathroom
to name but a few...


Super Comfortable King size bed and plenty of pillows

Relaxing Lounge area with an all important selection of magazines


Prestigious bespoke furnishings are complemented by the cool tones of the walls and the warm plush carpet. 
Sandblasted glass doors lead into our opulent en-suite bathroom that features an oversized bath, 
I was in 5 * "Hotel Bath" heaven.


Bathroom with double wash basin,walk-in shower, seperate toilet

Stand alone oversized bath and a great moutain view behind the floor to ceiling blinds

All important Work Station

This suite boasted two tv's, one in the lounge area along and another in the bedroom with a dvd player both positioned perfectly for watching tv n dvd's in that comfy bed.



Bar Area


Being a beauty blogger who loves her bath and bubbles, my only complaint, 
it's the same in all of the African Pride Hotels, is the quality of the un branded amenities in the bathrooms, which are to say the least...poor at best...
(knowing this I always take my own five star bubbles)
 Other 5* Hotels/Boutique Hotels in Cape Town offer comlimentary toiletries from well know brands such as Molton Brown and L'Occitane that are far more in keeping with what you would expect from a luxury prestige hotel.


Beautiful view of Table Mountain from our bed


Unfortunately on our arrival the mountain was obscured by the mist and low cloud, but what a view when we awoke the following morning. The floor to ceiling picture window allowed us to take in, from our beds, a breathtaking view of Table mountain in all her morning glory.


Rooftop Lap Pool with a view

Huge funky gold chairs dominate the lifts

The Murano Cocktail Bar with a 360 degree views of Table Mountain


Having previously stayed in a couple of the hotels in the African Pride stable 




15 On Orange has to be my favourite, not only because of the great location, friendly accommodating staff, and exquisite rooms, but the distinctive architecture of the hotel and the public space bold decor is an absolutely refreshing delight making a stay at 
15 On Orange a "unique" hotel experience and one that I suggest you try some time soon.

For more info re rates and specials visit 






21 August 2014

BALLITO HOUSE


I recently attended the media launch for the "House" Restaurant and Deli,which is housed in the Ballito House situated in Ballito, on Kwazulu-Natal's Dolphin Coast.
(lots of use of the word "house" I know) 
Whilst there I was able to wander around and have a good "squiz" in all the rooms and public areas.
This exclusive retreat has just undergone a revamp and offers guests all the luxury of a private stylish guest villa with a comfortable homely feel.
This beach house is a five minute walk away from the beaches and has a spectacular view over the warm waters of the Indian Ocean with dolphins often coming to play and entertain making it perfect for family holidays,a romantic getaway, a private celebration or even a business brainstorming venue!
The Ballito House offers seven charming and beautifully decorated air-conditioned bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms and balconies, a private meeting room, library, cigar bar with snooker table/ TV lounge and outdoor lounges, which have been designed in a manner to optimise the blue ocean vistas.
Oh! and the all important swimming pool.....

The Ballito House is well situated for you to enjoy some of Kwazulu-Natal's finest golf courses, the culture of the Zulu Kingdom, restaurants and casinos, and is located just 15 minutes from Durban's UShaka International Airport.

The Ballito House has such a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere,  that I really battled to tear myself away.....throw in a delicious restaurant and more delicious takeaways from the Deli and I may not leave next time
so get my bed ready!


Inviting pool area
Stacking doors create a wonderful indoor outdoor flow
Now that's a a bottle of Coke
Alfresco outdoor dining and lounging
Beautiful calming views
Cigar Lounge


The house can be either rented as a whole unit or as individual rooms, so visit their website for more details with regards to their tariffs.


9 June 2014

BRANTÔME DORDOGNE FRANCE

France is bursting with pretty villages and towns and the chocolate box village of Brantôme is no exception.
Brantôme is a commune in the Dordogne department in southwestern France, which retains its picturesque atmosphere and is situated along the river Dronne. The backdrop of the village is the Benedictine Abbey of Brantôme, which was founded in 769. 
I have been to Brantôme before and would highly recommend a visit if you are touring in this area.
I will let the photos do the talking...
Enjoy!

River Dronne

Beautiful river frontage gardens

An easy to walk around village

The Benedictine Abbey

Boat rides on the river

A beautiful backdrop that dates back to 769

Friday morning is Market Day

So peaceful

Canoes can be hired

The Crepe Lady

A cute little 3 wheeler van

Le Moulin de l'Abbaye Hotel, so pretty

Nuts for France

Beautiful

Garlic, Shallots and Onions

Duck of the region


Lavender anyone?

26 November 2013

AUBERGE HOLLANDAISE 5* GUEST HOUSE




This past weekend I attended a launch of a new skincare serum called SEEFREE but more about that in a later post. The venue for the launch is my focus today and even though I have passed the building on numerous occasions I never knew what lay behind the walls and the gate of this property. Situated in the heart of residential Durban North this once grand home has been renovated and restored to its former glory. 




The Three Cities Auberge Hollandaise is a luxurious five star guest house tailored for the discerning corporate, local and international traveller. I have to admit I was somewhat blown away once I entered through the gates and the impressive triple volume hallway cannot be ignored along with a beautiful chandelier and its warm inviting wooden floors and sumptuous decor. 


Once you make you way through the spacious public lounge areas you come across a large pool deck, outdoor bar and breakfast area.







It's easy to see immediately, that the Auberge Hollandaise offers a haven of calm and tranquillity from what lies on the other side of the walls and gate.Whether you are on business or on holiday all of the ten beautifully decorated guest suites will satisfy the most discerning guest including me! 
Attention to detail is quite obvious upon entering each suite and in fact the whole Guest House. 








Besides the standard Air Conditioning, Tea and Coffee making facilities,Satellite TV, toiletries and hair dryer, each room has a laptop safe and free Wifi, which I know is a bonus,as many of the chain hotels across South Africa charge!



The Auberge Hollandaise also has a wonderful private and luxurious boardroom that can accommodate up to thirty delegates.I cannot think of a more delightful and peaceful setting to host a conference and at R395 per delegate inclusive of food and standard equipment Close to the business and entertainment districts of Durban and Umhlanga Ridge, its worthy of some consideration when you are next wanting to hold a small conference.

Rates:
R1280 pp sharing Luxury King Bed and Breakfast
R1780 Single Luxury King Bed and Breakfast
Dinner on request
These rates are until 31st December 2013

For more details visit