Date Night: In or Out

With Love Month on our doorstep, some of you may want to celebrate by dining out while others want a cosy night in – either way can be fun and delectably done with the help of these suggestions!   A Romantic Picnic at Home You don’t need to eat out to have a special date night. Why not indulge in a cosy indoor picnic instead? Set the mood and turn your living room into a...

Make Yourself at Home

The Olde Duck is a cosy restaurant run by Jeannine Bonsma, who started it 20 years ago, sold it, and then rebought it in 2014. She has partnered with her daughter, Bronwyn Penny, who bought into the business in 2020.   The restaurant is situated on a quaint working dairy farm, Marlin Farm, in Underberg. Whether you are just passing through for a snack or enjoying a delicious lunch with friends or family, this is...

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...

Be One with Nature

Sleeping under the open sky, swimming beneath a waterfall, and forging new friendships, this experience promises both physical challenges and enduring memories.   The Drakensberg is one of those places where people lose their souls, not in a negative way, but in the sense that they let go, find themselves, and tend to always return. The mountains are fortresses of solitude and it is an incredible experience exploring their vast lands.   If you haven’t...

Restaurant Review: Wimpy Howick

Every South African knows and loves their local Wimpy – it’s been a part of our culture since the franchise first opened in Durban in 1967. As we walked into Wimpy Howick, we were invited by a relaxing, friendly atmosphere. We had a cosy table by the window that gave us enough privacy to enjoy ourselves, and we could’ve sat there for hours chatting amidst the other patrons. It’s the perfect space to sit back...

An Enchanting Stay at ANEW Hotel Hilton Pietermaritzburg

Welcome to an exquisite four-star architectural masterpiece nestled in the quaint town of Hilton Pietermaritzburg. ANEW Hotel Hilton exudes old-world charm while being renowned for its exceptional, friendly, and efficient service. Whether you’re a lover of the countryside or are simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this is the perfect destination for you.   As I stepped inside, the grandiose chandelier hanging from the high ceilings in the foyer caught my eye. It’s a true showpiece that...

Inspired Design: Modern in the Midlands

The Midlands is filled with homes that have dreamy modern interiors. Kirsty Badenhorst, an inspiring interior designer, has created one of them. She turned a dilapidated open warehouse shell into an elegant, two-storey, three-bedroom family home in Richmond, KZN, where even the smallest details were carefully thought out. She worked side-by-side with a contractor, designing everything from the spatial plan to the placement of the final decor pieces.   Specialising in full turnkey solutions for...

#Fabstuff – September/October 2023

We’ve got loads of stuff you’re going to love!   Pure Beginnings: 100% Natural Insect Repellent  This is a natural insect-repellent stick that is DEET-free and presented in 100% biodegradable cardboard packaging to reduce single-use plastic. With Lippishield(TM), their insect-repelling actions, the product is not only safe for babies but perfect for the whole family too. Retail price is R89.95 http://www.purebeginnings.co.za   Vooma Water This ground-breaking drink is specially crafted to provide sustainable energy and...

Escape the Chill

Say Goodbye to Winter by Visiting the KZN Coastline!   Starting on the South Coast, Pumula Beach Hotel is located on one of the few select beaches in the country that enjoy Blue Flag status. Guests are spoilt for choice with various on-site facilities and those right on the hotel’s doorstep. Enjoy never-ending golden beaches, rock pools, surfing, excellent fishing opportunities, awesome kiddies’ entertainment, or a great massage from the hotel spa, to name a...

A New Kind of Yum

Market Originator Matt Hogarty takes us behind the scenes of The Midlands Market. We learn a bit about why it was started and meet some of the vendors who make it so special. A few years ago, many people from our part of the world didn’t know how to pronounce the word “poke” [poh-kay] nor had they taken the risk of tucking into this Hawaiian delicacy – a bowl of raw marinated seafood expertly layered...