This season, swap misty mornings for salty air and make time to explore the charm, flavour and fun of Ballito and Umhlanga. Winter is the perfect excuse for a quick coastal escape—think warm sunshine, fresh seafood by the sea, and charming towns ready to be explored. Sure, the beaches are beautiful (and yes, you will want to kick off your shoes), but there’s so much more to discover beyond the sand. I’ve curated the ultimate...
Safety while staying in the mountains is essential, so before you head out for a berg adventure, here are a few tips and recommendations of places to stay. Living in the Midlands has many perks, one in particular is the majestic Drakensberg Mountain range, which is just a stone’s throw away for a quick getaway. The berg offers ample places to explore and to stay, whether indoors or outdoors. You’ll never run out of things...
One word: SPECTACULAR! This unique destination is more than worth the drive to get there. The journey to Thonga isn’t easy as the last 1.5 hours drive is on a sandy, bumpy road at a slow speed. The hotel is the only lodging for miles and miles in a protected area. The location is truly unique, with only 12 thatched rooms for guests, so the privacy is unparalleled. (At arrival, we changed our booking from...
As a person with a penchant for adventure, I was initially sceptical about the Corolla Cross. Sure, it looked sleek and modern, but could it really handle the winding roads and diverse terrain of the Howick to Underberg route? I decided to find out. The Toyota Corolla Cross XS Hybrid effortlessly bridges the gap between urban practicality and rural adventure, making it a strong contender for drivers exploring South Africa’s scenic routes. I recently took...
This year, we want to show some love by showing you a few local spots where you can indulge in Valentine’s celebrations. This holiday can be somewhat one-sided and only focus on love between romantic couples, but love comes in all forms, so we also made sure to include options for those who might be flying solo right now and would want to gift themselves or those who would love to celebrate the love between...
We spent a weekend in the mountains, snuggling by a fire under the stars, and waking up to a true country living at Khotso Lodge & Horse Trails. As the year speeds to a close, faster than we care to admit, it’s worth taking a moment to escape and reflect on the months that have passed. A weekend getaway to the great outdoors offers the perfect opportunity, and I was fortunate enough to do just...
uMnambithi (Ladysmith) is just under a two-hour drive from Howick and offers a historical getaway. It was initially named the Republic of Klip River, then Windsor, then Ladysmith – named after Sir Harry Smith’s Spanish wife in 1850. Known for being instrumental during The South African War, uMnambithi is a go-to if you want to get a feel for our South African past. A perfect place for an overnight stay or a longer adventure, here...
Fordoun Hotel and Spa is a little (not so little) piece of heaven that is one of the most relaxing spots we’ve ever experienced! After being welcomed by the super efficient and friendly staff, we were quickly shown to room number three. What a view! The rooms are large and comfortable with a full bathroom en-suite, which is ideal for a person who loves to relax in a bath. The hotel comprises 22 luxurious, comfortable,...
The Volvo XC40 Recharge redefines what it means to drive sustainably without compromising on performance or luxury. With a clean design and power to match, this fully electric compact SUV offers an electrifying driving experience that’s both thrilling and eco-conscious. When I walked into the premier Volvo Pietermaritzburg dealership, I was instantly drawn to the XC40 Recharge’s bold and modern design. With sleek lines and distinctive LED headlights, it exudes sophistication and style. The...
It’s no surprise that the Midlands rests on a foundation filled with history and memories, from Nottingham Road and Fort Nottingham to Karkloof, Dargle and Curry’s Post, to name a few. One of these monuments includes the Old Halliwell Inn. It is over a century old, built between 1837 and 1840, and had its beginnings as a farmhouse. This was when the Voortrekkers entered these local areas in the mid-1830s. The Boers who lived in...