Travel 15

04/02/2022

Here's a delightful prize for Valentines

♥️ VALENTINE'S DAY COMPETITION ♥️

Whether you are celebrating Valentine's Day or are just looking forward to enjoying this treat with someone special, please enter our fun competition by:

1. Liking our page and this post.
3. Share this post to your page.
2.Tagging your partner, a friend or family member below.

For your chance to win a lovely overnight stay for two at CedarWoods of Sandton.
Includes accommodation, dinner & breakfast as well as a special sparkling wine from

Winner announced on the 11th February 2022.

Terms & Conditions Apply

20/10/2021

Attended the Exclusive Getaways Function today at this venue alongside the River. Great to see friends and familiar faces in the Industry. Thanks to all concerned for all their efforts.

18/04/2021

THAILAND 🇹🇭 WEEK

As much as I love the Thai Islands and Bangkok is my favourite special fun place, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle Area of North Thailand 🇹🇭 truly has the largest part of my Heart ♥.

Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 and was the Capital of the Independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558. It's old city retains vestiges of walls and moats from its history as a Cultural and religious centre, including the 14th Century Wat Phra Singh and the 15th Century Chedi Luang adorned with carved serpents.
Famous for its beautiful ancient temples, striking mountainous landscapes and markets. The City provides a lot of wonderful natural attractions and home to two tribal villages. This city is located on the Ping River and has the famous Night Market that stretches for miles and you are able to buy a huge selection of unique and beautiful arts and crafts, merchandise and clothing etc.. The dining and entertainment options are also absolutely delightful and you are well hosted by the endearing locals whether you visit a bar or Club, Spa facility or any other form of retail outlet.
The city also has 117 Buddhist Temples (wat in Thai)
Venture outside the city and you have multiple adventure options to choose from, as well as sanctuaries housing elephants 🐘 and tigers 🐯.

CHIANG RAI dates back to the 7th century and is on the Mae Kok River, it has a well known Night Market and White Temple (Wat Rong Khun), a modern Buddhist shrine with quirky modern sculptures and murals.

SEASONS /CLIMATE:-
This region has a tropical savanna climate tempered by low latitude and moderate elevation with warm to Hot 🔥 weather year round, though nighttime conditions during the dry season can be cool and much lower than daytime temperatures.

HOW TO GET THERE:-
You can get to this Region by Coach, Road and Flights, as both Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai have International Airports. Chiang Mai is however the most northern point of the Thai rail system. In fact, a very scenic and enjoyable inexpensive way to travel there is by train and the journey from Bangkok is between 12 and 15 hours depending on stops and it is often favoured as an overnight journey. There is First Class (private cabins) and second class (seats fold out to make sleeping berths).

HOW TO GET AROUND:-
Rickshaws, buses, Songthaews and now electric Tuk Tuks which is one of the responses to the influx of tourism and the strain that it was putting on the city. The big feature is the NMT System (non motorised transportation). So there is no shortage of getting around and it is very cheap!

FESTIVALS:-
Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai hosts many festivals including:-
Loi Krathong (Moon Festival in November). Thousands of people assemble floating banana leaf containers decorated with flowers and candles and deposit them on the waterways of the city in acknowledgement of the Goddess of water and also release Lanna-style sky lanterns, which are hot air balloons made of paper which are launched into the air. These sky lanterns 🏮 are believed to help rid locals of troubles and they are also used to decorate houses and streets.
Songkran (mid-April) Thai New Year with indiscriminate citywide water 💦 fights, as well as parades is another highlight and there is also a popular 3 Day Flower 🌸 festival over the first weekend of February.

ACCOMMODATION:-
What a diverse range of absolutely memorable and comfortable lodgings this area provides. Everything from International brands, retreats, wilderness experiences in the mountains, along the rivers to the acclaimed city boutique Hotels which are like blissful oriental sanctuaries and will enchant you, to very good value Hotels and hostels suiting all budgets and often exceeding expectations, that are situated in the new and old parts of the cities and are close to shopping, dining and sightseeing.

The Golden Triangle 🔽 bordering Laos 🇱🇦 and Myanmar 🇲🇲 is distinguished by remote Hill tribes who live in mountainous terrain accessible by trekking. This area was once the most important hub of o***m production, but in recent times they have diverted to growing crops like coffee ☕ , bananas🍌 , coconut 🥥 and pineapples 🍍

I highly recommend including Chiang Mai and The Golden Triangle in your Thailand Itinerary. There is something rather unexplainable about being here, that gives this destination an X Factor status. I could not stop smiling ☺ and just felt so calm and mesmerized all the time that I was visiting here and I really did not want to leave. This place makes you feel cultured, spiritual and ultimately joyful. I remember saying to my inner-self multiple times "I just love it here". Chiang Mai has constantly been voted as one of the Best Tourism Cities to visit in the world, ask anyone who has been here and notice their enthusiasm and if that is not enough of an endorsement to get you to make plans to discover this place and country , then I really don't know.

14/04/2021

THAILAND WEEK

I will be featuring my last Thailand destination specific post tomorrow and it is my sentimental favourite area - Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and the Golden Triangle region in the North of the Country, so make sure to look out for it. I would however like to acknowledge Thailand 🇹🇭 as a country and pay tribute to its people who have been extremely friendly, generous and adaptable to so many nations all around the world for so many years.

We have admired how they have handled natural disasters and political issues and always been concerned with the safety and care of travellers. Their open minded and liberal approach to religion, races and various sexual identities has been inspiring.
This country has understood very well, the dynamic required to capture the travellers imagination and make them feel special and that has made this relatively small country the envy of so many others and one of the most visited places in the world 🗺. Bangkok has in recent times, rivaled Paris and London with more International tourists per year than any other city on the planet.
The success of tourism in Thailand is a combination of good value for money, quality services, diversity of cuisine, shopping, entertainment and a good mix of city, countryside and beach and as mentioned, the friendly, smiling and welcoming locals have been their proverbial cherry 🍒 on the top.
Thailand is user-friendly, easy to get around, the fact that many of the locals cannot speak English and other major languages very well, has never been a problem with communication and in fact they have made that part of their charm.
The powers that be in that country, have also been extremely kind to the Travel Industry with a Tourism Board that is "on the ball" , efficient and never short of quality and detailed info and merchandise and in turn the Travel Industry has rewarded them by continually sending satisfied clients their way.
This destination has been the "bread 🥪 and butter" for many of us in the Travel, Hospitality and Tourism Industries, including myself. I for one, long to return, as I am sure many others do and we really cannot wait for the country to properly open up again. And it is on this point, that I believe Thailand has always had the ultimate trump card, people cannot get enough of this country, so they keep returning again and again and they encourage others to do the same.
Thailand 🇹🇭 has been good to so many of us and the memories and happiness we share from our times spent there and the stories we have told others about this enchanting land, is why we all so desperately need and long for Thai Therapy right now!

13/04/2021

THAILAND 🇹🇭 WEEK

Our Thai destination today lies in the Gulf of Thailand off the East Coast, it is part of the Surat Thani Province but it was granted self governing municipality status. It is the second largest Island 🏝 in Thailand after Phuket. It is the Cosmopolitan melting pot Island of Koh Samui. It's name is often shortened to Samui. Interestingly enough, this Island was an isolated self sufficient community with no connection to the mainland and in fact had no roads until the seventies. It has come a long way since then.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:-
It is well known for palm - fringed 🌴 beaches, coconut 🥥 groves and dense mountainous rainforest, luxury resorts and posh spas. Plus ➕ its landmark 12m Tall Golden Buddha statue at Wat Phra Yai Temple is located on a tiny island connected to Samui by a causeway. It is also easily viewed from the air when you either arrive or depart.

HOW TO GET THERE?
It has a private modern eco friendly and delightful airport built by Bangkok Airways which for long time was the only Thai airline that provided services to the Island, but in recent times Thai Airways was also allowed to fly in and there are some regional airlines with services as well. Airport fees are high at this Airport, due to a lack of competition making flights more expensive than elsewhere in the area.
However there are several ferries ⛴ that connect to the Island from the mainland and other nearby Islands in the area. I arrived there with the comfortable and very scenic ferry from Surat Thani on the mainland and it took just under 2 hours and was very inexpensive and I would highly recommend it, if budget is an issue and you don't mind those extra hours flying to Surat Thani instead. It feels more like an excursion than an actual ferry trip in my opinion.

HOW TO GET AROUND:-
There are public buses, privately owned songthaews, motorbike 🛵
taxis. Car 🚙 Rental is also easily available and it well worth renting a vehicle for a day or two to drive around the Island to experience its spectacular beauty at your own pace and go off the beaten track here and there. The central part of Koh Samui is mostly tropical jungle. The various lowland and coastal areas are connected by Route 4169 encircling the Island, many other concrete roads branch off from this Route to service other areas.

ACCOMMODATION:-
The number and range of accommodation types on Samui is quite staggering as is the levels of luxury as the wealthiest of holidaymakers will be totally at home here, as the villas and resorts are in a class of their own with many International brands and chains having properties here. But middle of the road and budget travellers need not fear, as there are plenty of great value and inexpensive places as well, including Beachfront Bungalows which are totally charming! Families, couples, solo and LGBTQ+ travellers will all find their groove here.

SEASONS TO VISIT:-
It has a tropical monsoon climate. It is generally warm and humid throughout the year and has an overall drier climate than elsewhere in Thailand.
The Dry Season is December to February.
The heaviest Rain months is October and November. The rest of the year has brief showers.

WHAT TO DO:-
There is so much to see and do and it will really depend on what you enjoy most or what works for you, so that you make the right decisions where to go or stay.
The area with the most hustle and bustle and most exciting nightlife, shopping and entertainment is around Chaweng Beach. Lamai Beach is lively and more relaxed. Maenam is a tropical beach paradise and in fact there are many other beaches that will blow your mind. Bophut's Fishermen's Village has a timeless feel and another wonderful area to stay, wander around or just experience during the day or night.
You can also use Samui to either explore or sightsee nearby Islands on day trips or as a gateway to stay on them for longer, as they deserve attention as well. Koh Phagnan (known for its full moon parties and Beauty), Koh Tao and Koh Nang Yuan (unbelievable rustic charm, scenic with a serene atmosphere) are worth visiting as well and are north of the Island.
I will also highlight these attractions that should also not be missed and must be seriously considered when putting together your Samui schedule depending on your requirements and personal preferences.
Nightlife and Entertainment:-
ArkBar: Party with world renowned DJs and be dazzled by Fire 🔥 Dancers, Shows and dining and dancing on the beach. It is also a Resort and I stayed here. It is an all day party place in the heart of the action with multiple pools and still incredibly chilled. Other vibrant entertainment places, I would recommend is:-
Soi Green Mango, Coco Trans, Old Street Bar, Central Lamai Beer Bars Plaza, Nikki Beach and a few of the Lady Boy Shows and Cabarets.
Sightseeing and Attractions worth checking out:- Ang Thang Marine Park, Nu Muang Waterfall, Secret Buddha Garden, Pink Elephant 🐘 Samui Water 💦 Park and there are also quite a few Viewpoints around the Island that will really enchant you with their panoramic views - my favourite is Lamai Viewpoint. The town of Nathon on the west Coast is the original Capital and houses government offices and has a more authentic local flavour.

Koh Samui is unique among Thailand's Islands, and while it is slightly more expensive than the rest of the country, its rewards are well worth it and it still does maintain a broad appeal for everyone. It has a distinctive relaxed atmosphere that sets it apart. I for one, cannot wait to go back and explore even further!

12/04/2021

THAILAND WEEK

Today we will travel to the Third largest Thai Island 🏝 after Phuket and Koh Samui.
It is located in Trat Province in the Gulf of Thailand (South China Sea) near the Cambodian Border. It is Koh Chang. Known as the Elephant 🐘 Island because of its elephant shaped headland.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION:-
70% of the Island is rainforest, dense steep jungle, mountains and beaches. The Mu Ko Chang National Park, a preserve with incredible hiking trails, waterfalls covers the interior and extends to the offshore coral reefs. The coast is dotted with beaches, villages including Bang Bao which is built on piers. Hat Tha Nam (aka Lonely Beach) has a Waterfront party scene that attracts Backpackers. The Island does however offer a range of areas to explore, experience and stay.

HOW DO YOU GET THERE?
No specific best way, as it will depend on your budget, time available and interests. From Bangkok catch #999 Bus to the Piers of Laem Ngop (5-6 hours depending on traffic) and then ferry ⛴ across to the Island within 45 minutes or you can take the 40 minute flight with Bangkok Airways to Trat, make your way to pier and once again ferry from there.

HOW DO YOU GET AROUND?
Main form of transport is by Song Thaew (pick-up truck taxi), motor or bicycle 🚲 rental is also available and limited car rental. There is essentially one coastal road that circles the Island but the west, south and north coasts are easier to get around, the east side you really need your own transport, as it is less developed and a truly great escape from the other side of the Island, as you are rewarded with a more serene and untouched beauty.

ACCOMMODATION:-
There is quite a vast range from villas, more intimate resort style places, boutique and eco Lodges with authentic spa treatments and natural features, all the way to guest houses and Backpackers. This is however not the place for large flashy Hotels, but there are many levels of luxury and the natural surroundings are what will matter most!
The North and West have the most popular resorts and Hotels that cater well for families and couples.
The South of the Island is most popular with Backpackers

SEASONS TO VISIT:-
3 essential Seasons - Cool Season - November to February is the busiest as the sea 🌊 is calm, there is lots of sunshine ☀ and blue skies with temperatures in the mid to high twenties degrees Celsius.
Hot Season - March to May - Very high humidity, less rain also fairly busy especially in April over Songkran. Temperatures in the low to mid thirties most days.
Rainy ☔ Season - June to October. The Island is quieter with temperatures in high twenties to low thirties and everything is lush and green and full of life.

WHAT TO DO:-
Lots of adventures - jungle and elephant trekking, kayaking 🛶, diving, snorkeling and other water and land based sports. Experiencing more authentic Thai customs and it is also easy to get to know and interact with the friendly locals.There is also some light nightlife and shopping opportunities and lots of quaint eateries all over the place to savour. Most essentially you want to relax here. Find a hammock, a pool, a spa, a beach, a cocktail 🍹 and just chill.

Koh Chang is a wonderful alternative to Thailand's 🇹🇭 bigger, busier Islands and it definitely has its own charm. Even though it is developing, it has still retained its remote and rugged character.

11/04/2021

18/03/2021

Wonderful Eatery. Highly recommended in Hartebeespoort