The Oysterbox - Romance in the Air

Laced with romance and excitement it’s a day to treat and be treated by the significant other in your life. For some…it’s the day to make feelings known for the first time or to commit to a future together, with a proposal.

This Valentine’s Day, The Oyster Box is offering a selection of Valentine’s celebrations to make this day as special as it’s meant to be. For those looking for fine-dining, a 7-course plated menu and live entertainment, from resident musician Wallace Nock, is on offer in The Grill Room at R590 per person.

If you’re looking to make a night of it…check in to your luxury sea-facing room, with Sparkling Wine on arrival. A drink in one of the stylish bars, leads comfortably into dinner in the elegant Grill Room as you work your way through the delectable four-course Signature Menu and a gift to seal the tryst. A recipe for pure celebratory pleasure. This one-night package is R3 490 per person.

If you’ve earmarked Valentine’s Day this year to propose or get engaged, The Oyster Box provides the perfect setting. This offer includes accommodation in a luxury sea-facing room, a romantic, private three-course dinner for two in the outdoor gazebo draped and festooned with flowers and candles…and a string quartet to serenade you.

Add the cherry on top at the award-winning Spa at The Oyster Box. During the month of February indulge in the following two packages:

Divine Duo
Celebrate togetherness during Valentine’s month with a romantic
90 minute BTogether Couple’s Rose Quartz Massage, followed by a glass of Sparkling Wine - the perfect expression of love! R1 500 per couple.

Memorable Moments
Absorb the humidity and soften your muscles prior to a 30 min back massage; heated lemons are used to penetrate to the core of sore, tired muscles. Skin is cleansed and invigorated using cane sugar and coconut oil, eliminating excess skin cells and leaving the skin full of nutrients. Follow this with a glass of Sparkling Wine and a slection of snacks in our Spa Cafe. R1 500 per couple.

For any other enquiries about The Oyster Box please call +2731 514 5000 or visit www.redcarnationhotels.com 

The Fancourt Resort Hotel Partners with Rolex

FANCOURT PARTNERS WITH ROLEX

Fancourt South Africa has announced a brand new association with the prestigious international watchmaker, Rolex. The first partnership of its kind in Southern Africa, Rolex has designed 10 clocks which are strategically positioned for golfers’ time-keeping convenience around the estate, including at the Fancourt Clubhouse, The Links, Montagu and Outeniqua golf courses, as well as on all practice and warm up facilities.

The relationship between Rolex and golf has continued to grow since its inception in 1967, and today, the Rolex brand is one of golf’s leading supporters worldwide. This luxury brand not only sponsors professional tours, competitions and athletes from around the world, but is a key partner to the world’s greatest golfing events, including The Masters, The US Open, The Open Championship, The Ryder Cup and The Presidents Cup.



Brand Ambassadors for Rolex within the game of Golf include our own Retief Goosen (an honorary members of The Links), and Trevor Immelman, as well as other legends of the game and golfing greats like Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Phil Mickelson, Martin Kaymer, Adam Scott and Luke Donald.

With the new Fancourt association, Rolex brings the partnership to the home of one of its own, Gary Player, who originally designed all three of Fancourt’s lauded golf courses. Gary Player continues to endorse the iconic Rolex brand after more than a decade of sponsorship.

Sales and Marketing Director of Fancourt, Carl Reinders expressed his enthusiasm at the joint venture: ‘Rolex is an elite, prestigious and recognized brand in the golfing world internationally, and this partnership with Fancourt is a perfect association between two premium and internationally respected brands‘.

Rolex is also a partner to the two largest international professional golfing bodies, namely the US PGA Tour (Professional Golfers’ Association of America) and the European Tour, supporting both women’s and men’s professional golf.

About The Fancourt Resort Hotel

From a simple family home built in 1859, the Fancourt estate now spans over 600 hectares, and is an internationally sought-after leisure and lifestyle destination. The ultimate in relaxation and comfort for everyone, from golf enthusiasts to the spa visitor, right in the heart of the beautiful Garden Route. Beautifully manicured gardens and estate grounds – all maintained with impeccable attention to detail – not only provide an unparalleled leisure experience, but also a breathtaking landscape. At Fancourt every measure is taken to ensure your stay is nothing short of unforgettable.

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Grande Roche - Paarl

Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Paarl Rock is a small, luxury hotel like no other. It is a place where history interacts with modern comforts...where the atmosphere of a bygone era brings a sense of gracious, unhurried living.

The only South African member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it is a place where history intersects with a funky modernity. It is a place where the gentle rhythms of a working fruit and wine farm are a short walk away from a bustling country town.



Experience the privacy and tranquillity of comfortable and stylish suites nestled among the vineyards of a working fruit farm. Feel a sense of belonging as you explore centuries-old buildings and the rich biodiversity of the Paarl nature reserve. Take your taste buds on a journey of culinary delight in the award-winning restaurants. Be inspired by the unique mix of heritage, innovation and elegance.

Culinary Innovations

Woman’s Month inspires Culinary Innovations at the Grande Roche Hotel Woman’s month brings with it a host of activities and inspired by this the focus for the next Culinary Innovations evening on Friday 31 August at the historic Grande Roche Hotel in Paarl is on inspiring women. A voyage of discovery and powerful words.

Romantic getaways

From perfect proposals to dream honeymoons and the most cherished anniversary, let us help weave the magic and enchantment that will last a lifetime. Create everlasting memories at this magnificent, romantic location in the heart of the Cape Winelands.

 Functions & Events

The Vineyard Venue with an open-air amphitheatre sits on the upper slopes of the estates, in the midst of vineyards and plum orchards, with a backdrop of Paarl Rock. Whether it's an international conference, a board meeting, cutting-edge product launch or high-profile company summit, Grande Roche will take care of your needs... we know it is the little details that matter.

Wine and Food Lovers Getaways

The Cape Winelands have been described as the most beautiful in the world. Here, fertile valleys protected by ancient mountains provide the diversity of soil and climate that give the Cape wines their unique Character. This tailor-made package gives you the chance to get behind the scenes of award-winning wine estates.

Golfing Getaways

The Western Cape is one of the world’s most spectacular and diverse golfing destinations. Our lush and beautifully maintained Golf Estates have captivated the global golfing community and boast both local and international awards for exceeding high standards, quality, design and professionalism.

Weddings

Celebrate your special occasion at the Grande Roche Hotel with elegance and style. From perfect proposals and dream weddings to the most cherished anniversary, let us help weave the magic and enchantment that will last a lifetime... be it an intimate, romantic affair or a lavish celebration.
Write your own history at this magnificent location with a Grande Roche Wedding Experience, starting with the couple's names engraved on a brass plaque on our chapel door. We will ensure that your special day goes smoothly as planned.

The perfect setting...

Intimate ceremonies in the unique setting of our carefully restored chapel. Bosman's Lawn, alongside the Manor House, with views of the Drakenstein Mountains and the backdrop of Paarl Rock.There is a choice of venues for your reception, from the charming intimacy of our Private Dining Room, the elegant Bosman's restaurant and the romantic setting of Bosman's Lawn for a garden reception to the Vineyard Venue for larger numbers.

Le Méridien Oran Hotel & Convention Centre Algeria

Featuring contemporary design by Rockwell Group Europe the hotel offers Spectacular Coastal Views and the Largest Conference Facilities in North Africa. 

 Le Méridien Oran sits atop a cliff offering breath-taking views of the Mediterranean. Owned by Sonatrach, the hotel is part of a mixed-use development, which includes an adjacent conference and exhibition centre, an esplanade and an oceanfront promenade located on Algeria’s north-western Mediterranean coast.

“We are proud to partner with Sonatrach as we introduce the Le Méridien brand to Algeria,” said Roeland Vos, President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “This spectacular new hotel allows us to showcase Le Méridien brand’s contemporary lifestyle and sophisticated origins in the city of Oran and further underlines our commitment to continued expansion in the region.”

Featuring 254 guest rooms and 42 suites, combining contemporary design with Algerian heritage and Le Méridien brand amenities. The hotel’s signature spa, inspired by European spa traditions, comprises eight treatment rooms, a jacuzzi, Turkish Hammam, an outdoor pool and fitness centre, offering endless ocean views.  Le Méridien Oran also features an all-day dining restaurant with an open kitchen, a chic lounge bar with inspiring sea views, the city’s first authentic Italian restaurant as well as a lobby bar serving Illy coffee and tea from around the world.

Le Méridien Oran Hotel & Convention Centre houses the largest meeting facilities in North Africa with nearly 9,000 square metres of flexible meeting and event space, including two ballrooms, a pre-function area and 23 meeting rooms. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology the convention centre houses an auditorium that can seat up to 3,000 seated guests and features the largest mural fresco in the world. Created by Algerian artist Tewfik Boumedhi, the 2000-metre-long façade is made of 51,000 tiles and depicts the Southern Mediterranean culture in Arab-Moresque art.

“Le Méridien has long had a presence in Africa, and the opening of Le Méridien Oran is a key milestone as we celebrate the brand’s strongest portfolio and performance levels in its history,” said Vincent Gillet, Global Brand Leader, Le Méridien and W Hotels Worldwide. Le Méridien Oran offers the signature Le Méridien arrival experience, curated by Jérôme Sans, the brand’s cultural curator since 2006. Upon arrival, guests are greeted to giant lanterns, soaring ceilings and an inspirational, thought-provoking artwork designed by RGe depicting a profile of Oran’s coastline on steel plates.

  

The hotel also features the newly-developed Le Méridien Hub experience, which re-interprets the traditional lobby into a social gathering place for creative people to converse, debate, and exchange. Le Méridien Hub offers both guests and locals a creative atmosphere where contemporary, curated artwork sets the environment. Le Méridien Oran Hotel & Convention Centre is now accepting reservations. Rooms start from EUR170 ($224) per room per night plus VAT.

  

About Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts

The Paris-born hotel brand currently represents 100 properties in 50 countries, was acquired by Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) in November 2005. With close to 80 of its properties located in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. Since then, Le Méridien has gone through a brand re-launch, which included a large scale hotels product consolidation as well as redefining its brand strategy. By appointing a full-time Cultural Curator – French arts-provocateur Jérôme Sans – Le Méridien transformed numerous guest touch points, thus bringing unique and interactive experiences to its guests. Plans call for dynamic expansion of Le Méridien Hotels and Resorts within the next five years, concentrating in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia-Pacific markets, including destinations such as India, Thailand and China. 

African Luxury at the Twelve Apostles

Poised above the Atlantic Ocean on one of the world’s most scenic routes, offering endless views across the sea, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa has been voted the Top Hotel Spa in Africa and the Middle East in the Travel + Leisure 2012 World’s Best Awards. Celebrating not only its excellence but 10th birthday this November.

Adding to its’ growing list of international accolades not only scooping the coveted 1st position it was also ranked in the Top 100 Hotels overall and awarded third place on the list of Top City Hotels in Africa and the Middle East. Winners were honoured at a ceremony in New York this July, and the results will be published in the August issue of Travel + Leisure magazine.

Well established as the city’s leading boutique hotel, it prides itself in offering guests that ‘personal touch’. Designed by Toni Tollman, the interior design is inspired by the Twelve Apostles mountain range, creating a fresh, calming environment that artfully combines sophistication with simplicity, comfort and elegance. With 70 bedrooms and suites, including the Presidential Suite; two swimming pools perched above the ocean; Azure restaurant, the Café Grill, and the Leopard Room Bar; a 16-seater private cinema; as well as meeting, events and weddings facilities for up to 90 guests.

 

The Spa at The Twelve Apostles ensures and offers the ultimate in style and tranquillity. Natural muted tones of whites, beiges, stones and marble exuding a calming, light and spiritual ambience, where guests can succumb to the hands of expert therapists with treatments that heal, restore and pamper. It features seven superbly-equipped treatment rooms for dual and single treatments with a hydrotherapy bath and rain showers, as well as a Rasul Chamber for traditional cleansing rituals using steam and mud.

 
Other spa facilities include a Perfect Finish Salon for manicures and pedicures, a Tranquillity Lounge and Wild Lanyana Aromatherm Room for hydrotherapy treatments and a Vichy Shower, as well as two outdoor gazebos with panoramic mountain and sea views. Focussing on holistic principles the Spa combines ancient wisdom with modern technology, and its’ range of B|Africa products are inspired by the beautiful natural surroundings of all three Red Carnation Hotel Collection properties in South Africa: The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat and The Oyster Box.

Offering sizzling winter packages to brighten up the cold winter months with fireside dining and pampering spa treatments available until the end of September. Snuggle up and enjoy board games in front of the fire in the Leopard Bar with its panoramic sea views, or choose from a wide selection of DVD’s.

Treat yourself and a partner to an overnight Dinner and Movie. The package includes accommodation, a full English breakfast, a three course dinner prepared by the award winning executive chef, Henrico Grobbelaar from Azure Restaurant, and a movie in the hotel’s 16-seat cinema, with treats such as popcorn and hot chocolate, as well as the complimentary use of the Spa Rock Pools, from only R1 163 per person sharing per night.

Add a glorious 40 minute head, back and shoulder massage to an overnight stay with breakfast and dinner included, and indulge in the Hibernate to Rejuvenate package from R1 415 per person sharing per night, or the Nature’s Gift package at R1 550 per person sharing, to leave guests refreshed and revitalized by the tranquility of Mother Nature at this seaside haven.

Providing a convenient complimentary shuttle service, guests are five minutes from the most beautiful beaches and Camps Bay, 15 minutes from the city centre and V&A Waterfront, and within easy reach of many vineyards. Helicopter transfers are also available to offer an exhilarating experience flying over the spectacular peninsula.

The Vineyard Hotel & Spa

The Vineyard Hotel & Spa are hosting their popular wine paired dinner evenings until October 2012.

The series of wine-paired events launched with the five-course Partners’ Dinner on 27 April.
The hotel’s five wine partners, Waterford, Meerlust, Simonsig, Warwick and Klein Constantia showcased their favourite wines on the evening, which were expertly paired to various culinary delights by the hotel’s experienced Sous Chef, Chris Law.

Roy Davies, General Manager of the Vineyard Hotel & Spa explains, “We will host two wine-paired dinner events each month, where winemakers from farms such as Paul Cluver and Iona Vineyards, Creation,  Muratie, Hartenberg, Oldenburg, Mooiplaas, Anthonij Rupert, The Cardinal, Migliarina and Haut Espoir will have the opportunity to present their wines. Constantia Valley Wines ends off the season in style with a spectacular dinner, showcasing up to nine wines.”

“To avoid disappointment, guests are encouraged to book well in advance for the dinners, as they are extremely popular with both local and resident guests,” says Davies. “Diners can enjoy live light entertainment throughout the evening, and lucky draws are held at each event to add to the experience. So whether you are looking for a romantic evening out, or a night spent with a group of friends – the experience is bound to be a memorable one.”

Each wine-paired dinner is either four- or five-course, depending on the wines served. “Ahead of each event we conduct a tasting where The Square’s sous chef, the winemaker, select members of the media as well as the hotels food and wine committee get together. It’s an opportunity to taste the wines and to debate, deliberate and explore a menu specifically paired to the wines in question,”
Davies explained. “The combination of the tasting session and then experiencing the end product – the actual dinner – is a fascinating journey, allowing us to ensure that the end-product is always of the absolute highest standard, something we believe our guests will experience with every paired event.”

The cost of the dinners is R265 pp for the four-course and R315 pp for the five-course. Davies and his team have also put together exclusive stay-over packages that include the dinner for guests attending the events. For the five-course dinner, a single room is  R950, while a double room is R800 per person sharing. For the four-course paired dinner, a single room is R900 and a double room is R750 per person sharing.

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact 021 657 4500 or e-mail eat@vineyard.co.za

Singita's Take on Multi-Generational Safaris

21st Century baby boomer grandparents are active and love to travel, and want to share the experience with their children and grandchildren. Labelled ‘multi-generational travel’, it is one of the biggest emerging trends in travel across the globe, says Virtuoso, the leading international luxury travel network.   Across the world there is a new thirst for family adventure, to unplug and spend time together, creating memories, sharing life-changing experiences, and educating children about different ways of life.

In Southern and East Africa, Singita Game Reserves is offering truly personalised, multi-generational family safaris that are custom-designed to provide rare, once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Go on safari to celebrate a special occasion or family reunion, but many simply go to enjoy precious family time together.

Lindy Rousseau, Chief Marketing Officer of the Singita Group says: ‘Singita has no set itinerary, activities or ‘kids club’. For us it is all about focusing on individuals, and anticipating the needs of each unique family group - whether it is organizing activities to engage the children, or offering expert cultural experiences for the sophisticated, older guests in the family.  It is much more than facilitating rest and relaxation – it is about creating rare experiences for our guests. 

From the humbling experience of visiting  a makeshift classroom in the local township, to the miracle of a zebra foal being born out on the open plains, and being witness to that unguarded moment when it first stands on its own teetering legs. Unexpected moments like these are enough to capture the hearts of an entire family, and turn them into the fiercest of conservation gatekeepers, providing the kind of shared personal enrichment that no money can buy.’

Some safari lodges lend themselves perfectly to hosting a multi-generational family. One of Singita’s ten iconic lodges in four destinations in Africa, Singita Sweni in the Kruger National Park embraces this signature, ‘made-to-order’ guest experience that has earned it the reputation as a world leader.  Every visit is different, and with no restrictions or set schedules, it offers the ‘new luxury’ of slowing down in nature, and having time to rekindle family bonds.

At Singita Sweni Lodge families can enjoy the run of the lodge on an exclusive-use basis to accommodate up to 12 guests in six luxurious suites. Spectacularly elevated above the Sweni River, in the largest private concession within the Kruger National Park, it operates within a ground-breaking private/public partnership with SA National Parks (SANP), which has become the blueprint for successful eco-tourism business in protected areas. Located in the game rich far eastern reaches of the reserve, this unique solitary sanctuary within what is arguably ‘the world’s most famous wildlife destination’, makes it a favourite among multi-generational travellers.

Singita family safaris are defined by sharing experiences. The thrill of swopping safari stories under a blanket of stars ending off a perfect bush dinner, or the strong sense of community when a family joins the lodge staff choir with a traditional dance around a campfire - it’s about a new perspective, and taking home memories that have captured everyone’s hearts.

For children the fun and adventure never stops and with expert guiding on tap there is ample opportunity for all generations to gain deeper insight into the precious wildlife heritage safeguarded here. Life plays out differently in the bush and the thrill of a lion chase from the seat of an open-sided Land Rover is just one of the soul-stirring chance occurrences that may surprise guests in this theatre of nature.

The chance to give back through one of Singita’s inspiring conservation and community projects, offers an opportunity for many to become part of a profound and life-changing venture. A visit to the nearby Singita School of Cooking is an example of a wondrous voyage of cultural discovery where guests and their children can meet these young, aspirant cooks in the staff village, taste their favourite local dishes, and get a glimpse of their everyday life in the bush. Each family member will return from their safari adventure, having learned so much more through mutual experiences that have not only enriched and inspired, but may very well change the course of their lives.

SINGITA SWENI EXCLUSIVE 

Singita Sweni Lodge may be booked for exclusive use, at an all-inclusive rate of ZAR82 000 per night (valid for 2012) for a maximum of 12 people. Book 3 nights and enjoy the 4th night free.

St. Regis Mauritius

The highly-anticipated St. Regis Mauritius Resort opened on September 15, 2012. Situated on the South-West coast of the island, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the resort is set on the pristine white natural beaches of Le Morne, a UNESCO World Heritage site, bordered by a spectacular turquoise lagoon.

Offering guests a new dimension of bespoke luxury, The St. Regis Mauritius Resort will feature 172 elegant guestrooms and suites featuring lavishly expansive terraces, of which an extravagant St. Regis beachfront villa, offering breathtaking ocean views. Situated on the peninsula, nestled amongst the beautiful landscapes of the majestic Le Morne Brabant mountain and spectacular turquoise lagoon, the St. Regis villa will feature a private entrance, spacious bedrooms, stylish entertainment and dining areas, a private bar and spa, as well as two pools.

“We are thrilled to unveil The St. Regis Mauritius Resort as the first St. Regis hotel in the Indian Ocean region and we look forward to offering our guests the unparalleled luxury and exquisite culinary experiences that the brand is renowned for.” said Bernard de Villèle, General Manager, The St. Regis Mauritius Resort.

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort will also feature the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels including the signature St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to global travellers. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guest needs and customising each guest’s stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

Featuring six distinct culinary experiences offering epicureans a myriad of gastronomic influences ranging from French-inspired and traditional Mauritian cuisine, to the exotic dishes of India and South-East Asia and fine Japanese selections. Led by Executive Head Chef Dominique Blais, the resort will also feature Inspiration which will offer up to sixteen diners the exclusive and intimate experience to enjoy specially prepared dishes according to their individual tastes and preferences. Following in the tradition of St. Regis brand’s legendary New York hotel, the resort will feature an iconic bar; The 1904 Bar.

Extensive state-of-the-art meeting and event space as well as more than 2,000 square metres of ultra-modern health club facilities including the region’s first Iridium Spa featuring seven spa suites and twelve treatment rooms, a full-service salon, relaxation lounge, jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms, as well as a special Men’s Grooming Salon. Situated at the heart of resort will be the exclusive Manor House which will include seven luxurious suites, a cinema, library and pool, offering guests the ultimate in luxury and opulence.

The St. Regis Mauritius Resort will feature an extensive array of leisure activities including the opportunity to experience the exhilarating sport of kite surfing. Located at the “One Eye” at Le Morne, it is one of the world’s most renowned locations for kite surfing and also plays host to the annual World Cup Kite Surfing competition.

Currently accepting tour operator reservations on line reservations are available on the hotel’s website. Please visit St. Regis Mauritius Resort  for more information.
More on St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. For the privilege of residential ownership, please visit www.stregis.com/residences.

About St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

Combining classic sophistication and modern luxury, the St. Regis brand remains faithful to its commitment to excellence. Founded by John Jacob Astor IV, with the opening of the first St. Regis Hotel in New York City over a century ago, the St. Regis brand of hotels and residences is known for its unique luxury dimension, customized service and refined elegance in the best destinations worldwide.

Plans for the brand to globally continue its legacy include long-awaited St. Regis hotels and resorts in Buenos Aires, Asia, New Delhi and Zhuhai. In Europe, Africa and the Middle East, the brand will expand in Abu Dhabi, Amman, Cairo and Doha. The distinctive trait of the St. Regis experience is customized service and attention to detail through signature St. Regis Butler Service, coveted locations and luxurious design.