REASONS TO TRAVEL
FlySafair opens a new route from Joburg to Zanzibar
We are so excited that budget airline favourite Fly Safair has opened a new route from O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) to Abeid Amani Karume International airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar. The route will have a weekly return flight with plans to add a second flight later in the year. Return tickets start at R2950 and with no layovers it makes it much easier, and affordable, to visit this island destination. It's a fraction of the price we had to pay in December for a flight via Nairobi. 
Effortless luxury at Monwana Lodge, and the best way there – Airlink
At the start of 2023 we visited the newly renovated, or rather completely transformed, Monwana Lodge in Thornybush Private Game Reserve which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park area. You can read the full review of our stay here but if we had to sum it up it would be ‘leisured luxury’. Its almost impossible to leave not feeling clear headed and with a deep sense of relaxation which makes Monwana the perfect place to recharge away from the city. The drive there can be a bit long and can make a weekend visit feel a little more pressure, so here's a second reason to cheer – Airlink’s flight from O.R. Tambo to Hoedspruit. The 45-minute flight gives new ways to see the country as you transition from the concrete greys and yellow velds to the red soil of Limpopo and the drive from the airport to Monwana is just 45 minutes. The extra time this gives you to sit on the deck with a unique view of the lodge's watering hole will let you properly relish this one-of-a-kind lodge.Head to Cape Town for fresh views with the reopening of the Waterfront’s Cape Wheel
The Waterfront’s Cape Wheel recently reopened after finding a new location along the Waterfront boardwalk. As you reach the top of the wheel you’ll be sitting some 40m off the ground and will be greeted by views of the city, Granger Bay and Robben Island. For those less inclined to heights the Cape Wheel’s move forms part of a broader initiative to regenerate the V&A Waterfront so even if you don’t hop on the wheel you can still enjoy a freshly designed space while slurping on an ice cream with salt in the air. If you’re looking for options to stay in Cape Town see our February travel blog which tells you where to find beachside backpacking, inner city opulence, mountainside retreats and more.The Peech’s renovation makes what was already perfect, better
The Peech is a hidden eden tucked away in the quiet streets of Melrose and they recently refurbished their classic rooms. It brings them in line with their luxury rooms and if you're looking for a relaxing stay within the heart of Joburg few places can top it. We'll have a full review of our stay there soon and will keep you up to date on all the new additions planned for one of Joburg's top boutique hotels.
The Maslow turns 10
After Covid ravaged the world’s tourism sector, celebrating a birthday is no mean feat and Sandton’s business-focused hotel, The Maslow, just celebrated its 10th. We were invited to stay. With its extensive conferencing and meeting room facilities, dedicated shuttle service, central location and rooms designed for work as much as play, The Maslow ticks all the traditional business traveller boxes. What makes it stand out is its offering of luscious green space, an Africology spa and sophisticated cuisine at Lacuna. It means that while all your business needs are ticked off you can still find a much needed escape without having to leave the hotel. This year the Maslow has seen the best figures since before Covid-19 which the GM puts down to three things – The Maslow’s staff and interaction with guests (the hotel benefits from a high repeat clientele), the quality of guests that stay and the hotel’s setting in a large garden, which is a tranquil oasis. To keep this upward trajectory they are keeping things fresh at their Lacuna restaurant with a new menu, created by Omar Menhouk, Executive Chef and his team. Menhouk has tapped into his Algerian heritage, the countries he has worked in across the African continent and the influence of global cuisine such as French and Italian to create a menu with international flair.
All you need @Sandton Hotel
Another Sandton hotel which has quickly established itself as an all-you-need-under-one-roof stay is the new @Sandton Hotel on Benmore Road. The standout feature for us is their pool deck with amazing views over the West Rand. There’s a kids pool and jungle gym too so that you can sip your cocktail of choice in peace while sunbathing. At their fully equipped gym and luxurious @Spa you can work up a sweat before unwinding in the sauna, or book a full day treatment for the ultimate relaxation. The on-site @Deli, Coffee Bar, Pool Bar, @Sandton Restaurant, Cigar Lounge and Tasting Room means you have plenty of dining options to suit your needs or mood. And for those in business they have a state-of-the-art conference centre, board rooms and a CoWork working space for your remote working needs. We enjoyed meeting the hotels Golden Key concierge on a recent roaming office visit.Weekend getaways and family fun
One thing that unites all South Africans is a love for public holidays and with April just around the corner there are soon to be a bevy of them. Start planning your escape from the city with our guide to where go for a weekend getaway in Gauteng. And for parents, we know that keeping the kids entertained during the holidays is a task unto itself. Luckily for you we have 15 fun Gauteng attractions for families, and help you hold on to your sanity.
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