Interviewing international award winning chef, Chantel Dartnell is slightly overwhelming. This petite, soft spoken chef has some of the worlds top accolades hanging on her walls, and visiting her restaurant is beyond an incredible experience. In fact, we are still battling to find the words to best describe our visit… Arriving at The Orient is like arriving in a magical kingdom. Although a mere 45 minute drive from both Johannesburg and Pretoria, once you have entered the Moorish themed gates you may forget the hustle and bustle of the city and revel in the beautiful gardens, and the view out over the Francolin Conservancy which is an oasis of green and beautiful bird life too. The best description for both The Orient and Restaurant Mosaic itself is a ‘destination’. You would not wind up here by accident, but when you do arrive, your mind will be subsequently blown from arrival…
Although Liezel is technically not from Joburg, we kind of feel like she could be, she spends so much time here with us. What an amazing opportunity to catch up with the former MNet Idols Presenter, MC, Voice Over artist and television presenter, Liezel van der Westhuizen and find out more about this incredibly tall Capetonian beauty… Liezel, you have been in the public eye for a long time now – how did all of this come about for you? I started out as an announcer on the floor of a big retail store, and was approached by the progamming manager of Jacaranda to come for an audition. He happened to be shopping that day. What was your ‘big break’ – and in what way did it shape your future? As only the second woman in the world to present Idols, it launched my career, and showing young women in…
Jambo! – the welcoming cry of Hello is one of the first words that you will learn upon arrival in Kenya, and you may surprise yourself by how quickly you pick up Swahili during your stay – the words Asante, Pole Pole and Sana will also be rolling off your tongue in no time. The land of many attractions is certainly an applicable phrase, from the beautiful beaches seen on Instagram, to the wildlife migrations in the Masai Mara to Big 5 Safari’s and beautiful scenery set to take your breath away – there is something in Kenya for every traveller. Our home during our stay was the beautifully appointed Sarova Whitesands Beach Resort and Spa, which is situated roughly 14 kilometers north of Mombasa on Bamburi Beach, and literally is everything you could ever have dreamed of for a beach paradise holiday. The joy of staying at Sarova is…
If, like us, you love to travel and want to see more of our beautiful world this year, but the budget is a bit tight – then we recommend that you get yourself over to The Travel Expo, which is South Africa’s largest travel show – and some incredible deals and savings on your next holiday are on offer! The dates to diarise are 9th and 10th of February and the venue is The Ticketpro Dome in Northriding and entrance is only R 50 per person, while kids under 18 get in free. You can get your hands on the best deals and biggest savings of the year, with exclusive offers from airlines, cruise liners, resorts and hotels, tour and adventure companies, tourism boards and much more. If you’re travelling anywhere in 2019 you don’t want to miss this show. A number of leading travel industry experts will be available…
Last week saw much excitement as it was announced by Big Concerts that world famous classical singer Andrea Bocelli will be coming to South Africa in April for one concert only in Joburg and one in Cape Town. Your Joburg date to diarise is 18th April 2019 at The Ticketpro Dome and tickets went on sale on Big Concerts and Computicket last week Friday. Bocelli’s humble manner belies his international status as one of the world’s biggest classical stars – he’s sung for Popes, Presidents and royalty, performed in all the greatest concert halls and opera houses around the world, and sold 85 million records. He has performed at major international events including the Olympic Games and the World Cup, and has a number of music awards under his belt, including a Golden Globe, 7 Classical BRITs and 7 World Music Awards, plus a star on the Hollywood Walk of…
Can you believe that the first month of the year is almost over, and Valentines is about 2 weeks away – we think 2019 is going to start flying way too soon! If you are looking for a great spoil special for that loved one during February – then you will want to check out this awesome special and start planning your romantic getaway in the magnificent Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal at Brahman Hills. Brahman Hills is a destination of choice for weddings, conferences and idyllic country escapes and offers visitors an onsite spa, restaurant, coffee bar, underground bar and restaurant – 89 on Copper – as well as a variety of eventing venues. From arrival, you will be wowed by not only the beautiful setting in the hills of the Blue Crane Nature Reserve where Brahman cattle and other wildlife roam free, to its comfortable accommodation, scrumptious food and ‘every…
Hermès have just released their new Cape Cod time piece, and although this particular style has been around for a number of years, with some additions and adaptions over time, the new look tosses its own aesthetic codes overboard by reinterpreting the anchor-chain link. The new Cape Cod is a strong new link harbouring a daring style and taking femininity on board in a subtly mischievous manner. On this large steel model, the “anchor chain” motif imagined by Robert Dumas in 1938 diverts watchmaking traditions by charting a course with creativity as its compass. The Cape Cod watch became a ‘square in a rectangle’ in the bold design sketched by Henri d’Origny in 1991. Original and playful, rigorous and graphic, this stylish figurehead glides smoothly through the waves of time with the ease of an ageless icon. In 1998, it adopted the double tour strap, which proved an immediate success.…
One of our favourite luggage and accessory stores in Sandton City has to be House of Samsonite. And what better way to travel, than in incredible style. Not only do House of Samsonite offer a variety of different luggage options, but they know style! House of Samsonite is the official name for the online luggage store which supplies us South Africans’ with Samsonite, American Tourister, Lipault and Gregory, the world’s leading branded luggage and travel products for business, fashion, adventure and of course, leisure travel. From cabin luggage to extra large suitcases, garment bags and kiddies luggage to laptop sleeves and back packs – even through to handbags and other travel accessories, House of Samsonite have got you covered! Samsonite have been designing and creating luggage for over 100 years, and as one of the original brands in travel, they have continued to leverage their craftsmanship and heritage as an…
The official launch of the first South African O Bag store caused quite the stir this past November, as these much-coveted designer handbags are being sported by international (and a few local) celebs and are the customisable handbag that every woman should have at least one of, in her collection. O Bag is an Italian handbag and shoulder bag collection that allows its owners to ‘create their own bag’ if you will. The bags are simple, yet beautiful and stylish, as well as being practical. Select your bag shape, your inner, your handles and even little bag accessories and put together your unique bag – what’s not to love? The O Bag bodies are made of a lightweight foam called XL Extralight®, which is soft and warm to touch, waterproof, strong, flexible and anti-microbial and come in a number of sizes, styles and colours. The range also includes trendy bag accessories…
Growing up with a famous soccer legend as a father didn’t affect Maps one bit. In fact, the young Maps didn’t even realise what his dad even did until he was about seven or so and was watching soccer on TV. He just thought his dad was really popular and had a lot of friends, and that was why people asked to have photos with him all the time. His parents made sure that both Maps and his brother grew up as normally as possible and didn’t get carried away by the fame and playing club soccer and hanging with friends near their home in Protea North in Soweto are some of his best childhood memories. Extremely close with both his parents and his only sibling, Maps lists his brother as one of his biggest role models. His brother carved his own way and for a number of years was…