• hidden-valley-wines-stellenbosch

    Review: Unearthing Hidden Valley Wines, Stellenbosch

    12 June 2022 - By 

    Hidden Valley Wines is one of Stellenbosch’s best-kept secrets. I say secret because many people fail to understand just how much of an experience this wine farm truly is. It offers visitors everything from memorable wine pairings to quality restaurant- and picnic-meals, as well as beautiful Bush Lodge accommodation. In this post, I share my experience of the estate’s food and wine options and nature trail, while also touching on its offer estate offerings. Visiting Stellenbosch’s Best-kept Secret: Hidden Valley Wines Hidden Valley is aptly named. It lies tucked away at the top of a long, narrow drive, pressed into…

  • knorhoek-wine-farm-accommodation

    Accommodation Review: Tranquil Escape to Knorhoek Wine Farm’s Accommodation

    8 May 2022 - By 

    It’s been a while since I enjoyed an accommodation stay. Happily, in March 2022, I visited the beautiful Knorhoek Wine Farm for a relaxing getaway with my little cat. This family-friendly estate is one of the most beautiful wine farms in the Cape Winelands and lies situated in the heart of the Stellenbosch Wine Route. (Right next door to the fancy Quoin Rock Wine Estate, which shares the same Ukrainian owners as Knorhoek.) Knorhoek Wine Farm offers everything from tranquil accommodation to lovely wedding venues. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway into the heart of Stellenbosch farmlands and…

  • cape-town-helicopters-tours

    Photo Essay: Taking to the Sky with Cape Town Helicopters

    10 February 2022 - By 

    My blog and love of travel have given me some once-in-a-lifetime experiences – but a city tour with Cape Town Helicopters now ranks number one. In this photo essay, I share a few personal thoughts on this incredible experience, while also providing some quickfire facts and need-to-know information. Taking to the Cape Town Skies For someone with a fear of manmade heights (and who has never previously flown before) booking a spur-of-the-moment, belated birthday helicopter flight may seem like a crazy choice. But then, if travel has taught me anything about myself, it is that I am always braver than…

  • best-attractions-riebeek-valley

    Best Riebeek Valley Attractions

    26 January 2022 - By 

    Often hailed as the ‘Western Cape’s best-kept secret’; ‘the Wedding Valley’; and even ‘Franschhoek 15 years ago’, the beautiful Riebeek Valley – which consists of Riebeek-Kasteel, Riebeek-West, Hermon and Riebeeksrivier – is one of the most glorious wine- and farming-regions in South Africa. On my recent return visit to this stunning Swartland region, famed for its wine, olives and weddings – I realised anew that it is a dream for families, couples and solo travellers to explore. There is so much to see and do (even walking down the street or driving through these little towns feels like an adventure),…

  • babylonstoren-wine-farm-visit

    Photo Essay: Bountiful Babylonstoren Wine Farm Visit

    6 March 2021 - By 

    Babylonstoren is a glorious wine farm to visit year-round – but I particularly love visiting this wine farm during autumn. There is something really magical about it at the end of summer before the Cape winter hits. On the two occasions that I have been fortunate enough to visit this fabulous Franschhoek estate, both visits have come during autumn. It’s purely coincidence – but a happy chance at that. In this photo essay, I want to share some of my highlights from my recent visit. Currently, the estate has also the most amazing display of pumpkins in their Puff Adder…

  • knorhoek-accommodation-western-cape

    Best Budget Honeymoon Accommodation in the Western Cape

    8 November 2020 - By 

    Look up the word ‘honeymoon’ and you will get some variant of: “a holiday spent together by a newly married couple“. Yet, all too often, honeymoons turn into expensive trips that add unnecessary stress to the newly married couples’ life. And I have a gripe with that. Because a honeymoon shouldn’t have to break the bank to be amazing. Incredible Western Cape Honeymoon Offerings I know of some incredible, budget honeymoon accommodation in the Western Cape alone. That’s before you even tackle the rest of South Africa! In this post, I wanted to share some romantic, luxurious honeymoon spots to…

  • Guest Interview: Coba Sophia Uys – Coba Photography

    24 June 2020 - By 

    For my new guest series – which focuses on wedding industry professionals and service providers – I chatted to talented, Cape Town-based wedding photographer, Coba Sophia Uys of Coba Photography. Coba Sophia Uys is the hugely talented, Cape Town-based wedding photographer behind Coba Photography. She hails from Lambert’s Bay, West Coast and is the youngest of four sisters. Professionalism, talent and business acumen certainly run in her family. Coba’s parents own the award-winning, beautiful wedding venue, Bosduifklip Restaurant… It is here that she learnt all about working with clients. As well as how to serve them with, as she so…

  • Best Romantic Destinations in the Western Cape

    16 February 2020 - By 

    Whether you are in the young stages of love; rekindling things with an old flame; or have been soulmates through decades, exploring a romantic destination is always good idea. And what better time to do it than during February, so famously hailed as the month of love? What’s more, with Travelstart, you can fly to your destination, ensuring added relaxation and bonding time. With all this in mind, I have put together a shortlist of the romantic destinations in the Western Cape, for you and your love to enjoy… 1) A Couples’ Getaway in the Cape Winelands: Dunstone Country Estate (Wellington)…

  • best-things-to-do-near-durbanville

    Best Things to Do Near Delightful Durbanville

    1 September 2019 - By 

    Durbanville, the epicentre of Cape Town’s popular Northern Suburbs, is one of the city’s most beautiful suburbs. Best of all, this residential and commercial haven happily offers plenty of local attractions for visitors to enjoy. With a plethora of cosy cafes and restaurants, lovely accommodation and incredible wine farms within its reach, Durbanville is surrounded by great experiences. While I have not yet enjoyed all of them, in the past two years, I have ticked some excellent spots off my list. And they are certainly worth sharing! So whether you are new here or a regular in this part of…

  • boschendal-wine-estate-manor-house

    Boschendal Wine Estate’s Best Farm Experiences

    22 March 2018 - By 

    Boschendal Wine Estate is, in so many ways, an absolutely amazing wine estate… It offers visitors timeless beauty, a spectacular setting, gorgeous wines and some world-class farm experiences – and that’s before we even get to the food, MTB bike trails, farm spa and stunning farm cottages… need I say more? Personally, I’ve been fortunate to indulge in many of Boschendal’s finery, including its wines, gardens, beautiful picnics – and most recently, an amazing horse ride too! Below, I peel back my favourite layers of beautiful Boschendal and its best farm experiences: Indulge in a sumptuous picnic In 2014, my…