05
Jan
1) Sunscreen is a must, regardless of the weather. Even if it is cloudy or overcast the sun in Hawaii can be merciless so wear sunscreen whenever you plan to be outdoors for more than a few minutes.
2) If you are driving to Hana, make sure that you have a full tank of gas. There is only one gas station in Hana and gas is at least $1 more per gallon. It’s also a good idea to pack a cooler with water, juice or sodas and sandwiches. There are only a few places to buy food in Hana.
3) Seabands apply continuous pressure on a point on each wrist using a plastic stud and are very good for motion sickness (without drugs or side effects), plus they are reusable and can be worn in the water. They are easy to take along with you on your daily trips.
4) Leave your valuables in your safe in your room. Do not leave valuables in your car if the vehicle will be unattended, especially in remote locations or on the beach, while you are enjoying the warm tropical water.
5) If you drive to the summit of Haleakala, make sure to put your car in low gear when you drive back down the volcano, so that you don’t burn out the brakes on your vehicle.
6) We recommend that you bring a light jacket or sweater if you are planning to attend any of the island shows or a luau. The indoor theatres will be air conditioned and some may be chilly. Many of the luaus are close to the oceanfront and the air can be cool after the sun goes down.
7) Lahaina is more fun to visit in the evening. During the day it can be very hot with little air movement on Front St. because of the narrow streets. All of the shops and restaurants are open late into the evening.
Wear darker colored tops when taking a helicopter or “flight-seeing” tour. You’ll be able to take better photographs with less reflection through the windows of the aircraft.
9) When playing in the ocean, be careful of the surf. Do not turn your back on the water, rogue waves can suddenly appear and create dangerous shore breaks.
10) If you take any boat trips for snorkeling, sailing or whale watching make sure to bring a towel with you because the boats do not provide towels. Sunscreen, sunglasses, camera / film, hats / caps, and a light cover-up are also recommended.
05
Jan
You’ve seen the Expedia.com commercials with the couple in the beachside bungalow with mosquito nets… and the thought of going on vacation to stay in a tent gives you the creepy crawlies already. Not to worry, you won’t need a sleeping bag and a bottle of Off! for this exotic vacation. When was the last time you stayed in an air-conditioned, 790 square-foot tent with wooden floors, embroidered interior canopies, private gardens, outside deck for sunbathing, king size four-poster bed, freestanding rolltop bath and separate shower? And just to make sure you don’t feel like you’re “roughing it,” your tent comes with a DVD player and minibar.
It’s seems contradictory that the words “luxury” be used to describe a tent but at the Oberoi Vanyavilas, located between the Aravali and the Vindhya mountain ranges in South-Eastern Rajasthan, India, the concept is far from novel. Nestled among 20 acres of landscaped gardens, lemon and mango trees, and lakes and fountains, are 25 tents, bordering on one of the most extraordinary wildlife reserves in the world, Ranthambore National Park and Tiger Reserve, which is home to the majestic Indian tiger, as well as deer, leopard, and crocodile.
Now, before you think that this is an isolated retreat, consider the fine dining options and extensive spa services available. In the Dining Room and Inner Courtyard, Executive Chef Saurav Banerjee and Indian Master Chef Arjun Singh Yadava present an impressive spread of Western, Thai and Indian cuisine from a revolving menu. The exquisitely decorated restaurant features hand painted frescoes of flowers and animals by the celebrated miniaturist Mohan Singh Kumawat. Outside is the walled terrace of the Inner Courtyard which is lit at night by a massive log fire (camp fire songs optional).
As with any quality resort, there is a spa, where you’ll find steam rooms, showers and private therapy suites and a long menu of spa treatments, massages, facials, manicures and pedicures. Try the stimulating Indian Spice Wrap and a delicious Orange Wrap. All the massage and aromatherapy treatments are aimed at relieving stress and promoting a deep sense of relaxation and wellbeing. And for fitness buffs who can’t miss a workout, there is an exercycle, rowing machine, steppers and a treadmill, as well as an outdoor heated pool.
04
Jan
The “Valley Isle” of Maui is the second largest of the Hawaiian Islands, and one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world. Maui offers a distinctive and diverse tropical environment that features dramatic mountains, lush tropical valleys, verdant rainforests, and beautiful black and white sand beaches to enjoy. As a result, there are numerous outdoor adventure activities to enjoy on the island of Maui, including diving, snorkeling, sport fishing, surfing, golfing, hiking, and horseback riding, to name a few! The wide range of activities, world-class restaurants, and beautiful sights make Maui the ideal vacation stop in paradise.
No trip to Maui would be complete with a visit to Kaanapali Beach, widely touted as one of the world’s most exquisite beaches. Take a ride down the famous and picturesque Hana Highway, experience the drama of the Haleakala Volcano by hiking through the National Park, and take in the tranquil beauty of Iao Valley. Or enjoy the fresh Maui air at one of the many championship golf courses on the island, at the resorts in Wailea and Kapalua.
If snorkeling and diving is what you crave, the Molokini Crater will satisfy any adventure lover with its spectacular underwater walls and craters, beautiful coral reef systems, and innumerable number of fish and other marine life to swim with. Or, charter a boat and try your hand at deep-sea fishing, where you can catch giant Blue Marlin or Ahi Tuna from the blue Pacific waters.
While Maui has plenty of adventurous activities to explore, you have to make plenty of time to shop and relax too! Try the shops on Front Street in Lahaina if you need to satisfy your itch to spend. And take some time to unwind on one of the many gorgeous beaches on Maui. Some of the best include and most distinctive Red Sand Beach and Kama’Ole Beach Park.
If you are looking for an island paradise that also offers first-rate restaurants and entertainment, look no further than Maui! All over the island, there are excellent restaurants that serve everything from authentic island classics to the best in Asian and European cuisine. If you really want to experience the culture of Maui, you can’t miss one of Maui’s exceptional luaus. Enjoy native music and dancing, along with delicious island cuisine, all in a tropical setting. Reserve seats at the Royal Lahaina Luau, generally considered one of Maui’s best and most authentic Hawaiian luaus.
While the hotels and resorts of Maui offer some of the best accommodations in the world, a Maui vacation rental can offer all of the amenities of a resort, plus all of the true comforts of home. Many of Maui’s condo and house rentals offer oceanfront accommodations and beach views, as well as generous space, which is perfect for a family vacation.
Benefit from the value cooking some of your own meals in your own well-appointed kitchen, and enjoy all of the privacy you would expect if you were in your own home. There are numerous condominium and home rentals on the island of Maui, and there is something for every taste and budget. You can experience the same breathtaking views as you would in a hotel or resort, but with all of the comforts of home. Make Maui your home away from home, and not just an ordinary vacation.
04
Jan
Swellendam, South Africa’s third oldest town is nestling at the foot of the Langeberg Mountains and has much to offer visitors who have an interest in history, nature, outdoor activities and art. Swellendam is ideally situated halfway between Cape Town and George and is therefore an ideal stop over for tourists. In these two hours from Cape Town to Swellendam, you will pass through unspoilt villages and towns. Take a trip back in time and stay in some of the historic homesteads and country houses in the area, which offer bed and breakfast. Rainfall is spread over the year and there is little wind and temperatures are moderate all year round
Swellendam has been an important travel centre for centuries. Early travelers and explorers traded with the Khoi-Khoi people and in 1743 the Dutch East India Company declared Swellendam a magisterial district and built the Drostdy which was completed in 1747. This Drostdy, a national monument, is the only eighteenth century Drostdy that is preserved in its original form and will give tourists a wonderful insight as to the life of the settlers.
The more adventures tourist can go on the Swellendam hike. Located in and around the Marloth Nature Reserve this hiking trail is one of the most beautiful in the Cape. There are numerous shorter routs if a six day hike is too long for you. On this trail you will see stretches of fynbos alternated with cool indigenous forest, small animals and birds. Other sections of the trail will give you the sensation of being in a peaceful and secluded wilderness. The six day hike demands a medium to high level of fitness and is therefore not recommended for the light hearted. The Marloth Nature Reserve is also one of the best birding spots in the Western Cape and therefore defiantly worth visiting.
The rare and beautiful Bontebok antelope and other small buck species can be seen at the Bontebok National Park. This park is only 6km out of Swellendam. A total of 126 different bird species have also been identified here. There is a charming caravan park on the banks of the Breede River where they also have fully equipped chalets for hire and where day visitors are welcome to swim, fish or picnic.
Other than hiking the adventurous at heart can also enjoy a day or two off river rafting. The Breede River rafting adventure is about a 2.5hour drive from Cape Town. On this adventure you will enjoy your days paddling in two-man Mohawk canoes in the tranquil waters of the Breede and your nights socializing around a campfire. The Up the Creek Camp is situated near Swellendam on a hill side overlooking the river where the accommodation is A-frame chalets or 3 ox-wagons. This accommodation includes comfortable beds with linen and Duvets. All in all, this adventure will be well worth a try and is ideal for a family to enjoy together.
Youngberry tasting can be done at the Buffeljags Dam. This cultivated wild berry was imported to South Africa in 1939 by Prof OSH Reinecke. The industry is sadly declining because of endless problems associated with wind and rain damage or to much heat, pest attacks and insufficient labor during the peak harvesting period from mid - November to early December. Today over 90% of the total annual crop of just over 600 tons is produced by farmers in the Swellendam area. On your visit to the Hermitage Liqueur Farm just 3km out of town you can sample some of the liqueur made from youngberries. Other Youngberry products are also for sale here.
Local artists like the potter Jan du Toit’s vases are famous, visit him and other artists in the town.
Other activities that Swellendam has to offer include:
* 4×4 Mountain Experience: Marloth Nature Reserve
* Canoe the Breede River
* Sunset Cruises on a kitted-out double-decker wooden raft
* Buffeljachts Dam for Water sports
* Horse Trails
* White water raft the Breede River
* Waterskiing
* Several well-known artists have settled in Swellendam and their studios may be visited
* Pop into the Sulina Faerie Sanctuary: Magical Faerie display & garden
* Cruise down the Breede River on a double-decker river boat - “Pot se Vlot”
* Motor glider flights
As you can see Swellendam is well worth a visit. Come and enjoy a few days of relaxation in our beautiful town while we pamper your every need.
