Archive for April, 2009

Thursday, April 23rd, 2009

THE TASTING ROOM VOTED A ‘WORLD TOP 50′ RESTAURANT

Franschhoek, Cape Winelands, South Africa

The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français was recently voted one of S.Pellegrino ‘World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ for the 5th consecutive year. It also received the coveted ‘Best Restaurant in Africa and the Middle East’ title for the 3rd consecutive year.
The privately owned auberge is celebrating its 20th anniversary with a series of exceptional, never-to-be-repeated birthday offers.

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

On the 15th April 2009, the Radisson SAS Hotel Waterfront has changed its name to Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront.

This small but significant name change marks the latest step forward in the remarkable Radisson SAS success story and reflects the natural end of Radisson’s links with the SAS Group following the Rezidor Hotel Groups listing on the Stockholm Stock Exchange in November 2006.

The Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront in Cape Town combines high levels of luxury with efficient service and the warmth of true South African hospitality. The Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel enjoys arguably the best position of any hotel in South Africa – a prime waterfront position on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean.

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

The Spa and Wellness Centre at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel in Cape Town
V&A; Waterfront, Cape Town ( South Africa)

With its magnificent location on the ocean’s edge in Cape Town’s V&A; Waterfront, the 905m² ONEwellness facility at the Radisson is a comprehensive, unisex Day Spa facility. Comprising of 10 multi-functional treatment rooms, including a duo-treatment room; a Fitness Centre with the latest Technogym equipment, including the revolutionary Kinesis training system; Change Rooms with Sauna; as well as a Vitality Pool with a surrounding relaxation deck, loungers, and café area where Spa Cuisine is served.

ONEwellness Radisson boasts a Sleep Room where guests may rest to complete the relaxation process after their spa treatments. The unique signature treatment, ONEjourney consists of the following traditional and modern spa experiences, and is available for one or two people: Kneipp, Vichy with body exfoliation, Caldarium, Rock Sauna and Aroma Mist, with a tranquil conclusion in the Sleep Room.

ONEjourney is the ultimate in sensory stimulation, enhanced by heat, ice, steam, hydrotherapy and chromo therapy (light therapy), where each of the six stations are enveloped in a different colour.

ONEwellness at the Radisson is not only available to hotel guests, but also offers Day Spa experiences, Skincare, Touch Therapies, Body Care and Essential Care treatments, as well as Fitness Centre services to day visitors, catering for both men and women.

A limited number of ONEwellness memberships are available that offer unrestricted access to ONEwellness at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel. These include the services of Personal Trainers, Body and Skincare Therapists and other Wellness Professionals.

A journey through the ONEwellness Spa at the Radisson Blu Waterfront hotel in Cape Town is a holistic spa experience that will leave you with a profound feeling of well-being and calm, and a sense of inner radiance.

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

AFRICAN ADVENTURE DINNER at the COMMODORE HOTEL

The African Adventure Dinner is offered at the 4 star Commodore Hotel at the V&A; Waterfront in Cape town every Wednesday Evening.

Please see menu below for your perusal.

STARTERS

SMOKED SPRINGBOK WITH GRILLED APPLES
SPICY CHAKALAKA CHICKEN LIVERS
SMOKED SNOEK PATE WITH GARLIC BREAD
VEGETABLE SAMOOSA’S WITH MANGO ATCHAR

FRESH LEAVES WITH BILTONG & FETA
GRILLED SWEET POTATO SALAD WITH CORIANDER
CAPE CURRY SLAW
BEETROOT & ONION SALAD

MAINS

OSTRICH SOSATIES
PERI PERI CHICKEN
HARISSA ROAST KINGKLIP
BOEREWORS WITH SMOoR TOMATOES
VEGETABLE BRIYANI

TRADITONAL PAP
BAKED JACKET POTATOES
MOROGO WITH PEANUT SAUCE
ROAST BUTTERNUT WEDGES

DESSERT

MALVA PUDDING
MELK TERT
KOEKSISTERS

The cost for the Menue is R150.00 per person.

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

DOCK HOUSE BOUTIQUE HOTEL & SPA RECEIVES CONDE NAST TRAVELER 2009 HOT LIST ACCOLADE

South Africa, Cape Town, 22 April 2009; THE prestigious Conde Nast Traveler annual ‘Hot List’ has voted South Africa’s new and uber luxurious Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa for inclusion in the 2009 guide to the hottest destinations around the globe.

Now in its 13th year, the highly coveted ‘Hot List’ awards are the definitive guide for the well-heeled and experienced globetrotter. Other Africa and Middle East destinations that made the list include the Atlantis, The Palm in Dubai, the Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, and the Singita Pamushana Lodge in the Malilangwe Wilderness Reserve, Zimbabwe.

A member of Newmark Hotels (PTY) Ltd, Dock House is a five star-graded intimate hotel of only six (6) en-suite rooms. Discreetly located within the world-famous V&A; Waterfront and previously the grand residence of the Harbour Engineer in the mid-1800s, Dock House is a masterful fusion of old and new that offers sophisticated, contemporary living in Victorian architectural splendour. The property offers discreet 24-hour butler service, the Dock House ONEwellness boutique spa and a pool overlooking Cape Town’s famous harbour. The hotel is fast becoming the address of choice for visiting government dignitaries, celebrities and business personalities.

Newmark Hotels (PTY) Ltd also manage the Ambassador Hotel in Bantry Bay and the well-known V&A; Hotel located in Cape Town’s V&A; Waterfront. The gourmet destinations of Salt Restaurant & Bar and OYO Restaurant & Cocktail Bar also form part of the collection.

• Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa opened in December 2007
• The sister V&A; Hotel is included in the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List Awards for 2009

Friday, April 17th, 2009

The One&Only; Cape Town, V&A; Waterfront

Overview

Situated in the heart of the picturesque Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, the modern chic 5 star One&Only; Cape Town Hotel provides guests with an unprecedented level of luxury and exclusivity while admiring the magnificent views of Table Mountain, enjoying the close proximity to the ocean and the uniqueness of the resorts facilities such as the private Spa Island.

The stylish island design and African flair is portrayed by the One&Only; Cape Town hotels architecture, waterways, islands, numerous bridges and landscaped tropical gardens.

Rooms

The crescent-shaped architecture of the seven-storey Marina Rise at the One&Only; Cape Town Hotel provides admirable views of Table Mountain and Signal Hill from its 91 spacious rooms and suites. Two lushly landscaped islands at the centre of the waterfront feature 40 Island Suites and the tranquil One&Only; Health & Beauty Spa which is a truly modern oasis.

Exclusive, dark African woods, contemporary artwork by local artisans and modern amenities emphasize the 131 spacious rooms and suites of the One&Only; Cape Town Hotel. The generous interiors of the hotel’s rooms and suites are decorated with fashionable fabrics and carefully selected furnishings, which reflect the warm color tones of Africa’s savannahs, with bright splashes of colour paying tribute to South Africa’s vibrant character. The sumptuously appointed oversized baths found at the One&Only; Cape Town are complete with rain shower, private water closet and dual marble vanity.

Facilities and Services

Services which are available to guests staying at the One&Only; Cape Town hotel include amongst others 24-hour personal butler service, fresh fruit of choice, choice of cocktail snacks, daily housekeeping service, nightly turndown service, pillow selection menu as well as an aromatherapy turndown menu.

Exclusively designed and furnished to appeal to guests who are accustomed to the highest standards, all guestrooms at the One&Only; Cape Town are welcoming and provide a heaven of comfort and tranquillity. Relaxing aromas, serene lighting, calm music and the finest bed and bath linens provide guests with the ultimate in luxury, complemented by a host of thoughtful amenities and services.

In room facilities include multimedia entertainment system with satellite 42” flat screen television, Bose surround sound audio system, DVD/CD player, Mini bar, Nespresso machine, in-room business services (multi-adaptor, fax/computer hook-ups, three phones, two-line communication system), MP3 docking station, complimentary WiFi access, safe and a hair dryer.

Guests are welcome to relax and indulge in pampered moments of tranquillity at the One&Only; Cape Town wellness centre. The spa facility comprises twelve private treatment villas. The lushly landscaped Spa Island at the One&Only; Cape Town also features a relaxation room, a sauna and steam facilities, singles and couples treatment villas, men’s and women’s changing areas, two 18-square-metre vitality pools and a full-service salon including the Pedi-Mani-Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez.

A fitness centre which features the most technically advanced sports equipment, a beauty salon, a boutique as well as a yoga pavilion are accessible to guests.

The One&Only; Cape Town offers an extensive children’s program and welcomes families with children of all ages. With excellent accommodation, an abundance of enriching activities and a dedicated, fully-supervised KidsOnly programme for children, the One&Only; Cape Town is an ideal family holiday destination. The KidsOnly is a complimentary, fully supervised programme for children aged four to 11 years. The KidsOnly area features an impressive 100-square-metres of designated space for arts and crafts, movie and video games lounge, quiet reading area, and a computer area with the latest technology. Dedicated staff provides personal service and organise activities for teenagers aged 12 to 17 years.

Dining

Two world-renowned chefs headline dining at the One&Only; Cape Town Hotel: cutting-edge star Gordon Ramsay for The Maze and legendary Nobuyuki Matsuhisa for The Nobu. The spectacular tri-level Wine Loft houses more than 5,000 bottles including popular and undiscovered South African vintages, the most magnificent collection of wines in the country.

The Isola is located at the poolside on the resort’s Island which features an open air venue catering to guests with an all-day menu of refreshing snacks including wood-fired pizzas and gourmet sandwiches on freshly baked bread. A 350-square-metre free-form, infinity-edge swimming pool is located on the Island which provides private sitting areas with double chaise lounges ideal for sunbathing or relaxing under shaded pavilions.

In the heart of the Marina Rise, which is the main building of the One&Only; Cape Town, the modern and inviting Vista Bar links The Maze and The Nobu Restaurant. Stretching an impressive eight-metres high, a window wall frames the magnificent views of Table Mountain and the resort’s two private islands. Guests are invited to dine à la carte throughout the day on an innovative menu of light cuisine complemented with specialised wines. The Vista Bar also offers afternoon tea and a continental breakfast menu.

Friday, April 17th, 2009

The Links Golf Course at the Fancourt Hotel & Golf Estate

In addition to the Berenberg Bank Masters, set to take place at The Links at Fancourt from 26-28 March in 2010. Two other high profile events on Fancourt’s calendar this year are the Gary Player Invitational, which returns for its second year, taking place at The Links from 27 to 29 November 2009; as well as the Ernie Els Invitational, taking place on the Montagu and Outeniqua golf courses from 17 to 20 December 2009.

In order to prepare for these events, and in consultation with Fancourt’s owners and the course architect, Gary Player; The Links will be carrying out renovations from 15 April 2009 until early September 2009.

With a number of world class events coming up and a host of other exciting initiatives in the pipeline, it is business as usual at Fancourt!

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Fancourt to host first ever European Senior Tour event for SA

The European Senior Tour will visit South Africa for the first time next season when the spectacular Fancourt, in George, hosts the inaugural Berenberg Bank Masters from 26-28 March in 2010.

The Links at Fancourt, designed by legendary South African Gary Player, a three time Senior Open Champion, lies at the foot of the majestic Outeniqua mountains in the heart of the Garden Route and will provide the stunning backdrop for another groundbreaking Senior Tour tournament.

The Berenberg Bank Masters, sponsored by Germany’s oldest private bank which has more than 400 years experience in the sector, will be co-sanctioned by the European Senior Tour and the Sunshine Tour.

Dr Hans-Walter Peters, Managing Partner of Berenberg Bank, said: “It is a great honour for us to sponsor this first European Senior Tour event in South Africa – especially as it is just three months before the country hosts football’s World Cup.”

Dr Hasso Plattner, owner of Fancourt, said: “We are delighted to welcome the European Senior Tour to Fancourt and the announcement enhances our reputation as a first class tournament venue.”

Player, who will act as an ambassador for the Berenberg Bank Masters, expressed his excitement about the event being played at Fancourt next year.

He said: “I’m delighted to be a part of the Berenberg Bank Masters next March, and I truly believe there couldn’t be a better venue for the European Senior Tour to make its debut in South Africa. The Links will be a true test for the players.”

Gareth Tindall, Sunshine Tour Commissioner, said: “This is great news for professional golf in South Africa. This event could just be the impetus to creating the Sunshine Senior Tour that mirrors The European Tour structure. We look forward to working with Andy Stubbs and his team to ensure it will be a memorable event.”

Andy Stubbs, Managing Director of the European Senior Tour, said: “Our thanks go to Dr Peters and his team at Berenberg Bank for making this exciting tournament possible. We look forward to a five-star event at a five-star venue and we will all be working closely to ensure that we give the clients of Berenberg Bank the best possible experience in South Africa in 2010.”

One of the stalwarts of the Senior Tour John Bland, winner of the 1995 London Masters and five Champions Tour titles, is attached to Fancourt, which, with its three Championship golf courses, is a much sought-after international golfing destination.

The Links at Fancourt has previously hosted the Presidents Cup in 2003, the inaugural Women’s World Cup of Golf in 2005, and the South African Open Championship on The European Tour in 2006, which was won by home favourite Retief Goosen.

Fancourt is also home to the Ernie Els & Fancourt Foundation, which gives golfing opportunities to talented South African youngsters from families of limited resources.

Friday, April 17th, 2009

Links Lodge Voted in Top 10

The Links Lodge at the Fancourt Hotel and Golf Estate at the Garden Route in South Africa has been voted as one of the Top 10 Garden Route restaurants for 2008 by CXPRESS Seidelberg.

Over the past eight years, CXPRESS’ resident food writer Ian Hadley entertained readers with his column ‘A Word on my Paper Plate’ which was about food along the Garden Route. His annual selection of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo’s best eateries and chefs brought joy to those who made the grade, and fame to their respective establishments. It was with great sadness when Ian Hadley passed away late last year. However the awards continue with the help of Ian Hadley’s wife, Anne and gastronome extraordinaire, Francois Ferreira of Eden School of Culinary Art. In Francois Ferriera own words about Links Lodge “I swears by this eatery and can sum it up in one word as Wonderful!”

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

THE GRAND OPENING OF THE ONE&ONLY; CAPE TOWN HOTEL, SOUTH AFRICA
3. APRIL 2009

It is our great pleasure to announce the grand opening of Cape Town’s newest and most luxurious hotel: The One&Only; Cape Town Resort & Spa.

This exclusive hotel is situated at the bustling Victoria & Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town with Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain set in the background.

The resort’s fitness centre, located in the main resort tower, measures 200 square metres, providing guests with state-of-the-art fitness equipment from Technogym. Guests staying at the unique One&Only; Resort in Cape Town will be able to take advantage of personalised workout programmes, a Kinesis training room with tri-dimensional pulley system training and studios for yoga, Pilates and tai chi.

The One&Only; Cape Town resort provides a KidsOnly Club for younger guests of 11 and under, offering fully supervised activities. A business centre is available for business delegates. The meeting and banqueting room at this hotel measures 260 square metres and accommodated up to 200 people for party gatherings, as well as a boardroom for up to 18 guests.

The One&Only; Cape Town resort features three restaurants. The signature restaurant of this hotel will be by well-known Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa, offering a Japanese inspired menu with South African twists. Nobu Cape Town will be the first Nobu in Africa. The second restaurant will be a Tapas-style offering and the third will be an outdoor poolside restaurant.