One-of-a-kind, timeless and sophisticated - this is how the new Robertson Small Hotel, which has recently opened its doors, has been described. This gem can be found in the scenic Breede River Valley town of Robertson.

Consisting of creative décor, lush, manicured gardens and shimmering pools, the understated elegance of this exquisite boutique hotel is refreshingly unique.

The Robertson Small Hotel consists of three sections – the Manor House, the contemporary Stable Suites and clean, crisp, stylish Poolside Suites. Every one of the ten spacious suites is a haven of optimal comfort while catering for the technological needs of the trendy traveler or businessman.

The Victorian Manor House is home to an intimate bar lounge, lead and pewter detail and a state-of-the-art wine cellar as well as the hotel’s signature restaurant, Reuben’s at the Robertson.

Serving up culinary brilliance under the guidance of chef extraordinaire Reuben Riffel, famed for his world-acclaimed restaurant in Franschhoek, this gorgeously appointed gastronomic sphere spills out onto a tranquil courtyard, the heart of the hotel.

Set this luxurious boutique hotel along the increasingly popular Route 62 and one has a recipe for success!

Steenberg Vineyards will launch its new Bistro-styled cellar door restaurant and wine tasting venue in the Constantia Valley in November 2009.

Bistro 1682, named after the year in which Steenberg was first established, will be a sophisticated, modern daytime restaurant, incorporating the Steenberg Winery, Wine Tasting Bar and Tasting Lounge. Here food and wine will be brought together in a feast of the senses.

An interactive modern space, the 70-seater bistro will feature the unique Raw Bar and a terraced dining area and will feature interesting, healthy and delicious raw cuisine that will be freshly prepared on order by designated chefs.

With an informal ambience and offering an interactive dining experience, Bistro 1682 will seamlessly complement Steenberg’s popular fine dining restaurant, Catharina’s.

Meaning 'a new beginning', Etali Safari Lodge is an exclusive intimate haven where body and soul are rejuvenated in surroundings created by people who understand luxury.

Situated in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve, this eight roomed hideaway is ideal for weddings, honeymoons or special holidays where activities revolve around relaxing and experiencing the rich details of the surroundings.

Guests can get to know the vibrant bush life either on foot or in an open vehicle, or just watch from one of the main decks overlooking a waterhole. The latest addition to the family is a new litter of wild dog pups who are starting to explore outside of the den regularly.

Etali offers fine dining as well as traditional meals in the lesaka (kraal next to the water hole) as well as bush breakfasts, dinners or a picnic.

The wellness centre forms a very important part of the lodge’s philosophy, allowing guests to enjoy the luxury of relaxation using different therapies that are on offer. Also available is a special star gazing experience.

And if that is not enough, guests can chill out at the swimming pool, de-stress with a massage or aromatherapy on their private deck, unwind by exercising in the bush gym, or simply catch up on quiet time by selecting a book from the library and settling down in the den to read.

The Northern Mozambique Channel Islands have so much to offer. Naturally pristine and historically rich, it makes an ideal destination for an incentive group or event. Rani Resorts, along with local specialists, have created some unique themed ‘adventures’.

With its expansive lawns, Rani’s Pemba Beach is an ideal location for large rotation-type events and themed beach parties. Along with the resort, the adjacent precinct of Pemba town has endless possibilities!

Matemo Island is destined to become the home of the newest and most unique themed adventure, ‘Dhow Chasing’. Here teams, or ‘crews’ will sail the turquoise waters in genuine dhows with their precious cargo of ‘hostages’, visiting a number of ‘hostage exchanges’ (pre-determined stops) where they will battle or bargain to retain or increase their wealth.

Also included is the option of the very realistic and true-to-format version of ‘Survivor’ where ‘tribes’ or teams participate in challenges that unfold to outwit and outplay in true dramatic format.

An added aspect to Matemo that makes this location so alluring is Ibo Island. Just 30 minutes away from Matemo, Ibo Island’s old fortress, complete with original canon on the battlements, conjures up visions so vivid it could be the ideal location for a Treasure Hunt.

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Frank Glettenberg, Kuoni Private Safaris’ Executive Director, recently traveled to Zimbabwe on an extensive educational trip, taking in the country’s diverse scenery – historical places of interest, abundant wildlife and its many hotels - and was suitably impressed.

Harare, Zimbabwe’s capital is clean and well appointed. Just recently their famous flower market on Africa Unity Square was re-opened.

Travelling to Vumba Hills east of the country, visitors will be pleasantly surprised by the limited traffic, good roads, fresh mountain air, clear streams, beautiful forests and fantastic views across wooded valleys.

One of the highlights of any trip here has got to be the Great Zimbabwe Ruins! Dating back approximately 900 years, the ruins are located in the south-east of the country. Here several complexes are strewn across an area that can be explored on foot within half a day. Another worthwhile trip is a boat cruise on Lake Mutirikwi.

The Matobo National Park, located 40 km further south of Bulawayo, is Zimbabwe’s 2nd biggest city. Matobo Hills is an area of bizarre beauty – massive granite boulders, worn smooth by erosion, stick out of a hilly landscape. In some areas boulders perch precariously on top of each other and one can hardly believe that these “towers” are not man-made. Most notable are the graves of Cecil John Rhodes on top of a huge boulder, World’s View and the Shangaan Memorial.

Then there is Hwange National Park, located about 150km south-east of Victoria Falls. The biggest National Park in Zimbabwe, it has an abundance of wildlife with exceptional sightings.

Having been the hub of activity in Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls has managed to maintain a certain level of hospitality throughout the last couple of years. Activities are numerous: tours of the Falls, heli flips, elephant back safaris, sundowner cruises on the Zambezi River, soft adventure activities and Boma dinners amongst many others.

With the country’s spirit of optimism palpable everywhere, Zimbabwe has all the ingredients of an interesting and enjoyable holiday destination.

After almost two years of extensive renovations, upgrading and redevelopment, the Ai Ais Hot Springs Spa has now re-opened.

Situated at the southern end of the Fish River Canyon the camp now boasts 36 refurbished mountain view and river view rooms with direct access to the indoor thermal spa pool, premier family chalets, exquisite spa facilities, an expanded restaurant and a neatly landscaped camping area.

Visitors can opt to enjoy the thermal springs in the central indoor spa or choose the large outdoor thermal swimming pool.

A wide variety of massage options are also now on offer, ranging from aroma relaxation and deep tissue massages to hot stone massages.

The most eye-catching sight in the stands at the Soccer World Cup for next year will be thousands of jiving fans wearing elaborate headgear called Makarapas!

Invented by Alfred Baloyi, an unschooled municipal bus cleaner from the Northern Limpopo Province, these extraordinary helmets are made from the hard plastic hats worn by construction workers.

They range from simple painted designs to intricate stand-up cut-outs of players, teams or animals, often paired with giant mock spectacles. Baloyi has already begun making helmets for fans of big foreign teams like Brazil, Germany and Spain.

Dancing fans wearing Makarapas and making a noise like charging elephants on their vuvuzelas will be at the heart of the unique atmosphere that was such a selling point for Africa's first World Cup. Article courtesy: www.sagoodnews.co.za