LUXURY BEACH HOTEL | THE OYSTER BOX

Looking for a luxury summer holiday destination? Look no further than The Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga. The hotel is situated on the Umhlanga beachfront, with panoramic ocean views, perfectly manicured gardens and a beautiful rim flow pool over looking the Indian Ocean. The iconic red and white lighthouse blends perfectly amongst the ocean and the theme of The Oyster Box Hotel's red and white exterior. This isn't all that the hotel offers but it most certainly makes for those perfect Instagram photos.

The Oyster Box Hotel forms part of the prestigious Red Carnation Hotel Collection, which is part of a family-owned collection of exquisite boutique hotels situated all over the world. It would be worth placing all these hotels on your bucket list, they are most certainly on mine! With some of the hotels situated in London, Ireland, Florida USA and Botswana, you could experience all the wonders of the world in the most luxurious way. 

The Oyster Box is amongst three of the Red Caranation Hotels in South Africa. Upon arrival we were greeted by an incredible reception accompanied with Champagne and snacks. The Oyster Box has two beautifully decorated restaurants, namely The Ocean Terrace and The Grill Room. It also hosts two luxurious bars, The Lighthouse Bar and The Oyster Bar as well as a magical high tea area, known as The Palm Court, which is decorated in leaves and flowers making it feel like you are in an Alice and Wonderland movie. 

Our stay included breakfast every morning at The Ocean Terrace, which I might add is not your average buffet breakfast. I had champagne and oysters one morning and Marc had smoked salmon, creamed avocado and smooth cottage cheese. The Oyster Box makes the most divine health bread, which I honestly could have eaten a whole loaf of without blinking. For breakfast there is an À la carte menu as well as a magnificent buffet station, and if you one to enjoy a sweet breakfast, there are homemade pancakes and waffles too. 

The Grill Room is renowned for fine dining and special occasions but if you are one who wants to arrange a special occasion which is private, The Oyster Box has a Private Wine Cellar where a bespoke intimate dining experience can be enjoyed. 

If you are looking for the best High Tea experience in town, look no further than The Palm Court at The Oyster Box. As I mentioned earlier, it feels like you are in a fairytale of sorts. We enjoyed an array of sweet and savoury treats with champagne, coffee and tea. You can substitute lunch or dinner with the magnificent homemade canapés offered at the high tea. 

Another offering the hotel hosts is a private cinema. Marc and I booked a private cinema experience with popcorn and soft drinks and watched a cute movie called Elona Holmes starring Millie Bobbie Brown. 

If you are in the mood to relax and unwind, I suggest booking a spa treatment or two at The Oyster Box Hotel's spa. Not only is the spa beautiful inside, the treatments are undeniably fantastic. You can book treatments with an option extra health menu of sushi, calamari and a range of salads. The spa has a magnificent plunge pool and a tranquil lounge to meditate and relax in. 

Although it rained pretty much the entire time we were there, I did not want to leave The Oyster Box Hotel. The hotel has so much to offer making it an ideal destination this holiday season. 

For more on travel, fashion & beauty, follow me on Instagram @fashionfundi. 

TC

xoxo 

LUXURY SAFARI LODGE | THANDA SAFARI GAME RESERVE

Looking for a luxury safari getaway in South Africa? Look no further than Thanda Safari in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Situated near Phinda and St Lucia on the privately owned Thanda Game Reserve, these lodges are nothing short of 5-star. The Game Reserve hosts three beautiful lodges, namely, Thanda Safari Lodge, Thanda Tented Camp and Villa iZulu. We had the privilege of staying at the glamourous Thanda Tented Camp. As you all know me by now, camping is not for me, but Thanda Tented Camp is not your average tented camp. The lodge has 15 beautifully designed tented villas all with en suite bathrooms as well as private sun decks. 

Marc and I stayed at the Romantic Jabula tent, the only tent in the camp with a private splash pool, a luxurious lounge and an outdoor shower with magnificent views of the African bush. This tent was nothing short of glamping! The design of the tent, including the interior, is the epitome of safari chic. As it was my birthday this past weekend, Thanda Tented Camp spoilt me beyond! Every day includes two game drives, one in the morning and one in the late afternoon. Every game drive, you are spoilt with a variety of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks as well as delicious traditional South African snacks such as rusks, biltong and salted nuts. 

If you are looking for an all inclusive holiday in the bush, then this is the place to go! All drinks, meals and safari game drives are included in your stay, which makes this an ideal getaway destination. The lodge offers breakfast, a three course lunch as well as a superb three course dinner. It is a place were you can relax and unwind without stressing about any extra unforeseen or hidden costs. 

Both Thanda Safari Lodge as well as Thanda Tented Camp have their own private spa areas. By appointment only, the therapists on site offer a wide variety of treatments which include a combination of ancient Zulu holistic practices as well as western techniques. It really is a special experience. 

Without a doubt, I would absolutely return to Thanda Tented Camp and although we did not get to experience Thanda Safari Lodge, it is most certainly next on our list!

Africa's Leading Safari Lodge was awarded to Thanda Safari Lodge at the World Travel Awards, Africa 2020, which awards Africa's leading airports, Meetings and Conference Destination, Private Game Reserve and more. The World Travel Awards acknowledges, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries. Established in 1993, the awards celebrate its 27th anniversary this year and this year Thanda Safari won the award for Africa's leading Safari Lodge and it could not have be awarded to a better lodge!

For more on this trip, follow me on Instagram @fashionfundi.

TC

xoxo

SEVEN VILLA HOTEL & SPA | CITY STAYCATION

A secluded getaway in the heart of Sandton City. 

Little did I know, such a tranquil and quiet sanctuary could exist in the heart of Sandton. Seven Villa Hotel & Spa, by The Capital is the perfect definition of a unique urban escape. The concierge and hotel staff where so attentive upon our arrival welcoming us with fresh hand towels and welcome drinks.

The gardens are filled with beautiful sculptures, lush plants and peaceful zen spaces. You would never think you are in the middle of Sandton. 

The hotel offers a variety of packages with a personal butler when booking into the prestige villa suites. Marc and I we fortune to stay in one of the grand villa suites this past week, where we were spoiled with roses, champagne and a warm jacuzzi on a large private balcony. Each suite is designed with the best high end finishes such a Dado baths and Nespresso coffee machines. The bed was nothing short of amazing with custom design furnishings. It really screams "interior goals." In addition, Seven Villa Hotel & Spa is one of the only hotels in the city that is pet friendly, so if you have a cute little pooch that you can't leave at home, then bring him or her along with you on your stay. The hotel offers luxury spa treatments for your pet and little sweet treats for them as well! I literally can't wait to get a puppy now!

The hotel offers an onsite Camelot Spa which is situated in the most tranquil part of the hotel. Camelot Spa offers various treatments with each room opening up to a private veranda with a stream of water running past the treatment rooms. The spa spoilt me to a neck, shoulder and back massage which was nothing short of pure relaxation and was finished off with a detox tea and shortbread by the water. 

Seven Villa Hotel & Spa is definitely a place to take your significant other to for a special mid-week getaway. If you live close to the city but need a break from the hustle and bustle of Sandton, then Seven Villa Hotel & Spa is your go to destination.

For more posts on Seven Villa Hotel and Spa, head over to my Instagram @fashionfundi & don't forget to follow for more fashion, travel & lifestyle inspiration. 

TC

xoxo