October 3, 2023: Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its annual Readers’ Choice Awards. Samara Karoo Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo region and home to the Big Five, over 60 mammal species and 225 bird species, was recognised in the Top 15 Resorts in South Africa. The Readers' Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry's longest running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. This year an astounding 526,518 Condé Nast Traveler readers globally shared their travel knowledge of the top hotels, cruises, countries, cities, resorts, trains, airlines, airports, spas, islands, luggage, villas, and tour operators. “We are thrilled at being honoured with this prestigious award”, says Isabelle Tompkins of Samara. “Every guest that stays with us is integral to our ongoing journey to conserve and celebrate the beauty and biodiversity of the Karoo. This accolade is a testament to the power of tourism with purpose and safari with soul.” Born in 1997 of an ambitious vision to rewild 67,000 acres of former farmland, Samara Karoo Reserve is now one of South Africa’s most diverse safari destinations. Its responsible tourism model focuses on slow and meaningful safari encounters that inspire a deep connection with the wild spaces of the Great Karoo. Three intimate luxury lodges welcome discerning nature-lovers for exceptional wilderness and wildlife experiences in one of the lowest guest-to-land ratios in Africa. At the heart of every guest’s stay is a showcase of what makes the Karoo so special, from the quintessentially warm hospitality displayed by the Samara team to the Karoo menu of locally sourced and regeneratively farmed produce, not to mention the vast, soulful landscapes that linger in the mind long after leaving. Alongside the usual Big Five game drives and guided bush walks, guests can explore the Karoo’s …
Weltevrede doubles the Philip Jonker Cap Classique Collection
Weltevrede Wine Estate outside Bonnievale in the Robertson Valley is known for specialising in Chardonnay and Cap Classique and offering world-class underground tours namely Captivated by Chardonnay and Captivated by Cap Classique. These Weltevrede tours were awarded Most Innovative Wine Tasting Experience in the World by Great Wine Capitals. The Weltevrede Philip Jonker Brut was first made in 1994 and lovers of Cap Classique have come to choose the Philip Jonker Entheos and Philip Jonker The Ring as popular favourites. Now, after making 30 vintages of Cap Classique, Weltevrede is launching two more rising stars in their Philip Jonker collection. The new Rosé is called Philip Jonker Rosetta, a Brut rosé of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This dry Rosé is elegant and refreshing, reminiscent of strawberries and cream, the ideal choice for outdoor enjoyment in springtime and summer. In addition, the Philip Jonker Nectar is a generous and voluptuous style of Cap Classique. Deep and rich with some sweetness on the finish and dressed in a striking gold label, this Cap Classique will add glamour to evening functions. Weltevrede Estate’s Philip Jonker Cap Classique collection is as follows: Philip Jonker Entheos Brut Chardonnay Pinot Noir R189 Philip Jonker The Ring 2013 Brut Blanc de Blancs R329 New: Philip Jonker Rosetta Rosé Brut Chardonnay Pinot Noir R189 New: Philip Jonker Nectar Demi Sec Chardonnay R249 The Cap Classique experiences at Weltevrede Estate outside Bonnievale are as follows: Captivated by Cap Classique Underground Tour 1 Hour R250 Create your Own Cap Classique 25 Minutes R200 At the recent Great Wine Capitals Best Of Wine Tourism Awards (BOWTA) 2023 for Cape Town & the Cape Winelands held at Weltevrede Wine Estate, Weltevrede was announced the winner in two categories - Architecture & Landscape and Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences, and it went on to be the international winner of the ‘Innovative wine tasting …
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An ‘Afternoon Tea’ Experience at Walkersons Hotel & Spa
Tea and Scones - a signature Walkersons delight When it comes to indulging in British culinary traditions, the charming ‘afternoon tea’ tradition of with tea and scones stands out as a quintessential delight. Synonymous with leisurely gatherings, the appreciation of fine teas and a delectable array of tea-time treats, afternoon tea originated in 19th century England. It was the Duchess of Bedford who, when disclosing her secret of enjoying tea and snacks a few hours before dinner, set a trend that would become a national tradition, complete with its own set of etiquette rules. Today, afternoon tea is enjoyed not only in London, but all around the world. Walkersons Hotel & Spa, a much-loved country haven situated in the hills of the Mpumalanga highlands just beyond the picturesque hamlet of Dullstroom an easy 2½ hour drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, is a place of mist, magic, endless vistas and a soul-soothing serenity. It’s a hotel that’s a perfect blend of elegance and charm with glorious gardens, stunning views, food ‘to-die-for’ and its own ‘afternoon tea’ experience, served on the Terrace - a popular Dullstroom tradition that brings together the glory of nature and the gastronomic delight of its famous scones in the most beautiful of settings. Now celebrating its 30th anniversary year and operating under new owners, the hotel has recently undergone a transforming ‘mini revamp’. Another revamp of sorts, one with a ‘sustainable flavour’ has been a fine-tuning to Walkersons’ famous scones. "Walkersons Hotel & Spa has long been famous for its scones – freshly-baked each day, these sweet delights are mouth-wateringly light and fluffy with a delicate crispy edge. Traditionally served with strawberry jam and dollops of freshly whipped cream, we're adding new variation with a homegrown Walkersons twist," says executive Chef Guy Nahman. "Launching as part of our Spring/Summer menu are our scones with homemade lemon curd and blueberry jam. As …
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La Petite Ferme Announces Awards and New Accolades
La Petite Ferme, the picturesque sanctuary in Franschhoek for those seeking a ‘farm-inspired‘ getaway, is thrilled to announce its latest achievements, accolades and awards. This distinctive award-winning establishment was recently announced the winner of the prestigious 2023 Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards in the Best Scenic Environment Hotel category. Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards 2023 celebrate and honour hotels that consistently deliver unparalleled guest service, maintain the highest standards across all facets of their operations and provide guests with unmatched experiences. Award-winning establishments are perceived as the benchmark in the industry and Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards only award the most remarkable of already exceptional hotels, spas and restaurants. “After rigorous evaluation of thousands of hotels worldwide, these awarded hotels truly represent the best in the industry", said Marinique de Wet, President and Founder of the Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards. "These awards propel already outstanding hospitality establishments to greater heights and set a new gold standard for excellence. The Haute Grandeur Global Awards are not merely a celebration of the achievements of our industry luminaries; they also honour the values of hard work, dedication, resilience, leadership, and success." “La Petite Ferme is proud to have secured a place among the esteemed winners as recognised by the Haute Grandeur Global Hotel Awards”, says La Petite Ferme’s General Manager Riaan Kruger. “Winning the official Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Award reflects the dedication and hard work of La Petite Ferme's entire team, from our passionate staff to our visionary management. We are proud to be part of this esteemed community of excellence.” This recognition sets a new industry benchmark for quality, style, and luxury and affirms La Petite Ferme’s position as a distinguished establishment in the hospitality sector. Moreover, these …