The Lifestyle Magazine for Life in the fast lane

Local Life - May 2025

Happy

Holidays

This silly season, whether it’s making a splash with the family or slipping away for couples’ time alone, these four fantastic holiday destinations have something for everyone Here’s to happy holidaying!

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‘TIS THE SEASON OF SUN,SEA & SAND
If you can already taste the salty spray of the ocean and stocking up on the sunscreen then now’s the time to book a escape to the coast for the perfect family beach getaway.

Choose between the undisturbed shores of Zinkwazi on KwaZulu- Natal’s North Coast or the long stretches of beach bordering Green Point in Cape Town. No matter your choice each destination offers the same top-class service with an abundance of sun, sea and sand guaranteed!

‘The zen and zest of Zinkwazi’
Zinkwazi is well-known for its natural beauty and unspoiled coastline. With its beach and a placid lagoon alongside, this small coastal town has a charming atmosphere that is a welcome respite from the hustle, bustle (and noise!) of city life.

Hidden amongst its lush, tropical vegetation is ANEW Hotel Ocean Reef Zinkwazi.

Located right on the beachfront, each of the two and three bedroom self-catering units offers stunning views of the North Coast shoreline with guests enjoying private access to the beach.

Start off the day with a delicious breakfast in the restaurant or bar before heading off to the beach. And, after working up an appetite splashing about in the waves, guests can look forward to the daily à la carte menu or buff et, or, head off to the comfort of their rooms and enjoy the convenience of ordering from the room-service menu.

The sparkling infinity swimming pool is the perfect place for a relaxing dip and to slowly sip a refreshing drink.

A stay at ANEW Hotel Ocean Reef Zinkwazi comes with everything that a stress-free, relaxing holiday should come with to delight both young and older guests. Need a shuttle service to and from the hotel? Complimentary wi-fi an absolute must-have? Make laundry someone else’s problem? Sorted!

Zinkwazi also offers a range of activities, experiences and restaurants that cater to both young and older guests including deep-sea fishing and visits to nearby historical landmarks.

For those looking to explore the local area, keep these places in mind.

Nothing beats pizza on the beach! Located on Zinkwazi beach, and within walking distance of the hotel, Proud’s Pizza is loved by locals and has a 4.5-star rating on TripAdvisor from reviewers who have enjoyed one of their amazing pizzas.

For those keen on exploring the cultural history of the area, hop in your car and pay homage to the legendary Zulu king, King Shaka with a visit to the King Shaka Memorial, 21 kilometres from the hotel.

37 kilometres from the hotel you’ll find the Litchi Orchard, a lovely collective of small business owners. Providing a lively market setting, the Litchi Orchard showcases various foods, lifestyle and décor products from and around the North Coast.

Then there’s Sugar Rush Park in Ballito which is 44 kilometres away from Zinkwazi. Just the place for family fun, kids can enjoy the thrill of trampolines, laser tag battles, a snake park or creating their own unicorn slime. Not for the faint-hearted! Meanwhile, the adults can browse the outdoor stores before savouring a delectable meal at Food Fundi.

With all that’s on off er, there’s more than enough for everyone to make their festive season stay at ANEW Hotel Ocean Reef Zinkwazi a happy holiday to remember!

‘Make your way to the Mother of all cities’
Cape Town, also known as the Mother City, is regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities and is the most visited holiday destination for local and international tourists alike. And with its natural beauty, top attractions, rich history and local landmarks, it’s easy to understand why!

ANEW Hotel Green Point Cape Town is a modern hotel providing easy access to all that Cape Town has to off er. Located in the heart of trendy, cosmopolitan Green Point on the Atlantic Seaboard and close by to some of the city’s most popular beaches, the hotel has 76 contemporary designed rooms over six fl oors boasting some of the most stunning views of the city. Guests can choose from a Standard Room, Deluxe Room, Executive Room to an Executive Suite.

And speaking of views… the hotel’s rooftop lounge and entertainment area ranks as one of the city’s best vantage points to take in some of the most breathtaking views of Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean. With its glass-walled pool overlooking Green Point, the space is ideal for intimate events. But, if a larger party is on the cards, the hotel’s events team has this covered with the stunning 7th floor venue that hosts up to 100 people.

The hotel’s restaurant provides an à la carte menu catering both for those seeking a full meal or a quick bite when on the run. And, for the fitness-focused guest, there’s an onsite gym to make sure their daily training routine isn’t interrupted while travelling.

Where ANEW Hotel Green Point Cape Town is situated means that its guests are in the perfect spot to step out and savour all the delights on off er in and around Greenpoint.

A major highlight of the hotel is its closeness to the DHL Stadium which is just a short walk away. Whether visiting Cape Town for a big rugby game or a major music event, the stadium is where it all happens. Escape the streams of cars making their way there and the hassle of finding parking by enjoying the sheer convenience of being able to walk there from the hotel and back. It just makes the event so much more enjoyable!

Just a quick stroll from the stadium is the city’s world-famous V&A Waterfront. Here you can spend hours getting your fill of retail therapy, trying local delicacies at the Time Out Market, visiting the Two Oceans Aquarium, going on a sunset cruise; or, sitting and people watching. Better yet, do all of these things and more when you’re there!

Across the road from the hotel is Green Point Park, the perfect budget-friendly spot for picnics, frisbee and all-round family fun. You’ll also be able to enjoy The Park Café that offers coffee, ice creams and various meals and is generally open from 07:00 to 19:00.

CALLING ALL COUPLES
It’s been quite a year and probably leaving you and your partner exhausted and deserving of some alone time for a bit of relationship rejuvenation. Well lovebirds, here are two perfect KZN escapes where couples can relax, explore and celebrate what really matters – each other!

In Kokstad you’ll be surrounded by luscious forests while in Newcastle, the majestic Drakensberg mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop to your well-deserved break. Both of these destinations off er a unique combination of adventure and downtime to help you get ready for 2025.

‘Forest adventures forever’
At the foot of the Ingeli Mountains is ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest Kokstad, the ideal location for finding a balance of relaxation and adventure. Just over an hour’s drive from Port Shepstone on KZN’s South Coast, and a couple of hours from Durban, this is the dream getaway from life’s daily grind given the range of experiences on off er and all in one spot.

The resort offers intimate lodgings with 43 spacious rooms each with a private veranda to enjoy the captivating views of the surrounding forest and mountains. Choose from Deluxe rooms or cosy log cabins, all equipped with everything you need for a delightful stay. For those seeking some more space and luxury their Executive rooms are just the ticket. Th e resort’s tranquil setting and atmosphere not only lends itself to peace and quiet but there’s much more on offer to ensure a complete couple experience for guests.

Book an invigorating massage or facial at the onsite La Vita Spa. Mount up on one of our mountain bikes and explore the scenic trails. And, competitive couples can look forward to a tennis match or a round of adventure golf.

At the resort’s Eagles Nest restaurant the menu offers locally inspired meals in a leisurely setting while Foresters Bar is perfectly positioned to take in the view with a refreshing drink in hand. Nothing beats an inviting atmosphere, warm hospitality accompanied by great dining and drinks to ensure ‘being in the moment’ together becomes the order of the day. Everyday.

‘Magnificent mountains for days’
The Drakensberg is where you’ll find ANEW Resort Vulintaba Newcastle. Set in a natural amphitheatre looking out on the northern Drakensberg mountain range the resort’s location offers couples a wealth of natural beauty and very laid-back vibes.

Their 69 rooms include both Deluxe and Executive options with breathtaking mountain views from every angle of the resort. When not hiking or pedalling across the mountain biking trails, lounging at the pool or a pamper session at the resort’s spa is just what the doctor ordered.

Choosing from the well-curated wine list is the perfect way to enjoy dining in the restaurant with its panoramic views and selected artworks by the renowned artist, Munro.

And, while visiting, couples may serendipitously come across the resort’s chapel. Marriage proposals and renewing of vows have been known to happen quite spontaneously so best to keep a ring close at hand!

History buff s should visit the nearby Fort Amiel Museum and the Newcastle Armoury that provides a fascinating window into the region’s rich past. Fort Amiel, originally built in the 19th century as a British military stronghold is a step back in time shedding light on the area’s military history and strategic importance. A short distance away, the Newcastle Armoury showcases another part of the area’s military history of the area giving visitors a deeper understanding of the events that shaped this part of KwaZulu-Natal. Both sites are not just about learning about the past but truly experiencing it through story-telling stories that bring their history to life and leaving one with an informed appreciation for the region’s heritage.

So, lovebirds, what are you waiting for? The perfect romantic weekend and longer awaits you at either ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest or ANEW Resort Vulintaba Newscastle.

By joining the ANEW Rewards loyalty programme you can save up to 20% on your stay at any one of these properties. To join, all you need do is visit www.anewhotels.com.

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