MSC Cruises recently opened sales for its 2023-24 sailing season featuring its most modern ship to serve South Africa, MSC Splendida.
The 14-deck passenger vessel can accommodate up to 4,363 passengers and features for the first time in South Africa, the MSC Yacht Club – a premium ‘ship within a ship’ concept with 71 spacious suites, a dedicated concierge desk, 24-hour butler service, private restaurant, swimming pool and sunbathing area.
MSC Splendida will be based from November 2023 in the port of Durban and offer a range of voyages that last between 3 and 14 nights to Namibia, Mozambique and other Indian Ocean destinations. MSC Cruises will in total operate 35 sailings of MSC Splendida from both Durban and Cape Town during 2023-24.
Ross Volk, Managing Director, MSC Cruises South Africa said, “MSC Splendida will take cruising in South Africa to the next level and redefine holidays at sea. It will give our guests of all ages an incredible opportunity to indulge in wonderful, enjoyable and memorable experiences.
“This further demonstrates our commitment to the South African tourism sector and MSC Cruises’ aim to drive both the tourism industry and the cruising sector with a resultant positive economic impact to the country.
“The ship will be staffed by nearly 1,400 crew, who look forward to giving our guests the experience of a lifetime, many of whom will be sourced and trained locally through the Shosholoza Academy in Durban.”
MSC Splendida has a range of themed bars and dining venues including specialty Mediterranean and American steak house restaurants. The ship also has four swimming pools, The Strand Theatre for nighttime entertainment, Club 33 nightclub, an ultramodern gym, squash court and running track.
For more information on MSC Cruises, visit www.msccruises.co.za.
“Aladdin is so much more than a ‘boy meets girl’ story with bad guys and magic,” says Director Glenn Hayden of the current production of Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp running at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace until the 4th of December.
With a spectacular 21st Century take on the old-time classic fairy tale, Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp is filled with dreams mixed with incredible artistry and a thrilling and colourful production which continues to remind us that the magic is in all of us…and we could all do with a little hope and love at this time of the year.
When we think of magic, Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp is one of the first stories that comes to mind. Aladdin is a classic ‘rags to riches’ tale with a young hero, a beautiful princess, and an evil villain, and is made complete with genies, wishes and magic. The story is one of the best known and most retold fairy tales of all time. Based on an original text by Producer Anjil Naidoo, Aladdin has been reimagined for the stage by an international team of award-winning theatre artists and a cast of 20 of South Africa’s best young and established actors and dancers.
Director and dramaturge Glenn Hayden, playwright Lakhinandan Boruah, composer Pranashan Singh, choreographers Bertwin D’Souza and Shampa GopiKrishna and Disrupt Media have combined forces with Astrid Productions to bring to the stage a new production of truly epic proportions for South African family audiences.
This new and extravagant production of Aladdin and his Wonderful Lamp is the brainchild of producer Anjil Naidoo. Determined to showcase the abundance of South African talent, Anjil wrote an original text of the Aladdin story and set about putting together a creative team of theatre professionals that would bring her vision to the stage.
Anjil says that, This is especially exciting at a time when the arts are in such immense need of revival following the difficult times, we have all experienced. I can’t wait for everyone to come out and enjoy the show!
Following the birth of her dream, the search was on to put together the best cast possible who would bring Aladdin alive. Stars Vash Singh and Yasmin Hankel in the title roles of Aladdin and Princess Almas, who are supported by the magical talents of Belinda Henwood, Rowan Bartlett, Darren King, Tshediso Kabulu, Sanele Sibiya, and an ensemble of extraordinary dancers.
Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp is set to be a unique production of size and quality rarely seen in South Africa. With the inclusion of an original score, riveting choreography and a script that is fun, witty, and heartfelt, it will be a production that no child, adult, or theatre lover will want to miss.
Final show week details for Theatre of Marcellus:
2 Dec 14:30 | 18:30
3 Dec 11:00 | 14:30 | 18:30
4 Dec 11:00 | 14:30 | 18:30
Tickets are available at Ticketpro from R243.
November 2022 is a month to celebrate… because it is Col'Cacchio Pizzeria's 30th anniversary! It’s with great pride and joy that restaurateur-and-entrepreneur-
Loxtonia, the range of 100% pure apple ciders from the Ceres Valley, have launched two LITE versions of their most popular ciders – Crispy Apple and Blush – in pace with the ever-growing trend towards no and low alcohol lifestyle alternatives.
Earlier this year I was luckily enough to visit the iconic The Capital Zimbali in Durban. Truly a world-class coastal getaway, The Capital Zimbali is located in Ballito, around 20 minutes north of King Shaka Airport in Durban. The weekend of my stay happened to be a very stormy and rainy weekend in the East Coast but nevertheless The Capital Zimbali had loads to do to keep me busy and it still proved to be an incredible getaway.
If you haven't read my full review of Four Seasons The Westcliff, what are you waiting for? During my stay I also visited the acclaimed Flames restaurant at the hotel. Here's my experience of the dinner and breakfast at Flames.
In August 2022 I got to experience world-class, 5-star luxury right here in Johannesburg, at Four Seasons The Westcliff. This hillside gem overlooks the Rosebank and Johannesburg CBD skylines.
On a recent trip to Durban I spent a night at Sibaya Lodge located just next to Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom, north of Durban. With a touch of Zulu elements in the decor and style, Sibaya Lodge is a fantastic North Coast getaway that offers great value for money. It's designed to reflect the royal heritage of KwaZulu-Natal. As a KZN born and bred, I can confirm that it in fact does reflect the Natal vibe. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, I can't think of a better way to enjoy the warm KZN weather. I couldn't believe my stay was in the middle of winter!
MY VERDICT: Family-friendly bed and breakfast accommodation that reflects the feel of KZN with Sibaya Casino easily accessible
Set on one of KwaZulu-Natal’s rolling green hills, Sun International’s Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom commands a magnificent 360 degree view of the Indian Ocean and the lush subtropical vegetation surrounding the 48 hectare North Coast property.
The architecture of the property, with its casino, two hotels and entertainment area, pays contemporary homage to the proud heritage of the Zulu kingdom and its brave warriors.
Sibaya offers world class accommodation for business and holiday travel. Stay at either the 118-room Sibaya Hotel or the 36-room luxurious boutique Royal Sibaya. All rooms have sea, pool or garden facing views.
Location
Sibaya Lodge is conveniently located next to Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom in northern KZN. At a 12km drive, it's just a stones throw away from King Shaka International Airport. It's an 8 minute drive away from the hub of Umhlanga and Umhlanga beach and just 5km away from the seaside town of Umdloti. It'll take you about 25 minutes to get to central Durban and 30 minutes to Ballito.
Room, Facilities & Food
Sibaya Lodge's 118 air-conditioned rooms have sea, pool and garden views and are a spacious 28m2 with either a queen bed and sleeper couch or 2 double beds. The rooms are fairly simple with your bed, couch, TV, cupboard and tea/coffee station. It also has a large bathroom with a big, open shower (I love really spacious showers!). The room had carpets and warm lighting which made it feel homely.
In terms of facilities, the lodge has a lovely pool area as well as an outdoor gym. There's also free parking, if you drive there, and free wifi.
I had breakfast at the hotel. The breakfast hall overlooks the pool area. The breakfast selection was a standard buffet, with hot and cold breakfast options you can choose from.
Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom
For vibrant entertainment there is the casino with both smoking and non-smoking sections. Chose from the latest technology slot machines including touch-bet Roulette, Blackjack, Baccarat and Poker, or opt for real Tables games.
Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom is a stones throw away and has amazing restaurants like Butcher's Block and Jewels of India, along with a variety of fast food places. You can also of course make use of the casino if that's your kind of thing, or have a go at the arcade.
Butcher Block Sibaya
I had dinner at Butcher Block Steakhouse Sibaya during my stay. Butcher Block was absolutely exceptional and I would highly recommend. Known for its steaks I of course couldn't resist. I went for the Blue Cheese + Jalapeño steak under Butcher's Choice, while my brother ordering the Surf + Turf. Both options were incredible with the steaks having been prepared perfect Medium Rare just as requested. Can we just take a moment to appreciate perfectly executed steak? Incredible! I also indulged in a Cherry and Cranberry Wine Spritzer as well as a Blueberry Daiquiri. Of these, I would highly recommend the Blueberry Daiquiri.
For us Joburgers, Sibaya Lodge is a great option to get out of the city and enjoy the balmy KZN weather. You also won't have to spend much on your Uber as it's so close to the airport.
This weekend I had the pleasure of staying at the Fairway Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort at the Randpark Golf Course in Johannesburg. This hidden gem comes as a complete surprise as it's tucked away in the residential suburb of Randpark Ridge. It's a piece of luxury and escape in a peaceful area.
Mother's Day, on 8th May 2022, is a great time to show Mom how much you appreciate her. Get more from your Mom’s Day treat with this delicious recipe.
A pet is more than a loyal companion; they’re an important part of the family and truly make a house feel like a home.
To ensure your pet’s health and happiness, here are some tips on how to take care of your pet.
Easter is around the corner and that means plenty of South Africans are eagerly awaiting some much-needed time off and a delicious Easter lunch. With time off and food being a winning combination, there is one key ingredient missing – a stunning location. Of course, your dining room table may be a fine piece of wood, it’s got nothing on the setting that Mzansi can provide when creating your seat at the table.
In Mzansi, we have the world in one country so there are always plenty of options to recreate your seat at the table.
Life can get quite hectic. If we’re not trying to meet work deadlines, helping the kids with homework we know absolutely nothing about, we’re keeping abreast of popular series so we don’t read or hear any spoilers! Don’t you fret. Throughout the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there’s always a sweet, soft spot in every special moment. Do you want to know how you can find the sweet spot amidst the chaos? ‘Nougat’ it!
Unilever has recently launched the redesigned look and formulation of the much loved Handy Andy creams. The renovation of the Handy Andy cream features a new modern look, improved product formulation and an innovative packaging solution in keeping with Unilever’s Clean Future strategy. The Clean Future strategy details how Unilever intends to incorporate sustainability-oriented ideas into its product formulations and packaging to decrease its carbon footprint.
Handy Andy’s innovative at-home refill will reduce consumer plastic waste
Unilever announces the launch of Handy Andy Floor and All-Purpose concentrated refill. The new 200ml refill allows consumers to refill and reuse their Handy Andy 750ml Floor and All-purpose bottles for life.
The 200ml and 750ml bottles are 100% recyclable once the plastic cap and labels are removed and are made from recycled materials which reflects Unilever's commitment to decreasing the use of virgin plastic and single-use plastic as part of their Clean Future Strategy. The Clean Future Strategy is unique in its intent to embed the circular economy principles into both packaging and product formulations at the scale of global brands to reduce their carbon footprint.
Unilever has committed that by 2025 it will halve its use of virgin plastic, by reducing its absolute use of plastic packaging by more than 100,000 tonnes and accelerating its use of recycled plastic.
Made with 60% less plastic (vs Handy Andy 750ml Floor and All-Purpose Bottle), Handy Andy 200ml concentrated refill reduced plastic waste. The refill contains a 3,75x concentrated formula, delivering the same superior clean for which Handy Andy is known and loved.
Ammarah Chand, Brand Manager of Hard Surface Cleaners at Unilever South Africa, said: “South Africans are looking for ways to reduce their plastic footprint and a concentrated refill that uses less plastic and is 100% recyclable is an easy switch that can have a positive impact on the world around us while still providing value to our consumers.”
Going smaller is certainly better; the refills are lightweight and save on storage space. The refill’s space-saving design also comes with a smaller price tag, retailing less than the price of 750ml Floor and All-Purpose bottles.
Handy Andy 200ml Concentrated Refill contains Handy Andy's cleaning expertise, combined with the germ-killing power of Domestos that kills 99.9% of germs while leaving your home smelling great with that added streak-free shine. There is no bleach in Handy Andy Floor and All-Purpose products.
The Handy Andy Floor and All-Purpose Cleaner 200ml Concentrated Refill with the power of Domestos is available at all major leading supermarkets across the country.
To dilute; simply pour 200ml concentrated refill into an empty 750ml Hand Andy Floor and All-purpose bottles and fill with 550ml water. Close lid and shake well to mix. Like the 750ml Handy Andy Floor and All-Purpose Cleaner, the 200ml Concentrated Refill comes in 3 variants, Ocean Fresh, Lavender Fresh and Pine Fresh.
Additional Branded Info
No bleach in product.
It’s been 5 years of Uber Eats in South Africa! I don’t know about you but I can’t imagine life before Uber Eats. It’s been such a game-changer for me especially since starting a new job and not having time to make dinner most nights.
Let’s not forget how it’s gotten me through the pandemic as it helped me support all my favourite restaurants without having to leave the house. And with all the awesome 2 for 1 deals, it’s also been a great way to order out without breaking the bank. I can’t imagine what 2020 and 2021 would have been like without the app.
Keeping a tidy home does not always mean having to spend long hours cleaning from top to bottom. In reality, all it takes is simply adopting some good housekeeping habits to help you keep your home in good shape effortlessly. Over time, I realised that keeping my home clean doesn't have to take up a lot of time and effort but simply working smarter to keep the mess at bay. I have put together five of my best daily cleaning habits that have helped me keep my house looking fresh and clean with minimal effort, of course!
Freshen up your bedroom first thing every morning
While many people might see this as the least essential task in cleaning, something as simple as making the bed does in keeping a space neat and tidy. Making your bed first thing in the morning make the room look and feel cleaner. It also helps you start the day productively, which is likely to be carried out throughout the day.
Clean as you go
We have all heard this one before, even though we often forget just how important it is. Putting things away immediately after using them or cleaning up even the tiniest messes can be the difference between a tidy home and an unkempt one. Adopting this habit will make your life just a little easier while allowing you to use your time purposefully. For example, when walking from room to room, tidy up while you move along. Pick up the kids' toys and put them back in the toy box when they've forgotten to do so. Wash your plate immediately after eating, or even grab a cloth and your favourite cleaning spray to wipe down your surfaces as you move along. Next time you're in the kitchen waiting for the water in the kettle to boil, grab your cloth and your trusted cleaning product to get a quick clean. For a quick spray on and wipe off clean, try the Handy Andy Kitchen Spray. It is fast-acting and highly effective on daily kitchen dirt, leaving your surfaces hygienically clean in just 10 seconds.
Don't forget your floors
Floors are the one surface in your home that experience the most traffic, which means they can get quite messy quicker than any other surface in your home. When your floors are clean, it makes your entire house look even more pristine, which is why floors are definitely worth the investment. The cleaning products you use on your floors also matter, so make sure that you invest in quality products that get the job done efficiently. A product like the Handy Andy floor and All-Purpose cleaner is an excellent example of a product worth purchasing for your home. Not only does it clean stubborn dirt on floors and other surfaces around the house while killing 99.9% of germs, but it also leaves a streak-free shine and not to mention the long-lasting fresh fragrance.
One room at a time
The thought of having to clean various spaces at the same time can often leave you feeling overwhelmed even before you get started. To avoid that daunting feeling you get when it comes to cleaning, try tackling one room at a time. By now, everyone (except for your little ones) in your home should be responsible for cleaning/freshening up their bedrooms in the mornings, leaving the central cleaning for common areas in your home such as the lounge, dining room, kitchen and bathroom. Dedicate specific days to cleaning certain areas and use a multiple purpose cleaner so that you don't have to go through the hassle of interchanging products based on the room you are focusing on. The country's most trusted multi-purpose cleaner, the Handy Andy cream gets rid of grease and stubborn dirt with ease making it the perfect tool to help you tackle the dirt around various surfaces around your home. Everyone loves a product that gets the job done right in a fraction of the time?
Have a spot for everything
People who are skilled in keeping their homes tidy tend to have a place for everything. Having a place for everything entails organising and, at times, chucking out the things you might no longer need. Keeping your home tidy daily becomes much easier when you already have it all organised. Put things back in their designated spots immediately after using them, hang up your clothes if they are clean after taking them off or simply throw them into the laundry basket if you feel they need a wash. To take it a step further, try strategically placing storage baskets or containers around the house. Doing this will allow you to chuck those miscellaneous items you find and don't have the time to store away immediately.
Now there you have it, five daily habits for a clean and tidy home. Hopefully, these tips will motivate you to begin making these minor changes for a spotless home. Remember that adjusting to new habits may take time, so don't be too hard on yourself when you find yourself feeling overwhelmed from trying out these tips. Try out what seems manageable for you, and over time you will instinctively adhere to these tips and maybe develop some of your own.
This past week, South Africa's favourite health and wellness brand, Faithful To Nature took us through a beauty journey for their Clean Beauty Week. Built around the celebration of ethical, sustainable and clean beauty products, Faithful To Nature presented a curated collection of products as well as tips and insights on how to enhance your skincare regime. One of the highlights of the week, was an awesome live featuring Sibongile Mafu, Robyn Smithand Atlantic Dermatology as they explored the ingredients that make up the perfect morning, evening and weekly skincare routines.
As an activist brand, The Body Shop’s mission is to fight for a fairer and more beautiful world. To create a positive change in the world, we must start by creating a positive change within. In that way, The Body Shop calls for people around the world to rise with self-love, especially in a society that promotes self-doubt and insecurity. We believe that self-love goes beyond feeling good about yourself.
Self-love is about appreciating yourself, it’s about self-acceptance and giving yourself permission to grow into who you really are.
A first-of-its-kind global self-love* report by The Body Shop International found that South Africa scored seven points higher than the global average, ranking 5th out of 21 participating countries with a score of 60 out of 100. However, South African women scored three points lower (58) than South African men (61). The report identifies a self-love crisis for women around the world, with 1 in 2 women feeling more self-doubt than self-love, and 60 percent wishing they had more respect for themselves.
The Body Shop Global Self Love Index was commissioned to inform a long-term commitment from The Body Shop to always use its voice to build self-esteem. As a result, The Body Shop is launching a global movement called the “Self-Love Uprising”, with the aim to spread one million acts of self-love in one year, to create more love and positive change in the world.
South Korea, Saudi Arabia and France rank lowest for self-love, whereas Denmark, Australia, and the United States rank the highest. Designed by The Body Shop and leading market research firm Ipsos, the study ran between November and December 2020 with over 22,000 people in 21 different countries.
Further key findings of The Self Love Index in South Africa include:
There is a connection between social media usage and self-love scores, however in South Africa it is the inverse of the relationship seen in other countries. In South Africa, the greater the use of social media, the higher the self-love score is likely to be. Those who use social media for more than two hours a day have a Self-Love Index score of 60 out of 100, compared to a score of 58 among those who use social media 1-2 hours a day.
Men have a greater sense of self-love (61) than women (58).
Self-love increases with age, with those aged 65 years and over having the highest score (64). Those aged 35-44 years distort the trend with 35% of them in the lowest 25% of the Self-Love scores.
People who are single have lower self-love.
Those living in the Eastern region of South Africa have a slightly higher self-love score than other areas of the country.
People from minority groups are more likely to have a low self-love score, with an index of 58 compared to 62 among those not in minority groups, though the difference is not as great as seen in many other countries; 38% of those who are gay, lesbian or bisexual are in the lowest 25% of self-love scores.
Economic status impacts self-love, with 40% of those who are unemployed and 36% of those who are not financially comfortable being in the lowest 25% of self-love scores.
Where do you fall on the spectrum of self love? It's definitely something to reflect on.
AWARD WINNING UK CELEBRITY HAIRDRESSER ANDREW BARTON LAUNCHES HAIRCARE BRAND IN SOUTH AFRICA.
It's not everyday that a celebrity hairdresser whose client list includes Kate Moss and Kylie Minogue develops a haircare range at a fraction of the price of professional haircare products.
A new year is upon us and, if you're like me, you're in full spring cleaning mode to start the year on a good (And fresh) note.
Last year Uber and Uber Eats hosted their inaugural Tech For Safety summit, and this year they're back again on 22 October, hosting their second annual summit with a focus on technology-driven innovative solutions. In true 2020 spirit, the summit is being held virtually which means anyone can join in! But wait, what's in it for us?
When we think of "treat yourself" what comes to mind is face masks, champagne and massages but I for one believe wash-day should be a whole pamper session too. If you have curly hair you're probably already accustomed to wash-day being a whole occasion that you have to schedule out in your diary. But instead of it being something you dread (Washing my hair takes at least 3-4 hours out of my day) make it something to look forward to.
Head & Shoulders is one of those OG brands that take me back to childhood, and this time they've come up with a new premium and feminine range, Head & Shoulders Supreme infused with Argan oil. Without compromising their anti-dandruff technology, Supreme is more conditioning and nourishing than ever thanks to the added Argan oil and micro hair nourishers.
Face maskcheck - New Uber Technology that helps confirm drivers are wearing a face mask
This push notification, along with a few others, came up on my phone over the last few days from my Uber app. And just in time too, now that alcohol is back on sale I need a girls night with some cocktails and that means I need Uber to the rescue.
