Editors Note
 Most of you I met through past travels, our roads crossing because of similar interests. I have fond memories of events and places, tours and faces. It is due to that common interest that our roads cross again, in a different time and place, but still with the same vigour and excitement as before. I would like to introduce to you Diya Travel Consultants, and if ever you and your friends are thinking of travelling to Southern Africa, remember us, and allow us to create your dream luxury African getaway. Our newsletter will contain some interesting events and places and we will keep you up to date with news  about travelling to South Africa and surrounds. Please feel free to pass this on to anyone you would think would be interested.
Diane Willson & Grant du Toit “Little by little, one travels far.” - J.R.R. Tolkien |
“Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God". ~ Kurt Vonnegut
Champagne and oysters along tranquil lagoon banks
Long white beaches, crystal blue lakes, ancient misty forests and long balmy days; Knysna has it all.
Time seems to stand still in this quaint village situated along South Africa’s magnificent Garden Route; that is until the annual Knysna Oyster Festival hits town. From 3-12 July, Knysna rocks with more than 70 planned events; oyster shucking competitions, a Mardi Gras, wine and whisky tastings; gala evenings; sports events and adventure challenges.
Any which way you like your oyster; you will find it served at this festival. If you like it hot, try the Mexican oysters with a shot of tequila, or deep fried oysters served in the shell with cream cheese.
The Knysna lagoon is perfect for sundowners. There are luxury cruises offering the ultimate romantic and luxurious experience complete with Champagne and oysters whilst sailing along the tranquil waters.
The Garden Route has some of the most lavish boutique hotels, chic guest houses, and exclusive game lodges in the country. Our panel of experienced travel consultants will tailor make your ultimate luxury holiday package to include deluxe accommodations, and great activities to suit your personal style and taste.
For the more adventurous, the festival’s two main sporting events, Knysna Forest Marathon and the Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour, is an opportunity to run and cycle through spectacular indigenous forests. There’s also paddling, golf, bowls, soccer, night biking and angling. If you are feeling very brave you can bungy from a bridge or go abseiling.
The nights of 1000 Pictures will give you the opportunity to take home some South African art at just R100 per photograph, illustration or painting. This is part of a fundraiser event for the Knysna Hospice. |
Walking Hand in Trunk
There is something that stirs deep within you when you look an African elephant square in the eye. The ancient beast’s leathery skin reads like a road map and all you want to do is stroke its enormous ears and tug playfully at the wiggling trunk.
 See more
Winter Wining and Dining
Two of our favourite luxury Cape Town winter restaurants are Belthazar, situated at the V&A Waterfront and Beluga, (yes the one where Prince Harry took Chelsey for her 21st birthday)
See more
|
| |
|
|
| |
Heaven on Earth
Tsala Treetop Lodge and Hunter's Country House
Just outside the beautiful resort town of Plettenberg Bay, along the Garden Route, you will find a little piece of heaven tucked into the lush green forest. Hunter's Country House offers a rare combination of opulence and first class service in completely natural and tranquil surroundings.
Hunter's Country House has twenty one suites, some with private pools, has a five star grading, has been voted South Africa's Hotel of the Year, and it is a gold shield member of Relais and Chateaux. It is also a Diners Club Platinum Award Winner 2006, 2007 and 2008, and it is a member of Chaine des Rotisseurs.
All the suites at Hunter's Country House have private patios, gardens and fireplaces, and some have their own plunge pools while all guests can enjoy the hotel's large sparkling outdoor pool. Relax in the garden or enjoy bird and butterfly spotting walks in the forest.
An old-world ambience permeates the thatched manor house with its antique-furnished lounges, candle-lit dining rooms and sun-drenched conservatory. The kitchen offers award winning fare, made from only the freshest seasonal ingredients, and served by genteel and thoughtful staff.
Aromatherapy, massage therapy, reflexology, manicure and pedicures are available on request in the privacy of your suite.
Hunter's Country House sister hotel, Tsala Treetop Lodge, is situated next door and it has the same decadent furnishings and delightful scenery. What sets Tsala Treetop Lodge apart is that the lodges and suites are set high up on stilts. Your view is one of sweeping green treetops and rolling hills that stretches as far as the eye can see. Each room is an artwork, constructed of stone wood and glass, many of them have infinity pools. A private deck stretches into the forest for dining al fresco. Tsala Treetop Lodge is also a member of both Relais & Chateaux and Chaine des Rotisseurs. |
|
|
|
I Love the Nightlife...
Cape Town has a string of great clubs and pubs if you feel like a VIP night out on the town. We can arrange a Limousine with chauffeur and recommend some of the finest night life venues.
Perched on top of the 31st floor of the ABSA Centre, you will find the exclusive Club Hemisphere with 180º views of Table Mountain, the city, and the ocean. Dancing high above the city with the lights of Cape Town spread out below you is an awesome experience. But it's the little touches, like valet parking in the building real hand-towels in the beautiful restrooms, marble floors and imported fabrics, which makes Hemisphere such a gorgeous club.
For an uber sexy experience, head for the Planet Champaign and Cocktail Bar at the famous Mount Nelson Hotel for exotic cocktails, champagne, caviar and oysters.
Chill out with Champagne while your limo takes you to Cafe Caprice or Baraza at Camps Bay for sundowners. This really is the strip where the beautiful and glamorous beach bodies can be found.
And these are just some of the nightlife on offer. Let us custom make your perfect evening out. |
|
