The Secret is out – at Beverly Hills hotel

The Beverly Hills, an iconic, landmark hotel in uMhlanga, has launched ‘The Secret Garden’ – an exciting new venue space in the neighbouring property, which is owned by Tsogo Sun, by transforming it into a beautiful venue for events and special occasions.

The secluded and picturesque grounds with uninterrupted sea views present a blank canvas for clients to use their ideas and visions and create their own perfect event. The facilities can cater for cocktail functions up to 150 people and set lunches and dinners for up to 100 guests.

Samantha Croft, Tsogo Sun’s Director of Operations for KZN, says, “There is a great demand in the Durban area for unique venues for both corporate and leisure events. This venue space is a response to that need and it is also a great opportunity to take the legacy of this great hotel a notch higher.”

The exclusive and secluded Secret Garden features the natural flora of KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal region, with a protected Yellowwood tree forming the entrance, which then opens up into the garden and stunning views of the sea and pier.

John Aritho, General Manager of the Beverly Hills, says venue space at the hotel is operating at maximum capacity. “Beverly Hills has an excellent reputation for delivering signature events. This new alfresco venue offers an endless range of event options that includes dining under the stars, and our professional team is more than capable of creating magical events and memorable experiences for our clients. We believe The Secret Garden will soon become the most sought after venue along the East Coast.”

The hotel is partnering with Nomadik Stretch Tents & Canopies for structures and marquees, and with M&B Events for bespoke décor and furniture.

Sightseeing For A Week In Jakarta

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia. But that’s not saying much. Indonesia is a country which spans more than 12,000 islands and rocky outcrops and runs for thousands of miles, all the way from mainland Asia to the eastern coast of northern Australia. The country, therefore is highly varied, meaning that any experiences you have in the capital are unlikely to be replicated in other islands in the chain.

But what should you spend your time doing if you’ve got a week to burn in Jakarta? Where should you go? That’s the focus on this article. Here we’re going to take a look at some of the many cultural marvels of Jakarta so that you don’t have a dull moment on your next trip.

The National Museum

City breaks can sometimes be a challenge. Often you spend an enormous amount of time walking and not much doing the things that you want. It’s not like a package holiday where, if in doubt, you can go and lounge by the pool, or a camping holiday where you can sit around the fire talking to fellow campers on a slow afternoon. While on a city break, you need constant entertainment and stimulation.

The good news is that Jakarta provides all of that in spades. One of the most popular attractions is the National Museum (or the National Museum of Indonesia).

The museum covers just about every topic you can imagine, including the history of the nation’s people, the languages that they speak, some aspects of the wildlife native to Indonesian islands, and the country’s archaeological heritage.

The museum also features a giant elephant sculpture for added interest.

Spa And Massage

If pampering is your thing, then Jakarta is the place to be. Thanks to low wages, the price of human-delivered services, like massage, are incredibly affordable. In Jakarta, you can pick up an hour-long massage for just a few dollars, much cheaper than you could in a Western country.

Jakarta is full of places you can go for a relaxing massage. Many parlors will take groups, meaning that you and your travelers can enjoy a massage together.

Want to beautify yourself before a night out? You can do that in Jakarta too, again at a fraction of the price you’d pay in a western country. Some of the best spas are in the city, but there are also a range of resorts outside of the city limits if you want to escape the business and hubbub.

Plaza Indonesia

Jakarta, like most major cities, offers a range of shopping destinations for the savvy shopper. There are low budget malls all the way up to Plaza Indonesia, one of the most exclusive shopping locations in the city. Here you’ll find all the big international retailers, offering their best wares at premium prices.

Of course, if it’s a bargain that you’re after, then you’ve got plenty of options in Jakarta. The local people are often less affluent than tourists, and so rely on a host of low-cost retailers who will be more than happy to sell to you too. You can usually find great deals at local retailers, especially on perishable goods.

Check out the Mangga Dua. Here you’ll find some cheap quality imitations goods.

There another mall called Blok M. This is a great place to pick up clothes, bags, and shoes.

Finally, if you want a memento to remember your trip, take a look at Pasar Ikan. Here you’ll find souvenirs and household items.

Accommodation

If you travel around Indonesia, you’ll see signs that read “beli rumah murah” – or “buy cheap houses.” That’s something that you’ll soon discover about this city: the accommodation is as cheap as it comes – much better value than any western city, allowing you to have a city break at a fraction of the cost of a similar holiday in Europe or North America.

In general, luxury accommodation prices start from USD 150 per night, or about half of what you’d expect to pay for a similar level of care in the west.

You can get perfectly respectable accommodation in the city for less than $50 per night. Budget hotels include the Yello Hotel Harmoni. The Harmoni is located close to the National Monument Park, a favorite destination for many tourists visiting the region.

Jakarta Nightlife

Finally, it’s worth mentioning the nightlife. Jakarta nightlife is hottest near to the Kemang venue, but there is also a thriving scene around many of the city’s “eco-bars” – bars which promise to reduce their environmental impact.

Let’s look Forward To UMthayi Marula Festival 2019

iSimangaliso Wetland Park(Kosi Bay) Manguzi– Preparations for the 9^th edition of the UMthayi Marula Festival also known as Umkhosi Wamaganu, gained further momentum when festival organizers released the final programme to media and key stakeholders at the iSimangaliso Wetland Park in Kosi Bay.

The event was attended by dignitaries from the royal family led by iNkosi Israel Mabhudu Tembe, local government led by His Worship the Mayor of UMkhanyakude District Municipality Cllr Solomon Mkhombo and Cllr Nkululeko Mthethwa the Mayor of uMhlabuyalingana.

This year, the programme will include activations across the UMkhanyakude District, a rural economy seminar and various ancestral activities at the Emfihlweni palace. Amongst these is the annual ukuvuselelwa kothango (fixing of the hedge ceremony) which takes place during the week in the build up to the main event where villagers present the buganu harvest to iNkosi Israel Mabhudu Tembe.

‘We are pleased to be hosting this launch with our sponsors iSimangaliso Wetland Park and to be releasing this programme together with the KwaZulu-Natal government (Department of Economic Development Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Department of Arts and Culture) as well as UMkhanyakude District and uMhlabuyalingana municipalities.  Said iNkosi Israel Mabhudu Tembe

This year’s programme will leave a long lasting legacy in Kwangwanase and greater UMkhanyakude district and further cement relations with our neighbours Mozambique and eSwatini. The inaugural rural economy seminar is closest to my heart as it is one such programme which I believe this will be a catalyst for real local economic development and inclusion for our people. This seminar will bring to Kwangwanase an economic development and awareness revolution which the youth, particularly unemployed youth and communities at large are in need of. ‘He continued to jubilant ululating from the crowd.

The programme received a nod from iSimangaliso Wetland Park Chief Executive, Sibusiso Bukhosini and other stakeholders who have played an integral part in staging a formidable 9^th UMthayi Marula Festival.

‘We are thrilled to partner with the Tembe Royal Council, local structures and agencies in jointly promoting the area of Kwangwanase through major tourist attraction events such as UMthayi Marula Festival and are excited to welcome visitors looking to explore the multitude of attractions which our spectacular destination has to offer during and beyond the festival.’ said Sibusiso Bukhosini CEO of iSimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site which extends from the Mozambique border at Kosi Bay to south of Maphelane, incorporating over 200km of pristine coastal forest and eight interlinking ecosystems.

The main event will be held at the Emfihlweni Palace in Kwangwanase on 23 February later this month. The event is expected to be attended by government leaders, business as well as famous celebrities.

The Best Vacations For Adrenaline Junkies

What kind of traveller do you think you are? Maybe you like the slow paced life of staying in a resort, and using a tour guide for everything? Maybe you like the idea of going out on your own and discovering everything about a city on your own time and terms? Or maybe you’re someone who likes to get your heart racing, and you love knowing you’re reaching highs and lows very few others have gone to?

If so, you’re probably an adrenaline junkie, and you’re looking for a good travel plan! Your flight’s all booked, and you’ve got plenty of sunscreen and snacks in your carry on at your feet – but where are you headed? Well, if you’re someone who likes to feel the blood pumping, then you’re off somewhere with an extreme climate, to make sure you’re getting the most out of your next vacation! So here’s a couple of ideas of where you should go next.

No lounging around for you – it’s time to spring into action! (Source)

Head Up a Mountain

There’s all kinds of mountain ranges and inactive volcanoes around the world, and when you realise that about 90% are ones you can try climbing, your heart probably started fluttering at the very prospect. After all, if you can reach an altitude similar to that of a plane with your just your legs and a secure rope, you’ve gone further than most of humanity!

So make sure you’re putting a mountain trek or climb down on your bucket list. And when there’s sites like https://www.kandooadventures.com/ out there to help make your dreams a reality, you could be up Everest within the next month or so.

Somewhere You Can Mountain Bike

Mountain biking is a bit of an extreme sport, and if two wheels are still too much for you, there’s always a bit of mountain unicycling you can try out instead! All in all, if you’ve got a mountain bike, and the need to go out on it more, it’s time to hit the hills and the forests near you.

There’s always going to be a good bit of land or park near you that you can bike your way down – just watch out for any bears that might be lingering in the trees! Or if that’s not enough for you, and you want to go further afield, make sure you check out a link like https://www.mountainbikeworldwide.com/mountain-bike-tours-worldwide.

Go on a Trek Through a Rainforest

There’s a lot of rainforests in this world, and it’s not just the Amazon you have to trek through. No, instead you could head out to more accessible areas such as Australia and Thailand, and meet all kinds of bugs, animals, and even people you’ve never seen before. Doesn’t that sounds like the most exciting prospect you’ve ever heard?!

If you’re an adrenaline junkie, make sure your vacations match your expectations. Relaxing is all well and good, but there’s adventure to be had out there.