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Inspired Living SA

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Inspired Living SA Travel Reviews

Inspired Living SA Travel Blog brings you great travel adventures from South Africa, as well as International destinations. You will find out more about the fantastic travel opportunities within the Western Cape and the greater South Africa. Read articles featuring the amazing places I have travelled, as well as what is on my Travel Bucket List.

Cape Town Hotels, Lifestyle, Reviews and Features, Romantic Getaways, Travel

Romantic Staycation at 15 On Orange

15-on-Orange-Suite

As a married couple, with children, I like to try to plan a night away, with my man, at least once a month! I think it is so important to reconnect, as a couple and spend some quality time together! We love staying in the Winelands but often that can be a bit too far for one night, so recently we have been opting for an overnight “Staycation” in the heart of Cape Town. There are so many fabulous Hotels, B&B’s and Apartments to choose from! A recent Romantic “Staycation” found us at 15 on Orange, in the heart of the CBD, which is part of the African Pride group of hotels.

15-on-Orange-Suite

15 On Orange

I have attended events at 15 on Orange but this was the first overnight experience for us. I had heard nothing but great things about the hotel and the Spa has recently changed hands and had a revamp, so I was delighted to receive and invitation to stay over and experience it for myself.

15-on-Orange-Suite

When we first arrived at the hotel our room was not ready yet, so we decided to hit Long Street for a bite of lunch. After lunch we were escorted up to our suite, by a very friendly porter! What awaited us was a rather stunning Suite, with lovely views over the city.

15-on-Orange-Suite Decor

The interior decor is one of my favourite things about the hotels common areas and the suite was as stunning, with muted grey’s, pops of bright blue and metallic accents. Under-stated modern, elegance at its best!

15 on Orange Suite bathroom

As with the suite the bathroom was gorgeous – simple yet elegant, with the most stunning black marble tiles on the walls. I simply could not wait to take a long relaxing bath but first we had a trip to the Suntra Spa planned.

Black & White Mani Essie nail polish

I could not resist a pic of my Black & White Mani against the bathroom tiles 🙂

Suntra Spa 15 on Orange

As I mentioned the Suntra Spa, at 15 On Orange, recently changed hands and under went a revamp to make it bigger and more in line, with the rest of the hotels facilities. The Spa offers a range of specialty facial treatments by Guinot and Dermalogica, as well as an extensive array of body massages, exfoliation treatments, wraps and grooming essentials.

We were booked in for a back and neck massage. Once we had completed our customer cards we were shown to a couples treatment room, where we enjoyed a wonder half hour massage. We both sit at our computers, for most of the day during the week and I tend to carry all my stress in my neck, so this was complete bliss!

The staff at the Spa were knowledgeable, professional but above all really friendly. The treatment room was lovely and spacious but unfortunately a bit too dark to take any decent photographs!

15 on Orange Rooftop Pool

Before heading back to our room we decided to take a look at the hotel rooftop pool, which is situated on the 7th Floor next to the spa. It was a bit cold and gloomy outside and definitely not swimming weather but what a view!

Once back in our suite we ordered a lovely, chilled glass of wine and I wasted no time at all, submerging myself into a hot bath!

Murano Bar 15 on Orange

Before dinner we popped into the Murano Bar, for a quick pre-dinner drink – I absolutely love the decor in the bar.

Savour at 15 on Orange

Dinner was lovely – a rather quiet romantic affair, just what we needed! A few of The highlights of the meal, for me, were the Salt and Pepper Fried Calamari, with Avocado salsa and squid-ink aioli and the Roasted Gemsbok Loin, with potato rösti, spiced red cabbage and black berry jus. Naturally, although really full by this stage, we could not resist at least sharing a desert, we opted for the Molten Valhrona Chocolate Fondant, with Blue berry frozen yoghurt. What arrived was a beautiful, edible work of art – which looked almost too pretty to eat!

It was definitely time to make our way back to our room and settle in for the night! One of my main worries with staying in the CBD is the noise, we have had a few bad nights away and been unable to sleep because of the street noise. Whether it was the extremely comfortable bed or excellent soundproofing – we both slept like babies.

Thank you 15 on Orange for a wonderful, pampered Romantic “Staycation” in the heart of Town – it was a real treat, definitely to be repeated!

Contact Details

Location: Corner Grey’s Pass and Orange Street, Mill Street, Cape Town. Telephone: 27 (21) 469 8000

CENTRAL RESERVATIONS: 0861 50 50 50, +27 21 430 5302 email: [email protected]
Disclosure Ranking: 2

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Events, Lifestyle, Out & About, Travel, Wine Farms

South African Wine Index Awards 2014

SAWi-Awards-2014

I recently attended the South African Wine Index Awards 2014, which acknowledges South African wine excellence. The South African Wine Index{SAWi} gala awards were held at the luxurious Grootbos Private Nature Reserve near Gansbaai.

The Villa at Grootbos

Grootbos not only sponsored the event but also entered into a partnership with SAWi, to exclusively offer the complete range of the ‘SAWi Grand Wines Collection’ (wines scoring 93+ points through the unique SAWi Algorithm of Excellence) at this world renowned Reserve.

The Villa at Grootbos

For those of you who are not familar with the SAWi wine judging Algorithm of Excellence (Arabic tenfold system), it is based on the combined results a wine has achieved over multi vintages, in any of 84 different multi-national wine competitions or reviews (each weighted according to the compilation of judging panels and the number of medals on offer).

Consistency in results, top 10 mentions and trophies won are also taken into account during these calculations. As such, a wine is not judged on one occasion only but its consistency is tracked over a period and built out to a 10 year quality window.

SAWi-Awards-2014

SAWi Platinum is the highest accolade that may be achieved by any single wine. A score of 95 or more, out of a possible 100, will secure this award. These wines are referred to as the ‘SAWI Ambassadors Club’ the top end of the ‘SAWi Grand Wines Collection’ which also include wines which received Grand Gold status for scoring 93 and 94. No score below this attracts any accolades, ensuring that SAWi decorations are aspirational and really the cream of the crop.

The Villa at Grootbos

The day started off with a lovely lunch at the Forest Lodge, giving wine makers and invited guests the opportunity of socialising and getting to know one another.The rest of the afternoon was spent at leisure exploring the beauty of the reserve, indulging in the luxuries of the Grootbos Estate or watching a bit of rugby!

SAWi-Awards-2014

In the evening all the guests, producers and wine makers were treated to a tasting of the winning wines, before the presentation of the awards got under way. The event was a showcase of South African ‘Grand Wines’ – highlighting the value of the SAWi principles and methodology.

SAWi-Awards-2014

Constantia Glen took top honors on the night, receiving the SAWi Trophy for Wine Producer of the Year, with Justin van Wyk (Winemaker) and Ettiene Southey (Vineyard Manager) and his team acknowledged as top achievers for 2014.

SAWi-Awards-20142

De Morgenzon received the 2014 SAWi Trophy for White Wine Producer of the Year.  The Trophy for the 2014 SAWi Red Wine Producer of the Year went to Kanonkop Estate, also from Stellenbosch.

SAWi-Awards-2014

The inaugural Trophy for Best South African Brandy Producer was awarded to KWV.

Chardonnay dominated, with 17 accolades, followed by Shiraz wines with 12, Sauvignon Blanc and Bordeaux Blends with 10 each, Pinotage 8, Pinot Noir 6 and Red Blends 5.

SAWi-Awards-20144

Hemel and Aarde Valley had 14 wine accolades, followed by Constantia with 10 and Tulbach with 7, whilst Elgin, Franshhoek, Paarl, Stellenbosch Kloof, Blaauwklippen and Idas Valley had 5 each. Wines from Stellenbosch West, , Blaauwklippen, Cederberg, Somerset West, Franshhoek  and Durbanville made up the rest.

Once again, outlying wine pockets like Cederberg, Tulbach, and even Barrydale featured prominently.

Since the start of the SAWi Ratings four years ago, only 32 wines out of a total of 914 which were rated have scored 95+ points, with repeated good performances by the majority of these wines. This year another 13 wines were added to this category.

SAWi also welcomed a number of new wineries to its honors list in 2014, including Constantia Glen, De Morgenzon, De Grendel and Journeys End Vineyards.

What an amazing evening spent enjoying and celebrating some of the most accomplished wines offered in South Africa, in one of the most beautiful settings in the Cape!

AWARD HIGHLIGHTS
Top scoring wines
99 points – Hamilton Russell Vineyards Chardonnay, Saronsberg Cellar Full Circle, Rijks Private Cellar Pinotage and Kanonkop Estate Paul Sauer

98 points – Eagles’ Nest Shiraz and Stellenrust Wine Estate “48” Chenin Blanc

97 points – Bouchard Finlayson Galpin Peak Pinot Noir, Diemersdal Wine Estate Pinotage Reserve, Hamilton Russell Vineyards Pinot Noir, Spier Wines Creative Block 3 Rhone Blend and KWV The Mentors Shiraz and Raats Mvemve Raats de Compostella Bordeaux Blend.

Top Wine Producers
Constantia Glen
Kanonkop Estate
Groot Constantia
Bouchard Finlayson
Saronsberg
De Morgenzon
Hamilton Russell Vineyards
Rustenburg Wines
De Grendel
Cederberg Private Cellar
Joubert Tradouw
Cape Chamonix
Eagles Nest
Raats Family Wines

 Images: Event ~ [email protected], Grootbos Villa ©FAR Photography

Disclosure Ranking: 4

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Child Friendly Travel, International, Romantic Getaways, Travel, Travel Guide, Travel Wishlist

On My Travel Wishlist Réunion Island

Reunion-Island

As you know, I am an avid traveller, but I do not get to travel nearly as much as I would like! I have found the best way to curb my wanderlust, is to have a Travel Wishlist. Last year I shared an article on My Top Dream Destinations, I have already ticked Thailand off the list, which we visited last year and I am hoping to be able to explore Italy later this year! A destination not too from home I am dying to explore is Réunion Island. [Read more…]

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Celebrations, Lifestyle, Local, Romantic Getaways, Travel, Weddings

Joy Wedding Venue at Gelukkie in Paternoster

Joy Wedding Venue at Gelukkie

We recently attended the launch of Joy Wedding Venue at Gelukkie in Paternoster. For those of you who have never been, Paternoster is a Seaside town, up the West Coast, approximately 2 hours from Cape Town.

Gelukkie Yard

Joy is the latest addition to Gelukkie, a smallholding situated just outside the town of Paternoster. Gelukkie is truly what I would call a hidden gem and is one of those rare, romantic places, which allows you to completely escape from the real world! As well as the recent addition of the wedding venue, Gelukkie boasts two beautifully appointed cottages.

Gelukkie is also home to owners Ruth and Andrew, a couple who have dedicated their lives to building a place, which is both unique and rather special!

Joy Wedding Venue at Gelukkie

Joy the aptly named venue, is the perfect setting for a magical wedding experience. The seaside location lends itself so well to creating an atmosphere, which is both elegant and relaxed. I love the simplicity of the traditional white washed-architecture, sage shutters and natural wood accents.

Joy Wedding Venue at Gelukkie

Joy Wedding Venue at Gelukkie

 

Joy at Gelukkie Paternoster

As well as gorgeous surroundings, a passionate and experienced family team, will ensure everything runs smoothly. A kitchen renowned for its excellent Fire Food is all you need to complete this picture.

Joy Wedding Venue at Gelukkie Fire Food

The two beautifully decorated cottages, Klein Gelukkie and Nog ‘N Gelukkie, allow the bridal party the convenience of staying over at the venue. Paternoster itself, offers a wealth of additional accommodation options, for guests.

Klein Gelukkie in Paternoster

Klein Gelukkie

We had the good fortune of spending the night at Klein Gelukkie, after the event. What a spoil 🙂

Klein Gelukkie

Klein Gelukkie is a spacious self-catering cottage, containing a king size double bed, chill out room, dining area and fully functional kitchen. The decor is wonderfully quirky and the space is both cosy and inviting.

Klein Gelukkie

Klein Gelukkie

The kitchen opens out onto a beautifully landscaped private garden, which includes braai facilities.

Klein Gelukkie

Joy-Bar-Area

Gelukkie offers the use of the Joy functions venue, semi-enclosed Garden Room, outdoor garden area and bar, as well as the services of wedding co-ordinator Cindy. You will also have the services of decorator and cook Ruth, and Byron and Andrew who will ensure that the food and bar services run like clockwork.

Joy Wedding Venue at Gelukkie Cookie Hoekie

A variety of wedding packages are available and can be tailored to suit your specific needs. The team is on hand at every function to make sure that the bridal couple and their guests have a wedding experience, which only a sanctuary like Gelukkie can provide.

Visit the Gelukkie Website to find out more about celebrating your wedding, birthday or anniversary there or contact Cindy on 071 881 2831 or via email to arrange to visit and experience to magic of Gelukkie.

A big thank you to Cindy and her team for a wonderful afternoon and the use of their gorgeous accommodation!

Disclosure Ranking: 4

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Africa, Exploring the Cape, Local, Travel

24 Hours in Hogsback – All the holiday you need

Hogsback Travel on Inspired Living SA

Out of all the places I’ve stayed in South Africa, the small town of Hogsback is the place that simply stole my heart. It only took one day in Hogsback, staying at Away with the Fairies, for it to feel like I’d been on holiday there for a week. Here’s how you can get that feeling too…

Hogsback Travel on Inspired Living SA

08:00 – Bath time

After a morning eye rub and a yawn it was bath time! Away with the Fairies has the most amazing view of the Hogsback Mountains and their very own viewpoint bath from where you can enjoy it.

09:00 Time for brekkie

Grab a healthy breakfast at the hostel. The giant bowl of muesli, yoghurt and fresh fruit is highly recommended. What better way to fuel your body for a day of adventure?

10:00 The treehouse

If you don’t climb the 15 metre treehouse, you won’t get the reward of the incredible view. The rough, yet sturdy, tree house will make you feel like a kid again, so give it a whirl. The ascent is like something out of a book – with every step up, you head higher into the delicate green vegetation that surrounds.

11:00 An enchanted hike

The Amatola Mountains are carpeted with thriving, dense forest and a hike through it is simply a nature lover’s dream. Set off on a hike through the rare Afromontane forest which leads to the Madonna and Child waterfall. Along the way you’ll pass Yellowwoods, wild plums, blackberries, butterflies of every colour and size, as well as rushing streams and mini waterfalls. The canopy of trees keeps you cool while trekking through this fresh swirl of green and brown.

15:00 Pancakes!

The hike’s path leads you out of the forest and onto Hogsback’s main street. Having worked off breakfast, it’s time for a bite to eat and a water-refill. Pop into The Gallery, which is a small café and curio shop and Mmmm your way through two banana and caramel pancakes.

16:00 Time for a dip

Away with the Fairies has converted an old reservoir into a swimming pool. After your pancakes and some well-deserved time resting under a shady tree, a dive and a swim is most definitely in order.

17:00 Melt into the sheets

Time for a massage!

19:00 Din-dins

At about 7 pm a massive bonfire is lit in the outside fire pit and is the best place to enjoy one of the kitchen’s homemade pizzas.

20:00 Sunset & fireflies

Gather a few newly acquired travel buddies and head down to the viewpoint with a bottle of wine to watch the sunset. After the sun has disappeared, wait a few minutes for the flashing bottoms of firefly-type bugs to appear. Magical!

21:00 Night cap

Head down to the hostel’s Wizard’s Sleeve Bar for a night cap before heading for bed. Refreshed, relaxed and de-stressed after only one day in Hogsback.

Thank you to our Travel Writer Dalene for this wonderful account of a day in Hogsback!

Hogsback is a magical world of mountains and forests. It is situated high up on the Amathole mountains of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, and is surrounded by centuries-old indigenous Afro-montane forests.

For more information on this area please visit the Hogsback Website.

 

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Meet Fiona Rossiter

Hi, I am Fiona Rossiter, from Cape Town, the writer and photographer behind Inspired Living SA Blog. If you love good Food and Wine, reading amazing Travel Adventures, keeping Fit and Healthy, as well following Decor Trends – then Inspired Living SA is just the place for you! Read More…

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