We know that you’re all hungry for news, so now that our blog is up and running, we’re giving you a taste of our recent travels and discoveries. First up from me is the Durban Travel Indaba – the biggest travel show in Africa, held annually in Durban. Traditionally, it’s surprisingly hot and humid so I packed pretty sandals and summer clothes for what I thought would be a perfect escape from the Cape winter. Capetonians were experiencing icy cold winds when I left, but I religiously packed only for summer, hoping for the humid heat I’d experienced over the past three years and leaving space for at least 10kgs of brochures, business cards etc to come back.
What we didn’t expect were monsoon-esque rain showers and brisk winds that blustered for two days… and we’d already booked ahead for a table on the outdoor terrace at the lovely Harvey’s restaurant at 465 Innes Rd, Morningside. Our Travel Editor, Robyn Hodson, was out from London so we were hoping for a balmy evening outdoors. Instead, turn-on-the-tap downpours on the awning above, sent doormen with large umbrellas dashing to and from cars. My beautiful leather and lace pumps were safer out of the deluge that was sending rivers down Innes Road, so we savoured our meal and lingered, enjoying the vibe. Definitely a ‘Little Black Book’ favourite for me (love the décor) and I hope to be back…although I’ll be checking the reviews before I do. Rumour has it that service hasn’t been so good of late, but we certainly couldn’t fault the food and ambience – even if it was a little brrrr sitting outside!
Business at Indaba was not as brisk as last year, there was more time for real conversations, hatching ideas for great travel features and getting to know new properties. My notebook is bulging with highlights but these top the scales:
1. The Best of KZN launch: for those who don’t yet know KwaZulu-Natal, I suggest you look at the 6 owner-run establishments in this new group http://www.bestofkzn.co.za/ – all of them are, without doubt exceptional and unique in their own right. And did I mention the food? It was extraordinary. All the chefs worked together to serve 800 gourmet dishes to 100 guests in just over an hour with wines to match.
2. Catching up at cocktails at Classic Retreats and hearing how Joburg’s gorgeous boutique hotel, Athol Place, is stealing the hearts of discerning travellers. And the launch of another real beauty: the Zambezi Queen – Tony Stern’s sleek new baby – a contemporary houseboat moored on the banks of the Chobe River and offering a Luxury African River Safari.
3. Listening to Rob Ferguson of andBeyond (previously Conservation Corporation Africa) talk about their plans for Latin America…still very hush, hush but wonderfully exciting so watch this space. And have you been to The Homestead at Phinda? If you can’t bear the thought of leaving, you can now buy your very own African Homestead too. Email me for more info…on michelle@justtheplanet.com
4. Meeting Vanie Padaychee again, the chef from Fu.shi in Plett who has now moved to the hottest cookery school in Prince Albert in the Karoo. It’s called African Relish. Watch this space as I’m driving 5 hours into this arid landscape tomorrow to see it in person.
5. And meeting another foodie hero, celebrated chef, Bruce Robertson (ex The Showroom), who has embarked on a new project called the ‘afro-gastronaut’. Be sure to email me quickly if you want to book a gastronomic highlight that you’ll remember forever.
6. Hearing that Karkloof Spa had just won a second award in quick succession – we tested the spa a day later and couldn’t agree more. Tatler voted it ‘Most Exciting Discovery of 2009’ and Indaba voted it Best Lodge at the Welcome Awards. And speaking of awards: Jack’s Camp walked away with The Good Safari Guide Award for the ‘Best Camp in Africa’. There’s good reason why gorgeous couple Ralph and Catherine make it to the top: the experience they offer is unique. Mmmmm… we also have our sights set on the really wild and authentic Selous Project, part of the Great Plains safari group. Watch this space.
7. Meeting Alexandra Otto from Coral Lodge 15.41 Mozambique. This luxury lodge with interiors by Dutch Designer, Edward van Vliet, is right near the UNESCO Heritage Site, Ilha de Mozambique. Opening in September.
8. Relais & Chateaux’s new and stylish stand, designed to match the equally high standard, warmth and character of all its establishments.
9. Chatting to Andy Payne at Wilderness Safaris – always a pleasure to listen to someone so passionate about conservation. He believes that ‘businesses with soul will thrive’ – we couldn’t agree more.
10. And what about the hottest news of all? Singita is creating yet another exquisite masterpiece on a private island in the Seychelles. I’ll be keeping you posted!
