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Workationing In Style At The 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa, Cape Town

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Desperate to travel? Need a break from the same four walls of your home office? Why not have yourselves a workcation right here in South Africa…

In current times, working remotely has fast become the norm. But this has brought with it a new approach to utilising time more wisely. Enter the concept of “workation” – with great prices on weekday accommodation, and little to no tourists competing for your planned activities, there really is no better time to travel while you work.

Durbanite was fortunate enough to have ourselves a little workation in Cape Town, where we stayed at The 12 Apostles Hotel & Spa for one glorious night.

With an extraordinary view of the Atlantic ocean and the mountains wrapped around you, it’s difficult to find a more beautiful place to work. The experience began with a friendly greeting from the porter and doorman while they guided us to the check-in counter. After a quick and easy check-in, we followed Patience around for our tour, champagne in hand. After contemplating which view – or work facility to utilise first, we opted for within the comfort of our spectacular sea-facing suite.

The room was characterised by elegance, class, comfort like no other, and a balcony located a good stone throw away from the beach. It goes without saying, but there was free wifi and an opulent desk to work at, as well as a variety of other comfy furniture to plonk down in. I could write beautiful descriptive paragraphs on the room, the view, the service and the interior of the hotel, but I honestly fear I won’t do it justice. What I will say is, there sure is a reason why celebrities like Lady Gaga and Rihanna choose to stay here!

Other work environments on offer include the conference room, a slow lounge, the foyer, and the tables and chairs out by the pool or outside of the restaurant. All of which were quiet, accompanied by dreamy views and without a hint of discomfort.

Whether you’re traveling solo, with your partner, or your whole family,  the 12 Apostles makes sure it caters for everyone. It’s both pet- and kid-friendly, so the opportunity to bring your life with you – or escape it – is entirely up to you.

From a COVID-19 perspective, masks were worn by everyone around the hotel and in any public spaces. Their world famous breakfast buffet was adapted to be more COVID-friendly, with snacks and condiments displayed in their own packaging and glassware. And although all the wonderful hot food wasn’t showcased around the room, it was still readily available by simply ordering it through your waiter.

The hotel offers a free shuttle to Camps Bay Beach or the V&A Waterfront every hour, so you have the opportunity to venture back and forth between these bustling hubs as you wish. Making use of the shuttle allowed us to experience our beautiful mother city when we clocked off from work, until we decided we were ready to sink back into our engulfing and irresistible King-size Bed.

With no household chores or trips to the shops needed, the best part – or perhaps the toughest part of the experience was deciding which first-class services and utilities to indulge in during our breaks. Whether it be a spa treatment, effortlessly demolishing the delicious High Tea confectionaries while you stare out to sea, a quick trip to the little movie theatre down the hall, or a swim in either the rock pool or the heated pool, it certainly beat checking the fridge multiple times or twiddling your thumbs between Zoom calls.

Although there have been numerous perks to working from home and not having to go into the office, like those dreaded meetings finally being summed up in one email, or not having to wait idly in lunchtime traffic, there have definitely been some bad parts – the lack of in-person social interactions and the same scenery every day has definitely had detrimental mental effects on working people everywhere. The mental rejuvenation that we received from our workation was just what we needed to refresh our mindsets and click us back into gear. And the best part of the workation, we didn’t even have to use up a day’s leave. So if you’re thinking of trying the workation concept, all we can say is “go for it!” and if you’re gonna do it, why not do it in style?

To book your stay at the 12 Apostles, visit:
https://12apostleshotel.com

Telephone: +27 21 4379000
Email: reservations1@12apostles.co.za
Address: Victoria Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town, South Africa

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Entertainment

Review: Africamps at White Elephant Safari

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As Durbanites, our stay at the Africamps White Elephant Safari exceeded all expectations. From the moment we checked in, the adventure began with a scenic self-drive through the reserve to our campsite. Nestled with the perfect view of the Jozini River, our glamping site was the epitome of luxury in the bush. The highlight was the wood-fired hot tub, right at our doorstep. It required no electricity, so load-shedding was not even a concern – a feature that added to the off-grid experience.

The camp itself is glamping at its finest.

We had a fully equipped 4-plate gas stove and everything we needed, from stylish plates to branded Africamps tin mugs – perfect for that early morning bush coffee. Outside, the braai stand was set up and ready for use. Our first night, we braaiied our own meat, prepared salads, and enjoyed a meal under the stars. It was a quintessential South African experience, glamping style.

The accommodation was spacious and comfortable, with enough room for five people. The air-conditioning was a blessing for hot days, while extra blankets and a heater kept us warm when the temperatures dipped. The large shower and bathroom were a luxury for a group to share comfortably.

On the second day, we woke up early to brew coffee on the gas stove and were treated to an Africamps breakfast basket. It included everything from sausages, bacon, and eggs to muesli, yogurt, and fruit – more than enough to feed five people. The breakfast basket is definitely a must-have for those who don’t want the hassle of bringing their own food – it’s great value for money.

After a leisurely morning, we were picked up for a water safari cruise. Our ranger took us on a game drive en route to Lake Jozini, where we saw an African eagle, zebras, giraffes, and more. It was breathtaking, and we hadn’t even reached the boat yet!

The water cruise itself was unforgettable. We saw rhinos, hippos up close, and even watched a crocodile dive into the water. Our ranger kept us safe and informed throughout, pointing out rare bird species like the lily trotter. It was an awe-inspiring adventure that really brought us close to nature.

Returning to camp after the cruise, we were greeted with a pre-booked braai basket. This was a lifesaver as we hadn’t packed enough food for the evening. The basket had everything – from salad and sides to steak and sausages. While braaiing, we took full advantage of the campsite’s WiFi to stream the Springbok game. Enjoying a good braai, some beers, and the match under the stars made for a perfect ending to our day.

Our final evening was spent soaking in the hot tub, gazing up at the star-filled sky. In the morning, we reluctantly packed up and bid farewell to Africamps. Before leaving, we explored the reception area, which has a large pool and a convenient little shop for last-minute essentials.

Overall, Africamps White Elephant Safari is a must-visit, whether you’re traveling with friends or family. The combination of luxurious glamping, breathtaking wildlife experiences, and thoughtful amenities makes it a top choice for a getaway. Be sure to book in advance – it fills up quickly! Highly recommended!

Check out our reel here.

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Ratings:

Service – 9/10
Location: 9/10
Ambience – 9/10
Food – 9/10
Overall – 9/10

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How do I book my stay at Africamps?
Book your stay through their website here.
Or email: hello@africamps.com

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Food

REVIEW: Kalamata Greek Restaurant

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Greek Flavors and Festivities: A Night at Kalamata

If you’re searching for an authentic Greek experience in Durban North, Kalamata Greek Restaurant in Sunningdale is the place to be. From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed and promptly guided to our seats. The atmosphere immediately transported us to Greece, with its beautifully themed decor, from the intricate ceiling details to the charming ornaments adorning the walls.

Our culinary journey began with a selection of tapas, and each dish was better than the last. The Halloumi was perfectly grilled, the crispy mushrooms were a delightful treat, and the Halloumi-style chips were simply the highlight of the evening—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor.

Next, we indulged in their Gyro Pitas, a standout on the menu. We tried both the chicken and calamari options, and while both were fantastic, the calamari Gyro was absolutely to die for. Paired with a side of crispy chips, it was a meal to remember.

We also couldn’t resist ordering some Kalamata olives with pita bread, accompanied by a selection of Greek side sauces, including Mosaka and Tzatziki. Each bite was a perfect balance of traditional Greek flavors.

As the evening progressed, the atmosphere became even more lively. After some enjoyable chatting and wine, we were treated to a bit of Greek tradition—plate breaking! We enthusiastically joined in, breaking plates and partaking in Greek dancing around the restaurant. This interactive experience was definitely the highlight of the night, adding a fun and authentic touch to our visit.

To end the evening on a sweet note, we indulged in some traditional Greek desserts. The Pagato Sokolata, a rich Greek ice cream with chocolate sauce, was simply divine, and the Loukoumathes, honey-coated puffs, were a sweet, satisfying finale to our meal.

If you’re looking for a place that offers not only great food but also an immersive cultural experience, Kalamata Greek Restaurant is the perfect spot. Whether you’re dining with friends or family, you’re in for a fun night out filled with delicious food, Greek dancing, and an atmosphere that will make you feel like you’re in the heart of Greece. Highly recommended!


Ratings:

Service – 8/10
Location: 9/10
Ambience – 8/10
Food – 9/10
Overall – 9/10

 

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Events

REVIEW: Sunsets & Mermaids, Umhlanga

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Unwind with Great Food and Vibes at Sunsets and Mermaids

Sunsets and Mermaids Restaurant and Bar in Umhlanga, Durban, is an experience you won’t want to miss. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and a complimentary serving of olives stuffed with feta, a delightful mini starter that set the tone for what was to come.

We began with their unique sushi, featuring a delectable combination of prawn and salmon, paired with chicken dumplings that came with a choice of sauces. The hot sauce packed a punch, while the mild sauce offered a gentle, flavorful alternative—both enhanced the dishes perfectly. We paired our meal with expertly crafted cocktails: an Old Fashioned and a Margarita, each complementing the flavors of our food beautifully.

For lunch, we opted for their chicken and beef burgers, each topped with a homemade sauce that added a unique twist. The crispy onion rings and Lay-like chips were a perfect accompaniment, making for a satisfying and delicious meal.

What really stood out was the impeccable service. Not only were the staff attentive and friendly, but the chef personally came to our table to check if the food was to our liking and even offered some great recommendations. The atmosphere was electric, with the upbeat Durban music vibes adding to the overall experience.

Sunset and Mermaids is more than just a bar; it’s a culinary destination with a diverse menu that spans sushi, burgers, and even pizzas. Their Tuesday quiz nights and Wednesday Ladies Night add an extra layer of fun to the week. The place is such a vibe that even the Irish Rugby team made an appearance after their game against the Springboks!

We’re already planning our next visit and highly recommend that you give it a try too.
Sunsets and Mermaids is a must-visit spot in Umhlanga!

To book:
www.sunsetsandmermaids.co.za
(031) 943 3044
Info@sunmer.co.za


Ratings:

Service – 10/10
Location: 9/10
Ambiance – 9/10
Food – 10/10
Overall – 9/10

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