* “Humans can’t live without art. It helps you understand the world and be able to live happily. You don’t even have to buy it because art is everywhere; it’s in architecture, nature and even your imagination.” – Chalermchai Kositpipat, Thai visual artist and the architect of the White Temple …
Travel
Lekkerwater Beach Lodge in De Hoop ~ by Allison Foat
Just as my suitcase locks were about to oxidise, the travel ban lifted and I got going, road tripping like my life depended on it. With COVID-19 still lurking though my destinations of choice, for now, are places where I can socially distance without giving it a second thought. I’m …
Thailand announces the resumption of Visa-Free Travel, all Covid-19 protocols observed
This info was supplied by Lesley Simpson PR & Communications, the PR representative in South Africa for the Tourism Authority of Thailand. GOOD NEWS! Thailand has fared well during the Covid-19 storm, and is recognised as one of the countries with the most impressive ongoing recovery rate, according to the …
Travel trends 2021 ~ by Allison Foat
For the serial explorers among us, 2020 felt like the year we stopped going. Covid-19 made its global debut and continues to run interference, scuppering travel plans and forcing the planet to press pause. The new year is barely out of the starting blocks and as people re-think the way …
As soon Lockdown allowed it the explorers among us hit the road, journeying like there’s no tomorrow. The Western Cape is road trip nirvana and the Swartland, deep in undulating wheat country, impresses with a suite of quaint towns and Insta-worthy landscapes, no matter the season. The stand-out dorpie in …
Babanango Game Reserve in Zululand ~ safari, conservation, community. By Allison Foat
Ah, Zululand. A destination that entices with a bit of everything- cultural heritage, historical gravitas and an exceptional natural environment. This past November I finally returned after about 40 years, true story. This time I was headed for the all-new Babanango Game Reserve in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, a world-class, sustainable and …
Nkomazi Private Game Reserve in Mpumalanga re-opens after multi-million rand upgrade ~ by Allison Foat
HOVERING unobtrusively above the banks of the Komati River in Mpumalanga lies Nkomazi Private Game Reserve, a luxe glamping lodge positioned within an exceptional locale in the Barberton Greenstone Belt of the majestic Makonjwa Mountains. MPUMALANGA One of South Africa’s most beautiful provinces, Mpumalanga is famed for its pristine wildernesses …
In the past three years since I wrote this piece for the Sunday Times, I’ve met Coetzee Steyn in person and I’m delighted to say that the Bosjes Chapel he designed has picked up numerous accolades including being featured in the Architizer/Phaidon hardback: ‘The Best Architecture in the World’ …
LET’S GO! Thailand is open, all Covid protocols observed and as usual, the anticipation of amazing experiences is real. On my last trip two years ago I explored Chinatown, a lively neighbourhood in Bangkok’s Samphanthawong District, well worth a few hours immersion. Trawl through any major global capital and you’ll …