“So wake me up when it’s all over…” The catchy song in The Choir of Man that could have been my theme tune for 2020, and the way things are going, I may own it for the first quarter of 2021 as well. When Covid-19 grabbed the global spotlight, life …
Travel
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 …
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 …
Reunion: going off the beaten track into lava plains, volcanic craters & wild terrain ~ by Allison Foat
Reunion- an island extraordinaire. If you’ve been following my posts about Reunion (here & here), you’ll know that as island destinations go, the French overseas region in the South-West Indian Ocean took me by surprise, in all the best ways. My Mauritius, Seychelles and Maldives FAM trips leaned towards eco …
In November 2020 Michelin Guide Thailand 2021 announced that super cook Jay Fai would retain her Star a Michelin Star for her street-side food operation on Maha Chai Road. My allegiance to Bangkok is compounded by the vibrant chaos, the humidity, the people and, best of all, the street food …
It’s Travel Tuesday and the spotlight is once again on Reunion. This time, I’m sharing about cuisine and one of the islands most celebrated national pastimes, le picnic. CREOLE CUISINE While elements of the Indian Ocean Départment echo France, Creole cuisine is plates apart from what one might find on …