Self – Indulgence: The Power of “Me”
While the South African consumer market tends to lean towards understated luxury and moderated excess, for no holds barred indulgence, there are a number of fine, rare or highly crafted indulgences celebrating the art of “looking after me”.

MY NAME: Enjoy your own personalised, bespoke stationery set from The Letterpress Company. Visit: www.theletterpresscompany.co.za

MY NUMBER: Indulge in a limited edition, numbered bottle of Malus, the unique terroir spirit by The Elgin Distilling Company. Visit: www.malus.co.za

MY SELECTION: Support African artisans through the curatorship of your own selection of items: whether it be in the Carla Antoni Collection available at Okha(Visit: www.carlaantoni.com) or the fine fair-trade products available through Merchants on Long.Visit: www.merchantsonlong.com

MY COLLECTION: South African wealth circles have established an exclusive currency in art, with iconic artists like Dylan Lewis, Kentridge and Pierneef being indicators of the gravitas of a personal art collection. Sanlam Private Investments now offers an art advisory service to patrons who are looking to invest. Visit: www.sanlam.co.za and view Art Advisory Service)

MY CARD: Black, titanium and more recently the Absa Wealth Infinite cards abound, with your payment choice being a fine indicator of how much you can afford to indulge. (Visit absa.co.za and view the Wealth Infinite card)

MY SOUL: Experience the healing power of nature at the Self-Transformation Adventure Retreat (STAR) at Londolozi Game Reserve where, with the aid of coaches, you will open your mind to inner peace. Visit: www.londolozi.com

MY ISLAND: Nothing says indulgence quite like purchasing an island. For those who cannot afford to invest in an island, why not buy a piece of an island or retain exclusivity for a holiday. From a weekend at the One&Only in Mauritius, a private retreat to Fregate Island, to fractional ownership at Eden Island or taking a share in niche African isles: options abound for island lovers.www.fregate.com

MY WINGS: Fly 007 style by buying and naming your own jet or chartering the next time you fly from ExecuJet.www.execujet.net

The JHB showroom is a 3 500m² spotless facility including full service area. You could design your own bespoke car electronically – choosing colours, options such as leather, alcantara, wheels, and more, all changed magically before your eyes on a big screen. Once happy with your choice, sign the order and wait for delivery. Ferrari has promised to reduce the waiting time to a maximum of 18 months.

It is clear from the international and local promoters present at the launch that Ferrari and Maserati are on track to continue with their market penetration. South Africa has become an important market to the Italian manufacturers (in the top 15 of 58 countries). Last year Ferrari made approximately 6 500 cars (of which 850 came to SA) while Maserati made approximately 5 600. There is an expected growth for the next model year despite the ramifications of the recession.

Ferrari intend to introduce a new model every year, last year the California, then the 458 and next year the FF for the “family man” – and no don’t hold your breath for a Ferrari SUV – it will not happen!

Maserati on the other hand has the Quattroporte as its four-door sports saloon as well as the four-seat Grand Cabrio. This manufacturer has all the intention of stamping its name on the luxury GT segment.

Both Ferrari and Maserati have reconfirmed their commitment to the environment and “going green” and work endlessly at meeting the international CO2 emissions and environmental requirements, while still producing some of the most exciting sports cars ever made.

Each and every time I see a new Ferrari my blood still stirs as it did when I was a little boy. Out of the current range I’ll take a 458 please even though in the immortalised words of Enzo Ferrari – “the best Ferrari is the next one.”

Hotels have to strive towards constantly raising the bar of excellence since good is no longer acceptable. Only the absolute best has now become the requirement for seasoned luxury.

We chatted to Victor Sukseree, general manager of the Dusit Thani Hua Hin, host property of the 2010 WLHA Gala Dinner and global category winner in the 2009 World Luxury Hotel Awards.

What do you consider the stand out point in your hotel, Dusit Thani Hua Hin?

The hotel can simply be described as spacious, with an open-plan lobby, an Olympic-sized pool adjoining a children’s pool, and a separate garden pool, a cricket pitch, stables and riding area, jogging track and an expansive tropical garden. Our meeting facilities are unrivalled in the area in terms of choice, space and comfort, with the Royal Dusit Hall being unique in offering panoramic views over the Gulf of Siam. Coupled with our pampering service, we have been afforded the reputation as the Thai beach resort of choice for both Thai aristocracy and organisers of leading events.

Given the accolade of being the holder of the title ‘World’s Best Luxury Beach Resort’ we have to emphasise the outstanding beachfront location, with the resort being fronted by a 300-metre-long expanse of private beach.

What do you consider the most important thing luxury travellers want?

Coupled with state-of-the-art technology, facilities and amenities, today’s luxury travellers have developed expectations far beyond service excellence. We have to be continually innovative to keep pace with the need for ever-improving and evolving standards. These same travellers also demand to be given the recognition and increased value for money that they rightfully believe they are entitled to in today’s competitive market place.

What makes Hua Hin, Thailand a must-visit luxury destination?

Hua Hin and environs have remained relatively unspoilt as tourism development has rapidly gathered pace not just around the Kingdom of Thailand, but around the globe. The area boasts a rich Thai cultural and historical background alongside its natural beauty.

The area’s undoubted aristocratic charm is inextricably linked to the four royal palaces of Petchburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan, one built during each reign of King Rama IV, V, VI and VII, including Wang Klai Kangwon Palace which now serves as His Majesty the King’s official residence and is situated between the hotel and the centre of Hua Hin.

Do you partner with other luxury brands to make your hotel more appealing?

Yes, in that we operate in close cooperation with Devarana Spa, our luxury award-winning spa brand with branches at selected Dusit Thani properties and locations around the world.

We have also joined hands with the leading Thai TV channels, magazines and other media and marketing outlets who constantly find the hotel the ideal location for filming countless soap operas or fashion shoots, etc.

The hotel and executive management are regularly featured on the Mercedes Benz-sponsored TV programme Mae Mai Nak Borihan, or Top Management Tips.

The national carrier, THAI International, chooses to use Dusit Thani Hua Hin for its ongoing staff-training programmes.

What did it mean to your hotel & the Dusit Thani Group to have won such a prestigious award?

Obviously, we have taken great pride and received much additional recognition from picking up the award. The resultant prestige allows us to explore more avenues and provides extra opportunities for increased exposure.

In total, 54 countries from Argentina to Zambia participated in the WLHA 2010. Some highlights of the winners include The Palace of the Lost City in South Africa for Luxury Casino Hotel, The Leela Palace Udaipur in India for Luxury Boutique Hotel and Pimalai Resort & Spa in Thailand for Luxury Hotel – Best Scenic Environment.

Some say that in order to succeed one has to argue limitations, so when LIVEOUTLOUD and a host of prestigious partners joined forces to host a Supercar Day, rest assured that not only would speed limits be argued, they would be broken.

Held annually at Kyalami, a host of the automotive top guns attend – Ferrari, Lamborghini and Porsche – ensuring that quality is always the order of the day.  With LIVEOUTLOUD as the primary sponsor for several years we have ensured hundreds of luxury sports cars heat up the track – and once again do so this year. Thanks to our extensive database of the country’s who’s who, a crème de la crème of car collectors, there is no doubt going to be some individuals who wish to speed, show and shine their latest marvels.

Cruising at speeds of 250km/h, advanced, intermediate and novice drivers all put pedal to the floor hoping to beat lap records all while handling each turn with high-speed panache. Because LIVEOUTLOUD is for those who can, all who attend are treated to the very best. With every need catered for, whether is it serving a 5-star meal or transforming the pit-lane into a lavish and comfortable showroom, most opt to spend the day at the track. There is even entertainment on offer for those still too young to take to the track. Some drivers opted to relax in a host of luxury furniture between laps, all too often drivers continue to exchange stories of technique and tactics. Nevertheless, spectators are able to see the real talent from those who seem to be all torque.

With an estimated value of R200-million lining the track, the real value comes in the finale – when LIVEOUTLOUD host a surprise race….

This year we also join forces with XS Promotions who will invite their own key racers who will no doubt set the track on fire….

For more information contact Armando@liveoutloud.co.za

Super Car Day 2010

[View with PicLens]

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With an estimated value of R200-million lining the track, the real value comes in the finale – when LIVEOUTLOUD host a surprise race….

This World Cup will be hosted in 10 stadiums in nine cities across eight provinces, with 32 teams from six confederations. The stadiums are Soccer City in Johannesburg (formerly known as the FNB Stadium), Moses Mabhida in Durban, Green Point in Cape Town, Ellis Park in Johannesburg, Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, Nelson Mandela Bay in Port Elizabeth, Free State in Bloemfontein, Peter Mokaba in Polokwane, Mbombela in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga and Royal Bafokeng in Rustenburg.

Green Point Stadium

The newly-built Green Point Stadium in Cape Town has a capacity of 70 000 and is one of the two semi-final venues for the FIFA World Cup. It is also going to be used to stage major events and concerts. Fans will be a stone’s throw from the ocean and the mountains of Cape Town will also provide the backdrop for matches.

Moses Mabhida Stadium

Also newly-built in Durban, the Moses Mabhida Stadium will also host one of the semi-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The 70 000-seater stadium has been specifically designed as a multi-purpose venue and an amphitheatre. The stadium was built on the site of the old Kings Park Stadium, Moses Mabhida, the ground’s namesake was born in Thornville near Pietermaritzburg on 14 October 1923 into a poor family who were later forced off their land. He underwent military training and became the chief political instructor of new military recruits. He later served as the commander of MK.

Soccer City

Located in Johannesburg’s southwest, the Soccer City Stadium will host the first and final matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The ground’s design is inspired by the iconic African pot known as the calabash and its aesthetic appeal will be heightened when the stadium is lit at night. The original stadium known as the FNB Stadium had a capacity of 80 000 and the new stadium now has a capacity of 94 700. It hosted the first mass rally of Nelson Mandela after his release from prison in 1990, in 1993 mourners lamented Chris Hani’s assassination and it has also hosted the 1996 CAF African Cup of Nations final with South Africa winning 2-0 over Tunisia.

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

Set on the shores of the North End Lake, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth will host the match for third place and a quarter-final in a total of eight matches during FIFA World Cup. Completed in 2009, this venue has a gross capacity of 46 082. One of its first major test events was the coveted Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs, a game that attracts capacity crowds in South Africa.

The word circa is used in an approximate context relating to historical events, particularly in the paleontological world where no exact dates are possible. So it is fitting that patrons of the palaeontological world name their building CIRCA to represent an approximation, or something that is undefined as a space but versatile in its ability to serve as function.

CIRCA is essentially an extension or annex of the Everard Read Gallery in Rosebank. It’s on a highly prominent corner of Jan Smuts and Jellicoe Avenues, so a real expectation of a bold architectural statement could well have influenced both the client, Mark and Christine Read, and the architect, Pierre Swanepoel of studioMAS. As it turned out, a bold statement never entered their minds, it was always about the most efficient and innovative solution to a gallery space on a small site.

Watching the construction process was fascinating. I wandered how the building would connect with the existing gallery across the road and how the strange forms emerging from the foundations would become what I envisaged the building to be. I was fascinated by the external ramp, all the time wandering how it would be enclosed and what influence Frank Lloyd Wright’s Guggenheim might have had on the incorporation of the ramp into the design. As far as the architect is concerned it didn’t.

Once the scrim went up I understood that CIRCA was about transparency; textural diversity on precise geometry; a sculptural veil that conceals inner mystery.

In plan the building is celestial in form, true to Kepler’s planetary movement models of an elongated orbit. As you ascend the structure on the external ramp, you circle the centre as a planet would the sun and then become enveloped within the building as the ramp becomes the inner gallery space in an unconscious metamorphosis.

The space is organic in shape and completely flexible, dispelling any pre conceived ideas of galley architecture – in fact the Reads weren’t sure that it should be limited to a gallery space and herein lies the rub. It’s a unique internal space in the context of the building – a pause for a look, a lecture, an exhibition, a piece of theatre, a brief reflection – before you continue your journey around the core, on and upward to the top.

The final destination takes you by surprise. It’s an open space extending off the Darwin Lounge – a private room, encapsulating Christine Read’s private collection of furniture and archaeological artefacts, including replica casts of the famous Taung and Mrs Ples’s skull. The scrim encloses the space in a ‘kraal’ like surround which is sculpted at the western end to form a balustrade and opens up the finest view of Johannesburg’s green canopy that you’ll see.

The sensual perception of the rooftop is rings within rings, convex forms that surround and envelope. You’re open to the skies and to the view before you – vulnerable yet comfortably secure. I could sit up there for hours. The external form of CIRCA is extraordinary in its inconsistency and changing façade. It is mysterious as much as it is open and its soul gradually reveals itself as you make your way through its core. Christine Read says they wanted to give something beautiful back to the city of Johannesburg. That they certainly have done with aplomb.

Imagine yourself being there when the ball soared through the posts when South Africa won the 1995 World Cup Rugby… or being at the opening of the first Soccer World Cup match in Africa… what about meeting Charlize Theron or even better Nelson Mandela himself… …Now wouldn’t that be a Live Out Loud moment?

Joburgers were greeted by a masculine Lamborghini and a feisty Ferrari while sharing their Live Out Loud moments, sipping on some bubbly and rubbing shoulders with some of the country’s most famous celebrities, but most important, the ordinary people who Live Out Loud in their own unique ways. Key radio personalities as well as the public will have their Live Out Loud moments placed on www.liveoutloud.co.za where subscribers can vote on the moment they think truly encapsulates the lifestyle of a high flyer. Each entrant will stand a chance of being awarded with a lavish luxury experience.

The lucky winners of the decisive Live Out Loud moments will be transformed instantly into patrons of luxury. Couples will be jetted off to Cape Town, where they will be welcomed at a leading 5-star hotel for two nights of splendour. All meals will be hosted at popular Cape Town eateries, including the stylish Grand Café and Beach will be included in the package, as well as a cruise in the Atlantic Ocean on an exclusive yacht courtesy of Pershing.

These are your Live Out Loud Moments:

Catherine Nel – Living out loud onboard a 72ft yacht, travelling from the Hamptons to New York drinking champagne and just relaxing and taking the most fabulous photo of the woman of independence – The Statue of Liberty. Then dancing like nobody was watching and cruising around Liberty Island, enjoying every moment.. best of all the memories will never fade.

Elma Vertue – When, after 6 years of heartache and sadness, caring for my cancer-ridden son of 20 years old, I wrote my story and sent it in to a local magazine, won the competition and was treated to a weekend of Spa-treatments. My son’s story and life has brought so much heartache and sadness, but at the same time touched so many lives and brought many smiles.

McDonald Kgare – Being the first generation in my family to get a university degree – cum laude!

Andrew Dinnis – Proposing to my wife with just a diamond, champagne and rose petals and yip.. she said YES!

Sudesh Singh – Met cricket star Sachin Tendulkar at a dinner.

Micheal Andreas Pashiou – Modelling for Live Out Loud to promote the brand and lifestyle at Lanseria Airport in 2009.

Andre Nel – The moment my child was born.

Francine Nel – Travelling on SA Blue Train, sitting in the tub with a glass of champers and looking out of the great Karoo.

Andre Gardner – Eating python in Taiwan.

Matthew Mansfield – The day I celebrated by MBA Graduation was the day I met my love and future wife. I remembered it as the happiest day of my life thus far.

Simon Bush – Champagne Hot Air Balloon breakfast over the Kruger National Park. Habiba

Yasmin Maconha – Thanks to the LIVE OUT LOUD magazine I chose my engagement ring from it and my fiancé actually took the magazine with him to Franschoek Jewellers to buy it!

Claudeen Coetzee – Completing my LLB and passing the Law Society exam then find out at the same time that I was pregnant.

James Ferraris – Being born!

Shamiema van Heerden – I met Eddy Grant – partied with him, it was a time in my life I will never forget.

Andrew Garcia – After skydiving for the first time my life was racing past me in the sky, when I landed on the ground I wanted to call everyone I know and tell them how precious they were to me. I felt life coursing through my veins and in that moment I felt alive.

Robert Davies – Getting over 300km/h on my bike, skydiving, bush walks.. etc.. all fail in comparison to having my sons put into my arms.

John Collin Wright – When my wife and I spent a weekend in the South of France cruising through the yacht club then heading up to Monte Carlo.

Neil Meyer – Winning my first gold medal at the South African athletics championships.

Ricardo Tau – When my dream came true on the 2nd and 3rd of January 2010 when I got married to a beautiful wife Khomotso.

Joshua Greenberg – Everyday: My first cup of coffee early each morning.

Thimbedi Nthite – My Live Out Loud moment would be to create my own brand of fashion and exclusive furniture which would be appeal to people for years to come.

Joseph Mpusheng Matebane – 2003 – 15th birthday went for a spin in a Ferrari Berlienetta 355 F4 from Imperial Exotics. 2009 – Graduated Top Draughting Student in the Gauteng Province and won an internship with a UK architect firm, leaving in February and coming back March as I have then been invited to judge a Design Competition hosted by Saint-Gobain Construction Products, got an exclusive tour of the Coppola Suite in Sandton and Raphael suite when they were under construction.

Boni Masdle – The day I decided to move to South Africa and settled in Harties.

Mark Foster – Watching the Americas Cup in Valencia Spain – incredible just being there, and I am going again!

Eddie McCosh – Climbing up one of the pyramids then being arrested, then the cop telling me to come back later to climb the largest pyramids with him.

Taryn Harding – Sailing a yacht through the different European Islands.

Melissa Mpotu – When I travelled to a GrandPrix Formula 1 in Brussels in 2008, it was amazing.

Desmond Waite – It must be scuba-diving in Mauritius with my wife.

Ilana Freidman – After a challenge by my personal trainer to do something “extra-ordinary”, I started a charitable organisation called MAGICAL MOMENTS in March 2004. We have indulged over 22 000 underprivileged children to magical moments, giving them a change to experience something beyond their own world – ultimately a chance to LIVE OUT LOUD….

Luleka – I was a waitress in 1998 at the Michael Angelo and I served Michael Jackson. He was in a meeting then about a Sun City deal that was being brokered. He met with Alec Erwin and some other hot shots. So the catering company I worked for was hired for the day. He only had bottled water. He was so sweet, we took a photo with him. I was over the moon I spilt the wine on the table when I tried to pour that’s how badly I was shaking. But it was the best ever he was so soft spoken he wore a maroon shirt white socks black pants I could never forget!

Ms Jenee Phasuniramol, Network Manager at ASIAN News Network

The glitzy gala ceremony in Thailand hosted at the world renowned lebua at State Tower, Bangkok in November last year. The glamorous red-carpet gala ceremony evening was opened by Ms Jennee Phasuniramol, Network Manager at the ASIAN News Network followed by a key note address to VIP’s including senior management from leading hotel brands by Mr Tawatchi Arunyick, Executive Director Tourism Authority of Thailand, Europe, Africa and Middle East regions.

The World Luxury Hotel Awards is about congratulating hotels that have taken the extra step with regards to their facilities and service excellence and as such differentiated themselves from ‘good hotels’ to ‘exceptional hotels’. There is enormous competition in the Luxury hotel sector. The standards are constantly being raised to almost unprecedented levels of luxury and service. Good is no longer acceptable. Only the absolute best has now become the requirement for the seasoned luxury traveller said Executive Manager of the WLHA Marinique Truter.

The Dome of lebua at State Tower, Bankok, the venue for the gala ceremony of the WLHA

Throughout the evening category winners and finalists where unveiled including luxury hotels, lodges and resorts situated across the globe. Amongst the 22 categories South Africa proudly walked away with 2 winners. Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Residence won the Luxury Suite Hotel category, and Lion Sands Private Game Reserve was named as the world’s best Luxury Game Lodge.

Finalists from South Africa included :

Sandton Sun – Luxury Hotel & Conference Centre, D’oreale Grande Hotel – Luxury Airport Hotel, The Point Hotel & Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa – Luxury Coastal Hotel, Grande Roche Hotel – Luxury Country Hotel, The Palazzo Montecasino – Luxury Casino Resort, Sheppard Boutique Hotel – Luxury Boutique Hotel, Pondoro Game Lodge, Riverbend Lodge & Tropicana River Lodge – Luxury Lodge, Aquila Private Game Reserve, Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge, Kwantu Private Game Reserve, Londolozi Private Game Reserve & Morukuru Lodge – Luxury Game Lodge; Riviera on Vaal Hotel & Country Club – Luxury Golf Resort; Budmarsh Private Lodge, De Hoek Country House, Cosmos Cuisine, Le Pommier Country Lodge – Luxury Country House

Ms Rattawadee Bualert owner of lebua Hotels and Resorts, host property for the 2009 World Luxury Hotel Awards said at the event, “We are not simply competing with other hotel chains, but with exclusive luxury brands worldwide. What we offer is an experience that is incomparable and truly memorable like visiting the wonders of the world. We aim to deliver an experience that will truly move you.”

To quote the WLHA’s Ms Marinique Truter, “I firmly believe that a World Luxury Hotel Award is the highest accolade that a hotel can receive because it says more about the property than any brochure can communicate, any picture can portray and any personal testimonial can express. Despite the global economic recession, our winners have survived and even thrived. They have seen challenges as opportunities and are leading the way as industry leaders. You make us proud to be in this challenging but rewarding industry.”

Winners and finalists of different categories are listed on the World Luxury Hotel Awards website www.luxuryhotelawards.com

WLHA's Ms Marinique Truter and Mr Siddharth Biswas of Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, the 2009 WLHA overall winner

The World Luxury Hotel Awards is an inspiration to nominees and other luxury properties on the global front to raise their levels of service excellence in order to feel comfortable in competing on an international level and to set a benchmark for themselves. Winners and finalists were selected from votes cast by travel industry delegates.

The overall 2008 World Luxury Hotel Awards winner lebua at State Tower’s CEO Mr Deepak Ohri proudly handed over the coveted trophy of overall excellence to this year’s proud winner Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi which has set an industry example in 2009 with regards to overall excellence. Congratulations!

Live Out Loud

It is about congratulating hotels that have taken the extra step and differentiated themselves from “good hotels” to “exceptional hotels”. The World Luxury Hotel Awards are accepted as the pinnacle of achievement for Luxury Hotels, Resorts & Lodges worldwide. The World Luxury Hotel Awards accounts for all categories in the Luxury Hotel industry & recognises Hotels/ Lodges & Resorts on the global front that fall within the “luxury niche”.

Award winners set the benchmark for luxury establishments in achieving recognition for their world class facilities and service excellence. The 2009 World Luxury Hotel Awards Gala Dinner will take place on the 27th of November 2009 at the world renowned lebua at State Tower Hotel – Bangkok, last year’s overall winner. WORLD LUXURY HOTEL AWARDS OBJECTIVES:

To encourage and maintain service excellence in the Luxury accommodation industry; Luxury establishments to receive acknowledgement for their world class facilities and service excellence provided and available to guests; To participate in the prestigious World Luxury Hotel Awards means promoting your company’s excellence on a global scale; To promote and expose nominees and participants on the global front by means of our international website for one year; The possibility for a nominated Luxury Hotel/Lodge/Resort to become the overall winner/one of the finalists in the selected category for 2010 or any particular year; To provide media coverage for participating Luxury establishments at the annual Gala Ceremony; The official World Luxury Hotel Awards 2010 logo are supplied on an annual basis to all the finalists/winners per category to use on all marketing material, therefore building of a companies credibility by means of a visual concept; International marketing exposure for nominees through online e-brochures, as well as at numerous international travel fairs;

Some of the 2009 South African Nominees include:

Aquila Private Game Reserve

Arabella Western Cape Hotel & Spa

Budmarsh Private Lodge

Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence

Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge

D`oreale Grande Hotel

Grande Roche Hotel

Kwantu Private Game Reserve

Lion Sands Private Game Reserve

Londolozi Private Game Reserve

Morukuru Lodge

Pondoro Game Lodge

RiverBend Lodge Riviera on Vaal Hotel & Country Club

Sandton Sun

Sheppard Boutique Hotel

The Palazzo Montecasino Johannesburg

For more info or to nominate a hotel go to www.luxuryhotelawards.com

Departing from &Beyond Kwandwe Private Game Reserve which offers excellent Big Five game viewing, this historic safari includes visits to ancient San rock art sites, neighbouring forts and military towns such as Fort Beaufort and Grahamstown. The three-kilometre hike to view the ancient Bushman Paintings – a well-preserved San rock art site on a farm near &Beyond Kwandwe – will either begin at 07h00 or 15h00 (depending on the weather.)

This enjoyable climb is also a bit steep so a fair degree of fitness is required. Guests will also journey to the historic town of Grahamstown to participate in the Spirits of the Past talk which covers the history of the people of this region and the events that shaped South Africa as it is today. As Alan states, “Frontiers at Kwandwe will leave guests with an entertaining and unconventional overview of  The South African Story, which has its origins in the confluence of people, culture and climate in the Eastern Cape”.

Alan’s approach to history helps guests understand the Frontier country’s rich legends, traditions and long struggle for land. A gifted raconteur, he focuses on the people and the colourful military and archaeological past. Alan has won Tour Guide of the Year in 2005, as well as the SA Tourism Grand Prix Welcome Award, and is contracted to &Beyond. Besides full day historical tours, he also offers half day tours to the Valley of the Ancient Voices, where guests can stand on historic battlefields. This exceptional adventure is just one of the many Specialist Safaris that can be booked at &Beyond Kwandwe and costs R8 150 per person (excluding accommodation). A maximum of six guests can be booked for this journey.