Honeymoons Archives | Page 15 of 16

In Advice

Spend your honeymoon relaxing in the luxury of Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

April 12, 2019 No Comments

Take a trip into the wild with Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge for a glamorous honeymoon stay. With endless activities and luxurious amenities, this spot is the perfect destination for keen adventurers and those looking for an intimate escape.

THE VENUE

A mere 1.5 hours from Richards Bay lies Africa’s oldest game reserve, Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, with its singular game lodge, Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge. This 4-star accommodation sits privately in the expansive reserve and in the middle of Big 5 territory, making it the ideal getaway for couples. Besides taking pride in their excellent service, Rhino Ridge fulfils its duty as part of the Isibindi Africa Lodge group to protect and preserve the natural surrounds and species present in the game reserve, as well as uplift the local community of Mpembeni.

THE ROOMS

With only four room types to choose from and 36 beds in total, Rhino Ridge provides an exclusive and intimate stay. The honeymoon villas at Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge are what dreams are made of. Nestled in indigenous bush and secluded from the rest of the reserve so you have your privacy, each villa overlooks the expansive wilderness and boasts a private plunge pool for you to take a dip at your leisure. There are also eight luxury bush villas, four safari rooms and two safari family suites to stay in.

THE FOOD

Meals are enjoyed in the main lounge, which showcases breathtaking views of the bush, sunsets and starry skies. Indulge in an array of cocktails and local dishes on the terrace, or sip on one of your favourite South African wines by the fire pit. All the meals are freshly made from local produce and cater to all dietary requirements.

THE ACTIVITIES

Apart from the main lodge, Rhino Ridge has its own private spa with organic treatments designed to promote health, wellness and, of course, relaxation. While you unwind for a massage, you can look out at some incredible views of the reserve. When it comes to adventurous activities, the lodge offers game drives twice a day and guided bush walks on request. You can also enjoy a Zulu cultural experience with visits to the local Mpembeni community, or browse the fascinating items in the Centenary Capture Centre and Museum.

For more information, head to rhinoridge.co.za.

Images: Rhino Ridge / rhinoridge.co.za

In Advice

Get ‘Honeymoon Ready’ In 5 Easy Steps

March 7, 2019 No Comments

With all the planning and excitement around the wedding, there’s little room to prepare to ensure you are fully honeymoon ready! Even if you’ve arranged for your honeymoon to take place a few days/weeks after the big day, there’s no doubt that you’ll be exhausted and ready to pack up and go. And besides, who wants to go back to work after such an incredible high?

Having your honeymoon straight after your big day will let you ease into married life and give you the rest you need after months of preparation. Yet, this can make it difficult to find time to prepare for your vacay. Luckily, we have 5 simple steps to help you through your prep and packing!

STEP 1

First things first, ensure that everything is booked and set for your departure and arrival, including the flights, car hire, hotel, etc. Print all your booking confirmations and keep them in a travel wallet so that you have everything on hand should your cellular device fail you. You can also keep your passport, bank cards and any other important documents with this.

STEP 2

Next, it’s time to get everything you’ll be taking with you together. It’s important to take into consideration the weather of your honeymoon destination and the activities you’ll be doing when packing your clothes. Check up on the weather a week beforehand so that you know what you’re in for. Remember that it’s better to have more options rather than too little, and you can’t bank on finding what you need at the location you intend on travelling to. As a general rule, make sure you have enough clothes for warm and cool weather.

STEP 3

As mentioned above, you can’t expect that your destination will have everything you need, so make sure to include any personal items such as hygiene products and medication, as well as your absolute daily essentials, in your travel bag. That being said, it won’t hurt to do a bit of research into what your accommodation will offer in the room so that you can save on a few items such as towels, a hairdryer, soap, etc. Medication is an absolute must-have, especially if you have a chronic condition or intend on travelling long distances.

STEP 4

This is where you factor in any extra items that you would like to bring, for instance, you may want to invest in a disposable or Polaroid camera to capture all your fun and special moments. Travel accessories, a journal, special outfits for the trip (hint, hint) are fun extras to consider when packing.

STEP 5

Finally, it’s important that before you leave, make all the contact details for your accommodation as well as any other important information available to family members or close friends in case of an emergency on your trip.

Time to get packing!

Image: Unsplash

In Advice

Which one of these DIY seating charts is perfect for you?

December 13, 2018 No Comments

The RSVPs are in and you’ve finally figured out where everyone is going to sit, now it’s time to come up with a creative way to relay the information to your guests. Equipped with one of these DIY seating charts, you’ll be good to go!

1. THE SEATING CHART/WEDDING FAVOUR COMBO

Combining your seating chart with your wedding favours is an amazing way to save both time and money.

Cacti, Stodels

2. STAY ON TREND WITH COPPER CREATIVITY

If you particularly like the metallic trend, this is totally up your alley. Use copper piping to assemble a sturdy frame. Hang string or ribbon from the frame, and then attach the seating cards for each table. Decorate with some greenery and place in a prominent position.

Copper pipe, Builders; greenery, Fabulous Flowers; stationery, Lezanne’s Designs

3. MOTIF MAGIC

Group your tables to correspond with your theme. Print cards with the different categories and pin to a gorgeous board outside the venue.

Stationery, The Pink Collection

Styling: Francoise Jeanne de Villers
Photography: Gareth van Nelson

*All products subject to availability

In Grooming

Every groom’s ultimate grooming guide

November 15, 2018 No Comments

Whether you’re a metrosexual, moustachioed man or a couldn’t-be-bothered bearded bro, our ultimate grooming guide will have you looking dapper on your big day.

BACK TO BASICS

If you haven’t started investing in a solid skincare regime yet, the day you get engaged is the perfect time to start. Begin by washing your face correctly with a good-quality cleanser, add a biweekly exfoliation into your routine, and nourish your skin with a moisturiser that suits your skin type and contains an SPF for daily sun protection. Speaking of hydration, up your water intake to eight glasses a day for a clearer, more radiant complexion come the big day.
We recommend:
Dermalogica Daily Defense Block SPF15
Clinique For Men Oil Control Exfoliating Tonic
Nivea Men Active Energy Face Wash Gel

CLOSE SHAVE

The only way you’re going to find your stubble sweet spot is by testing it out before the wedding. Shave a few times and take note of how long it takes for your beard to grow to a length you’re happy with for the ceremony. An unruly, scruffy beard is never a good look, so trim it slightly more than you usually would for a clean look (and to keep your bride smiling) on the day.
We recommend:
Philips Series 7000 Wet And Dry Shaver

GO PRO

If you’re wary of trimming and styling your own stubble, why not gather your groomsmen and treat yourself to a hot-towel shave ahead of your wedding? Chat to your trusty barber about both your hair and fuzz options, including how close to the wedding you should have your final haircut and shave – all depending on your typical growth and proneness to irritation.

EYES ON THE PRIZE

Maybe you hit the bar a bit heavy at the bachelor party and your peepers are far from sparkling. Sit for a few minutes with ice packs on your eyes (cold cucumber slices work too, in a pinch), and then follow with redness-reducing eye drops and a soothing under-eye gel.
We recommend:
Clarins Men Anti-Fatigue Eye Serum

TOP TO TOE

Don’t forget about your hands and feet – they deserve a good pampering too. Book a men’s mani-pedi at a salon a few days before the wedding. Your bride will be impressed at your attention to detail, and we bet you’ll love the feel of well-kept fingertips and soft skin. Use a dollop of hand cream on the day to prep your mitts to ensure plenty of hand-holding.
We recommend:
The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector

GRIN AND BARE IT

Consider getting your teeth cleaned and whitened a few weeks before the wedding, especially if you are a big coffee drinker, red-wine lover or smoker. For a cheaper alternative, add a dentist-approved whitening toothpaste to your brushing routine a few months before the day.

SCENT AND SENSIBILITY

There are few things worse than a groom who reeks of cheap cologne, so be sure to choose your fragrance wisely and apply sparingly. Already have a signature scent? Go with that, or shop around a few weeks before the day to find something special. We recommend a lighter scent (one with ‘green’ notes of herbs and zesty citrus) as opposed to an overly masculine one with strong woody notes.
We recommend:
Chanel Allure Homme Sport EDT

BROW NOW

Tame those caterpillars by plucking any errant hairs a few days before your wedding. Focus only on removing the rogue hairs between your eyes. Leave the ones above your brows and inside the inner or outer-eye lines alone – plucking these is overkill.
We recommend:
Studio Basics Slant Tip Tweezer

In Engagements

Taking a look at gender-free fashion inspo

April 11, 2018 No Comments

It’s 2018, and we’re moving into a time where people and fashion are letting go of the norms and setting new trends by unapologetically being themselves. Whether you completely reject gender stereotypes or don’t prescribe to the binary, we’re here to provide you with some gender-free fashion inspo for your wedding wardrobe.

Take a look at some of our favourite androgynous fashion choices this season.

1. @floridaelago

You can never go wrong with a classic suit and chic prints.

2. @houseofandrogyne

All-black is always a winner.

3. @afro.andro

Mix up touches of femininity and masculinity for a balanced look that will leave everyone gushing.

4. @dancingwiththem

Be unique and incorporate alternative and modern styles for your big day.

5. @dancingwiththem

Statement pieces paired with classic styles elevate your wardrobe in amazing ways.

Header image: @nicotortorella
Photography: instagram.com

In Destination

Honeymoon: Drostdy Hotel, Eastern Cape

December 21, 2017 No Comments

Want to keep your honeymoon local without sacrificing on luxury? Drostdy Hotel in the Eastern Cape town of Graaff-Reinet could be where your memories are made. This boutique hotel features an Africology spa, state-of-the-art gym and choice of three swimming pools surrounded by gardens. If you can drag yourself away from the pampering, there are plenty of historic sites to visit in SA’s fourth oldest town and mesmerising natural beauty in nearby Camdeboo National Park.

In Beauty

Standout smoky eyes

December 4, 2017 No Comments

Defy convention with standout smoky eyes. Use an eyelid primer to keep pigments strong and prevent shadows creasing, and boost your batting power with a lash primer before applying your mascara.

MUST-HAVES

LCN Long Wear Eyeshadow in Smokey

Benefit They’re Real Dual Purpose Tinted Lash Primer

In Advice

5 Packing tips for your honeymoon or destination wedding

August 1, 2017 No Comments

It’s no mean feat packing for an ordinary holiday but when you’re headed off to a tropical paradise or a snowy escape for your honeymoon (or even your destination wedding), things can get a little trickier. And because we want you to have the time of your life without having to worry about that extra sundress or the snow shoes you didn’t pack, Wedding Album consulted with luggage experts House of Samsonite for all the tips you need to pack like a professional.

1 Plan before you pack

• Check your destination for weather conditions, special clothing requirements for religious purposes and laundry facilities. If your husband-to-be is planning a surprise honeymoon and you’re unsure of the climate, make sure you cover all your bases with transitional-wear
• if you’re planning on doing any activities or attending a special event, make sure you have the correct clothing and equipment
• Ensure you’ve checked the luggage restrictions (weight, number of suitcases and size for hand luggage) for your airline as bulky items are often subject to special regulations while there are strict safety regulations for hand luggage.

2 Choose the right luggage

• Size is important – too big can lead to crumpled clothing while too small will leave you with creases!
• Hard cases are durable, and scratch and shock resistant, while soft cases are best if you’re pushed for space as they expand and have lots of extra pockets
• If your luggage is quite heavy, opt for a suitcase with sturdy wheels. If you’re only doing a short trip, leave the baggage behind and take a lightweight carry-on case instead.

3 It’s about what you need

• Before you throw your entire closet in your suitcase, compile a list of items you’d like to take or think you will need – then remove those that aren’t necessary
• Create a capsule wardrobe for your trip that you can mix and match. Choose one or two colour palettes and non-crease items that you can dress both up and down to enable you to create a variety of outfits from a few items
• You can also cut down the number of clothing items you pack by taking along a small container of handwash detergent
• Downsize your toiletries by only taking the essentials and decanting them into smaller containers. Most hotels provide soaps and shower gels so you can leave those behind if you’re staying at one
• Check with your hotel whether towels are supplied and which electrical appliances will be on hand.

4 Pack smartly

• Pack heavier items in the bottom of your suitcase and ensure you have flat, level surfaces to avoid creasing
• Place your shoes in shoe or plastic bags so they don’t dirty your clothing. Smaller items, such as socks and underwear, can be pushed inside your shoes to save space or used to fill gaps in the suitcase
• Use sarongs or beach towels to create layers and section your suitcase – you’ll be able to find things easily when you’re in a hurry
• A divider pad or cross ribbons will help you organise your suitcase as well as keep your clothing in place when your suitcase is not filled
• Wrap your electrical products in non-crease items to protect them
• Rolling your clothing is best if you’re using smaller luggage like a backpack, holdall or small duffel. Rolling works well for trousers, skirts, shorts and jerseys while items like shirts are better folded
• Invest in a packing kit or frame to fold clothes and avoid creases. You can also insert a sheet of tissue paper between individual layers of clothing to reduce creasing
• Use the top section of your suitcase to store delicate items or separate dirty laundry
• Interweave tailored items like skirts, trousers, coats and jackets to prevent creases: drape the item inside the suitcase with the ends hanging over the sides and put soft items, like T-shirts and jerseys, on top. Then fold over the ends hanging off the side and smooth them out
• Lay out your leather items, such as belts, along the inside walls of the suitcase to avoid damage
• Place toiletries that could leak or electrical goods that need to stay dry in plastic bags or vanity cases.

5 Safety first

• Always place your valuables, fragile items and important documents in your hand luggage
• Ensure you have two identity tags – one on the inside of your suitcase and one on the outside – in case one gets ripped off
• Write your name, number and the place you will be staying on the label. Using your home address can draw attention to the fact that you will be away
• Choose a sturdy lock and make sure it works.

Information courtesy of House of Samsonite. The new Lipault Inés de La Fressange range (pictured above) is available in a Spinner (R2 999 for 55 cm, R3 599 for 65 cm and R3 999 for 72 cm), a Duffle Bag (R1 999), a Backpack (R999 for extra-small, R1 199 for medium) and a toiletry kit (R699).

Photography Erol Ahmed/Unsplash and courtesy images

In Honeymoons

4 Tips for the ultimate blushing bride look

September 4, 2015 No Comments

Blush is a wonder product as it can instantly brighten up the face and it’s definitely the one make-up item I’d like to have with me if I was stranded on a desert island. However, picking the most flattering shade of blusher and applying it correctly can be quite a challenge. Read on for our tips for getting it right and get ready to get cheeky.

1 Go for au naturel

Navigating through hundreds of blusher shades is easy if you bear in mind that your best shade will be similar to the colour you naturally blush. If you are fair, try a soft pink or rosy nude, such as the Revlon Powder Blush in Naughty Nude (R209). Medium or olive skin tones suit corals and bronze hues, such as the Smashbox L.A. Lights Blendable Lip & Cheek Color in Venice Beach Bronze and Silver Lake Sunset (R320) while darker complexions look gorgeous with a pop of bright pink or a rich plummy red, such as Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Plum Wine (R99.95).

2 Create a C-shape

The most natural-looking way to apply blush is by sweeping it over the apples of your cheeks and up towards your eyebrows in a ‘C’ motion. Use a large, soft and fluffy brush to apply powder formulas – our choice is the Real Techniques Blush Brush (R169.95). Your fingers work best for cream or stick variants as your body warmth helps to melt and blend in the creamy texture.

Pro tip ‘When you are applying blush, don’t smile, because once you stop, the apples of your cheeks will lower, and suddenly your blush will be hovering right over your mouth instead of the tops of your cheeks,’ advises British make-up artist Wayne Goss.

3 Carve out cheekbones

Did you know that blusher can double up as a contour product? By applying blush onto the apples of the cheeks (as you normally would) and then using your fingertips to blend it up and out towards your ears with patting motions, you’ll define your cheekbones. Finish off with a touch of highlighter along the tops of your cheekbones for a brightening effect. We adore the MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Powder in Soft & Gentle (R370).

4 Layer it up

Try this clever formula when you need your blusher to stay put on your big day: first use a cream blush and then apply a powder version in a similar colour over it. You can even tailor-make your own shade by layering a peach and pink blush onto your cheeks. Be sure to blend very well so that there are no visible lines and avoid blushers containing large shimmer particles as these will ruin the illusion of that lit-from-within glow. Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush in Ambre D’or (R134.95) is just the right amount of delicate shimmer and pretty colour.

Pro tip A backstage make-up secret is to rub a little bit of blush on the earlobes of the models to make them look more fresh and awake.

Photography Maybelline, courtesy images

In Destination

Pocket-friendly minimoons

April 28, 2015 No Comments

We’re lucky enough to live in a country with the most incredible romantic getaways, often just a short road trip away. Here’s a round-up of some of our penny-pinching favourites.

Words Jill Kayton and Zainab Slemang

Die Rondekraal, Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm, Northern Cape

Best for wide, open spaces that burst into a riot of colour in spring, and stargazing at night.

Situated on a private farm outside Nieuwoudtville, ‘the bulb capital of the world’, Die Rondekraal is a stone and thatch cottage that oozes charm.

Who goes there? Nature lovers with a taste for culture and heritage.

Must try Sundowners overlooking the waterfall at the edge of Papkuilsfontein’s spectacular 180m canyon and an informative guided tour of the San rock art on the farm.

Good to know The cottage is well equipped for a self-catering honeymoon, but you can also order two- or three-course dinners delivered piping hot to your door (and judging by the rave reviews on TripAdvisor, we’d suggest you do!).

Rates R395 pp sharing; two- and three-course dinners from R180–R240 pp

Papkuilsfontein Guest Farm, Nieuwoudtville
+27 (0)27 218 1246
www.papkuilsfontein.com

Little Willow Brooke, Franschhoek, Western Cape

Best for a romantic bolt-hole within walking distance of Franschhoek’s culinary hub.

Situated above a bubbling stream in a thicket of willow and oak trees, Little Willow Brooke is a Cape-styled country cottage with all the trimmings: think tin roof, wonky terracotta paving and rough whitewashed walls.

Who goes there? Foodie couples who want to experience the buzz of Franschhoek, with somewhere quiet to cosy up at the end of a busy day of eating and drinking.

Must try A dip in your own private plunge pool and a picnic on the grassy verge down by the river.

Good to know Pop into the surrounding wine farms for a leisurely tasting and bring home your favourite vintage to enjoy with a braai on your stoep or next to the fireplace inside.

Rates R750 per couple per night

Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek
+27 (0)83 321 7008
www.littlewillowbrooke.co.za

Crawfords Beach Lodge, Chintsa, Eastern Cape

Best for a four-star beach honeymoon.

Situated in the seaside village of Chintsa, 40 km from East London on the Wild Coast.

Who goes there? Honeymooners looking for an all-inclusive tropical escape, without having to board a plane.

Must try Long beach walks, lazing by the pool with sweeping views down to the beach, dining on delicious, fresh seafood at the lodge’s restaurant … there’s no end to activities for post-wedding relaxation. Top of our books is a visit to Senses @ Crawfords, where the professional therapist will banish any residual stress with a Swedish massage, to be followed by a glass of bubbly in the jacuzzi.

Good to know Choose a sea-facing, front-row room for the best views.

Rates Seven-night, all-inclusive honeymoon packages start at R4 975 pp. While that’s a little over our pocket-friendly minimoons benchmark, it does include unlimited local drinks and three meals a day, which add up to a pretty sweet deal.

42 Steenbras Drive, Chintsa East
+27 (0)43 738 5000
www.crawfordsbeachlodge.co.za

Platbos Log Cabins, Rawsonville, Western Cape

Best for a peaceful and secluded waterside getaway.

Situated on a private farm, cradled by mountains in the breathtaking Slanghoek Valley in Rawsonville, just over an hour’s drive from Cape Town.

Who goes there? Eco-travellers who don’t want to sacrifice style and comfort.

Must try Fishing for bass from the outside deck of your cabin, with a cold drink in hand and nothing but the call of the fish eagle to break the silence.

Good to know There is no electricity, but the kitchen is fully equipped with gas appliances and the cabin has battery-operated solar lights. To get to the cabins, you need a 4×4 or raised vehicle (something with decent ground clearance).

Rates R1 380 per cabin per night

Slanghoek Road, Rawsonville
+27 (0)23 344 3138
www.platboslogcabins.co.za

Ndiza Lodge & Cabanas, St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal

Best for the incredible diversity of wetlands and wildlife

Situated near the Umfolozi River mouth in St Lucia, a World Heritage Site.

Who goes there? Adventure-loving couples.

Must try A sunset boat cruise on Lake St Lucia estuary, home to an abundance of wildlife, including hippos and crocs.

Good to know Ndiza really knows how to treat newly-weds – apart from a complimentary three-course seafood meal served with wine at a private candlelit table, honeymooning couples will also receive a voucher for a two-night stay on their first anniversary.

Rates From R495 pps per night, including breakfast

153 Hornbill Street, St Lucia
+27 (0)35 590 1113
www.ndizastlucia.co.za

Magoebaskloof Getaway, Haenertsburg, Limpopo

Best for a rustic and relaxed mountainside escape

Situated in Magoebaskloof near Haenertsburg and Tzaneen, a three-hour drive from Pretoria. Book one of the three self-catering log cabins on the dam, backed by indigenous forest. Camping and caravanning sites are also available.

Who goes there? Active couples keen on hiking, fly-fishing and birdwatching.

Must try Pick up a map at reception and follow the two- to three-hour trail to the top of the farm, stopping en route for a refreshing shower under a crystal-clear waterfall.

Good to know Fly-fishing permits are available free to guests staying over – you only pay for the trout or bass you take home.

Rates From R650 per cabin per night

R71, Haenertsburg, Limpopo
+27 (0)83 449 7024
www.magoebaskloofgetaway.co.za

La Roca Guest House, Nelspruit, Mpumalanga

Best for exploring the nearby Kruger National Park and the incredible natural wonders of the Panorama Route.

Situated in a large subtropical garden adjoining Nelspruit Nature Reserve, La Roca is a four-star boutique guest house providing luxurious accommodation in tastefully decorated rooms.

Who goes there? Discerning travellers who appreciate value for money and above-par hospitality.

Must try Take a self-drive tour of the Panorama Route, stopping to marvel at the awe-inspiring Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and the Bourke’s Luck Potholes. Unwind after a day’s sightseeing with G&Ts at La Roca’s glorious pool, with uninterrupted views over the reserve.

Good to know Mpumalanga’s capital city, Nelspruit, hosts the popular InniBos arts festival every year in July, attracting more than 200 musicians, actors and artists and some 100 000 spectators.

Rates From R1 000 per room per night, including breakfast.

56 Van Wijk Street, Nelspruit
+27 (0)13 752 6628
www.laroca.co.za