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In Advice

Honeymoon destinations inspired by TV shows

May 17, 2022 No Comments

It’s time to ring in your recent nuptials with a heavenly honeymoon. If you’re a super-fan of a particular show, why not make your getaway an extra special trip by visiting their filming locations? Even if you haven’t seen these shows, these destinations promise memorable moments with your love.

Dubrovnik, Croatia – Game of Thrones

While many Croatian cities doubled up as filming locations for the popular HBO series, Game of Thrones, none are more famous than Dubrovnik. Dubrovnik’s old town is home to the show’s Kings Landing, capital of the mythical Seven Kingdoms. There are multiple locations throughout old town that will be immediately recognisable to GOT fans. Most famously, Queen Cersei did her walk of shame right here at the Jesuit Staircase. Scenes were also filmed on the City Walls and the West Harbour, at the entrance of the old town, where the battle of Blackwater Bay was shot.

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Niagara Falls, Canada – The Office

Considering The Office is one of the most loved TV shows of all time, this is one destination many would be thrilled at. Fan favourites Jim and Pam famously got married under the falls. After growing incredibly stressed, Jim and Pam ditch their wedding plans the day of, instead hopping aboard a ferry and getting hitched in a private ceremony officiated by the ship’s captain.

Retrace their steps by taking a ferry to the falls and visit the Hornblower. Don’t forget to end the evening with a moonlit stroll along the brightly illuminated Falls.

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Paris – Sex and the City

You’ll need little encouragement to visit the city of love and lights, but we’ll give you one anyway. Sex and the City, the iconic early-2000s show detailing the lives of four New York women, is much-loved by fans. While Carrie and the girls call New York home, she found herself glamorously living in Paris in the final season. Channel your inner Carrie and Big with a romantic trip to Paris. Make sure to stop off at the Plaza Athénée where she stayed, and take a romantic stroll on Le Pont Des Arts, the Lovers Bridge, where Carrie and Big famously reunited.

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New York – Gossip Girl / Friends

The Big Apple is full of filming locations open to the public. Fan-favourite Gossip Girl had every viewer wishing they could live in the upper West Side. For most of us, our closest bet to living their glamorous lives is by is visiting the filming locations. From the Palace Hotel where it-girl Serena Van der Woodsen lived to the steps of the Met where the girls of Constance would congregate, you will love living it up in New York. Xoxo, Gossip Girl.

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California – American Horror Story

Take a trip to California for a spooky spin on your honeymoon. Los Angeles is home to an incredibly famous, and incredibly eerie, house. The Alfred Rosenheim Mansion, or Murder House as American Horror Story (AHS) fans know it, is actually a popular filming location, having appeared in Spider-Man and Seabiscuit. Other notable filming locations you can visit include Cecil Hotel, which appeared in season 5, and Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana, home to Briarcliff Asylum in Season Two.

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England – Downton Abbey & The Crown

Fans or Downton Abbey and The Crown will have a royal time in England. Travellers can visit central filming location, Highclere Castle, which viewers will know as Downton manor, as well as a host of other beautiful buildings featured on the show.

Lovers of the British Monarchy-centred show, The Crown, can visit Lancaster House in Westminster, which serves as the filming location for Buckingham Palace’s recreated State Rooms. Or, if you want, you can visit the real place itself and pop down to Buckingham Palace to bask in royalty.

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Image: Unsplash

In Destination

Cape Town crowned 2nd best wedding destination in the world

May 13, 2022 No Comments

Searching for one of the best wedding destinations in the world? You may not need to travel far and wide if you’re South African, as Cape Town as recently been crowned the second-best wedding destination in the world for 2022!

The Iconic jewellery brand Daniel Cristopher announced the ranking, news that comes after Cape Town was named third “Greatest City on Earth” by the UK’s Telegraph this week.

The brand, operating since 1960, compiled a list of places and made the final judgement based on a number of factors, including weather conditions, the price of luxury hotels, and LGBTQ+ friendliness.

Maybe all the love in the Cape air blew us into right into the second spot, but we’re still tickled pink to be right up there with some of the most spectacular destinations.

Here are the Top 10 wedding destinations listed:

1. Mexico City

Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico. Picture: Pexels

2. Cape Town

3. Cancun

4. Playa Del Carmen

Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. Picture: www.mexicancaribbean.travel

5. Sydney

6. Barcelona

7. Lisbon

8. Rio de Janeiro

9. Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina. Picture: Pexels

10. Madrid

Picture: @gavincaseyweddings / Wedding Photographer / Cape Town

In Advice

Unique honeymoon stays in South Africa

May 8, 2022 No Comments

A honeymoon is already a romantic trip, but why not make it even more special with an unusual destination? Standard hotel rooms and airbnbs are are fun but they’re also a little bit predictable.

South Africa has a few weird and wonderful locations that you can call ‘home’ for a few days while celebrating your newly wedded bliss. Here are a few of our favourites.

Old Mac Daddy

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Just an hour out of Cape Town and set amongst the apple orchards, Old Mac Daddy offers open spaces, mountain paths, a lakeside beach and plenty of outdoor activities. Part caravan park, part designer farm lodge – this little hotel is truly unique.

They have a sleek collection of 12 themed vintage Airstream Trailer Suites, each uniquely designed by some of Cape Town’s top artists and designers.

Visit the website HERE.

Rovos Rail

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Since its establishment in 1989, Rovos Rail has earned an international reputation for its truly world-class travel experiences. In a series of bespoke train journeys lasting from 48 hours to 15 days, Rovos Rail links some of the continent’s greatest destinations with a variety of off-train excursions.

The vintage carriage offers 3 suite types: Royal, Deluxe and Pullman. The suites accommodate one or two passengers with the option of double or twin beds. All have en-suites with shower, toilet, basin and bath (Royal only), tea facilities, safes, air conditioning, linen and amenities and are serviced daily.

Visit the website HERE.

Kagga Kamma Cave Suites

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A post shared by Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve (@kagga_kamma) on May 21, 2020 at 11:00pm PDT

Go back into nature and live like our forefathers, albeit it in a much more luxurious way. Kagga Kamma in the Swartruggens region of the Cederberg Mountains offers ten unique man-made ‘Cave’ Suites that were skilfully constructed to integrate with the natural Sandstone formations.

The facade of the ‘Cave’ Suites are man-made, while the back interior wall is natural sandstone. Each ‘Cave’ Suite has a small terrace with a view and is simply furnished with comfort in mind. Each ‘Cave’ is equipped with a double bed, air-conditioner, and coffee/tea making facilities, en-suite bathroom, bathrobes, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

Visit their website HERE.

Speekhout treehouse, Eastern Cape

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Live out your childhood fantasies by staying in a real-life treehouse. Speekhout offer an adult wooden treehouse built in the boughs of an ancient sprawling red Karee tree (Rhus Lancea). The dwelling is enveloped by the branches of a living tree, with lush vegetation and bush as a private garden
It is free-standing and away from other guest accommodation on the farm, also making it naturally private.

Equipped as a self-catering getaway with gas and electricity, the Tree House also has a newly installed enclosed fireplace making cold karoo winter nights warm inside. There is an outdoor braai area for starry summer nights and mountain views alike.

Visit their website HERE.

Houseboat Myrtle, Knysna Lagoon

Spend the day floating over the Knysna lagoon on the Houseboat Myrtle, a totally self-contained wooden cottage on the water. Myrtle is one of the original Knysna houseboats and has a lovely wood finish inside. With its two decks, it’s perfect for lazy days floating on the lagoon. From the deck, you can enjoy views of the lagoon, the quays and the Knysna Heads, catch fish or just relax…

The boat is moored in a permanent location, yet turns with the changing tides or winds, giving you the variety of the 360 Degrees views of Knysna from both decks. You can even lay in bed and watch as the boat turns and changes your bed view.

Visit their website HERE.

Picture: Instagram / Old Mac Daddy

In Beauty

Met Gala looks that make perfect wedding gowns

May 5, 2022 No Comments

The Met Gala for 2022 came, saw and conquered, leaving us with looks that took our collective breaths away (and not always in a good way).

However, out of it all, some gowns part of the Gilded Glamour theme were so gorgeous, we’re ready to take them off the red carpet and onto another important path – the aisle!

Here are some Met Gala looks that would make perfect wedding gowns:

Eiza González in Michael Kors.

Miranda Kerr in Oscar de la Renta.

Kylie Jenner in a design by the late Virgil Abloh, Off-White.

Alexa Chung in Christian Siriano.

Tessa Thompson in Carolina Herrera.

Hailey Bieber in Yves Saint Laurent.

Ramla Ali in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture.

Camilla Cabeo in Atelier Prabal Gurung.

Picture: Cibelle Levi

In Fashion

Ryan Reynolds’ reaction to wife, Blake Lively’s Met Gala gown has us swooning

May 4, 2022 No Comments

Ryan Reynolds may be married to Blake Lively, but he’s the internet’s husband now. The Marvel actor has left women around the internet swooning after his adorable reaction to Blake’s colour-changing Versace dress.

And deservedly so. The dress is a beautiful ode to the Statue of Liberty and the theme for the Gala titled: “Guilded Glamour.”

The dress is perfect, mesmerising, beautiful, and a shiny example of glamour:

The pictures of the dress “changing colour” is equally as beautiful, it’s hard not to see why anyone would have an awe-inspiring reaction:

While it would’ve been incredible to see a dress changing colour before our eyes, it was actually a top layer that was expertly removed by a crew of handy individuals half way up the stairs.

Here’s a peek at the stunning reveal:

pic.twitter.com/53aN3t2Qrd

— #MetGala (@21metgala) May 2, 2022

And here’s a peek at Ryan’s adorable reaction:

Talk about a fashion moment. We love a husband that supports his wife in all things!

Feature Image: Met Gala 2022 Twitter

In Advice

Looking for the perfect wedding dress? Here are a few tips to find ‘the one’

April 29, 2022 No Comments

When it comes to finding “the one” and having that movie-magic moment where your bridesmaids break into a sob after just one look of you in the perfect dress, it all comes down to finding the right shape for your body. We’ve turned to the experts for this one, putting our ear close to the ground and listening to the suggestions that dress designers may have for some potential gown stumbling blocks.

You’re fuller in the hip/thigh area:

Choose something you are comfortable in. If you are confident and love your curves, then there are ways to make a fitted dress accentuate all the right areas. If you are more conservative or feel self-conscious, then go with something that cinches in at the waist and naturally flows out from there.

You have larger than average breasts:

Get a fully structured bustier if your bust needs that lift and support, or a daring plunge for those girls stay in place.

You are petite

If you are going for lace, something with smaller patterns would be best. If not, choose something streamlined and gorgeous! Even the princess look can work, if done right.

You don’t look good in classic white or ivory

Nude, toffee and sand shades are hot this season! Oyster is also a wonderful shade that suits a variety of skin tones.

You’re not too keen on exposing a lot of skin

A beautiful, hand-engineered, appliquéd illusion sleeve is the best of both worlds!

Feature Image: @aglowceleste

In Advice

5 Reasons we can’t get enough of the Seychelles

April 12, 2022 No Comments

One thing that we love the most about honeymooning in Africa is that there are so many incredible options to choose from. However, there’s nothing more idyllic than soaking up the glorious African sun, drinking cocktails poolside, and enjoying the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

As travel restrictions continue to ease, more and more newlyweds are looking across the waters to book their honeymoons. The Seychelles has continuously made the list of the top places to visit on your honeymoon, and with good reason.

It’s a breath-taking paradise just off the east coast of Africa and home to incredible culture, activities and sights. With its Insta-perfect beaches, luxurious accommodations and jam-packed itinerary, it’s not difficult to see why South African bridal couples are obsessed.

There’s no visa requirement

For South African citizens, travelling to the gorgeous islands of The Seychelles is a breeze. No visa is required for a maximum stay of 3 months, making it the perfect spot for a honeymoon – with a valid passport of course.

It’s nearby

Just off the coast of East Africa, roughly 1 600 km from Kenya, there won’t be any long and unbearable flights involved when travelling to The Seychelles, making it a quick and easy option. It will take you about 5 hours to get there, and flights leave regularly from Johannesburg or Durban through Air Seychelles.

They have a similar climate

Warm tropical weather covers the island year round, with temperatures rarely hitting extremely hot or cold levels. Being used to our own Mediterranean climate, South Africans migrate towards the warm and sunny island tropics for fun days in the sun and exciting water activities.

It’s a gorgeous island escape

Perhaps one of the most obvious attractions of The Seychelles is its absolute luxury. White sandy beaches and crystal blue waters create a breath-taking backdrop, while the weather conditions are perfectly suited for all sorts of activities. Besides the beaches, The Seychelles also has its own gorgeous mountainous terrains and tropical forests filled with beautiful wildlife to explore.

There’s plenty to do

With perfect day weather and a range of landscapes, there’s no shortage of creativity when it comes to activites and adventure. You can experience the incredible roaming creatures on wildlife tours, go bird-watching, snorkelling, or take part in adventurous endeavours with island hopping, skiing and kayaking.

Feature Image: johan_drone_adventures

In Destination

Botswana’s Tuli Game Reserve – Say ‘I do’ in the heart of nature

March 17, 2022 No Comments

There’s something magical about saying “I do“ under a canopy of indigenous fauna and flora, the burnt-orange sun setting in the background and an endless array of wildlife as bystanders.

And there’s certainly nothing more magical than Botswana.

Home to the best wilderness and wildlife spots on the African continent, Botswana is a dream for wedding couples looking to tie the knot and immerse themselves in nature.

While the Okavango Delta may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of nature and Southern Africa, it’s the unsurpassed natural beauty of Tuli Private Game Reserve that will truly steal your heart.

The destination – Tuli Game Reserve

Featuring 72 000 hectares of unadulterated beauty, this privately-owned land in the north-eastern sector of Botswana’s Tuli Block offers a timeless African experience.

But this wild stretch of land goes beyond offering picturesque views of rugged landscapes, flowing rivers and a region teeming with wildlife, it also provides one of its shiniest gems – the Africa Experience.

The Africa Experience features excellent wilderness retreats, specialised private African safaris, interactive research participation, and now, a wedding venue. Nestled between the lush greenery of the Tuli and perched on the banks of the Limpopo River, lovebirds have the opportunity to plan a wedding ceremony that they will never forget.

Accommodation options come in the form of Koro River Camp, beautifully appointed tented master suites that offer fantastic views, and Koro Island Camp, four simple yet elegant tented en-suites. It’s the perfect spot for newlyweds looking to stay and enjoy the beauty of the region a little longer.

The Wedding Experience

The bridal couple and guests will be treated to a three-day wedding extravagant, in the heart of the bush. Doesn’t get much better than this, right? Wrong!

Africa Experience offers couples the chance to spend some quality time with loved ones with a fully inclusive three-night stay for a maximum of 30 pax.

Breakfast, pre-wedding dinner, a spa day for the ladies and a morning walk for the guys are just a few amazing activities you’ll get to indulge in with your guests. The ceremony and reception will take place at the gorgeous River Camp, perfect for those eager to enjoy the sweet sounds of Mother Nature and incredible views over the river. Fall asleep to the wonders of the universe as you top this experience off with an incredible sleep out under the stars!

Depart with your heart full and stomach full as you enjoy breakfast at the camp.

Newlyweds eager to spend a little extra time enjoying this part of the world can stay on for their honeymoon.

For the ecologically conscious bride and groom, the Africa Experience prides itself in being at the forefront of conservation tourism and this ethos is at the heart of their operations, having established the foundation, TIMBO AFRIKA.

This incredible foundation funds and supports numerous conservation and community projects, including an accredited PhD level field study, which focuses on the ecology of leopards and hyenas of the Tuli.

What’s more, bridal couples staying at the camps have the opportunity to get their hands dirty by joining in with monitoring activities and field observations – if that’s not an incredible way to spend your honeymoon, then we don’t know what is!

With conservation and community at the heart of everything they do, there’s no better place to say “I do” than at this incredible wedding destination.

To find out more, head to their website.

In Advice

Stargazing honeymoon destinations: Where to see the stars in South Africa

March 11, 2022 No Comments

There’s nothing more romantic than grabbing a blanket, snuggled up with your boo as you lay underneath a canopy of stars. Your honeymoon is meant to be the start of your spectacular journey together, so why not make it a magical one with a shooting star or two. South Africa is home to some incredible honeymoon destinations – away from the hustle and bustle and glare of city lights.

If you’re looking to enjoy the splendours of the night sky with your main squeeze by your side, here are a few honeymoon destinations that are perfect for a little star gazing.

Cederberg Mountain Conservancy, Western Cape

A few hours outside of Cape Town lies this magical oasis filled with some of the country’s most stunning rock formations. While it’s bursting with some incredible history, the Cederberg Wilderness also has some pretty great spots for couples looking to gaze up at the night’s sky. The Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve is famous for its one-of-a-kind accommodation, which … you guessed it, is under the stars.

honeymoon destinations south africa — Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga

If you’re looking for a little adventure with your stargazing, then nothing beats a honeymoon in the wild Kruger National Park. Spend your nights listening to the majestic roars of lions while making a wish on a shooting star. It doesn’t get more perfect than that! If you’re really looking for a glittering showcase from our galaxy, then head to the northern region of the park. A luxurious honeymoon experience is at your fingertips when making a booking at The Outpost or keep things simple with Punda Maria Camp.

Amphitheatre Central, Drakensberg, KwaZulu-Natal

The couple who hikes together, stays together. Isn’t that how the saying goes? Either way, if you and your significant other are looking to work for some incredible views, then the Drakensberg’s Amphitheatre is a must for those looking to stretch their legs and enjoy the stars. Pitch your tent and enjoy the view, or head down to spend some quality time in nature with Thendele Camp.

Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site, Limpopo

This incredible region is situated Musina, in the far north of Limpopo and nothing showcases South Africa’s beauty quite like this destination. If you’d love to spend your honeymoon listening to the wild calls of nature and the sweet gurgling of flowing rivers, then spend the night and enjoy a starry bath with Leokwe Camp.

Sutherland, Northern Cape

The charming town of Sutherland is home to the largest telescope in the southern hemisphere – the Southern African Large Telescope. With that reputation, you’re bound to have an epic stargazing experience that will leave you starry-eyed for weeks to come. Die Heks se Huis : Amethyst is also a great little Airbnb, and not at all what its name suggests.

Picture: Unsplash

In Destination

Garden Route on the list of most romantic road trips in the world!

February 11, 2022 No Comments

Whether you call the Western Cape home or you and your significant other love to hop in your car and explore what our beautiful country has to offer, as South Africans, we all know that the Garden Route is a scenic slice of paradise, promising a road trip that will take your breath away.

This 300 km route of spectacular beauty along the southwest coast of South Africa is known for its ecologically diverse vegetation, numerous lagoons, forests, lakes, and beautiful beaches.

And now the rest of the world knows it too after the latest research revealed the most romantic road trips for couples to explore, and the Garden Route is on the list!

Car insurance company Confused.com took a deep dive into hundreds of thousands of reviews from popular venues that you may encounter along each route, and this was then used to calculate an overall ‘romance score’.

The ‘Count of Reviews Containing Romantic Terms’ was the main component to measure romance, and routes that included romantic terminology in their reviews scored much higher.

According to the research, the German Alpine Road is the most romantic driving route, earning a delicious romance score of 9.56/10. Puglia in Italy bagged the second spot with a 9.13 score and the Amalfi Coast in Italy claimed third with a 8.69 rating.

The list goes on to evaluate more than 20 other stunning locations, including the Garden Route!

So there you go lovers, a trip to the Garden Route awaits, and right on time for Valentine’s Day!

Picture: Cape {town} Etc