Where to travel! SA Travel inspiration - February 2022

more than a year ago

We're always on the lookout for fresh and interesting new places to stay and every month we share the rundown of the latest hotel news, trends, new venues, and enticing local travel offers that you don't want to miss.

In this month's edition; new Joburg hotels and old favourites revived, a majestic Cape Town city break and more travel inspiration to add to your 2022 wishlist.

NEW ON THE BLOCK voco Hotel The Bank in Rosebank now open

voco Hotel The Bank Rosebank — voco Hotel The Bank in Rosebank brings a new taste of luxury to the neighbourhood

Joburg's newest hotel, voco Hotel The Bank, officially opened its doors to the public on February 1, 2022. voco is a boutique hotel brand by IHG, and The Bank is the first voco hotel in South Africa. The launch of the new hotel was delayed by the pandemic, although most visitors to Rosebank will probably already be familiar with its ground floor restaurant Proud Mary (opened in 2021) that has rapidly become one of the area's most popular dining hotspots. Spanning six floors, the 131-room hotel is a lifestyle-led hotel that shoots for a "charming, unstuffy and playful" experience. We recently spent the night and can confirm the hotel delivers on all points! Look out for our full review coming soon.

Protea Fire & Ice! by Marriott Melrose Arch returns

The pool at the newly reopened Fire & Ice! Melrose Arch

After almost two years of closure, the Fire & Ice! Hotel at Melrose Arch finally reopened its doors to guests on Monday February 7, 2022. The famous Fire & Ice burgers are back at the restaurant and of course the always popular milkshake bar has returned too. To celebrate the reopening the hotel is running a special 'Glam Reopening' offer until Feb 27, 2022 of R1,250 per night for two including breakfast.

CITY BREAK SPECIALS Romantic special offers at Taj Cape Town

The Lobby Lounge at Taj Cape Town — The impressive Lobby Lounge at Taj Cape Town

With an interior redolent of a grand history and a sense of tradition Taj Cape Town offers up decadent service and killer city and mountain views. Having stayed there recently it's now one of our favourite Cape Town city break escapes. Read our review of the Taj Cape Town experience here.

If you're on the hunt for a special weekend away for two take advantage of the Urban Romance Getaway promotion (available until Mar 31, 2022). For R3,500 per couple per night, you'll get a luxury room, breakfast, a fabulous three-course dinner at the exceptional Bombay Brasserie and R500 off treatments at the award-winning Jiva Spa. Call +27 21 819 2000 or email res.capetown@tajhotels.com to book and find out more at tajhotels.com.

FLIGHT DEAL OF THE MONTH Emirates' massive flight sale

Emirates is flying to South Africa again and to celebrate the airline is running a great sale on flights from Joburg. If you're planning an overseas trip this year, get online at Travelstart and scout out new deals on return flights to Phuket, London and Dubai that start from as little as R6,561 Return. You have until March 31, 2022 to book for travel until November 30, 2022.
Find out more about the Emirates flight sale and make your booking here.

WHERE TO STAY IN... Magoebaskloof – three great escapes

The Loft at Glenogle Farm in Magoebaskloof. Photo by Alessio La Ruffa

Throughout 2022 we're determined to share more of South Africa with you, our readers, and encourage you to get out and explore parts of the country you haven't yet seen. This month we're putting the verdant valleys of Magoebaskloof in Limpopo in the spotlight. A three to four drive from Joburg, the area is a wonderful place to switch off and enjoy forest walks, mountain top views and magnificent birdlife. Fabulous countryside retreats we recommend in this beautiful corner of Limpopo include self-catering farm stays at Glenogle Farm, the Kings Walden Garden Manor for the most spectacular mountain-top views and for hiking and trout fishing the quirky Bramasole Guest House.

SPLENDID ISOLATION! Hide away in this cabin near Cape Town

Solace Cabins' off-the-grid two-sleeper cabin near Worcester in the Western Cape

For those who appreciate going off-the-grid, every month we seek out an isolated South African escape to add to your wish list. This month Solace Cabins, an uber-chic modernist cabin hidden away in a valley outside Worcester in the Western Cape caught our eye. Bookings are via Air BnB, although you may have to join a waiting list, as this spot is already blowing up on Instagram. Find out more at solacecabins.co.za.

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