Remember when business travel wellness meant a gym with a treadmill and a fruit basket in your room? Fast forward to today: South African business travellers are upping the ante with demands for light-filled rooms and the holy grail of sleep aids—a memory foam pillow. Yes, you heard right. “We’re seeing more requests for specific preferences like hotel rooms with great natural light or […]
Choose a safari holiday this summer
With summer around the corner, now is the time to start thinking about where to take some time off before the end-of-year rush is upon us. As the warmer months unfurl, exciting changes start happening in our natural surroundings, especially where there is an abundance of animals and flora. Kruger National Park, with its diversity of plant and animal life, is the perfect place to […]
5 Mountain bike races in and around Kruger National Park to have on your bucket list
Beyond the majestic vistas and wildlife that Kruger National Park is best known for, this corner of the country can also be experienced on a mountain bike. Cycling enthusiasts visiting the Kruger National Park are in for a unique treat. Beyond the traditional safari experiences, the park offers thrilling mountain biking trails so that visitors can explore its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife up […]
2024’s hottest design trends on show in super stylish stays
Attention design lovers: Get ready to discover the hottest design predictions for the upcoming year. Our curated selection of Airbnbs showcases the decorative trends experts predict* are set to dominate in 2024. Classic motifs are making a comeback, but with a modern twist. From the timeless charm of Heritage Shaker to the captivating allure of Tapestry Revival, these stays offer the perfect opportunity to […]
Airbnb reveals its 2024 travel predictions
As the world prepares to wrap up 2023, Airbnb has shaken the magic eight ball to unveil what travel in the New Year will look like. For the holiday planners, the data reveals some of the top trending domestic and international destinations as well as some interesting insights about how people are travelling. Big Greek getaway: International destinations South Africans are searching The following countries […]
Are customers still loyal to brands?
If you’re anything like me, you don’t take any significant purchase lightly. You do a lot of research, Googling and asking your mates what their experiences were when making similar buys. What you probably don’t do is stay loyal to the same brand over and over again just because your parents and grandparents did, writes Anton Gillis, CEO of Kruger Gate Hotel. But that […]
Two million slices of heaven from Airbnb
Airbnb have just released Guest Favorites, a collection of the 2 million most-loved homes on Airbnb, along with revamped ratings & reviews, and a new Listings tab featuring a set of tools to help Hosts better showcase their homes, according to Airbnb. Airbnb has more than 7 million homes all over the world. Each home is one-of-a-kind, and this uniqueness is what sets Airbnb […]
New Christmas Gifting, Recyclable Christmas Wrapping Paper and Accessories
Not sure what to ask your relatives to bring over from the UK next time they visit? How about “forget the gift… bring me some gift paper!” Upgrade your Christmas gifting from ordinary to extraordinary with Storigraphic’s boutique collection of festive finery. Creatively crafted in bold and timeless style, their diverse range of luxury recyclable gift wrap, Christmas cards and accessories will add that extra fabulous flair to all […]
Suzuki shatters records in declining market
Naamsa, the business council for the automotive industry, reports that Suzuki sold 3 857 new cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles to customers in October. This represents 86% of the total of 4 480 vehicles that Suzuki sold in South Africa last month. The rise in retail sales is in sharp contrast to retail sales by the industry in general. According to naamsa, a total […]
The joys of Budapest
Budapest has it all. Fairytale castles, an admirable love of the red powder paprika, architecture that is jaw-dropping, fun entertainment ranging from Escape Rooms to Ruin Bars and, of course, the Thermal Baths, writes Marion Kate.
Alanya – the greatest wedding gift EVER!
A breathtaking resort town on Turkey’s central Mediterranean coast (aka the Turkish Riviera), Alanya should be high on any traveler’s To Do List, writes Marion Kate.
Who loves their daddy?
Where would we be without a loving dad to guide us through our childhood and those teenage years? Here’s a chance to say thanks this Father’s Day … or any other day, come to think of it.
What South African homeowners want in a better home
MAIN PHOTO: Festoon House Lighting https://festoonhouse.com.au/festoon-lights/ A recent survey by Saint-Gobain Gyproc has revealed some startling results in terms of what local homeowners are looking for in their homes. The survey by Saint-Gobain Gyproc was aimed at better understanding what South Africans want in their homes and revealed that 79% of people want their homes to be more flexible, while 75% of respondents revealed that […]
Smaller deposit? Buy a cheaper home!
Is there any point in waiting to save up a large deposit on a home when interest rates are declining and the banks are in a hurry to grant more home loans? “Many buyers are taking the view,” says Rudi Botha, CEO of BetterBond, SA’s biggest bond originator, “that they should take advantage of the current lending conditions and secure a home loan with […]
5-star honeymoon in Kruger
Hayward’s Grand Safari Company has been granted the opportunity to take exclusive mobile safari camps in 5-star style for bespoke groups into some of its most untouched areas within the Kruger’s 19,485 square kilometre border. An encounter with wildlife in its natural environment is both a privilege and a rarity as the 950 000 annual tourists to the Kruger National Park of South Africa can […]
Higher deposit, lower loan-to-value (LTV) = better home loan
There’s a vital factor that homebuyers need to be aware of when they apply for a home loan, and that is the loan-to-value ratio. So says Rudi Botha, CEO of BetterBond, SA’s biggest bond originator, who notes that this ratio – known in the home loan sector as the LTV – can make all the difference when banks are deciding whether to approve or refuse a […]
Confetti Chicks Event Feedback
On Saturday, 3rd March, we brought together a group of dynamic women at Waterline in Noordhoek, to connect, network and discuss women’s issues. On the Agenda: Love, Marriage and Relationships Travel bucket lists What makes marriage/long-term commitments last Finding your Work/Life/Family balance Beauty, health and skincare OUR VENUE: Waterline. This exquisite villa, overlooking the Noordhoek dunes and vast expanses of blue sky, was very […]
5 easy changes you can make for a more energy efficient home
Most of us, if not all of us, have done all that we can to save water and reduce our usage of this valuable resource. How about taking this a step further now? Let’s reduce our overall energy consumption and be cleaner and greener inhabitants of this planet as a result. Not sure how? PriceCheck offers you some tips on what to buy and […]
The Meaning and Significance of Lobola
Known to many as a “bride-price” or bride-worth” and to some extent as a “down payment” or “dowry” but in the African culture, it is a ritual that brings two families together. Words: Unathi Nkanjeni According to the English usage ‘dowry’ is the gift of money, goods or both, offered by the bride or bride’s family towards establishment of her household, whereas a bride-price […]
The Good Husband Guide: Secrets from the Silver Screen
It’s a real honour and a privilege to have another person accept your hand in marriage and to share their life with you. However, if you want to be a great husband, you can never take your wife for granted. You need to keep your lady feeling cherished and engaged with you – so don’t think you can drop your game just because she’s […]
Lose your heart in Russia
After a lifetime dreaming of visiting Russia, Marion Kate reveals that her budget trip to the icy capital of communism was everything she expected… and much, much more. Why do we have bucket lists? Is it to keep our dreams alive, to help us reach our goals… or to feel satisfied and content when we do? Whatever it is, Russia has been a bucket […]
The eyewear Oscars
The 48TH MIDO (the leading international eyewear expo) breaks all its own records, closing with 4.9% increase to confirm its global leadership position and its role of excellence in the trade show universe. Milan, February 2018: The 48th MIDO – the leading eyewear trade show on a global scale – got off amidst high expectations and ended exceeding them all. More than 58,000 entries of eyewear […]
Video inspiration from MIDO 2018
Here’s a selection of videos to give you an insight into the latest international trends in eyewear direct from the 48TH MIDO (the leading international eyewear expo) held in Milan in February 2018. www.mido.com
Summer Popsicles
Everyday Luxury with J.C. Le Roux’s drier VIBRAZIO Range Enjoying a glass of sparkling wine must be one of life’s sophisticated pleasures. With J.C. Le Roux’s latest drier Vibrazio range released, sipping a glass of sparkling wine is now an all year round delight. And for an indulging adult treat, make your very own popsicles! The Vibrazio Sauvignon Blanc, Demi-Sec and Demi-Sec Rosé offer […]
Airbnb’s new Roadmap offers incredible wedding and honeymoon options
New property types, new tiers, Airbnb Collections and community recognition form the key elements of their newly launched Roadmap to bring the benefits of local and authentic travel to everyone. 10 years ago, Airbnb co-founders Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia inflated three airbeds in their San Francisco apartment and started what has become a global phenomenon in travel. Today, Airbnb is one of the […]
How to Blow Up a Small Living Room
Claire Gibson from La-Z-Boy offers some advice to Confetti Chicks on how to make a small living room look oh-so-much bigger. Many of us are more than familiar with the struggle of trying to cram all our worldly possessions into a tiny living room, resulting in it feeling cramped, claustrophobic and anything but elegant and inviting. However, the good news is that successfully transforming […]
On the 6th day of Valentine’s…
… my True Love said to me “Let’s turn off our cellphones and dim the lights!” It was time for a game of Role Play. This game requires a wee bit of forward planning because you’ll need to source a few choice items of clothing and props. Here are two examples of fantasy scenarios which are quite high on most men’s wish list: You […]
On the 7th day of Valentine’s…
… my True Love suggested a game of Kiss Kiss! As the name of this game suggests, it involves some intense tongue-twisting fun. Okay so we’re not in high school anymore, but the idea is to focus on each other for a few stolen moments of bliss. The aim is to kiss without stopping for as long as you can. The first person to […]
On the 8th day of Valentine’s …
… my True Love said to me “Let’s play Treasure Hunt.” Think of an Easter hunt, with a twist! Treasure hunts for adults involve some good clean (or dirty) fun and debauchery. Throw some wine and candle-lit scenery into the mix, and you’ll both be entertained for hours. Take turns hiding a selection of presents around the house and even the garden. These can […]
On the 9th day of Valentine’s…
… my True Love said to me: ‘Let’s play a game of Truth or Dare’. Here’s how: The aim of the game is to be light-hearted and open minded. Leave the ego behind and be willing to share all in the name of love and intimacy. Caution: only suggest this game when you’re both relaxed and up for some closeness and bonding. Start by […]
The Light House Boutique Suites
Words: Gill Lewis The middle of December is probably not the best of times to kick back for a leisurely three-day stay at a guesthouse in the Paarl winelands. Our son had just gone on school holiday, our end of year deadlines were swirling around our heads… yet when you get offered the chance to review a luxury guesthouse, sometimes you simply have to […]
How to secure your home when you’re not there!
The festive season is a time for people to catch-up with friends and family, complete last-minute shopping and eat to their heart’s content… but it is also a time where many people let their guard down to enjoy their surroundings. Pretty much the same as when you are you betrothed jet off on your honeymoon. It is also a time where those wanting to […]
A Royal love affair: Prince Harry And Meghan Markle
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have made the big announcement: they are engaged to be married… and the Queen approves! You would be hard-pressed to find a more gorgeous and lovely couple, and their engagement also offers Americans a reason to lap up this romance, as Meghan “is an American actress, model, and humanitarian. Since 2011, Markle has portrayed Rachel Zane on the legal drama series Suits. She is […]
Let’s Talk About Sex
Lubrimaxxx – For better, happier, healthier sex! 100% NATURAL WATER-BASED MEDICALLY TESTED RATED AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S BEST AND SAFEST LubrimaxxxTM is a personal lubricant, proudly developed and manufactured in Cape Town, South Africa, and ranked amongst one of the world’s highest rated and safest1 personal lubricants. ** Give Away Alert ** We’re giving away TEN 200ml tubes Scroll down for details on how […]
Finding Your Bliss
Picture yourself waking up after a perfect sleep – the early morning sun sneaking a peek through the curtains. You smile, reach out and pick up your smartphone, and the online onslaught begins… Or, you can reach out with a smile to your beloved beside you and draw them close in a hug, stroke their hair, or share the dream you had last night or […]
Honeymoon Goals
It is the most beautiful feeling in the world. In fact, it’s one that cannot be made sweeter by words or melodies or things because it is already the greatest most extravagant feeling the world has to offer. And it’s all because of that one person, that special significant other, The One that you have chosen. The one who chose you. How could you […]
Get Married at De Hoop Nature Reserve
A location like none other in Southern Africa Mother Nature is waiting to reconnect with you a mere 3 hours’ scenic drive from Cape Town. After visiting this slice of heaven, I can personally recommend that you choose De Hoop for your wedding and your honeymoon! Imagine yourself on a floating champagne cruise with your new husband, being served delicious canapés while sipping your chilled […]
Connect and Touch
Be that couple. You know, the ones who can’t keep their hands off each other. Always holding hands, leaning in to each other, and not afraid to show affection in public. Even when they’ve been married a long time, they still act like they did back when they were dating… They will be the ones celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. Be THAT couple. #connect_and_touch © […]
Our new Softmag is out…
Confetti Chicks #2 – The Rain Issue We hope you enjoy our new edition as much as we enjoyed creating it for you! Click below to open the page to view or to download the Softmag to your computer or device (27mb): Confetti Chicks – July 2017 Or your can view it below With love, Gill & The Team
Your Honeymoon …as part of your Gift Registry!
Travel Moon is a luxury bespoke honeymoon registry. In a nutshell, Travel Moon offers a unique service which affords each wedding couple the chance to personalize their honeymoon. By adding additional wish list items, the couple creates a registry for their friends and family to purchase experiences for them to enjoy whilst on honeymoon. The average age of a South African couple getting married […]
Date Night!
Wondering how to keep the Ooh-la-la of romance burning long after the wedding candles have burned down? Read on… We polled some happily married people, and here’s what these ladies had to say: If you want to be treated like a Princess, you’ve got to treat him like a Prince. – Steph, married 5 years Don’t sweat the small stuff. So what if he […]
Honeymoon Road Trip
Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of a swanky five-star hotel just as much as the next girl! Luxury safari or seaside resort? Sign me up! But maybe, just maybe, let’s try on a new fantasy here … the idea of a road trip with your newly hitched spouse could be just the ticket, at just the right time of your lives, […]
The BIG FIVE – our top 5 picks for safari honeymoon destinations
Dreaming of a luxury bush lodge break filled with romance, and packed with adventure? Make your honeymoon unforgettable with our top 5 picks: SABI SABI GAME RESERVE Embarking on a luxurious South African honeymoon safari with your new spouse will be one of the most memorable experiences you will share as you start your new life together. A safari honeymoon at one of […]