“While in previous years booking at the 11^th hour would leave you with limited options, we’ve seen a definite uptick in the trend for last-minute bookings this year. We want to assure those looking for a romantic getaway, dinner, high tea or trip to the spa that there is no reason to despair. With a variety of incredible options to choose from, they’re sure to find something at one of our 21 properties across the country.”

“The appeal of our resorts are that many of them are off the beaten track, away from crowds, intimate and quiet. There are also a range of activities couples can enjoy together; from Segway Safaris at Finfoot Lake Reserve and diving at the Blue Marlin to birding at Nibela Lake Lodge. These are wonderful experiences to enjoy together with your significant other, but as always, a firm favourite, a romantic spa treatment and dinner, remains a bestseller.”

The ‘month of love’ special offers include:

Zimbali Lodge

Surrounded by acres of tropical forest, a stay at Zimbali Lodge feels like a ‘Balinese’ holiday on the Dolphin Coast.

Zimbali Lodge special package – Take some time out for a full-day experience (a hot stone or aromatherapy massage and high tea) from R1,760 per couple or opt to extend your spa day by including a 1-night B&B experience from R3935 per couple.

Jozini Tiger Lodge

Close to St Lucia and the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, Jozini Tiger Lodge is well worth a visit!

Jozini Tiger Lodge and Spa Valentine’s special – Includes dinner, bed and breakfast, a turndown service, 60-minute full body massage for two and a 2-hour sundowner cruise. From R3,300 per couple per night.

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa

Ease into pure luxury and wine and dine in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley at Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa.

Le Franschhoek’s Suite Valentine Escape – Includes a romantic turndown gift, bubbly on arrival and 10% of any spa massage treatments, plus receive 25% off their best flexible rate. Offer valid for the month of February 2021.

The Blue Marlin
Make the most of the endless sunshine on the south coast at Durban’s beloved Blue Marlin Hotel with rooms offering exquisite sea views.

Special offer – Stay 3 Nights pay for 2 – from R3400 per couple. Contact the hotel for more info on this offer. 

Finfoot Lake Reserve
Just a 90-minute drive from Johannesburg and situated in the Greater Pilanesberg area, lies Finfoot Lake Reserve. It’s the perfect weekend break in the bush. Splurge on a romantic spa treatment, starting from R600 per couple.

Special offer from R2704 per room per night.

Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort
Treat yourself to an overnight or weekend stay in the Cederberg Mountains at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort, less than a two-hour drive from Cape Town.
Special offer from R1635 per room per night or book a Valentine’s dinner on 13 February for just R325 per person including a glass of sparkling wine.

“After the challenges of 2020, and already one month into 2021, there’s never been a better time to treat yourself and your partner to a Valentine’s Day getaway. Make up for lost time. Book your romantic treat with us today!” concludes Ragunanan.

For enquiries and reservations contact 0861 010 347 or email info@dreamresorts.co.za.

“Hyperlocal, closer to home, and flexible travel will be the order of the day as changing lockdown restrictions continue to impact the way in which we travel,” says Sharmila Ragunanan, Marketing Manager, Dream Hotels & Resorts.

“Having recently acquired Zimbali Lodge in KwaZulu Natal, it is fitting that we’ve arrived in 2021 with 21 properties in 21 destinations brimming with experiences that would tempt even the most hardened homebodies to leave the house.”

With bookings declining in the first quarter of 2021 for tourism and hospitality establishments and many of South Africa’s international source markets experiencing COVID-19 re-surges, the importance of stimulating demand within the domestic market and entrenching a culture of local tourism is even more important.

“The introduction of regulations over the festive season mean that some travellers may have cancelled or deferred their plans for travel. With fewer crowds and quieter roads, the period from January to March after the festive season presents a safer and less crowded time to travel,” Ragunanan says.

“Availability is high and, right now, many accommodation establishments are offering discounted citizens’ rates, making it affordable for those on a tight budget.”

As part of their ‘21 places to be in 2021’ campaign Dream Hotels & Resorts will be offering reduced rates at selected resorts within their portfolio, alongside a flexible booking policy.

“Our mission to promote local travel in 2021 is not just about booking a few nights at our 21 properties, but rather experiencing all of the wonders surrounding our resorts,” Ragunanan explains.  

“From the rugged beauty of the Elephant Coast, to the wilds of the Pilanesberg region of the North West province, our lodgings are predominantly located in less-explored regions of the country where the pace is less hurried and the focus of the holiday is the pure pleasure of travelling.”

Over the years, DHR has managed to acquire and maintain a thoughtful and diverse collection of family-friendly resorts where authentic experiences are readily available benefitting local communities.

“The industry has fought long and hard together to prove that local travel is not only safe and normal—it’s just as fun and rewarding as jet setting abroad,” Ragunanan explains.

“Not only does travel play a crucial role in our economy, it also promotes national pride, and contributes greatly, in my opinion, to personal well-being. There has never been a better time than now to explore, to discover and re-discover, whether it’s 21 new places across the country or even just one.”  

For more information on DHR’s ‘21 places to be in 2021’ deals, visit: www.dreamresorts.co.za

Aptly entitled Superhero Friends Rewarded, the superhero-themed event called upon all those in the trade to enjoy an evening of fun, laughter and celebration.

“As the saying goes, not all superheroes wear capes, and that has certainly been the case within the travel and tourism industry this year,” says Wayne Neath, National Sales Manager of Dream Hotels & Resorts.

“With 2020 coming to a close, we wanted to show our heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful resolve and strength of character that our trade partners, or as our ‘superheroes’, as we like to call them, have shown during this uniquely adventurous time.”

For many in the industry, it was the first event they had attended since South Africa’s lockdown and offered a chance for many to reconnect with suppliers, colleagues, and friends.

“It was also an opportunity for Dream Hotels & Resorts to say thank you to our trade partners for their loyal support, passion, professionalism and for their incredible contribution towards our industry as a whole,” he explains.

The event kicked off with comedian Schalk Bezuidenhout providing some much-needed comedic relief, leaving guests in stitches of laughter. Special giveaways and superhero appreciation certificates were then awarded to several trade partners for their superpowers.

Many companies and individuals in attendance also received accolades based on their special ‘superpowers’ they displayed over the last few months, winning in various categories of Super Speed, Loyalty, Consistency, and even X-Ray Vision, to name a few.

Chris Iuel and Michelle Wright from ATC Travel Concept took home the gold in the superpower category of Consummate Professional. And as for the superpower of Time Bending, Vilene Kröhn, founder and owner of VK Promotions & Conferencing, received the honour as an acknowledgement of her lifetime of service to the industry.

“While there was plenty of fun to be had, the team ensured that all safety protocols were adhered to and the event was held outdoors, at the breezy Sunset Restaurant and Pool Terrace,” Neath explains.

In keeping with the theme, special superhero masks were also handed out, branded with classic comic book favourites like Thor and Superman. As for entertainment, the incredibly talented local musical duo, Eloff and Christoff Snyman serenaded attendees.

“As much as we rely on virtual meetings within our industry, the event proved that there is still a strong desire for personal interaction. We are the ultimate person-to-person sector that has always promoted solidarity and friendship, and it’s important for us to nurture this sentiment as we continue our road to recovery in 2021,” he concludes. For enquiries and reservations contact 0861 010 347 or email info@dreamresorts.co.za

This recent acquisition strengthens their company footprint within the province, and brings the total number of properties in their portfolio to 23, across South Africa and Mozambique.

Said Brent Dickson, Dream Hotels & Resorts Director: “We are proud to have this incredible safari lodge join our dynamic portfolio and are looking forward to hosting guests within the exquisite surrounds of this South African reserve, known for its large tuskers.

“Our strategy is to maintain Royal Thonga’s authenticity and welcoming atmosphere, whilst implementing our one-guest service approach, where every guest receives a high level of personalised service,” he added.

A four -hour drive from Durban, Royal Thonga is the perfect mid-way point for self-drivers travelling to or from Mozambique.

Our lodge is also ideal for couples, and holidaymakers who desire an active holiday with family and friends,” says Wendy Tembe, Royal Thonga’s General Manager. “I am delighted that, with this partnership, Dream Hotels & Resorts will support Royal Thonga’s growth strategy, while maintaining its authenticity and community upliftment vision.”

Royal Thonga provides lodge-style accommodation with 14 villas, including two family chalets. Chalets are fitted with comfortable, natural furnishings and en-suite restrooms with both indoor and private outdoor showers. Secluded decks ensure a private front-row seat to the natural surroundings.

The lodge also features a swimming pool, an on-site restaurant, a private spa and walking trails leading into the nearby Sand Forrest, with guided walks offered here too – great for avid birders. This easy one hour guided walk within the property boasts an abundance of flora, fauna and birdlife.  

Royal Thonga guests can also book game drives with the luxurious 4×4 vehicles led by qualified and experienced local nature guides. This activity operates early each morning and again in the late afternoon, offering an opportunity to get up close to a variety of wildlife, such as buffalo’s, lions, elephants and various species of antelope in the home of the Big Five, Tembe Elephant Park. 

A visit to the Tembe Butterfly Dome is a must for any family, added Tembe. “Just a 10-minute drive from the lodge, conditions are ideal for housing the most majestic African butterflies. The facility is used primarily for breeding and research.”

A day excursion to Kosi Bay, less than an hour drive away, comes highly recommended as a day trip from Royal Thonga. Here, visitors can swim, fish, snorkel, scuba dive and go night-time turtle tracking from November to February.

Day-visitors are also welcome at Royal Thonga Safari Lodge, and wheelchair facilities are available.

Located in Camperdown, a 50-minute drive from Durban central, Tala has welcomed its first local and international visitors for 2019 after a soft reopening last year.

Dream Hotels & Resorts which currently operates 22 mixed-use properties across South Africa and Mozambique, says the future of Tala Game Reserve is now secure.

“While Tala has been given a new lease on life, we have been careful to ensure that it has retained an authentic wilderness character,” adds Sharmila Ragunanan, Dream Hotels & Resorts Marketing Manager. “It is a place that is close to our hearts, and we are proud to continue its long-standing legacy.”

The reserve spans a 3000-hectare malaria-free area and features a mix of accommodation, wedding and conferencing options catering to different markets, budgets and group sizes.

Leadwood Lodge features six luxury stand-alone cottages, and will soon launch four luxury rooms at the newly renovated Manor house, while Aloe Lodge has seven comfortable rooms. There are 12 deluxe rooms at Tala’s Paperbark Lodge, six en-suite rooms at Mahogany House, and a seventh unique private rondavel which opens onto the swimming pool.

Overnight guests also have the option to self-cater at the Fisherman’s Cottage located near one of the reserve’s dams or enjoy a family getaway in the 5 bedroom Figtree house, a beautifully restored farmhouse set under beautiful fig trees with serene vistas.

“Day visitors are welcome at Tala, and there are picnic & braai areas surrounding the impressive Rockpools swimming area,” says Ragunanan. “Meals are served at La Tala Restaurant, which has stunning views on both sides, a cosy fireplace and is regularly visited by both giraffe and nyala.”

Tala School Camps

Tala has been hosting school groups for the last 10 years, with kids from all over coming to enjoy nature, animals and the outdoors.

Says Ragunanan: “Outdoor education is extremely important for any child at school – this builds leadership qualities and creates an opportunity to learn about nature and all its creatures. Together with the current school curriculum, we create the perfect camping experience that will stay with each child for life!. A full itinerary can be personalised for each school.”

She advises a two, three, or four night sleepover. “We accommodate the teachers at Figtree Barn, bus drivers at Fisherman’s Cottage and the students in our brand new permanent canvas tented campsite. It’s a complete package that includes all meals, a range of great activities and more.”

Activities

Birding: More than 380 bird species are found at Tala, with numerous dams, perfect for the avid birdwatcher.

Game viewing: Game drives are held throughout the day, led by experienced trackers. You are almost guaranteed sightings of rhino, hippo, giraffe, nyala, zebra and numerous other Antelope and game. Self-drive is also an option but it is preferable to use a 4×4 vehicle as some areas are not reachable by regular vehicles
There are currently no large predators on the reserve, apart from jackals and caracals, which hunt across the plains at night. “Wildlife viewing is relaxed and easy at any time of the day. This also makes Tala safe for families and visitors who want to explore on their private self-drives,” says Ragunanan.

4×4 Tours: Whether you are an experienced 4×4 driver or a novice needing to learn, tala has the facilities you are looking for. There is an extensive 4×4 trail along with a training area with obstacles for practice and testing.

Adventure bikes: Tala also offers an adventure bike training facility and guided tours available only via prior arrangement.

Mountain biking: Tala is also ideal for mountain bikers who only need to pay a R70 conservation fee to enter the reserve. Bike rentals are available for the day. Cycling routes range from a 5-kilometre novice loop, to a 13-kilometre intermediate loop with mostly well-maintained single tracks, steep climbs and exciting descents. An advanced 27-kilometre circuit boasts 600 metres of climbing, bridges and rolling drop-offs.

Paintballing & Archery: New additions to the activity list, Tala also now offers groups these adrenaline high activities set in the natural bush.

Weddings & Conferences

Tala is already a well-known wedding and conference destination in KwaZulu-Natal, with state-of-the-art venues such as:

Acacia Venue: A private and popular wedding venue, Acacia accommodates up to 120 guests with scenic views through the large glass doors and windows that surround this open-plan structure and open out onto the great wooden deck that stretches out towards the watering hole. The perfect venue to watch Tala sunsets.

Figtree Barn: The large farmstead building has been creatively restored to create a magnificent wedding venue perfect for large weddings of up to 250 guests. It also features a Stone Chapel for wedding ceremonies, opening out onto a manicured lawn, perfect for pre-wedding drinks or sun-downers.

Leadwood Lodge: At this five-star lodge, a dedicated chef will cater for small and exclusive functions and wedding ceremonies of up to 60 guests. Leadwood Lodge is a place of relaxation and tranquillity and more of an intimate venue available for your special day.

iDube Conference Room: Accommodates up to 20 people in a u-shape configuration and 50 cinema-style. Venue hire includes bottled, water, notepads, pens and data projector. Ask us about other equipment.

Figtree Auditorium: Fixed concentric desks accommodate 60 delegates. The auditorium is ideal for presentations and meetings with exclusivity and very little distractions other than the sounds of nature. Venue hire includes bottled, water, notepads, pens and data projector.

Paperbark Conference Room: Accommodates a maximum of 50 guests cinema-style for conferencing and can be converted to a function room for smaller functions wanting privacy. Paperbark’s manicured lawns are also ideal for outdoor garden functions and ceremonies, perfect for a picnic. Venue hire includes bottled water, notepads, pens and data projector