Month: August 2018

  • LPA Resort Stories: Time has not figured love’s weaknesses

    LPA Resort Stories: Time has not figured love’s weaknesses

    We have three wonderful stories to share from our LPA resorts

    because, well…because there is nothing as effective as a beautiful story to warm the heart

    To be taken on a journey, from the comfort of your home or office chair, is a sure-fire way to warm your cockles. We have three wonderful stories to share, each of which unfolded at an LPA resort, and they are sure to warm you up inside.

    A happily ever-after tale…
    Celebrating growing old together at Manzi Monaté

    You have heard of Romeo and Juliet, Cleopatra and Anthony, Aladdin and Jazmine; but we stumbled on a fairy-tale set at Manzi Monaté. Manzi Monaté is called home by many, and guests flock there for different reasons, at different times. Some go to relax and experience the renowned hospitality; they love the tranquil setting and the peace that oozes from the famous Manzi Monaté gardens. Some take friends and family to experience first-hand why Manzi Monaté is known as a resort that celebrates and promotes family values and family-fun activities. There are a myriad of reasons many call Manzi Monaté home and keep coming back for more.

    Holiday to celebrate love

    Jimmy and Thelma went to Manzi Monaté for some time out in a beautiful setting. Time to reflect and celebrate the important things in life. But on this occasion, they went to celebrate love – their love for one another, to be exact. They met many years ago, fell in love and have been walking side-by-side for 62 years! Holding hands they strolled up the Manzi Monaté lawn and it was plain for all to see how this couple gives life to the phrase “the two shall become one”

    Jimmy and Thelma wedding anniversary at Manzi Monaté

    Vocal advocates of love they are, and they took the time to share some of their life-lessons and wisdom with the youth they chatted to during the weekly resort meet-and-greet session. There is no need to ask, given the chance to go another 62 years together, they would jump at the chance with bells on! What an inspiration! We celebrate Jimmy and Thelma.

    Unique I Do’s at an LPA resort…

    While Manzi Monaté celebrated Jimmy and Thelma’s monumental milestone in the area of love, Mabalingwe Nature Reserve was chosen as the ideal spot for two young lovers to begin their matrimonial journey.

    Young love at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve

    The lovely couple decided to have their big day at Mabalingwe’s Kameelperd Watergat, surrounded by friends and family. The big blues skies put on the brightest display, making the day ever-so-beautiful and extra-special for the bride and groom. The celebrations began in earnest once the bridal party arrived at the famous Kalahari Oasis Pub, along with their 120 guests. The outdoor, natural and rustic theme of the wedding truly set it apart.

    Wedding at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve

    The Le Fera team stepped in at the appropriate time to serve up succulent spit braai, several delicious fresh salads and warm rolls fresh from the oven. Not to be out staged, Modise – everyone’s favourite Kalahari Oasis DJ (and barman) – ushered the bridal couple onto the dance floor with the perfect soundtrack as they took their first dance-steps as a married couple. Soon the dance floor was packed with happy wedding goers as the blue skies, right on cue, made way for the big night’s moon and the celestial show began in honour of the happy couple.

    Wedding at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve

    It is moments like these that bring into focus what is really important in this world and being able to play a part in setting the stage for this kind of magical events is exactly what gets our LPA blood pumping. We would, once again, like to congratulate Mr and Mrs Ducket and wish you many happy years of bliss, blue skies and magical nights. May you celebrate your love in 62 years’ time, just like Jimmy and Thelma did.

    The beauty of seeing something for the first time

    There is something very appealing about ‘new’. A new day, a new season, new-car-smell, the gliding sweep of a new pen… these things make us appreciate life even more. Remember when you saw your home resort for the first time? Yes, even if it was just on the website, but the emotions were so real that you’d swear you were there already.

    Manzi Monaté Baby Story

    The De Vries family made their way to Manzi Monaté in June and would be there for 3 weeks. This was no ordinary visit; this was a family going ‘home’ to receive a very special, new blessing. On the 6th of June, Baby Eljoenai’s mother began having contractions and it became apparent that the gift they had travelled from Kroonstad to receive was on her way. On the evening of 6th June, Baby Eljoenai was born.  A while later, ‘home’ from hospital, the parents sat in complete adoration as Baby Eljoenai felt the first sunrays touch her newborn skin as the family sat together in the welcoming and peaceful surrounds of the Manzi Monaté grounds.

    Celebrating new life at Manzi Monaté

    This was a first for Manzi Monaté and the team were so delighted to be able to share this special occasion with the family. As LPA, we are honoured that the family chose Manzi Monaté to be the first home of such a precious gift. One of the Eljoenai’s first garments was a Manzi Monaté onesie. We got to share in this amazing ‘brand new’ life moment and honestly,  we can’t wipe the smiles off our faces. Welcome Baby Eljoenai!

    Baby born at Manzi Monaté

    Our passion lies in making sure that we set the right platform for your stories to come to life. We are the canvas and your stories are the magic paint that beautifies us. We work at creating the best environment for creating everlasting holiday memories.

  • A true family getaway

    A true family getaway

    Family getaways are all about celebrating the things that bring you together as a unit; reminding you that what connects you can outlive any squabbles over the TV remote. Although the major reason for holidays is relaxation, they also are an opportunity to get the family out of their comfort-zone. “Live a little”, that is the motto that drives a family holiday. We have highlighted a number of activities for mom, dad, Lil’ Nicky and Sam from our various resorts; these will come in handy when you are deciding on your next getaway.

    Family out on holiday at an LPA resort

     

    Dad

    Lying in bed and watching sports is a no-no for dad during the holiday. It might sound like the perfect activity to enjoy complete relaxation but that he can do on any given Saturday afternoon at home; besides, TV is a buzz kill when the objective is to spend more time with the family.

    Game drive at Mabalingwe Nature Reserve

     

    The activities below are governed by the only phrase that will get Dad’s attention, sports and adventure.

    Game Drives and night-drives are the best pastimes for Dad. They appeal to the explorer in him that just wants to put on shorts, a hat and boots, and tame the wild. Mabalingwe Nature Reserve is second to none when it comes to Game Drives and Night-Drives.

     

    Dad exploring nature at a family getaway in Mabalaingwe Nature Reserve

     

    Boat launching is a sure way of getting the adventurer’s spirit awakened. Baywater Village is perfect for water activities that get your heart-pumping and leave you with memories that will outlive the holiday. The below water sport activities are available for all daring spirits:

    • Canoeing
    • Paddle boating
    • Dingy motor boating
    • Stand up paddle boarding
    • Speedboat cruises
    • Water tubing

     

    Water games at a family getaway at Baywater Village

     

    Federer who? The Ngwenya Lodge tennis court is the perfect opportunity for dad to showcase his Master skills against other guests, or family-members to prove once and for all to the kids that he was once an incredible tennis player. And after that taxing exercise, dad can go relax on a recliner while catching fish at the Ngwenya Lodge catch and release facility.

     

    Mom

    You have been at it all year; taking care of the family. Now it is your turn to be taken care of. No, no feeling guilty, it is your turn.

    Mom at a spa in Kagga Kamma during a family getaway

     

    You are about to enter a stress-free zone. Your “me-time” starts with a pampering at the spa. Explore the power of touch as you enjoy a massage from one of the professional masseuses at Mount Amanzi. If you are looking for ‘Wow’, Kagga Kamma has just the thing – experience the recently launched open air spa; we promise you, you will be a story-teller after the experience.

    spa at Kagga Kamma

     

    But your skin and your mind keep telling you that they came to the resort for fresh air and fresh perspective. Why not exchange the slippers for sneakers and conquer the hiking trail. Little Eden has an 8km hiking trail that is surrounded by nature’s most elegant flora blanket. Take the kids and challenge dad, a hiking trail is one of nature’s best bonding sessions.

    Mom enjoying facial at Kagga kamma during family holday getaway

     

    There are a myriad of activities that are designed to leave you feeling so relaxed…

    • Indoor Heated Pool (Mount Amanzi)
    • Clubhouse with Jacuzzi, sauna and steam room (Crystal Springs)
    • Le Fera Beauty Spa (Crystal Springs)
    • Kagga Kamma Spa and Open Air Spa (Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve)

     

    Lil Nicky (Kids)

    Looking for ways to keep your kids entertained over the holiday? Leave that to us. We have a variety of activities geared to keep the young mind entertained and stimulated. The Manzi Monaté holiday programme for kids is a big hit. It includes games that are meant to educate and impart proper life-skills, like teamwork, that will prove to be useful long after the holiday.

    Kids enjoying games on a family holiday getaway at Manzi Monaté

     

    These are some of the resorts that offer Holiday programmes for kids:

    • Manzi Monaté
    • Monateng Safari Lodge
    • Sudwala Lodge
    • Little Eden Resort
    • Crystal Springs
    • Ngwenya Lodge
    • Mount Amanzi
    • Uvongo River Resort
    • Baywater Village
    • Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve

     

    Kids holiday activities at Manzi Monaté

     

    It would seem Ngwenya Lodge had little ones in mind when they were adding fun features to the resort. There is a chalkboard that invites toddlers to come create their own personal work of art. There are colouring books in store that stimulate creativity and a jungle gym that makes sure that they experience some physical activity-type fun too.

    Family getaway activities at Manzi Monaté for kids

     

    Monkey Business (Little Eden)

    Kiddies Room (Ngwenya Lodge)

    Kiddies Play Area with Scooter Track (Mount Amanzi)

     

    Sam (Outdoor Fun)

    This is the perfect opportunity for your teenagers and young adults to engage in a digital detox (if you can convince them). Our resorts’ activities are more than capable of luring them away from screens and electronics. Sudwala Lodge has a plethora of activities that are very effective in enticing guests to ditch mobile devices and just head out and enjoy physical activities.

    Enjoying outdoor activities on a family getaway

     

    Eco Teens Club (Mabalingwe Nature Reserve)

    BMX Track (Little Eden)

    Hiking, and a soccer and rugby field (Ngwenya Lodge)

    Mini Golf (Ngwenya Lodge)

    Cricket (Mount Amanzi)

     

    Colour run at Sudwala Lodge

     

    For Both Mom and Dad

    With mystical forests, breathtaking views and the sounds of nature all around you, the magic of Crystal Springs is yours to discover. It is a lovers’ paradise; a romantic ballad whose melodic notes tip-toe to every heart that dares to approach it. Mom and dad will enjoy taking time out to reconnect. Let the gentle caress of Crystal Springs set the right mood for you and your special one. All of this is possible because Crystal Springs has baby-sitting services that can be arranged after 17:00, and Le Fera’s Mom’s Night-Off makes sure that undivided attention is given to Mom and Dad time.

     

    Clubhouse with Jacuzzi and sauna (Crystal Springs)

    Nature Drives (Kagga Kamma Nature Reserve)

    Baby Sitting Services (Kruger Park Lodge)

    Renew your vows (Mount Amanzi)

    The joy of others has more positive effect on us than history has recorded; when your partner is happy, that automatically makes you happy. The joy of parents lies in the whimsical laughter of their kids. It is in view of this that we make sure that holiday activities are geared for all members of the family.

    Family getaway with whole family

  • A Hot Chocolate Kind of Day…

    A Hot Chocolate Kind of Day…

    Le Fera’s delicious hot chocolate…

    Creamy, fresh hot chocolate cup

     

    We just wanted to make sure that your favourite winter time should not be the day it ends, which is around the corner, mind you! Don’t let the cooler weather cover up all the beautiful things you can enjoy as we get ready to enter spring. There is one special thing to be enjoyed in cooler days that makes you forget winter’s sting. Yes, hot chocolate. Here is how you can enjoy the best hot chocolate, courtesy of Le Fera Restaurant

     

    marshmellow hot chocolate

    The Best Creamy Hot Chocolate

     

    What you’ll need:

    • 3 Cups Full Cream Milk

    • 1 Cup Pouring Cream

    • 2 Tbsp. Icing Sugar

    • 2 150g Slabs of Chocolate (Milk or Dark Chocolate)

    • Mini Marshmallows (Optional)

     

    How to make:

    Turn on the stove to a medium heat. Before placing your saucepan on the heat, whisk your milk, pouring cream and sugar together. When your stovetop has reached a medium heat, place your saucepan on it and allow it to slowly warm while you stir continually. This mixture must not boil; but you should start seeing small bubbles and steam form. Turn off your stovetop and add your chocolate by breaking it into pieces. This will be great fun for the kids! Slowly mix in the chocolate so that the creamy white turns a rich chocolaty colour. Serve in your favourite mugs sprinkled with mini-marshmallows.

    There you have it! A sweet goodbye to winter!