Last chance to vote for your favourite establishment in the Fourth Annual Sanlam Top Destination Awards

Voting for the fourth annual Sanlam Top Destination Awards started in March and voters have been showing great support for their favourite establishments across 10 categories including the addition of the Water Sustainability Award. The Water Sustainability Award has been created in conjunction with Water 4 Cape Town and Cape Town Tourism to reward the most water conscious establishment.

The final countdown has begun as we’ve entered the last three weeks of voting. With exciting prizes like a bespoke David Green time piece to the value of R 4 000 and a Jekyll & Hide Oxford Four-Wheeler to the value of R 9 500 up for grabs voters can head over to Discount Traveler South Africa and Top Destination Awards.com to cast their votes for their favourite establishment. Voting closes on Wednesday, 1 August.

The Sanlam Top Destination Awards is an annual hospitality awards program culminating in a grand gala evening, celebrating the finest establishments throughout South Africa. Founded by Granadilla Media, Creators of Discount Traveler South Africa and The Traveler Mag SA, the esteemed ceremony enters its fourth year, continuing to promote in- and out-bound tourism in South Africa.

This year, the prestigious gala ceremony will be taking place in the newly renovated Rotunda at The Bay Hotel in Camps Bay on Thursday, 20 September where 40 winners from 9600 nominees will receive their share of R1 000 000 in advertising as well as the sought-after title of Top Destination in their respective categories and star grading.

Each winner will also receive a Sanlam Top Destination Awards winner’s trophy, certificate and phenomenal prizes. Additional sponsors include 3D Virtual Africa, Travel Africa TV, Romatex Hospitality Textiles, Jekyll & Hide, Disaronno, Carabao Energy and David Green.

For more information on the awards, visit http://www.topdestinationawards.com/.

Jekyll & Hide Ladies Leather Travel Accessories

Upgrade your travel experience with Jekyll & Hide’s Leather Travel Accessories. From the leather Woodstock passport cover with easy access and back & inner pockets, to luxurious travel bags, every piece within the Jekyll & Hide travel collection is crafted for style and durability.

Jekyll & Hide’s Four-Wheel RFID Carry on Case is the ideal fashionably functional travel companion with space for more than just the essentials. With room for files, a laptop, work attire and travel documents, their carry-on case adds effortless sophistication, ideal for work and play.

The Oxford Ladies Backpack is a small and stylish with handbag qualifications and an eye-catching modern design. Although petite and pretty, it has space for a tablet, makeup and headphones, allowing for light travel without having to leave any essentials behind.

The Ladies Purse with Detachable Strap infuses an element of luxury, elegance and practicality making it perfect combination between a purse and a modern bag with its detachable sling.

The Woodstock Zip Travel Wallet has proven to be the perfect zip around travel companion, this item also has an RFID lining, which has been specifically designed to protect Bank Cards and Passports from Identify theft.

Keep your eye out for Jekyll & Hide in over 160 retail stores across South Africa with retail outlets in Europe, Australia and Africa. To view their latest collection, head over to www.jekyllandhide.co.za or follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

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Red Carpet Creative Expands with Six New Accounts

Red Carpet Creative continues to expand its luxury-lifestyle and bespoke hospitality portfolio signing five new clients. The Cape Town based agency will represent Ayama Wines, Disaronno, No 5 on Hudson, Carabao and Wild Thing yoga as the custodian of their public relations, marketing and events activities.

Ayama translated from Xhosa means ‘someone to lean on’. Located in the Voor-Paardeberg wine valley, Ayama Wines is home to the first Vermentino varietal grown on South African soil. Since inception, Michela and Attilio Dalpiaz have introduced new wine varietals to the South African wine industry with the Vermentino and Carignan (launching in August 2018). Ayama also produces Ayama White and Red vintages (Chenin Blanc, Merlot, Pinotage, Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz), Leopard Spot, the Baboon’s Range and Methode Cap Classique.

Disaronno, forming part of the Really Great Brand Company portfolio, is a fragrant and delicate Italian liqueur dating back to 1525. With its velvety smooth taste and unmistakable aroma, Disaronno’s versatility lends itself to a multitude of cocktails and cuisine infusions for the discerning palette.

Recently opened, No. 5 On Hudson, is an elegant new art gallery based in the heart of Cape Town’s trendy De Waterkant, spearheaded by Ex Miss SA, Sandy de Bruin. Formally the owner of Country Living SA, de Bruin’s impeccable hand-picked selection of pieces by renowned local artists Fiona Rowett, Nicole Pletts and Lesley Charnock (to name a few), sets the curated style synopsis from outset. Drawing on themes like “Women And Art” and “Shades of Grey”, the captivating space transcends its gallery predecessors, establishing a new standard in visual sophistication.

Brand new to South African shores, Carabao is a premium energy drink, developed by the Bob Marley of Thailand, Aed Carabao.  Official sponsors of the Chelsea football league and the Carabao Cup, the super low sugar content energy booster beverage is available in five unique flavours: Original, Original Sugar-Free, Green Apple, Green Apple Sugar-Free and Mandarin.

Founded by young vivacious entrepreneurs, Lexi Ryman and Dominique Vieira, WILD THING MOVES is a contemporary yoga studio situated at the Point Mall in the heart of Sea Point’s bustling new epicentre. The practice specializes in strong, heated and non-heated Vinyasa Flow; focussing on alignment, intelligent sequencing and building strength from the core.

West Coast Villa Rentals was established in 2012 by parent company, Cape Villa Rentals. Their unique collection of luxury beach houses provides an idyllic alternative to hotels on the West Coast of South Africa. With a multitude of fully furnished properties, West Coast Villa Rentals holds properties in Britannia Bay, Cape St Martin, Duyker Eiland, Langebaan and Shelley Point.

For more information about Red Carpet Creative’s exciting endeavours, activations and events go to www.redcarpetcreative.co.za.

Elegance and comfort for the Absolut Movie Nights launch at Shimmy Beach Club

Shimmy Beach Club in association with Absolut Vodka and Red Carpet Creative hosted an elegant cinematic experience with the screening of the classic film, Chocolat starring Johnny Depp and Juliette Binoche on Thursday evening.

Shimmy Beach Club’s Absolut Bar was transformed into an indoor cinema complete with comfortable couches, heaters, blankets and cushions to provide a warm, cosy setting for the film screening. Guests were treated to a beautiful pink Cape Town sunset over the ocean as they embarked on a nostalgic trip down memory lane while they were served fresh popcorn and watched as their giant candy floss was spun in front of them before being offered Absolut’s take on the classic chocolate milkshake as a welcome cocktail. As everyone snuggled up and got ready for the movie, wood-fired margarita pizzas were served, filling the air with the delicious smell of fresh tomatoes and melted mozzarella cheese. Chocolat, set in a chocolate shop in a little French village, understandably left our guests craving the sweet and smooth taste of chocolate, which was met with a surprise serving of handmade chocolate truffles to end off the evening,

The next instalment of Absolut Movie Nights will take place on the 30th of August with the screening of the cult classic, Pulp Fiction directed by Quentin Tarantino and starring Uma Thurman, John Travolta and Samuel L. Jackson. The film depicts The lives of two mob hitmen, a boxer, a gangster's wife, and a pair of diner bandits which intertwine in four tales of violence and redemption.Amélie, a French romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Starring Audrey Tautou, the film, set in Montmartre, tells the tale of an innocent and naive girl in Paris with her own sense of justice. She decides to help those around her and, along the way, discovers love.

The winter film finale wraps on 27 September 2018 with the screening og Amélie, a French romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Starring Audrey Tautou, the film, set in Montmartre, tells the tale of an innocent and naive girl in Paris with her own sense of justice. She decides to help those around her and, along the way, discovers love.

Tickets for the August and September movie nights are available at R260 per person and are available through Nuticket from Friday 6 July. Each ticket includes an Absolut Vodka cocktail on arrival, a margarita pizza and the movie essentials – fresh popcorn and candyfloss.

Celebrate Women’s Day with Empower Me and Shimmy Beach Club

Embrace your inner queen this Women’s Day with Empower me and Shimmy Beach Clu! Join in for a celebration of the multi-faceted modern female with an afternoon of inspiring talks by experts in their field on a variety of topics, aimed at touching on each aspect that make up an empowered woman in the 2 Century. 

Guests will enjoy delicious canapés and a 2 course lunch, specially created by Executive Chef Adrian Cook, live musical entertainment by talented songstress Francesca Biancoli, welcome drinks courtesy of Graham Beck and Disaronno, gift bags, pamper stations, pop-up shops, fantastic prize giveaways and more! 

The speakers of the day have been hand-picked to engage, inform, educate and entertain, with topics ranging from health and fitness, the power of positivity, to personal style, finance and productivity. Our guest speakers include Skin Renewal aesthetic specialist, Dr Shahar Sattar, health and fitness guru and owner of Warrior Warehouse, Emma Jooste, personal styling team, BeautifullYou, NLP practitioner Nepheritie Jade, confidence coach, Abigail Kloppers, and financial advisor and the brains behind Empower me, Janine Brink.  Because an empowered women always looks to empower others, a portion of the ticket proceeds will go towards an outreach program, in partnership with PrincessD, that will provide menstrual cups to girls in the townships who are missing on average 20% of their school year due to being unable to afford basic sanitary pads and tampons.

Hosted by KFM’s charismatic Mamohau Seseane and set in Cape Town’s most picturesque venue by the sea, this promises to be an unforgettable afternoon, designed for women by women. Space is limited, book your tickets now! Tickets are R450 per person and include canapés, a 2-course lunch, complimentary welcome drinks, inspirational talks and gift bags.

Get your tickets here: https://shimmy.nutickets.co.za/empowerme

Join the event on social here: https://www.facebook.com/events/2128152954092064/

#EmpowerMe #WomensDay

Shimmy Movie Nights – An Absolutely Dazzling Occasion

Bored of the same old? Join us in star style this winter for the new series of Shimmy’s Absolut Movie Nights! The Shimmy cinema, screening French classics like Amelie, Chocolat and Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, offers guests an elegant cinematic experience with all the bells and whistles.

Tickets are priced at R300.00 a pop, available through Quicket [INSERT LINK] and include an Absolut Vodka arrival cocktail, Margarita pizza and… what would the movies be without popcorn and candyfloss.

The space will be cosied up with the integrated heating system and lavish lounging cushioned with blankets for Absolut comfort.

Debuting the series of winter movies, on 28 June, 2018, is the British-American romantic comedy-drama, Chocolat. Created in 2000, the five times Academy Award nominated French film tells the story of a young mother, played by Juliette Binoche, and her daughter, who transform the repressed people of the French village of Lansquenet-sous-Tannes with her chocolaterie, La Chocolaterie Maya. The motion picture was also nominated for eight BAFTAs, and four Golden Globes. Judi Dench won a Screen Actors Guild Award for her performance in the film.

30 August, 2018 will host the screening of Perfume: The Story of a Murderer. Set in 18th century France, the film tells the story of Jean-Baptiste Grenouille (Whishaw), an olfactory genius, and his homicidal quest for the perfect scent. Released in 2006 the movie grossed over $135 million worldwide.

The winter film finale wraps on 27 September, 2018 with Amélie, a French romantic comedy film directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. Starring Audrey Tautou, the film, set in Montmartre, is a whimsical depiction of contemporary Parisian life. Receiving critical acclaim Amélie was a major box office success winning Best Film at the European Film Awards; four César Awards in 2002 (including Best Film and Best Director), two BAFTA Awards (including Best Original Screenplay), and was nominated for five Academy Awards.

Tickets are limited to 60 seats and are available on a first come first serve basis.

No 5 on Hudson Showcases Contemporary Art and Fine Objects

Open to the public from Friday, 15 June 2018, No 5 on Hudson is an elegant new Art gallery based in the heart of Cape Town’s trendy De Waterkant. The gallery is spearheaded by former Country Living SA owner, Sandy De Bruin.

Drawing on themes like Women and Art and Shade of Grey, the former Miss South Africa has used her platform to focus on the empowerment and upliftment of female Artists in South Africa. When speaking of how she has selected the gallery’s featured Artists, Sandy explains, “My focus is not only on beautiful and meaningful Art, but how art translates into our environment and how it fits into our aesthetic space.”

Sandy has always had a penchant for Fine Art, seeing her passion for painting revived while living in London, finding a new appreciation for the Arts. Sandy spent her days artistically inclined, writing and painting. It was during this time that No 5 on Hudson was born.

Sandy has faultlessly hand-picked a selection of pieces by renowned local Artists, including Fiona Rowett, Nicole Pletts and Lesley Charnock to name a few, setting a curated style synopsis from the outset.

“South African Artists are incredibly talented and inspirational. They often stand out on the international stage, as is testament to the enormous number of Art pieces sold overseas,” notes Sandy. “I want visitors to No 5 on Hudson to be embraced in an experience that heightens the visual senses and appreciate Art in a space contemplated by soul and design.”

No 5 on Hudson is located on 5 Hudson Street, De Waterkant. The gallery is open from 9am – 5pm Mondays to Fridays and 9am – 1pm on Saturdays. For more information, please visit www.no5onhudson.com or contact No 5 on Hudson directly via 021 418 2783 or info@no5onhudson.com.

Disaronno Celebrates La Dolce Vita at True Italic

In celebration of Italian Republic Day, Disaronno paired up with True Italic, an authentically Italian eatery owned by brother and sister duo Luca and Natasha Di Pasquale, to commemorate La Dolce Vita: The Sweet Life. With strong influences from his Italian background, Luca drew inspiration from all around Italy.

“The challenge in creating the dishes for me was exciting,” notes Luca. “I am always looking for inspiration to recreate traditional Italian dishes drawing on modern flavours to create classic dishes with a contemporary twist while still respecting the ‘Italian way’.”

With a burst of flavour on the nose and a taste of almond and marzipan on the palate, Disaronno leaves a long sweetness with a faint bitterness on tongue, making it the perfect ingredient to reimage classic dining room favourites. 

Amongst his Disaronno creations was the Disaronno Stracciatella Risotto, a dish traditionally served with mozzarella, Luca was inspired by a Nepalese twist on the conventional risotto which sees white wine being replaced with amaretto.

With it’s almond taste, Disaronno makes for the perfect infusion to any dessert. Luca reinvented the traditional tiramisu, infusing it with the almond taste of Disaronno.

Following a successful launch in June, Disaronno is set to host a succession of secret soirées, taking guests on a flavour journey pairing classic Italian dishes with the unique taste of Disaronno.
 

The Sanlam Top Destination Awards introduces the Water Sustainability Award

The annual Sanlam Top Destination Awards expands this year with the addition of the Water Sustainability Award. The award has been created in conjunction with Water 4 Cape Town and Cape Town Tourism to reward the most water conscious establishment.

"Securing a destination for future generations to enjoy cannot be done without businesses acknowledging and addressing sustainable tourism, and it's fitting to recognise those that do" says Enver Duminy, CEO, Cape Town Tourism.

Water 4 Cape Town was created as an informative platform pertaining to Cape Town’s water crisis. The platform advises citizens on ways to save water, provides educational programs and practises including up-to-date developments on the crisis.

“As the Sanlam Top Destination Awards have grown, so has our vision,” says Jonathan Pepler, founder of the Sanlam Top Destination Awards. “Starting with the Water Sustainability Award, we are working at identifying and acknowledging establishments which strive towards all five pillars of sustainability.”

The Sanlam Top Destination Awards has been created as an honorary platform for the Hospitality Industry in Southern Africa to put their best foot forward and to be selected as the national “Top Destination” in their respective categories and star grading. The awards event is hosted by Discount Traveler South Africa and serves to recognise the hard-working establishments of the country in one of the world’s most demanding markets.

This year, the prestigious gala ceremony will be hosted at The Table Bay Hotel in Camps Bay on 20 September where 40 winners from 13 400 nominees will receive their share of R1 000 000’s in advertising as well as the sought-after title of Top Destination in their respective categories and star grading. Each winner will also receive a Sanlam Top Destination Awards winner’s trophy and certificate.

Additional sponsors providing gifts, prizes and services at the Sanlam Top Destination Awards 2018 include 3D Vitrual Africa, Travel Africa TV, Romatex Hospitality Textiles and David Green.

For more information on the awards, visit http://www.topdestinationawards.com/.

Disaronno to Launch a Series of Secret Soirees

Disaronno, Italy’s finest amaretto, will be whisking Capetonians away from their daily life, awakening the seductive taste of Italy as they host a soirée of cocktail adventures across the city of Cape Town.  

Guests will be invited to celebrate the love of Italy from the Mother City and dine with the finest flavours that Italy has to showcase. Welcoming the winter festivities over homemade Italian pasta paired beautifully with signature Disaronno cocktails.

As the dawn of summer breaks, Disaronno shall awaken a summer series of Cape to Capri events that will make their way across some of the city’s top beach front dining hot spots. Explore Italian-style canapes upon arrival while enjoying the tropical house sounds.

With a lineage dating back to one of the most romantic and creative periods in Italian history – the Renaissance era – the versatile and incomparable flavouring of Disaronno adds a unique element of innovation, sophistication and quality to more than 100 mixes.