Marcel Van de Ghinste, Author at A Luxury Travel Blog : A Luxury Travel Blog

5 enchanting treehouses in South Africa

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on Mar 22, 2015 in Accommodation, Adventure Travel, Africa, Leisure Travel, Regions, South Africa, Speciality Travel

High above the savannah plains, amidst the leaves of an indigenous forest, and surrounded by native bird calls – there’s no doubt that staying in a treehouse is one of the best ways to absorb the raw beauty of South Africa. Here are 5 strategically placed treehouses for enjoying glorious African sunsets and views of

Top 3 whale watching destinations in South Africa

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on Mar 12, 2015 in Africa, Air Travel, Cruises & Boat Travel, Events, Leisure Travel, Regions, South Africa, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany

South Africa is one of the best whale watching destinations in the world. Every year from June to November, thousands of travellers from around the world congregate along the southern shores to spot the gentle giants of the deep – often more than willing to withstand cool winter days further chilled by the ocean breeze.

3 luxury retreats in South Africa's rugged North West

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on Feb 12, 2015 in Accommodation, Africa, Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels, Regions, South Africa

Flanked by the Kalahari Desert and Magaliesberg mountain range, South Africa’s North West province is famous for its rugged hills and vast plains of untamed African bushveld. This malaria-free region is within easy reach of Johannesburg and makes a convenient escape from the city. And with its sophisticated collection of luxury accommodation, there is no

5 beachside getaways on the KwaZulu-Natal coast

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on Jan 13, 2015 in Accommodation, Africa, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, South Africa, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel

Long days of sunshine, a sub-tropical climate, and miles of warm Indian Ocean washing footsteps off sandy beaches make KwaZulu-Natal a popular holiday destination in South Africa. Whether you prefer beaches with buzzing nightlife on its doorstep, or the quiet sanctuary of untouched sands, you’ll find the perfect spot on the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Thonga Beach

3 of the best family safari lodges in South Africa

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on Dec 24, 2014 in Accommodation, Adventure Travel, Africa, Camping, Family Travel, Regions, Resorts, South Africa, Speciality Travel

Safari holidays are an exciting adventure for the whole family. But it’s normal for young children to become bored of driving around looking for animals – especially when they’re not allowed to touch them and are constantly being told to hush and sit still. Here are 3 safari lodges in South Africa that specially cater for

Top 3 beachfront destinations in Cape Town

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on Nov 19, 2014 in Accommodation, Africa, Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels, Regions, South Africa, Vacation Rentals

Cape Town is one of the most beautiful beach destinations in the world. The expansive coastline is a visual feast of craggy mountains, secluded coves, long stretches of white sandy beaches, and barrelling waves. There are many splendid seaside suburbs worth visiting, so we’ve rounded up our top 3 beachfront haunts to make your decision

The top 3 horse safaris in South Africa

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on Oct 30, 2014 in Accommodation, Adventure Travel, Africa, Camping, Regions, Resorts, South Africa, Speciality Travel

There are few greater thrills than exploring the African bush on horseback. It’s a surreal way to experience the sights, sounds, and serenity of the bush, but more than that, you’ll be able to get very close to the wildlife that would otherwise avoid loud vehicles. Here are 3 recommended horseback safaris in South Africa:

Top 5 wine farm stays in South Africa

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on Sep 25, 2014 in Accommodation, Africa, Food and Drink, Hotels, Regions, South Africa, Travel Miscellany

Wine lovers are spoilt for choice with accommodation in South Africa’s winelands. From 5-star hotels and luxury guest houses, to Cape Manor houses and boutique style lodging, the following establishments offer the highest standards of service, quality, and comfort. You’ll also find superb attractions such as restaurants and spas, and, of course, some of the

5 of Cape Town's most outstanding boutique hotels

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on Aug 21, 2014 in Accommodation, Africa, Hotels, Regions, South Africa, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel

Cape Town is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, with over 4 million international arrivals coming through Cape Town International Airport each year. Yet even with the amount of travellers exploring the city, you won’t find yourself lost in massive crowds of camera-clicking tourists. Cape Town is a creative, friendly, and diverse city

5 of the best golf and spa resorts in South Africa

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on Jul 15, 2014 in Accommodation, Africa, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, Resorts, South Africa, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel

South Africa is a playground for golfing holidays, with pristine courses appearing almost everywhere from the coastline to the heart of the bush. Here is a selection of the country’s top golf resorts that cater to golfers, but also offer excellent spa facilities to their partners who prefer to spend their holidays off the greens.

5 romantic tented camps in South Africa

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on Jun 21, 2014 in Accommodation, Adventure Travel, Africa, Leisure Travel, Regions, South Africa, Speciality Travel

If your idea of a romantic camping getaway involves sleeping bags on the floor or searching for a communal lavatory in the dark, you’re doing it wrong. With the wide selection of luxury tented camps available in South Africa, camping – or “glamping” as it has been dubbed – is fast becoming one of the

3 malaria-free alternatives to the Kruger National Park

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on May 19, 2014 in Accommodation, Adventure Travel, Africa, Leisure Travel, Regions, Resorts, South Africa, Speciality Travel

The world famous Kruger National Park is South Africa’s flagship game park. Covering almost 2 million hectares, it offers an unrivalled wildlife experience where visitors can spot an impressive number of species: 34 amphibians, 49 fish, 114 reptiles, 147 mammals, 336 trees, and 507 birds. But if you visit the Kruger during the summer months

5 luxury lodges where you'll see elephants in South Africa

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on Apr 18, 2014 in Accommodation, Adventure Travel, Africa, Featured, Leisure Travel, Regions, Resorts, South Africa, Speciality Travel

The grand stature of the African elephant is as captivating as its innate intimacy for its own kind. You’d expect the huge frame of these gentle giants to stand out like a storm cloud in a clear blue sky, but the elephant isn’t as easily spotted in the wild as you may believe. Here are

10 foodie getaways in South Africa

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on Mar 26, 2014 in Accommodation, Africa, Bed & Breakfasts, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, South Africa, Travel Miscellany

There is an endless list of things to do in South Africa, but sometimes, when you’re after a laid back holiday, sightseeing is just something to do between meals. South Africa is fast becoming one of the world’s most sought after foodie destinations, offering fantastic quality, innovation, and diversity to travellers. Here are 10 of

5 artistic stays in Cape Town – World Design Capital 2014

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on Feb 11, 2014 in Accommodation, Africa, Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels, Regions, South Africa

As World Design Capital 2014, Cape Town is a destination highlight for art- and design-lovers around the world. Throughout the year, Cape Town will be showcasing a programme of over 450 projects to delight every sense and artistic taste. If you’re planning a trip to Cape Town in 2014, we recommend staying at one of

Top 5 boutique hotels in Johannesburg

By Marcel Van de Ghinste on Jan 13, 2014 in Accommodation, Africa, Going Out, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, Restaurants, South Africa, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel

Affectionately known as Egoli, the “City of Gold”, Johannesburg dazzles with as much glitz as down to earth charm. To experience the opulence of Africa’s wealthiest city while appreciating the warmth of South African hospitality, we recommend staying at one of Johannesburg’s finest boutique hotels. Unlike grand hotels, boutique hotels have between 10 and 100

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