Rondeberg Resort, ClanWilliam a place to relax and rejuvenate

I have taken a conscious decision to explore the Western Cape and to share my experiences and wet the appetites of those who reside here and visitors from abroad to partake in my adventures.

                                              

The above decision has led me to scout around for the best deals on Group-On or Daddy’s Deal as they offer great value for money.

So it was my son’s birthday and we decided to take a Break, enjoy him and have a holiday at Rondeberg Resort, ClanWilliam on the Bulshoek Dam.

Google maps already gave us an estimated time of arrival and so our three hour journey began. 

The challenge at this stage is the road works which delayed our travelling time by an extra hour. The consolation prize was the invitation of nature to engage. The landscape is wild, warm with an alluring beauty that entices. Many citrus orchards and so colorful array.

We finally arrive at our destination, the reception area was somewhat unprofessional but the hospitality was none the less good. The road is muddy to our chalet was muddy but not difficult to reach.

The place looks really inviting as you arrive and literally is so close to the dam where there is a paradise of birds flocking. Bird radio fm plays constantly and it’s so soothing.

So we get into the chalet and make a few astounding discoveries:

The bedrooms are separate from the living area with no inter-leading access to the toilets. This meant that after a shower, or during the evening you will have to weather the cold.

What I loved though was that the patio is a place where the family can enjoy great meals or entertainment together while you are surrounded by birds with amazing colour and the mountains.  The challenge with it was that if you have young children there are 2 levels without, no railings and a fire pit accessible to intriguing minds.

The chalet is fully air-conditioned with a double bed and two single beds and extra blankets. Most of the equipment that you would need is available in the kitchen which is also equipped with a microwave, stove and fridge.Your car parks under a shaded carport.   

This is heaven for those who want to be close to nature and a place where you can relax, rejuvenate and find rest for your soul.  You can make use of the dam, if you have your own boat, canoe, kayak, etc. It would have been such fun if they had these available, I could imagine myself taking an early morning cruise on the dam. That would have been truly marvelous. So if you are into fishing, packing in your own rod would not take much space.   

The town ClanWilliam is 25-30 minutes away and we took a drive to explore what one of the oldest towns had to offer.  There’s not much to see besides a few historical buildings, eateries etc.  We browsed at a gallery and enjoyed the Bushman rock art found in the mountains.

There are a few places that I did not visit but intend doing so on my next visit. This time it was just to enjoy nature and that’s what I achieved. Can’t wait to go back.

FASHION TOURISM - MARIE CLAIRE TRUNK SHOW

Recently I attended the Marie Claire Trunk Show, held at the City Hall in Cape Town; this venue lends itself to beauty and great architecture.  The event showcases fashion trends by designers where attendees have an opportunity to purchase stock. Other exhibitors included alcohol, food and one of my favourite was the Darling Sweet Toffees. 

Registration was shift and all who bought tickets received either a three-month digital or print Marie Claire subscription.  To start the tour, a glass of bubbly did the welcome trick to get you going.                                                                                                           

        

                                                                                                                     

The City Hall has various rooms and guests could navigate their way around admiring the creativity on display from top brands, all gathered by Marie Claire event organizers.

The evening, 17h30 started slow for me and at that time there were no entertainment. If you came there just to shop at that time, then its perfect. Most of those that I interacted with had a combination of expectations.

The question that permeated my mind was how the fashion industry in Cape Town particularly contributed to economic gain especially within tourism. 

         

The tourism industry is viewed as one of the world’s most important industries that have emerged in global economy while fashion constitutes to multi-billion dollars globally.

So what’s the role fashion can play in tourism? The time to re-think how we do business is upon us and while many feel the brunt of economic downturn, energies have to be placed on the local market. 

                                                                                      

Fashion today has become a cultural factor of primary importance to people of different class culture and background as there is something for everybody.

While destinations worldwide are beginning to diversify in repackaging their tourism products by introducing niche market and alternative forms of tourism, Cape Town will have to do more to get support from the local market. 

I like what Fedisa introduced, their students are allowed to display some of their garments, every first Thursday of each month and at the same time introduce a new wine brand, which each guests get a first glass as a welcome drink. Entrance use to be free but to assist struggling students they introduced a R 20 cover fee to go into a fund for that purpose. 

The Fashion scene is an outlet or another face of a people that brings out the creative nature and passion of people. I appreciate the efforts that many within our city is doing to place Cape Town on the map of becoming one of the fashion capitals of the world. Marie Claire also demonstrated great Corporate Social Investment with Institute of the Blind at the event . 

Fashion tells amazing stories , check out this boots, it's generational with a love story that blows your mind. Contact Alex at Whisper Between Worlds for the details. Promise you its a must hear.