Leisurely Kayak Down Kowie Canals with Outdoor Focus

I love sharing special moments with my family but it is often difficult to find an activity that everyone enjoys and that isn’t too physically exerting. I was thrilled to discover the Outdoor Focus sunset canoe session where we were able to go as fast or slow as we desired and could pause and admire the setting sun as we coasted along.

Whether it be an early morning, midday or late afternoon sunset canoe session, Carey and her crew were more than helpful in accommodating our schedule.

My family and enjoyed the late afternoon sunset session and met up with Carey around 17:00. Launching from the secure and protected Kiddies Beach, we effortlessly drifted onto the Kowie river canals. The entire area is a no-wake zone with all boats maintaining a safe speed as we cruised by.

The two person kayaks proved perfect, with the heavier member seated at the back. Over 95kg? No problem! Outdoor Focus has “one-man” kayaks especially fitted so that the whole family can join.

Kayaking proved to be a scenic, non-strenuous method to explore the canals up close and enjoy the beauty of the houses along the river. No intense upper body strength is needed and no prior experience is required. With their very stable and light canoes we were able to easily navigate the calm waters of the Kowie and explore this pristine estuary. The best part? You decide your speed! Whether you want an exhilarating workout, or in our case, a leisurely cruise.

Book your session today and make lasting memories with the whole family with Outdoor Focus:

+27 76 593 0749

info@outdoorfocus.co.za

http://www.outdoorfocus.co.za

bye for now

xoxo

Breathtaking Views, Buffet Breakfast and Bubbly Aboard Harties Boat Company Cruise

Just a 40 minute drive outside of Johannesburg, Hartebeespoort Dam is a popular destination to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. With a plethora of antique stores, craft markets, animal sanctuaries and niche restaurants, it is definitely worth the drive out. Like many, I often found myself admiring the dam and through the Harties Boat Company I finally got to enjoy the dam’s tranquility on their morning cruise.

Upon boarding the COVID-19 compliant, social distance-adhering “Danny Buoy” boat, we received a refreshing welcoming drink. A few minutes into the trip, the enticing smell of eggs, bacon and freshly baked pastries wafted through the air and we were invited to indulge in the buffet breakfast. Other than the morning cruise, which includes breakfast, there is also a midday and sunset cruise option available with meals and snacks respectively.

The boat was spacious with ample space between groups of attendees and a warm breeze adding to the relaxing atmosphere.

From romantic couple dates, to larger family gatherings, birthday functions, corporate gatherings and everything in between, the Harties Boat Company is able to cater to all groups.

With an uninterrupted view, I was able to fully take in the sites around the dam including the lavish houses of the hidden estates and the picturesque Magaliesberg Mountain Range.

The attentive staff, easy booking process and mint condition of the vessel further enhanced the memory-filled experience.

Make your booking today: http://www.hartiesboatco.co.za

bye for now

xoxo

Luxury Perfected at On the Beach Guesthouse Jeffreys Bay

The necessary precautions and restrictions put in place by the South African government to curb the spread of the coronavirus have in many cases negatively impacted our mental and emotional state. The saying that “change is as good as a holiday” has never been more true than in the last few months of lockdown. After being stuck at home for many months, the yearning for a change of scenery has become stronger than ever. Luckily, South Africans are blessed with world-class local accommodation that offers breath-taking views and luxury décor, such as On the Beach Guesthouse in Jeffreys Bay.

Sun soaked rooms, opulent décor, picturesque sea views and comfort made into an art, are just some of the ways I would describe On the Beach Guesthouse, which sets the benchmark for guesthouses in South Africa.

Ideally located a stone’s throw from Jeffreys bay main road and a foot step away from the beach, On the Beach Guesthouse provides a stylish setting for your holiday of a lifetime.

Their room options include deluxe, studio and the penthouse. I thoroughly enjoyed my sun-kissed and newly sanitised deluxe open-plan room, located on the ground floor with sliding doors leading onto a panoramic sea-view patio. My cloud-like king bed put the “luxury” in “deluxe,” with billowing bedding and fashionable furnishings that would have earned it a feature on Top Billing.

The secondary category, namely executive studio rooms include mini kitchenettes, a furnished outdoor patio and, as in the deluxe room, has an opulent bathtub fit for total relaxation for a bubble-bath king or queen.

The third option is to escape from the hustle and bustle of life in the sanctuary that is the exclusive penthouse. This includes wrap-around views, an executive work desk, state-of-the-art décor and an elevated view of the coastline that creates an atmosphere of luxurious indulgence.

Their speedy wifi, compatible plugs and ample work desks make On the Beach Guesthouse a suitable alternative when needing to “work from home” with a view.

The communal lounge area is a feast for the eyes with 180-degree views of the ocean.  With a fully staffed kitchen this is the perfect spot to invite a friend to meet you to enjoy the views and order coffee.

On the Beach Guesthouse is filled with small details and touches, allowing guests to enjoy moment after moment of discovery. From a shelf stocked with books and board games, to a movie-nook, there are many ways to unwind.

Each room includes a personalised list of regulation-friendly activities to do in the area that further enhances the experience.

Breakfast included a full cold buffet and hot a’ la carte breakfast menu. I can recommend the egg benedict with creamy hollandaise sauce with confidence!

On the Beach Guesthouse in Jeffreys Bay is a perfect example of regulation adherence done right. From a temperature taking check-in system, to sanitation stations at every corner, to mask wearing staff and socially-distanced dining layouts, there are many ways that an overnight stay can be enjoyed without putting yourself or others at additional risk.

Make your booking today:

Email: info@onthebeach.co.za

Website: http://www.onthebeach.co.za

Kicking-Off 2021 with a KowieBunga SUP Session

The COVID-19 pandemic has confined the day-to-day lives of individuals significantly and has restricted many activities. These necessary precautions have in many cases negatively impacted the mental and emotional state of people. The mental toll that lockdown restrictions have had has made it increasingly important to blow-off some steam and get out in nature whilst abiding to the rules. Balancing the responsibility of protecting oneself and others, with our human need for outdoor exposure has become an increasingly important. There are however many activities available that provide the necessary outdoor adventures we crave, whilst still adhering to the needed restrictions and abiding by all regulations.

One such activity is stand up paddleboarding (SUP), which provides the perfect mixture of outdoor adventure and social distancing. Exploring the Kowie River has never been easier as despite level 3 restrictions, registered businesses operating on rivers are allowed to continue with their operations. This meant that adventures on the Kowie river with KowieBunga could continue. The limited person-to-person contact and fresh air make SUP a great way to enjoy the river whilst minimizing the risk. We were able to make a last minute booking easily and secured 2 SUP boards for 3 hours on the morning of the 1^st of January to kick off the New Year on a fresh and fun note!

Kiddies Beach in Port Alfred proved the ideal water enclave to launch off of. Located in a quaint corner of the Kowie river, as linked to the canals, Kiddies Beach is a sheltered corner that enabled us to practice in the shallow waters of the river, before rounding the corner and paddling out onto the no-wake-zone canal.

The early morning timeslot on the 1^st of January meant that we had the river canals all to ourselves while the rest of the river inhabitants recovered from their New Year’s celebrations.

SUP is a great non-strenuous form of exercise. Whether you choose to sit, stand or kneel, it is easy to find a position that works best for you. SUP boards can be rented out for 2-4 hours and get delivered and collected wherever you are along the river thus ensuring maximum convenience.

All equipment was expertly sanitised before use, while delivery and collection of the SUP boards were down with protective masks worn by all. In these turbulent times, it is worth finding an activity that lifts your spirits, abides by limitations and doesn’t put yourself or anyone else in danger. In the choppy waters we find ourselves in, the key is just keep paddling!

For more information on stand up paddle-boarding and other outdoor activities on the Kowie River in Port Alfred, contact (the aptly named) KowieBunga for bookings.

Cell: +27 71 892 8333

Email: info@kowiebunga.com

Website: http://www.kowiebunga.com

Leaders in Marketing at the Futuretech Future Network

Futuretech Media has long been seen as a leader in the marketing landscape and so when the time came to celebrate the top women in marketing, they effortlessly took on the task. As a result, the Futuretech Future Network was launched with the unified message of being For Women and By Women.

The evening was a combination of formal and informal moments of inspiration and networking. The event took place in the extravagantly adorned new offices of Futuretech. Speakers included Sadika Fakir of Tiger Brands, Koo Govender of Dentsu Aegis, Kagiso Musi of Meta Media , Zintle Botha of ZX Ventures and AB InBev as well as Dr Bhabha Aesthetics, with each speaker sharing personal anecdotes about their career journeys and the lessons they learnt in their rise to the top. Although each speakers’ career route is unique, their message of unwavering dedication to excellence was similar.

Career Journeys

The methods of getting into the industry for some speakers was less than conventional. Kagiso Musi stumbled into the world of marketing as if by fate. After heading in to the AAA School of Advertising building to collect a signup form for her cousin who was interested in studying advertising, she accidently joined a touring group of prospective students at AAA after the team confused her with a Katlego who had been scheduled to join the tour on the day. After receiving a bursary for a course at AAA that very same week, she left her plans to study dentistry and hasn’t turned back since.

The career direction of some of the speakers also took them by surprise. Sadika Fakir of Tiger Brands, always swore that she would never be in corporate (she hated banks and FMCG), having come from an agency background which she affectionately calls her “skinny jeans” days. Despite her reservations about the corporate space, she has ended up at both Nedbank and FNB and currently heads up one of the largest FMCG consumables segments in South Africa in her position at Tiger Brands – experiences which she has loved!

Work – Life Balance

“We need to know what to prioritise. My career is a rubber ball, if it falls, it bounces back, but my family is my crystal ball, and if that drops it shatters,” says Koo Govender of Dentsu Aegis . Another key insight according to Sadika Fakir, is to include your family in your goal setting activities. “My husband and I have score cards for ourselves and we set KPI’s for ourselves at the beginning of each year which we sign off on.” This ensures that your family members become your accountability partners for growing into the best version of yourself.

Women in Business

“I learnt early on that you don’t have to act like a man to prove that you deserve a seat at the table. Sometimes you can attract more people with honey than vinegar, aggression is not always the most effective” says Zintle Botha of ZX Ventures (a division of AB InBev).

Being Intentional About our Time and our Decisions

“We need to learn the power of being fully PRESENT” said Koo Govender, “there is a power that comes from giving your full attention to a task, to a person, in a meeting.” This was echoed by Kagiso Musi of Meta Media who stressed the importance of DELIBERATE decisions, not allowing life to sway us here and there, but in everything we do to have made a purposeful and deliberate reason for choosing that direction. Having said that, she warns women not to be afraid to change that direction. “Women contain multitudes” says Kagiso. This is supported by Zintle Botha who believes that “we have the right to reinvent ourselves, we can start again as many times as we want.”

With attendance by Nandi Madida, a private performance by Shekhinah, gourmet food by Ozzy’s Kitchen, décor by Fab Functions by Nadia and luxury goodies from Fleur De La Vie, Cashmere Natural Skincare as well as Estee Lauder, this was an evening fit for the titans of industry which these ladies represented.

bye for now

xoxo