When the Cape Town Book Fair opens its doors at the CTICC this year, it will be doing so as the largest fair in sub-Saharan Africa. With over 220 exhibitors representing 31 countries there is no wonder why the CTBF holds this accolade. Doors to the fair open on July 30th with the newly introduced […]
Whether you are a soccer fan or not, it is difficult to avoid being caught up in the ‘Gees’ (spirit) and excitement which seems to have enveloped every corner of South Africa. With the opening match over and a whole month of sporting madness ahead, I thought it would be a good idea to point […]
As the spectre of the 2010 World Cup Soccer Tournament looms ever larger there are some concerning trends in tourism emerging even before it hits us. What has happened to many of the tourists that used to come to South Africa in our summer?
Hotels who as policy say it’s business as usual are now very […]
January 22, 2010 – 9:00 am
The summit of Lion’s Head, not really a hidden gem considering you can see it no matter where you are standing in the city of Cape Town, but that to get there takes a bit of effort and in most cases, sweat…
Climbing to the top of Lion’s Head is a real treat, even if it […]
January 11, 2010 – 9:57 am
Frogs in a garden are a clear indication of a sound and healthy environment; in fact the more creepy crawlies in your garden the better.
Apart from the familiar resident insect life in its garden, The Constantia in Spaanschemat River Road, Constantia can boast a colony of western leopard toads (Amietophrynus pantherinus) hidden in the greenery […]
December 9, 2009 – 11:14 am
For most the year I enjoy living in and around Cape Town at the various Last Word Luxury Boutique Hotels. I seldom venture out to the beach because I like to save the beach for December. There is just something so magical about the combination of December in Cape Town and the beach.
It’s not about […]
December 3, 2009 – 11:52 am
I have been invited to attend the 2009 Franschhoek Champagne Festival and all I can say is thank goodness.
I believe that this event is the highlight of the festival circuit and it couldn’t have come at a better time. I am so tired of attending inexpensive festivals. Because at these festivals those that could ordinarily […]
By Countess Josephine de Ville
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Also posted in Boutique Hotels, Franschhoek, Méthode Cap Classique, The Countess, The Last Word, Wine
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Tagged 2009 Franschhoek Champagne Festival, Excellent, Festival Circuit, Franschhoek Cap Classique, Franschhoek Festival, Franschhoek Food, Highlight, Luxury
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November 22, 2009 – 8:56 pm
I thought that I’d seen it all in France. As a country we’ve been producing spectacular wine for as long as we care to remember. No one does it quite like us. But, that being said, there is something rather special about new age wine producing countries. The wine can, on occasion, be quite drinkable […]
By Countess Josephine de Ville
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Also posted in Boutique Hotels, The Countess, The Last Word, Wine
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Tagged 2009 Eat Out Awards, Countess Josephine de Ville, Delaire Graff, Dylan Lewis, Franschhoek, Helshoogte Pass, Keith Kirsten, Luxury Franschhoek Boutique Hotel, Staying in Franschhoek, Stellenbosch Restaurant, Stellenbosch Winery, Where to Stay in Franschhoek
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November 12, 2009 – 11:05 pm
I love clothing. To say fashion is a passion of mine would be an understatement. The great French fashion houses were all regular haunts of mine when I was living in France.
In my move to Cape Town I’ve had to step out of my fashion comfort zone. Sure there’s Gucci and Louis at the Waterfront […]
By Countess Josephine de Ville
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Also posted in Couture, Fashion, South African Designers, The Countess
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Tagged A Countess, Cape Quarter, Countess Josephine de Ville, Favourite Designer, Franschhoek Hotel, Franschhoek Wedding, Gucci, Kluk, Last Word, Louis Vuitton, Malcolm Kluk, Marian & Lindie, Marian and Lindie, Marion & Lindie, Marion and Lindie, Pierre-Louis, South African Clothing, South African Designer, Staying in Franschhoek, Stefania Morland, The Art of Dressing, Upstaging the Bride, V&A Waterfront
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October 27, 2009 – 2:29 pm
I mentioned in my previous piece - not the one where I cursed the wretched South African croissant, but the one about handcrafted beer - that I don’t drink anything other than the good French stuff. If it doesn’t have the word champagne attached to it it’s not getting past my lips.
I’m not, as I’m […]
By Countess Josephine de Ville
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Also posted in Activities, Méthode Cap Classique, The Countess, Wine
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Tagged , Champagne, Countess Josephine de Ville, Croissants in Cape Town, Franschhoek Cap Classique, French Champagne, Handcrafted Beer in Cape Town, Less-Cultured, Local Bubbly, Not French Champagne, Perfect, Philanthropic, South African Methode Cap Classique, Sparkling Wine, The Last Word Hotels
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Candice focuses on travel, surfing, running, dark chocolate and uncovering gems hidden in the Cape outdoors.
Steve Bolnick is recognized as one of southern Africa’s outstanding safari guides. He grew-up with a deep love for the African bush and has spent the past 29 years living and guiding in southern Africa.
Lisa Griggs writes about the hidden vineyards and the undiscovered cultivars in the Western Cape.
Nicky Coenen looks for the secret hideaways and hidden gems in Cape Town and surrounds.
Steve Robertson tracks the off the beaten track action happening around Cape Town.
Fred Roed looks for the undiscovered coffee spots in the Western Cape and rates them.
Peter has worked in the wine and spirits industry for over 40 years and is an appreciator of fine things.