2025 and 2026 special offers for Vergenoegd Löw
 
 
 
 
 
 

DEAR PARTNERS,

 

We are delighted to share these 2025 and 2026 special offers for Vergenoegd Löw.
 
 
 
 
 
 

For further info, sales, marketing and training, please contact:
 
 
 

Hugh Sanders

Email: hugh@afriasia.info

Telephone: 01948 710444

Wildlife update from Tanjong Jara Resort
 
 

We’re delighted to share that turtle season is in full swing at

Tanjong Jara Resort 2025!

 

The team saw quite a number of nesting mothers as the season began in March with many more sightings expected.

 

To date, 4 green sea turtle nests have been saved with a total of 471 eggs residing in the seasonal on-site Turtle Hatchery.

 

Watch this space!
 
 
 

Dive & Turtle Season Begins at Tanjong Jara Resort

DIVE ADVENTURES & TURTLE HATCHERY EXPERIENCES RETURN TO TANJONG JARA RESORT
Explore Underwater Wonders with Tanjong Jara Resort

At Tanjong Jara Resort, a distinguished coastal retreat inspired by the grandeur of 17th-century Malay palaces, the much-anticipated dive season returns, accompanied by the reopening of the turtle hatchery for another enchanting season from March to mid-October.

 

Tenggol Island beckons with its crystal-clear waters, thriving coral gardens, and vibrant marine life, offering an unparalleled underwater paradise. A hidden gem in the South China Sea, this unspoiled haven promises breathtaking dives and unforgettable encounters beneath the waves.

 

Beyond the deep blue, the reopening of the Turtle Hatchery at Tanjong Jara Resort offers a rare opportunity to witness one of nature’s most heartwarming spectacles. In collaboration with PULIHARA, a dedicated marine conservation organisation, the resort has created a safe sanctuary for nesting turtles, ensuring their protection for generations to come.

Rosenhof Country House - 2025 Rates & Info

Rosenhof

Rosenhof Country House

 

Your Gateway to the Heart of the Klein Karoo
Nestled in Oudtshoorn, Rosenhof Country House is a luxurious 5-star retreat blending elegance, history, and charm. First opening in 1992, this restored 1852 homestead features a fragrant rose garden and 12 individually styled rooms. For added seclusion, two Executive Suites offer private pools, lounges, and views of the majestic Swartberg Mountains.

 

Dining and Wellness
Savor exquisite regional cuisine at Rosenhof's Country Kitchen, ideal for both light lunches and indulgent dinners under the African sky. Rejuvenate at Bliss Spa with therapeutic treatments, massages, a sauna, and a fully equipped gym, embodying the wellness center’s motto: "Relax the body, improve the skin, and relieve stress."

 

Explore the KleinKaroo
Beyond Rosenhof's gates lies Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich Capital of the World, where visitors can explore a working ostrich farm. Nearby, the world-renowned Cango Caves— a series of vast limestone chambers — are a marvel of nature that has fascinated visitors for centuries.

 

A short 40-minute drive to Calitzdorp, the Port Capital of South Africa, introduces you to some of the finest port-style wines the country has to offer. Pair tastings with breathtaking views of this charming town’s vineyards and surrounding hills.

 

Swartberg Pass: A Scenic Marvel
The Swartberg Pass, one of the world’s most stunning mountain passes, is must-see in the Klein Karoo. Built in the late 1800s by renowned engineer Thomas Bain, this gravel road is a National Monument and a marvel of engineering. Winding through the rugged Swartberg Mountains, the pass offers dramatic vistas, unique rock formations, centuries-old dry-stone walls, and vibrant wildflowers inspiring. Panoramic viewpoints provide breathtaking photo opportunities, with light and shadow painting the landscape in ever-changing hues. Guests staying at Rosenhof can book a guided Swartberg tour to fully immerse themselves in this unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty.

 

A Stargazing Wonderland
As night falls over the Klein Karoo, the unpolluted skies transform into a stargazer’s paradise. This region offers some of the clearest night skies in the world, with stars shining brilliantly against the inky backdrop. Guests can marvel at iconic celestial sights like the Southern Cross, the Milky Way, and the Magellanic Clouds — visible only in the Southern Hemisphere. To enhance the experience, Rosenhof offers the option to book a "High 5" stargazing tour, where expert guides take you on a journey through the cosmos, uncovering the secrets of constellations, planets, and distant galaxies. Thisawe-inspiring experience is perfect for both seasoned astronomers and curious explorers alike.

 

Your Enchanting Escape
Rosenhof Country House offers more than luxury accommodation — it’s a gateway to the wonders of the Klein Karoo. From the historic Swartberg Pass to the region’s natural marvels, wine-tasting in Calitzdorp, and the magic of stargazing under the African sky, it’s the perfect home away from home in one of South Africa’s most breathtaking destinations.

 

For further info, sales, marketing and training, please contact:

Hugh Sanders

Email: hugh@afriasia.info

Telephone: 01948 710444

Gaya Island Resort - Covid the Turtle update - November 2024

Covid the Turtle: An Update

We are delighted to share the ongoing story of Covid, Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre’s 21st rescued turtle.

 

Covid has been recuperating at the resort for over four years. An injured rescue, this Green Turtle suffered a boat strike injury which resulted in buoyancy issues that prevented her from diving down though had recovered enough to be relocated to a sea cage last year.

 

In September,  the team tried to release Covid into open waters but ended up having to recapture her, as she was not diving down as usual once the GPS was installed. She was returned to her sea cage where some weight to counter balance the GPS tracker was added.

 

After 30 days of recovery the Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre team are excited to announce Covid has finally been successfully released. Stay tuned for updates as they track her movements via GPS.
Covid the Turtle - Back to Sea

For more turtle rescue updates and news on their conservation efforts, visit the

Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre Facebook page

 

 

Abelana Game Reserve wins Tripadvisor's Travellers' Choice Awards - Best Of The Best 2024

 


 

Abelana River Lodge Wins Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award 2024

Abelana River Lodge Recognized as a top hotel

 

Abelana Game Reserve is pleased to announce today that Abelana River Lodge has been recognized in Tripadivsor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2024. The award honors businesses that consistently earn great reviews.

 

As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travelers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of great places to visit.

 

Reviews from millions of Tripadviser Travellers have placed Abelana River Lodge among the top 10% of hotels around the world.

 

“As CEO of Abelana Game Reserve, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our visitors and reviewers for their unwavering support and positive feedback,” says Ian Beauchamp. “Receiving this award is a testament to our commitment to providing a world-class experience at Abelana River Lodge. We are truly honoured to be recognized as a destination of choice among travellers.”

 

Bryan Havemann, Reserve Manager, adds, “This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of our exceptional staff. Their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional service has contributed significantly to this recognition. We are immensely proud of their contributions and thankful for their continued efforts.”

 

“Congratulations to Abelana River Lodge on its recognition in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at TripAdvisor. “Travelers’ Choice honors businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. This means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took the time to go online and leave a great review about their experience. People rely on Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice seal to help them navigate the myriad of things to see, eat and do across the globe. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2024 and beyond.”

 

Check out all the reviews and discover more about Abelana River Lodge here.

 
Abelana River Lodge bedroom

About Abelana Game Reserve and Abelana River Lodge

 

Abelana Game Reserve is a 15,000ha (36,000acre) Big Five game reserve adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park and the Selati Game Reserve, located near the town of Phalaborwa in South Africa’s beautiful Lowveld. Owned by the Mashishimale community, the reserve fosters a spirit of sharing, reflected in its name, which means “to share amongst each other” in the local Northern Sotho language.

 

Characterized by breathtaking landscapes, varied topography, and a mix of vegetation types, Abelana Game Reserve features a 10km stretch of the semi-perennial Selati River in its northern section, as well as numerous seasonal watercourses. The reserve is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the Big Five, cheetah, wild dog, and an impressive array of endemic bird species.

 

Abelana Game Reserve offers guests an exclusive safari experience with two lodges: Abelana Safari Camp in the south and Abelana River Lodge in the north. With a low-density approach and diverse ecosystems, Abelana provides an immersive safari experience while prioritizing sustainability and community upliftment.

 

Abelana River Lodge, offers luxury accommodation in only 20 riverfront rooms amidst the pristine landscapes of the Abelana Game Reserve. Nestled along the Selati River, our lodge offers a exclusive retreat with panoramic views and personalized service. Enjoy indoor and outdoor dining, a bar, lounge, and fire pit for unforgettable safari experiences. Each spacious room features en-suite facilities, outdoor showers, and private decks overlooking the river.



For further info, please contact:

Hugh Sanders

Email: hugh@afriasia.info

Telephone: 01948 710444

 

 

Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel & Spa - Under new management with new brand name


 

DEAR PARTNERS,

 

We are delighted to announce a new and exciting chapter at Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel and Spa. We are under new management, with a new brand name. The change in name to 1696 pays homage to our estate’s founding date. It also marks a revitalised commitment to the quality and heritage that define our property.

 

INTRODUCING THE NEW TEAM

We are proud to introduce the talented individuals who will be leading our new direction:

ASSURING CONTINUITY

We assure you that all existing agreements, including negotiated STO rates, brochure inclusions, site inspections, special offers, and freesale arrangements, will remain in place through the end of 2025. You can continue to benefit from these deals and agreements without any interruption.

 

OUR REPRESENTATION

We are pleased to confirm that our valued representation partners, Unlimited Destinations and AfriAsia, will continue their involvement with us, ensuring consistent and reliable partnerships. In addition, we are excited to announce the onboarding of African Synergy as a new partner. They will be overseeing new international markets, specifically Germany and the United States. AfriAsia will maintain its focus on the UK market, while Unlimited Destinations will continue managing Southern African operators.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS

Enhanced Guest Experiences

Your clients can look forward to the same exceptional service they’ve come to expect, but with exciting new offerings. We are introducing room service for added convenience and also to underscore the personalized luxury we extend to our guests to make each stay unique and memorable. Our commitment to exceptional service and attention to detail remain at the forefront of everything we do.

 

Extended Opening Hours for Geuwels Restaurant

To better accommodate your clients’ dining preferences, we are pleased to announce extended opening hours for Geuwels Restaurant, offering more flexibility to enjoy our exquisite cuisine:

  • Geuwels Menu: Available from 08:00 – 15:30, perfect for breakfast and lunch.

  • The Grill Room Menu: Running from 18:00 – 20:00, with the last seating at 20:00.

  • Room Service Menu: Available from 11:30 – 21:30, providing a wide range of dining options throughout the day.

 

Support for Your Business

Our team is dedicated to extending top-line support to you and your clients. We shall continue to honour existing agreements and are committed to offering updated contracts and bespoke itineraries tailored to your clients’ needs. We hope to work closely with you in creating memorable stays that exceed expectations. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to working with you and delivering exceptional experiences for your clients.

 

WARM REGARDS,

The Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel and Spa Team


 

For further info, sales, marketing and training, please contact:

Hugh Sanders

Email: hugh@afriasia.info

Telephone: 01948 710444

 

 

Pangkor Laut Resort - Latest turtle release - September 2024


 

We are delighted to share that Valentine, a juvenile Hawksbill Turtle (E. imbricata) rescued and nursed back to health by the dedicated Conservation Centre team at Pangkor Laut Resort, has returned home!

Video of Valentine, returning home.
Turtle Valentine Returns Home: Pangkor Laut Resort Conservation Centre

 

 

Perennial Feast

Discover the food and flavours of YTL Hotels.

From celebrating fresh, local produce to showcasing the unique culinary experiences at each property that offer a taste of the region, YTL Hotels hopes you will join them on a culinary adventure with the latest issue of its newsletter, Perennial Feast. 

Natural Wonders

From coral reef restoration and turtle rehabilitation to nurturing mangrove nurseries and protecting turtle nests from poachers and predators before they are released back into the sea. 

YTL Hotels offers a range of experiences with the wonders of our natural world. With this in mind, we’d like to share the latest volume of YTL Hotels’ newsletter, Natural Wonders.

YTL Life

It gives us great pleasure to inform you that the latest issue of YTL Life, is now available to view.

This quarterly in-house magazine covers the destinations, hotels, resorts and the quintessential style of hospitality that YTL Hotels is renowned for.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to visit our properties, this may give you a better idea of their look and feel and what we are able to offer.