Utopia at the Mall of Africa

If heaven had a shopping center, I’d imagine it would look similar to the most talked about Mall in South Africa – The Mall of Africa! 

 

Today saw the fabulous opening of this anticipated mall with everything from sand art to celebrities, from Master Chef winning meals to renowned DJs and alluring fashion to queues of shoppers for kilometers. 

This impressive shopping center boasts 130 000m2 of retail space, 2.4kms of shopping for every brand your heart desires, with a design, inspired from Africa’s geological features & iconic landscapes, leaves you in total awe! 

Whether walking through the Forest Walk  Court (think Congos amazing rain forest), slowing down at the Desert Court (picture desert regions in North Africa), looking to relax at the Court of Great Lakes (imagine the Great Lakes of Africa), grabbing a glass of bubbly at the Champagne Bar at the Crystal Court (picture diamonds, crystals & precious minerals), or pampering at the Oleum Court (taking inspiration from trade & oil wealth in Africa), this prestigious Mall has something to suit each & every taste. 

With 6500 parking bays & 24 entrances, finding the most loved & lusted after local & international brands makes this the ultimate shopping experience. Free wifi is sure to put smiles on every shoppers face (as it did to all bloggers & media today)  & the convenience of dedicated über pick up zones is certainly a win if like me, finding the prefect parking spot is always a challenge. 

You will find this R5bn mall at Lone Creek & Magwa Crescent, Waterfall City in Midrand. Stores open from Monday to Saturday 9am to 8pm, Sundays & Public holidays 10am to 8pm. On that note, enjoy the long weekend shopping up a storm at the Mall of Africa & please share your thoughts on the experience & your latest purchases too with me here.

Whilst I drool over the latest at Zara Home, The Kooples and Armani Exchange, only 3 of the 300 stores at Mall of Africa, I’m thinking I like my money where I can see it..In my closet 😉 

Nadia xo xo 

  

Raven, A Story About Her

The beauties at 4Elements Media made my day with an invitation to the exclusive Black Gold jewellery event that showcased the much anticipated Raven Collection!

Excited was an understatement as not only was this my first event since my big move to CT but this collection is truly exquisite & I could barely wait to see the pieces in the flesh!

Exquisite, Stunning, Fierce, Beautiful, Modern, Unique, Desirable, Confident are just some of the words that followed the #BlackGoldRaven hashtag on the night.

The force behind the brand, designer Kristin Weixelbaumer celebrated the launch of her Raven Collection under her premium new brand, Black Gold at the incredible & industrial Anvl Kraft in Woodstock, Cape Town on the 17th of March 2016.

VIPs and guests mostly dressed in black & gold armed with delicious cocktails & drinks by sponsors Black Bottle Whiskey & Rose’s RDT, were drawn to the stunning Raven Collection, which was found in unique jewelry cabinets, beautifully laden over skulls, ceramic, wooden & metal objects. Eye catching prints hung from hangers off an industrial line and the Raven Collection film, a finalist at the Bokeh Film Festival, played in a cinema style area with cordless headphones and popcorn.

When we were not lusting over these designer pieces, we treated ourselves to a delectable spread of cheeses & breads, whilst eyeing the array of vintage bikes throughout this interesting venue & being entertained by DJ Tommy Gun.

When Kristin says “you can’t help notice a Raven when you find one”, she was speaking of none other than the inspiration behind the movie & shoot, actress & model Zigi Strydom. Zigi embodies the Raven Collection with her exquisite & confident look & you were instantly drawn to her presence!

Other guests that caught our eyes were singer & song writer Chad Saaiman, TV presenter & Stylist Tracy Lee-Roslind, MCSA winner Kamini Pather, Radio Presenter Tammy B, Nandi Ndlovu, features writer Glamour Magazine, blogger Samantha Taylor & many more.

An event thoroughly enjoyed by all & jewellery that’s a must!!!

Visit Black Betty Showroom, Top Floor, 53 Wale Street, Cape Town for your designer piece & contact 4 Elements Media for more info

So until next time remember Jewellery is like a biography. A story that tells the many chapters of our lives. Right now I’m on the chapter of Black Gold Raven!

Nadia xo xo   
Fringing with threads & heels from Edgars Free2BU

MU by Stila from Stuttafords

Clutch & jewellery by Colette

Wanderlust Wednesday – Sun City, South Africa

To those that know it, it is surreal – an escape into Africa filled with luxury & splendor, a memorable family holiday, the ideal girlfriends getaway, home of iconic concerts & sporting events – none other than Africa’s jewel,  Sun City! 

Sun City are proud to announce 2016 as the year of rejuvenation.

Sun International’s legendary Sun City in the North West Province is undergoing an R800-million refurbishment to revitalise its iconic appeal and ensure that it retains its rightful place as South Africa’s Premier Lifestyle Resort and one of the most exciting leisure destinations in the world.

“Sun City is the flagship property of Africa’s largest tourism, leisure and gaming group. It has a special place in the hearts of the millions of people who visit the resort each year. Its rejuvenation is to ensure that it stays at the cusp of experiential entertainment and leisure offerings. With this substantial investment we strive to continue being unrivalled when it comes to providing our guests with superb hospitality options, great adventure activities and the best local and international entertainment. At Sun City we want to create unforgettable and lasting memories for the entire family,” says Mike van Vuuren, the Managing Executive at Sun City.

The resort’s four hotels, the entertainment zones as well as the food and beverage outlets are being revamped. The 382 luxury self-catering apartments at the Sun Vacation Club have already been upgraded, and trusted family restaurant brands, Spur and Ocean Basket, are onboard to enhance the family appeal.

Holidaymakers now have the convenience of a new, upmarket shop, The Pantry and boutique liquor store, Quench, located at Sun Vacation Club. The Pantry offers guests fresh holiday essentials during their stay, without having to venture outside the resort. The shop has prepacked meats, a bakery, fruit, vegetables and other home cooking essentials. The Pantry also stocks a limited selection of wines and beers, and a wide assortment of non-alcoholic beverages.

    

Enhanced hospitality
Sun City’s Cabanas hotel has just completed a holistic refurbishment which includes a refresh of the guest rooms, reception area and restaurant. This is the first major upgrade of the hotel since 2007 when the rooms were restyled to mark the hotel’s 25th anniversary.

Along with the rejuvenation of the hotel’s aesthetics, the Cabanas now boasts a complete renewed look.

“Cabanas offers guests great value while simultaneously providing them with trend-setting, world class facilities and contemporary rooms, surrounded by beautiful, lush gardens. Aimed at go-getters, trend-setters and young families, guests can use the Cabanas as a relaxing retreat or as a base when experiencing all the adventures on offer around the resort. As the sun sets over the open spaces and rolling lawns, the night lights up at the Cabanas Pool Deck, with cocktails and a vibrant island atmosphere,” says van Vuuren.

The Sun City Hotel, at the heart of the resort, will soon provide an ‘always on’ party zone, complete with a night club, a burlesque club and restaurants. In the meantime guests can enjoy the wildly anticipated Legends restaurant, a trendy grill house that pays tribute to the icons that have graced Sun City since 1979. Take a trip down memory lane while savouring some of the best meals the resort has to offer. This is complemented by the newly opened Mugg & Bean, offering the reassurance of familiarity and the generosity and warm service for which the brand is renowned. Mugg & Bean at the Sun City Hotel offers visitors a place to meet, eat and connect at any time of the day, right at the centre of it all.

At the five star Cascades hotel, Santorini has been reimagined as an exciting upscale restaurant, Bocado. This restaurant offers guests one of the most beautiful settings to enjoy vibrant Mediterranean dishes, offering foodies a chance to explore classic and new flavours from the famous region.

The Palace now offers visitors two new and very exclusive – by invitation only – high-end casinos; The Palace Villa and The Palace Salon. Guests are also spoilt with choice with the new-look signature steak house, The Grill Room. There are further plans for a variety of upgrades to Plume as well as the Tusk Bar and Lounge in the coming months.

Throughout the refurbishment period, guests can enjoy a total of 26 restaurants, guaranteed to tickle all taste buds, across the resort.

More thrilling entertainment

Already offering an unprecedented choice of thrilling outdoor and entertainment activities in one place, Sun City has bolstered its offering for teenagers and adventurers with the recent launch of an adventure hub, Adrenalin Extreme. Adrenalin Extreme offers heart-pounding, adrenalin-pumping outdoor activities including Drift Trikes, Hovercrafts, the Accelerator and the Grizzly 4×4 Quad challenge.

Now underway is the expansion of the Valley of Waves water park to offer new exciting rides and food offerings. Changes at the Valley of Waves include the recent opening of a microbrewery-themed gastro pub, The Brew Monkey, which offers spectacular views over the tidal pool, with a choice of sitting indoors or outdoors on the deck. The menu boasts a selection of hunger-busting bar tins, monkey dogs, gourmet burgers, snack boards and craft beers. The Valley of Waves also boasts a new, expansive and fresh fast food eatery, Food Factory, with a range of affordable choices to suit every taste.

The revitalisation of the Valley of Waves includes two brand new slides. This is the first time since the opening of the waterpark in 1992, that new slides have been introduced. The new tube slide has already opened over the December holidays, with the additional slide scheduled to open towards the end of 2016.

Conferencing with a difference comes in the form of the Sun Park, a multipurpose facility for hosting lifestyle events, music festivals, product launches and other experiences. Ample and versatile, Sun Park will offer the support services of an indoor events venue with the flexibility of an outdoor space, the possibilities are endless.

On 11 January this year, the ambitious reinvention of the Entertainment Centre commenced, with the aim of creating an experiential journey. It will be home to arcade games, lazer tag, ten pin bowling and other fun-filled activities for visitors of all ages. The Entertainment Centre will also house a South African Hall of Fame honouring the country’s iconic sporting heroes and performing artists, as well as an optimised Convention Centre on the upper level.

During the closure and upgrade of the Entertainment Centre, conferences will be accommodated at the Sun Sky Village, a temporary but fully-equipped facility near Sun City’s front entrance.

The redevelopment of Sun City will reach fruition by the end of 2016.

  

Come make memories with us! 

Between now and June 2016, holidaymakers booking a stay at Sun City can enjoy a host of value-adds as part of the Sun City Super Stay Promotion. The longer the stay, the more value guests receive. Sun City Super Stay packages include great rates on accommodation at Sun City hotels (including breakfast); free entry to Sun City; a food and beverage voucher (the value of which is determined by the length of stay at the resort); an activities voucher with Mankwe Gametrackers and free entry to the Valley of Waves.

To check hotel rates and make a booking, go to http://www.suninternational.com/sun-city/specials/sun-city-super-stay and use the promotional code SUNFIESTA.

There is always something to do at Sun City. The Valley of Waves is renowned for its wave pool and thrilling water slides which include the Temple of Courage, three super-fast tube slides and two body slides.

There are also a variety of water sports, including jet skiing, parasailing and water skiing, available at Waterworld. In addition, the resort offers a choice of sparkling pools, two aviaries, jogging trails; quad biking; archery; floodlit tennis courts, guided tours of the resort on zippy Segways, and one of the world’s longest Zip Slide – to mention just a few of the fun things to do at Sun City.

Children can enjoy the adventure playground, an animal farm and a kiddies’ mini car race track at Waterworld. Fun-filled, supervised workshops are hosted at Kamp Kwena twice a day. The programme varies to include loads of exciting activities for children. These include visits to the crocodile farm, musical games, arts and crafts, story-telling, adventures at The Maze of the Lost City, Bumper Boats, and lots more.

Arcade lovers can access the temporary Magic Company Games Arcade inside the Valley of Waves next to Food Factor. This arcade hosts a select number of the most popular games. Access to Magic Company, Food Factory and The Brew Monkey is free for all guests. Guests can enter through the left side access of the Valley of Waves which has been blocked off from the waterpark.

Sun City borders the game-rich and malaria-free Pilanesberg National Park where people can spot the Big Five on magnificent game drives and experience spectacular views of the reserve in hot air balloons.

Getting to Sun City has become easier with direct flights to Pilanesberg International Airport from Cape Town or Johannesburg. Bookings for flights to and from Sun City are available through SA Express at http://www.flyexpress.aero/

 

For more information about Sun City visit sunintrnational.com/sun-city, like us on Facebook SunCitySA or follow us Twitter SunCityResortSA #NewSunCity

ISSUED BY THE MAIL ROOM PR.

If you haven’t visited yet, what are you waiting for?! The Kingdom Awaits 🙂

 Until next time I have been everywhere…but it’s on my list!

Nadia xo xo 

About Sun International

The Sun International Group is southern Africa’s premier hotels, gaming and entertainment group, with a diverse portfolio of properties including 28 hotels, ranging from three star to world class five star hotels; 12 modern and well located casinos, and premium resorts in superb locations.

Sun International’s iconic hotels include The Royal Livingstone Hotel at Victoria Falls, Zambia; The Palace of the Lost City at Sun City in South Africa’s North West Province, and The Table Bay Hotel at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town. Its exciting portfolio of city and resort casinos includes GrandWest Casino in the Western Cape; Sun City in the North West Province; Sibaya in Kwa-Zulu Natal; Boardwalk in the Eastern Cape, and Carnival City in Gauteng.

Over more than three decades, Sun International has built on the success of its first world-renowned property, Sun City, to consistently deliver experiential luxury, enduring quality, incredible adventure, and a high standard of personalized service. Sun International has been listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange since 1984.  

The iconic Sun International brand now has a strong presence in southern Africa, with properties in five neighbouring countries, a property in Nigeria, and a growing footprint in the Latin America region.

Its a juggling act!

So last night, on the night of the Glamour Awards there were no fancy spots to check out or a #OOTD whilst I wrote this – It was my D&G pjs (no not that D&G, my David & Goliath ones), chai, my fur babies & trusty iPad, along with some motivation, from me to you!

A year ago when I decided (with a lot of persuasion 😉 from my amazing man) I was going to follow my passion & pursue my events dream, I knew it was going to be tough, and trust me, it’s been tough…but I can assure you the experience thus far continues to teach me, enlighten me & push me in the direction of turning my every dream into a reality…

It’s a juggling act, trying to balance entrepreneurship, studying & racing against time, with the pending move from My City (loving this track by Toya Delazy & Cassper Nyovest) to the Mother City!

It can be overwhelming but the trick is to remember “How do you eat an Elephant? One bite at a time!” So one step at a time & one day at a time, when you’re feeling overwhelmed & under pressure with deadlines & exams looming & all that your glorious life has to throw at you.

According to Entrepreneur Magazine, we are working harder, sleeping less & have more stress in our lives than ever before.

I’ve found that preparation is the key – whether you make notes in a diary (see Typo for the cutest ones) or electronically on your iPad – Make notes – so you don’t forget important stuff when it all becomes manic. A to-do list is not overrated, I find it’s necessary.

Time management is just as important. Sure load-shedding or traffic jams sometimes throw a spanner into the works (ah the petrolhead that is me – I think my next blog should be on something motor related) but managing your time properly will actually help you maximize productivity in the hours of your day. It will help you find the time you need for your studies or help you with scheduling those meetings, updating your website or social media platforms.

Keep distractions to a minimum. Our world is a digital one so mobile phones & social media, the buzz words, are necessary. You can however always turn your phone onto “do not disturb” when warranted & prioritize –  if you don’t need to type an urgent post onto Face Book or Twitter or share that picture on Instagram, don’t. Finish a task & then “reward” yourself with some personal posting, updating Face Book or adding a few new pins on Pinterest.

It’s difficult for me to keep my furry distractions away from me…they always want to sleep exactly where my keyboard should be…we won’t even discuss the mouse 😉

Stay hydrated, keep a bottle of fresh water at your workspace (Consol have the coolest grip & go bottles & going green is cool so get one today!) Open a window instead of the aircon. Your skin will love you for it!

Get up & walk around the office or go outside to stretch those legs a bit. Sitting for long periods of time is not healthy & whilst outside taking a time out, you could come up with your next best idea!

It’s the little things that help keep you energized & raring to tackle your projects.

Most importantly though, relax & give 100% of your attention to each task individually as opposed to 50% on 2 tasks concurrently. I don’t believe in multitasking… It’s debatable, however my opinion.

Remember the goal, work smart, focus & believe…You can achieve it all, if you want it badly enough!

Please feel free to share your tips on juggling with me 🙂

Until next time, I leave you with these words from Harry Potter “Working hard is important, but there is something that matters even more, Believing In Yourself”

Its a juggling act being a student & entrepreneur amidst a move!
Tonight I have my essentials 🙂

 Nadia xo xo

Ps. No Elephants were harmed in the making of this blog 😉