BOOMTOWN Presented by Heineken 2023

 

The Hollywoodbets Durban July is a celebration of fashion, lifestyle, the best in marquee hospitality, and the most anticipated day on the horse racing calendar. This year the event will again attract the country’s most sociable personalities for a day of non-stop entertainment.

BOOMTOWN presented by HEINEKEN® is back for the 13TH year at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, 2023. This Marquee is widely recognised for consistently providing the ultimate in expert hospitality, and world class stage & lighting complimented by Mzansi’s top musical artists. BOOMTOWN Presented by Heineken® will be changing the game in 2022 and raising the bar to bring you an unforgettable Hollywoodbets Durban July experience. This year’s Marquee welcomes new exciting experiential attractions, and all the who’s who of the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

Join the #1 Marquee experience as we celebrate BOOMTOWN Presented by Heineken® 2023.

Pricing is as follows: 

GENERAL

Your one way ticket for general access into BOOMTOWN Presented by Heineken®, and a memorable Hollywoodbets Durban July experience.

• Entrance into BOOMTOWN Presented by Heineken®
• General marquee access
• Cocktail style seating
• Cash bar facilities
• Food vendors
• Plasma screens with live feed of the horseracing
• Tote betting facilities

VIP

This VIP raised deck offers you a premium hospitality experience including a complimentary lunch & dinner buffet, as well as a complimentary bar offering from 11am – 5pm.

• Access to exclusive VIP Lounge
• Bespoke bar facilities with complimentary offering from 11am - 5pm
• *Spirits, wines, beers, ciders, and soft drinks are complimentary
• (Premium spirits, shooters and Champagne on sale)
• Complimentary buffet lunch 1pm - 5pm
• Complimentary buffet dinner 6pm - 9pm
• VIP restaurant
• Tote betting facilities
• Plasma screens with live feed of the horseracing
• Trailer toilets
• *Please note the entrance ticket to the Greyville racecourse must be
• purchased separately to the BOOMTOWN marquee ticket.
• For groups of 25 people or more a private VIP lounge can be arranged.

VVIP

This VVIP raised deck offers you a premium hospitality experience including a complimentary lunch & dinner buffet, as well as a complimentary bar offering from 11am – 10pm. Event closes at 11pm.

• Access to exclusive VVIP Lounge
• Bespoke bar facilities with complimentary offering from 11am - 10pm
• *Spirits, wines, beers, ciders, and soft drinks are complimentary. (Premium spirits, shooters
• and Champagne on sale)
• Complimentary buffet lunch 1pm - 5pm
• Complimentary buffet dinner 6pm - 9pm
• VVIP restaurant
• Tote betting facilities
• Plasma screens with live feed of the horseracing
• Trailer toilets
• *Please note the entrance ticket to the Greyville racecourse must be
• purchased separately to the BOOMTOWN marquee ticket.
• For groups of 50 people or more a private VIP lounge can be arranged.

VVIP Private Tables of 10 or 20

Includes all of the VVIP ticket benefits as well as the following private table benefits:

• Greyville Racecourse entry ticket valued at R230
• Private booth table
• 1 waiter to assist with bottle service
• The following complimentary drinks will be given to your table on arrival:
• 1 x Bottle of French Champagne, 1 x Bottle of Gold Label,
• 1 x Bottle of Ciroc Vodka, 10 x Heineken®, 5 x Red Bull,
• Soft Drinks & Mineral Water
• *Please note that any additional bottles will be for purchase.

*Please note the entrance ticket to the Greyville racecourse must be purchased separately to the BOOMTOWN marquee ticket.

Bucket Travel: Victoria Falls Safari Spa

Victoria Falls Safari Spa manager Avalon van Leent is excited to be bringing a new standard to spas in Victoria Falls and putting Zimbabwe’s leading tourist attraction on the map as a wellness destination.

“It’s exciting because it’s the first purpose-built spa in Victoria Falls and marks a new milestone in the wellness industry in Zimbabwe, with Victoria Falls now catching up with the rest of the world,” Avalon said.

Victoria Falls Safari Spa, nestled in peaceful indigenous woodland, rich in birdlife, with the occasional bushbuck or warthog passing by, will feature three stand-alone treatment rooms, and a main area with a hair and make-up studio, a polish bar, a splash pool and café. 

The African tented safari camp style spa will offer massages, facials, manicure and pedicures, as well as many other treatments, with mini options available for children. Its offerings will include half day and full day packages and wellness weekends.

“People are very much about creating memories when they travel, so spa treatments, which can be enjoyed with friends or your partner, will be a wonderful way to do this,” Avalon, 36, said. 

She believes Victoria Falls Safari Spa could potentially extend stays in Victoria Falls, as it adds another element to the destination.  

Born in Masvingo, Avalon studied Holistic and Spa Therapies with Camelot International in Johannesburg, where she gained a CIDESCO qualification, the world’s most prestigious qualification for Aesthetics and Beauty Therapy.

After her studies, Avalon joined a 5-star cruise ship called The Quest, part of the Yachts of Seabourn, to gain international experience and travel the world as a spa therapist, before moving to Australia and gaining further experience in the wellness industry.

But it was always her dream to return home, bringing her knowledge and experience to Zimbabwe, and after she and her husband Martijn’s travel plans were disrupted during the Covid-19 pandemic they moved to Victoria Falls.  

Avalon will head up a team of four therapists when Victoria Falls Safari Spa, which will use all natural, plant-based Africology and Cashmere & Co. products, opens on November 1.

Bucket Travel: MSC Brings Two Cruise Ships to SA

MSC Cruises – one of the leading global cruise lines– has reaffirmed that they will be bringing two ships to South Africa’s shores for the 2022/2023 cruise season to. This will mark the first time that two MSC Cruises ships of different classes, the MSC Orchestra – which is part of the Musica class and MSC Sinfonia – which is part of the Lirica class, will be deployed in the country simultaneously providing additional cruise capacity to cater for the demand for cruise holidays in South Africa.

The 2021/2022 local cruise season saw MSC Cruises carry in excess of 40 000 guests to various destinations with new Health & Safety regulations to ensure the safety of all guests. As we prepare for the 2022/2023 local cruise season, we are pleased to confirm that both unvaccinated & vaccinated guests are now able to cruise. At present we can also confirm that :

• vaccinated guests are no longer required to provide a Covid-19 test before departure 
• unvaccinated guests 5 years and older are still required to provide a negative Covid-19 PCR test, 48 hours prior to departure in accordance with the local government regulations in South Africa 
• children under age 5 are not required to provide a COVID-19 test

Continued investment in Africa’s tourist industry

MSC Cruises’ plan to bring two ships to South Africa in 2022 is part of the company’s commitment to investing in South Africa and African tourism at large. The cruise line’s focus to improving South Africa’s tourist infrastructure has been particularly noteworthy in its development of the Durban port terminal over the past few years. The R300-million terminal was designed, developed, constructed and financed by the KwaZulu Cruise Terminal Consortium, in partnership with the South African chapter of MSC Cruises and empowerment investment entity Africa Armada Consortium.

MSC Orchestra

This project is a significant undertaking for the consortium and represents MSC Cruises’ commitment to the South African economy. The terminal will help promote the country’s image among cruise passengers and provide jobs to many citizens. In addition to our commitment, our investment has included infrastructure development in Mozambique – a popular cruising destination for South Africans – and continued collaboration with the Namibian government, as Walvis Bay is one of the ports that MSC Cruises sails to. There are also knock-on benefits for the tourist industries in the destinations that MSC Cruises sails to, which have been enhanced by increased passenger volumes.

More itineraries offering more cruise holiday options for South Africans

MSC Orchestra, a well-known vessel by local cruisers will return to South African waters in November 2022, with approximately 40 sailings to Mozambique and to local destinations. Alongside MSC Orchestra is MSC Sinfonia that will operate approximately 22 sailings out of Cape Town to Namibia and other various local destinations. The itineraries will vary from two to seven-night cruises, offering guests a wider choice of options to book their cruise holiday. The ships will alternate routes, providing South African cruisers with a wider choice of options to suit their holiday needs with more cruise destinations and packages on offer.

“We are delighted to be bringing two ships to South Africa this upcoming season and we reaffirm our commitment to affordable and safe cruise holidays for South Africans” explains Ross Volk, MD for MSC Cruises South Africa. “Our dedication to playing our part in the recovery of the tourism sector in South Africa, has made it possible for us to create a second cruising hub in Cape Town. MSC Sinfonia will be permanently positioned in Cape Town for the duration of the cruise season and will serve our guests seeking a more cultural experience with our cruises to Namibia. For guests wanting to explore more of our South African destinations we have cruises to Mossel Bay and for guests simply wanting to take time to rest and relax, our “no-destination” cruises at sea provide the perfect getaway to enjoy the Indian and Atlantic Ocean sunrises and sunsets.” continues Volk.

MSC Sinfonia

Cruises as popular holiday ‘destinations’

Cruises are increasingly becoming an appealing holiday choice for South Africans as a hassle-free, safe and all-inclusive vacation with food, accommodation and most activities included in the cruise fare. The diversity of the offerings appeal to holiday makers of all ages, both local and international tourists alike. Guests wishing to experience the delights of an MSC Cruises holiday in the 2022/2023 season can already book any cruise on any of these 2 vessels.

“We continuously strive to bring bigger and better offerings to this country, enriching our itineraries and making cruising more accessible, to more South Africans who are realising that a cruise is an affordable, convenient and exciting holiday option,” concludes Volk.

Hollywoodbets Durban July 2022

After two years of South Africa's most prestigious horse racing event being held behind closed doors due to the Covid Pandemic, the Durban July is back and open to the public taking place on Saturday, 2nd July 2022! With a new sponsor in Hollywoodbets, this years event is looking to catapult its status as the most attended horse racing meet on the African continent. As always, the Hollywoodbets Durban July will be a showcase for fashion, beauty, tourism and not forgetting the parties in the multiple marquee's on offer. The two most noteworthy being BOOMTOWN Presented by Heineken and The Glenlevit Jazztown. 

BOOMTOWN Presented by Heineken

BOOMTOWN has been synonymous with the Durban July as the biggest and best marquee to be at, with the best in hospitality, world class stage and lighting supported by the some of the countries top musical artists. This year see's it back for it's 12th year at the races, and aims to change the game, presented by Heineken, they are raising the bar to bring you an unforgettable Hollywoodbests Durban July experience with exciting new experiential attractions, bars, an array of hospitality areas and the who's who of the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Artist line up for BOOMTOWN include Ami Faku, Shekinah, Culoe De Song, PH, Kelvin Momo and others. Tickets to the number 1 Marquee experience are on sale now, with prices starting at R850pp* for General, R2900pp* for VIP and R3900pp* for VVIP. 

*Ticket prices do not include entrance tickets to the Greyville Racecourse, these must be bought sperately to BOOMTOWN presented by Heineken individual tickets. 

The Glenlivet Jazztown

If you're wanted to attend the Hollywoodbets Durban July but looking for something a bit more mellow and chilled but still maintain that 5-star hospitality experience, look no further than The Glenlevit Jazztown. Offering guests an opulent marquee occasion, pairing luxury hospitality with live jazz entertainment. The Glenlivet Jazztown brings urban rhythms to the event and offer a luxurious environment for corporates and socialites to network whilst experiencing the thrill of thoroughbred horse racing. Guests can enjoy the sweet melodies of Mzanzi's most loved eclectic Jazz Musicians on stage with a selection of vibrant DJ acts later in the evening, some of the artists include Mandis Dyantyis, Judith Sephuma, Stokie and Kyeezi. Experience the smoothest sounds, cosmopolitan fashion, and a distinguished lifestyle at the The Glenlivet Jazztown marquee at the Hollywoodbets Durban July.  

Tickets are priced at R5500pp for VIP Hospitality, which includes access ticket into the race course, a golf course parking ticket, access to a raised VIP deck inside the glass-fronted marquee, a bottle of Glenlivet 12 per couple, a complimentary premium bar (from 11am-10pm). Upscale buffet lunch, decadent buffet dinner, air-conditioning and much more. 

Bucket Travel: MSC plans for PortMiami Cruise Terminal

MSC CRUISES NEW TERMINAL IN PORTMIAMI from MSC CRUISES on Vimeo.

MSC Cruises is the world's largest privately-owned cruise company and is a familiar  for local cruise goers as they've been sailing from South African ports for the past few decades, most notably Durban. With Durban being their most popular market, they've decided to invest heavily in the cities ports with the proposed new cruise terminal that's said to begin construction in early 2020. MSC also last month announced plans for another cruise terminal at a major port in the USA. 

Details of the port were were released as the terms of the agreement were approved from the Miami-Dada Board of the Country Commissioners. The  highly innovative multi-cruise ship terminal  will be designed, constructed and operated by MSC. The large building will host two cruise terminals (AA and AAA) as well as two berths. The building was designed by award-winning global architecture firm Arquitectonica, the PortMiami terminals will be capable of hosting two mega cruise ships at the same time, allowing the company to conduct two turnaround operations simultaneously, handling up to 28,000 passenger movements per day. 

Pierfranscesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman had this to say: "With another 13 cruise vessels due to join our fleet in the next eight years, our ambition is to have our most innovative ship classes represented at PortMiami, bringing a wealth of choice to our North American as well as international guests."

MSC Cruises currently operates four vessels out of PortMiami, MSC Seaside and MSC Armonia year-round. MSC Divina seasonally and MSC Meravgilia which will join the ships sailing from Miami this fall, seasonally. With the new cruise facilities, MSC Cruises will bring a total of 1 million guests through PortMiami each year. Work on the new terminal will commence in early 2020 and estimated completion by late 2022. 

Holiday Express - Experience

A few weeks back I was invited along with a group of other media personnel to experience the Holiday Express train. As stated in my initial blog post, there is a certain stigma that is associated with using Public Transport in South Africa, there is a general fear of using it and the number one factor is safety. I guess this is one of the reasons we were invited to experience the Holiday Express, to help alleviate this fear from many by telling you about our journey. There were two options available for the weekend, Saturday's trip was a journey to Shongweni where you would visit the farmers market or on the Sunday was a trip to Scottburgh to enjoy the sea side. I opted for the Shongweni Journey as I always wanted to go to the Farmers Market after hearing rave reviews about it. 

I took my mom along with me, as she would love the Farmers Market in Shongweni but also as a child she used to travel by train quite a lot going from Durban back home to her family in the Northern Cape. We both were equally excited for the journey that lay ahead. Upon arrival at Durban Station, we were greeted by our friendly host, the Business Class lounge at the Station serves as a waiting area till you depart on the train. There were beverages and snacks available for purchase as well as tokens that you could use on board the train. Just before 8am we made our way down to the platform to board the KZN Business Express coaches. The coaches are very different from the normal ones, with large cushion seats which can recline, have arm rests and have fold up tray tables in front of you. It was my first trip in Durban on a train so I was looking forward to viewing the city from the rail way tracks. 

The route is slightly different from the main line as it meanders it's way through the city, going through the Jacobs area before turning up towards Queensburgh and Shallcross. Making its way through Marian Hill before reaching Shongweni. During the ride, I took time to explore the other coaches, and I was surprised to find one coach having a bar with light refreshments and snacks, and further back another coach with a full size board room table and kitchen where hot refreshments were served. Along the route there were many tunnels which the train went through, which we all loved going from daylight to darkness and daylight again. The train also makes a stop just before Shongweni to view a waterfall which is only accessible via rail. Even though the total time of the journey took one and half hours, one doesn't really feel it that long with so much to see along the way. 

Once we reached Shongweni Station, it was time to disembark and board the buses that were waiting for us. A short 5 minute drive and we were at our destination, the Shongweni Farmers Market. The market was a buzz of activity, with stalls selling everything and anything, from plants, to fresh produce, crafts and not forgetting, plenty of food! Most of us had built up and appetite by now but were spoilt for choice at the selection on offer. Everything is fresh, tasty and smelt delicious, it's a pity our stomachs could handle only a certain amount of food as I'm sure I speak for all when I say we would have loved to try everything on sale! With the market closing at 12 o clock, we had to be back on the bus by 11.30am, which was ample time for us to enjoy the markets sights and scenes. Once back at the station it was time to make our way back home. 

The journey back, even though using the same route proved to be equally exciting, as you were heading in the opposite direction and gave you saw things that you didn't see on the way there. Once safely back at the station, I asked some of the other travelers what they had though about the experience. Many said that they had booked it mainly for their kids but didn't anticipate themselves having so much of fun as well. It really is a wonderful way to explore and experience this magnificent province and no matter which destination or trip you chose, it's bound to be an out of the ordinary experience for the entire family. The next trips are planned for the 30th of September to the Shogweni Farmers Market and the 1st of the October to Socttburgh. For more information, visit the website www.theholidayexpress.co.za or to book, email info@theholidayexpress.co.za

The Holiday Express - August Trips

When last have you been on a train ride? Or like me,  who has never been on one before! Well there is a certain stigma to using local public transport and I don't blame many for not using it due to security factor but with recent upgrades done to most train stations and the introduction of the new KZN Business express carriages, this might change the view of most people if introduced to it and one of those ways is the Holiday Express which has two destinations on specific weekends of the month, which gives commuters an out-of-the-ordinary experience to explore the countryside.

KwaZulu Natal is really a unique province, with the warmest beaches in South Africa and some of the most majestic mountain ranges just about an hours drive from the City, with our warm tropical weather, this makes it an ideal tourist spot for many. But how many locals take the time to appreciate what this province has to offer? Not many, I can tell you that for myself, as laid back as our culture may be, we often find the stress of daily routines eating away our time that we don't have enough of it to explore the wonders that are waiting to be seen. With this in mind, what better way to sit back and relax while aboard the Holiday Express with your family and getting to enjoy the views while on your journey?

Premier Lounge at Durban Station

The Holiday Express departs conveniently from the security of the Premier Lounge, Durban Station (Jelf Taylor Street) with its own private platform. Convenient, boom-protected parking is available directly outside the Lounge. Travelling time is approximately one hour to Shongweni and 90 minutes to Scottburgh, with a selection of refreshments available on board. Next weekend, the 26th and 27th of August see's this months trips depart with many more planned for the coming months and a special Christmas Ever outing planned for Umhlali following the successful trip enjoyed by so many in 2015.  In October, November and December, the Holiday Express will be available for corporate groups on any Thursday by arrangement, or on other days by special arrangement and trips can be arranged to Scottburgh, Nottingham Road, Salt Rock and Ballito.  

The Holiday Express can also be booked for parties, corporate or year end events. Bookings of up to 350 people can be accommodated, or individual carriages for 18 people can be reserved as part of other scheduled trips, and a tailor-made package can be developed to suit your budget and requirements.

I will be riding along on the Holiday Express next Saturday the 26th to the Shongweni Farmers market, so be sure to follow my journey on Snapchat and Instagram Stories, I cannot wait to share the fun with you. For more information on the Holiday Express, visit their website at www.theholidayexpress.co.za or to book, email info@theholidayexpress.co.za

Tsogo Sun: Golf Reef City Casino Hotel

When I tour the country for various events, the most important part of the trip is my accommodation, because nothing can compare to a good night's rest in place that you're not only comfortable but with staff who are always helpful to assist when need be, which is why I am loyal to the Tsogo Sun group, no matter which part of the country I am, their establishments set the bar for hotels and leisure. 

This past weekend while in Johannesburg for the Ultra Music Festival South African leg, the kind folk at Tsogo Sun Gold Reef City Casino Hotel hosted me for the weekend. Before I could even arrive to the hotel on that that Friday I already knew I was in good hands, and for that I must say special thank you to their communications manager Devashini Govender for arranging my stay and ensuring all was well while she was on leave. Not often you will get people going out of their way during their time off to assist you. 

Gold Reef City Casino Hotel is situated just a few minutes outside Johannesburg CBD, it boasts casino, multiple restaurants, kiddies entertainment area and a movie house. The hotel has just gone under a massive renovation with certain areas still getting their final touch ups and I must say, after last visiting when I was a kid, the place has transformed and grown into something spectacular. Gold Reef City is themed around the Johannesburg Gold Rush just like it's sister hotel across the road at the Theme Park which we stayed at the last time. So a lot of of it follows the American Western style decor. 

A massive fountain with golden Springboks leaping through greets you at the entrance of the Hotel and Casino complex and you enter into a massive triple volume atrium. The lovely staff at reception ensured my checking in was quick and efficient with one of them accompanying me to show to my suite. I was staying in one of the bigger suites at the hotel, the coffee and tea station greeted me in the foyer of the room, with the dressing room and walk in closet to the left, that led into the massive bathroom with a free standing tub, shower and toilet. The size of the bathroom was bigger than some hotel rooms I've stayed in!

The bedroom had a massive King Size four post bed, with a lounge area equipped with sofa's and a large screen LCD TV and bar fridge. A nice welcome gift from the hotel's GM stood next to my bed, a bottle of bubbly on ice, and so the celebrations of the weekend kicked off in style. The hotel area of the casino is only accessible by lift and is strictly for guests only so if you're staying there, you don't have to worry about any one making their way up. Security is of utmost importance at Gold Reef City, so much so I didn't even make use of the safe in my bedroom as I know my room was secure. 

Being a working trip, I had to get some admin done while I was at the hotel, for this the Hotel provides free WiFi for all their guests, with a simple easy way to log in and super-fast speeds. If I were busy and didn't have time to visit one of the many restaurants and take out's downstairs, a full eat in menu was available for me from the hotel. anything from a simple sandwich to butter chicken and rice was on the menu. With great variety like this, I pondered whether it was really worth my while leaving my luxurious room and venture around?

Although I was there for Ultra, I had some time to explore the complex, the Casino being the focal point of Gold Reef City is situated in the middle and boasts a host of slot machines for your fancy and for the more hands on gamblers, a range of tables are on offer for you. Whether you're a Roulette man like my self or Black Jack is more of your game, it was all catered for. There is given quite a sizable smoking Casino just behind the main gambling floor. Enough about what the adults can do, the kiddies entertainment is well catered for as well. There is a 10 pin bowling area where the whole family can partake in some fun, gaming area as well as the newly opened movies which has an amazing clock feature in it's foyer resembling an old train station, as well as a time table board which mimics one from a station as well. 

The walkway around the Casino has restaurants that suite any palette, from a cafe type bistro of Tsogo Sun's very own Vigor & Verve, to authentic Indian cuisine at The Raj, maybe some Portuguese Peri Peri at Calisto's or if you're in a mood for a great steak, Boston BBQ is your place to dine at. Other restaurants include Back to the Moon and everyone's favourites Ocean Basket and Spur Steak House. If you're in the mood for a quick bite, the food court has a range of popular take outs for you with adequate seating area for all. 

Chicken Malai Tikka starter at the Raj

Being on the road for a few days, I was missing my curry so settled in for lunch on Saturday at The Raj, it's situated at the entrance to the undercover parking complex. After being greeted and seated by our waiter, he gave us a run down on his preferred choices off the menu. we eventually settled for the Chicken Malai Tikka starter with Lamb Rogan Josh and Butter Chicken for our mains. Every thing we ordered was delicious, so much so we ditched the utensils and opted to eat the authentic cuisine the way it was meant to be eaten, with our hands, just so we could lick our fingers at the end. 

Lamb Rogan Josh and Butter Chicken main with garlic naan

The good food doesn't stop there, guests at the hotel enjoy their breakfast served at the Vigor & Verve Cafe, where they can chose something of the menu or help them self to the extensive buffet on offer. From a selection of hot foods, to pastries, fruits and cereals, it had it all and was a life saver after partying till the early hours of the morning at Ultra. After day one I opted for the buffet, which did not disappoint, after day two I wanted to sample something off the menu and being a lover of toasted sandwiches, I settled for the V&V Club Sandwich. It was a toasted chicken and mayo with bacon and egg, it more than hit the spot.

Overall, I couldn't fault one thing during my stay, apart from the luxurious room and great facilities, the staff of Gold Reef City Hotel must be commended, whether it was the guys at check in, to the security guards, everyone was friendly, helpful and always had a smile on their face. It shows that they not only enjoy what they do but are also proud to be working at Gold Reef City and it's that added extra which makes your stay that much more worth while, to know you have a team of dedicated personnel who take pride in what they do and are ever ready to assist. I will definitely be paying them another visit, maybe this time I will have better luck on the tables!