We decided to take my husband’s brother and his wife away for a few days as they had very sadly, lost their 43 year old daughter to cancer in June 2011. They both needed a break as they have just not come to terms with their loss. My sister in law, in particular has taken things very badly.

They live on a farm (not their own) and NEVER go away on holiday.

We chose to go to QWANTANI on the Sterkfontein Dam, near Harrismith. It was a Special, a mid-week break, (Monday to Friday), that I just happened to see in your news letter on my computer. QWANTANI is just 3 hours from the farm outside Kroonstad and 3 hours from Durban – so it was perfect.

I’m writing to you to tell what WONDERFUL stay – 4 nights / 3 days we had at QWANTANI. It was dream come true for our family. We, Dawie and myself, have travelled with RCI and Flexi Holiday Club for many years (both here and abroad) and know what to expect. To the family is was something so wonderful that they could not believe they were actually experiencing this. As ALWAYS, EVERYTHING was PERFECT.

The accommodation was TOPS, the finishes and furnishing were excellent. It was a ‘home from home’. Even down to the kitchen utensils… everything was shiny clean and just SUPER!!!

We were warmly welcomed and the staff both at the reception and in the chalets, were ALWAYS, friendly, polite and most obliging. It was a real pleasure dealing with them.

We wanted to extend our stay to the following Monday but unfortunately, a wedding was taking place on the Saturday and the chalets were all booked.

However, just to let you know, that once again, we were delighted with our stay and can proudly recommend QWANTANI to anyone and everyone.

Thank you to FLEXI HOLIDAY CLUB for making this wonderful opportunity available to us. We will certainly try and do this again. I’m newly retired and as a school teacher (I was in Education for 37 years!!!) was never able to take advantage of your specials or mid-week breaks. However, we will certainly look to your specials again!!! Please keep us informed.

With kind regards

Dawie & Karin Olivier

FlexiClub would like to thank the Bosman family who recently returned from a trip to Flims Switzerland and were kind enough to share their adventure with us.

Our stay at Flims in Switzerland:

Flims is a mountain town in Switzerland. It is fairly unknown to international travelers, but the Swiss love it as a holiday destination.
In winter there are opportunities for skiing and in summer there are wonderful walks in the woods.
Deep in the woods we came across a little wooden cabin, with a lift in it. We got into the lift, went down the hill and when we got to the bottom we were stunned by the sight of a big and beautiful lake, with a lovely restaurant and all the facilities for swimming and lazing in the sun. After taking all of this in we kept walking and eventually got to the edge of a cliff. We climbed onto a special viewing platform and way, way below could see the start of the Rhine, with a train looking like a toy as it wound its way along the river. Here at the cliff, surprisingly, was another restaurant, where we could refresh ourselves before heading back to the resort.
During the week that we stayed in Flims (17 – 24 Sep), the cows were brought down from the high pastures. What a sight it was to see the garlanded cows, their cowbells ringing, their masters and mistresses in traditional dress, coming down the mountain. The whole town came out to greet them along the way.

We bought a Swiss pass for 15 days which allowed us to travel on any mode of transport in Switzerland and gave us free access to a long list of museums. So we frequently caught the Postbus which stops near the resort. This took us down to the main station in Chur, from where there were easy train connections to just about everywhere. The route taken by the Alpine Express train passes through Chur. This is a special “slow” express that travels through some of the most spectacular scenery in Switzerland. We took this same route, but on an ordinary train which was covered by our pass, and enjoyed all the stunning passes and vistas from the relaxed comfort of our window seats. We visited the glamorous towns of Davos and St Moritz, but also sometimes got off the train in high Alpine villages to explore and wander around until the next train took us further on our way. We went to Zurich where once again the hour on the train, which travels along the edge of Lake Zurich, was as enjoyable as the day spent exploring the city and its museums. Chur itself is a fascinating city. It is the oldest city in Switzerland and has been continually populated for at least 5000 years. We kept going back to wander through the old town with its many interesting shops and sights.
The Hapimag resort was comfortable, well equipped and immaculately clean. Our two bedroom unit had two bathrooms, giving all four of us (we traveled with another couple) plenty of space and privacy. We have learnt always to attend the welcome meetings as invaluable advice is given about the area and the facilities of the resort. We also learnt that Flims was situated in an area where the Romansch language is still spoken, and traveling by Postbus to the next town of Laax and down to Ilanz brought us into contact with these people and their culture.

Regards,

The Bosman Family

Fear not – at Bushman’s Nek we’ve got it covered. Here you can participate in the ancient art of Hippotherapy, which through the ages has been proven to increase muscle tone, balance, stamina and mental wellbeing. Sounds a little daunting, but this will not involve going a couple of rounds in the river with a rotund amphibious mammal. Instead, you will find yourself transported through tranquil surroundings and picturesque scenery with very little effort on your part.

Horseback riding has long been explored as a hobby and sport with many benefits, regardless of your age or level of fitness. Recent studies have found that it improves general physical condition, helps in relaxation, and even contributes to treating psychological problems. Riding is increasingly being used to treat physical disabilities and has even been used effectively as a treatment for autism, so there’s no reason not to give it a bash. Just being around horses has been found to improve confidence and mental well being.

While competitive equestrian sports are probably best left to the professionals, everyone can enjoy a gentle ride through the countryside. At Bushman’s Nek you will find willing and gentle mounts to escort you along familiar mountain tracks under the auspices of qualified guides. Be warned though, it can be addictive……..

The white Greek-style Kalivas are a short drive from the Mother City and are surrounded by some of the countrys most iconic sites, from Table Mountain, to Robben Island and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. For those preferring to venture closer to the resort, Club Mykonos Langebaan has an excellent activities program, including puppet shows for children and family bingo competitions. This mini Mediterranean seaside resort promises a family vacation with a difference and the inviting locals will have you feeling right at home.

We had the time of our lives during June and July 2010 on our visit to Cornwall, thanks to Flexi Club.  We were fortunate enough to stay at the Clowance Estate. We went on tours to St. Michael’s Mount, the beautiful harbors of Penzance and Falmouth, the seaside of Newquay and St. Ives and paid a visit to Eden Project – a large global garden built to raise awareness about nature ad educate people about the benefits of  conserving the environment.

We travelled to Land’s End – one of Britain’s most magnificent landmarks with stunning spectacular coastal paths and a shopping village with souvenirs of genuine Cornish products. We paid a visit to Porthcurno Bay to attend the unique open-air Minack Theatre on a Cliffside with stunning views of the bay.  We were also able to enjoy the coast during a visit to the seaside, through the window of an old fashioned steam train.

Clowance Estate has a restaurant with mouthwatering dishes and teas. We relaxed in the indoor pools, exercised at the gym, played tennis and tried our hand at both archery and laser clay pigeon shooting. The evening programs included a cabaret, a clarinetist and saxophonist, a jazz band, a magician and themed evenings. We would definitely recommend the Sunday carvery to anyone in the area.

We were sorry that we hadn’t booked for two weeks, as it was a wonderful, relaxing holiday. We hope to go back soon!

Warm wishes,
Belinda Bezuidenhout

The Bezuidenhout Family

The MSC Sinfonia was named after the beautiful harmonizing melodies of classical music, bringing to life the works of some of Europe’s best composers like Mozart, Debussy, Tchaikovsky and Brahms. So whether this is your first cruise or you are a seasoned voyager, we are sure this will be an experience filled with memories you will always cherish.

Being away from land does not mean that you have to leave behind all the things you enjoy and love. The MSC Sinfonia ship boasts a state-of-the-art Virtual Golf Simulator that allows players of all handicaps to perfect their swing and enjoy a unique golfing experience out at sea. For the younger crowd, the video games room and teen area provides an entertaining and safe area to make new friends and socialize. Stay in touch with loved ones back home with our well equipped internet café.

For a bit of self indulgence and a luxurious pampering experience, the well trained professionals at in the beauty center and hair salon will leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated.  The more active can enjoy a pulsating session in the gym area. With a host of activities onboard, like casinos, discotheques, music, shows and much more, the MSC Sinfonia offers a broad variety of superb activities for you to engage in.

You’re invited to soak up the sun and have fun onboard one of the best cruise liners in South Africa. This amazing experience will truly be music to your ears and guarantees to hit all the right notes.

This cruise liner may be the smallest at present in the MSC Cruises’ fleet, but it is without a doubt one of the most inviting ships, offering design inspired by classical Italian sophistication in a tranquil and informal setting.

Built to accommodate just slightly over 1,000 guests, the MSC Melody is an enchanting ship with an intimate, relaxed and warm atmosphere.

The ship is filled with open spaces, dramatically high ceilings and contemporary designs creating a sense of traditional Italian charm. The master suites are stylishly adorned and fit for even the most demanding of royalty. It is also fitted with a fully retractable and transparent Magrodome, allowing guests to enjoy one of the two swimming pools and whirlpools in any weather be it rain or blissful sunshine.

The MSC Melody offers you the chance to treat yourself to indulgent pamper treatments at the beauty salon and wellness centre. For those seeking to stay fit throughout their travels at sea, there is a specially-appointed jogging track. Let the culinary skills of the talented chefs at the two restaurants excite and tantalize your taste buds. Socialize with fellows guests in the cozy lounge areas, and challenge Lady Luck at the Seven Seas casino for a truly magical experience!

You’re invited aboard the MSC Melody for an experience filled with charm, gracious elegance and to experience the fine art of Italian living.

The town of Ficksburg is nestled between the Free State’s Maluti Mountains and named after General Jan Ficks, Commander-General of the old Orange Free State Republic. Cherries began to be grown and harvested in this region in the early 1900’s.

The first Cherry Festival took place in 1968 when a group of young men, who had founded a Ficksburg chapter of Jaycee International (the international service/leadership development organization), were looking for a project to launch their new organization whilst performing a service to the community. No one knows exactly how the concept took shape or who should be credited with this novel idea.

The first Cherry Carnival, as it was initially known, was a small celebration consisting of a film-show at which the Cherry Queen was chosen, followed the next day by a street procession of cherry related floats, drum-majorettes, etc, and an open-air program. The grand Cherry Ball was, however, an enormous success.

In present times, a local community committee has taken over the organizing of the Cherry Festival and famous South Africans in attendance over the years have included the Soweto String Quartet and even an appearance by the Lipizzaner horses from Johannesburg.

This is the without a doubt the oldest crop festival in South Africa having celebrated its 43rd anniversary in 2010. This years festival will be held from 17 November 2011 -19 November 2011 and over 30 000 people are expected to attend.

The weather was cool and a relief from the hot balmy days I had left behind in sunny Durban. Locals and tourists alike will agree that Hermanus is undoubtedly the best land based whale watching destination in the world. Locals always joke that there’s something in the water because year after year, schools of whales arrive without fail much to the delight of spectators.

Staying at the Hermanus Beach Club, I was grateful that I had made my reservation months earlier because the town was a hive of activity and like any other weary traveler, searching for accommodation after your arrival does prove to be a rather tiresome and cumbersome task. My home for the weekend had everything the Reservations Agent at Flexi Club had said it would have. As an added bonus, I found that it also had that personal touch one begins to crave after staying in numerous guest houses, hotels and motels.

I had initially thought that all I would do was watch the whales frolic out at sea but Hermanus had plenty of surprises in store for me. I managed to join a group of fellow out-of-towners for a bird watching expedition in the Kleinriver Lagoon and snapped up dozens of spectacular birdlife images for my portfolio. In-between the hustle and bustle of the 2010 Hermanus Whale Festival I also indulged in some horse riding, which I hadn’t done in ages, and spent some time reflecting on life at the tranquil beach.

I ended my seaside rendezvous with a trip to the Hermanus Wine Route, the southernmost in Africa. Wines produced here are every bit as delightful as those found on other more established wine routes and the local restaurants here are alive with a wide selection of fine wine, fresh vegetables, cheese and fish.

Hermanus may not be the most trendy or busiest seaside town in South Africa, but filled with rustic charm and drawing on its heritage of originally being a fishing village, it certainly is one of the most beautiful and enchanting towns the country has to offer.