Optima Holidays

Mountain Magic – Drakensberg

Optima Holidays — Tue, 21 May 2013 07:43:15 +0000

A chain of rugged basalt heights complete with dramatic peak and gorges, accessible foothills , a wealth of flora and fauna and a generous helping of resorts borders Natal on the west. Here, where the air is like wine, you will find crystal clear trout streams, wild flowers, waterfalls, hiking and horseback trails, and bushman’s rock art.

With Optima Holidays you can explore South Africa’s premier back packing and mountaineering area, the “Dragon Mountain’s” offers something for everyone.

Accommodation on offer in Drakensberg available from Optima Holidays

Bushman’s Nek Hotel & Spa
Castleburn Resort
Champagne Lane Resort
Drakensberg Sun Hotel & Resort
Kiara Lodge Resort
Midlands Saddle and Trout Resort & Spa
Mount Aux-sources Resort
Mount Champagne Resort
Mountain View Resort
Qwantani Resort
Riverbend Chalet Resort
Suntide Qunu Lodge Resort
Little Switzerland Resort
Fairways Resort

To book your holiday accommodation in Drakensberg contact Optima Holidays or log onto the website www. Optimabreaks.com to find out more about what is on offer.

Lowest Prices Guarantee!!!

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Top Gear Fever Hits Durban

Optima Holidays — Thu, 16 May 2013 07:55:29 +0000

So, as it turns out, Top Gear hits Durban on 15 – 16 June 2013! If you feel the need for speed come on over to Durb’s for some fun in the sun!

Great cars, great music, pretty girls and lots of beer and Braai’s happening over that weekend. If you are looking for accommodation well then you have come to the right place FINALLY!

Here are some of the great attractions happening at the Top Gear Festival:

Once again The Top Gear Festival will stand unique over other motoring events as our visitors enjoy a wide variety of spectacular entertainment featured throughout the day and across our festival site.

Top Gear Street Circuit

This year’s Top Gear Festival Street Circuit brings more excitement, not only with a new layout which provides for greater overtaking possibilities and improved viewing opportunities, but also with the return of exciting features such as Franschhoek Motor Museum in Motion, all the antics of The Top Gear Street Circuit Show, South African Motorsport Racing, Car parades and more!

The Shell Stunt School

Back by popular demand in the Action Zone, we will once again be bringing back the Shell Stunt School powered by Shell V-power, featuring professional drivers piloting vehicles through jaw dropping manoeuvres.

The Motoring Pavilion

The Top Gear Motoring Pavilion will feature some the SA’s top manufactures and best in all things motoring including the latest in car accessories, technology, safety and exciting features. Get to see our Top Gear Festival Exhibitors show case their brands and bring them to life in their stands throughout the festival. Shell has also extended its exhibition presence within the motoring expo to include its pit stop tyre change challenge, remote control car track, racing simulator and photo booth as well as new attractions including a mini-theatre, refreshments and Ferrari merchandise. Visitors to the Festival will have an opportunity to also explore Shell apps, online gaming and learn more about Shell’s products and services.

The Stars in Cars

The traditional host of celebrity drivers headed this year by Two-Time Formula One World Champion, Mika Hakkinen will tear around the Top Gear Festival Street Circuit and is certain to exhilirate the senses with tyre screaching sideways action and speed.

The Comrades Marathon 2013

Optima Holidays — Tue, 14 May 2013 08:04:02 +0000

The Comrades Marathon is a cherished national treasure and attracts thousands of runners, spectators and television viewers every year. We invite you to participate in this great event and experience the worlds greatest race.

History of The Comrades Marathon

Arguably the greatest ultra marathon in the world where athletes come from all over the world to combine muscle and sinew and mental strength to conquer the approx 90 kilometres between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban, the event owes its beginnings to the vision of one man, World War I veteran Vic Clapham.

Vic Clapham was born in London on 16 November 1886 and emigrated as a youth to the Cape Colony in South Africa, with his parents. At the outbreak of the South African War (Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902) he enrolled as an ambulance man into the Cradock Town Guard at the age of 13. He later moved to Natal and worked as an engine driver with the South African Railways.

With the outbreak of the Great War 1914-1918, Vic Clapham signed up with the 8th South African Infantry, and fought and marched 1700 miles of the eastern savannahs of Africa in pursuit of Glen Paul Von Lettow-Vorbecks askari battalions.

The pain, agonies, death and hardships of his comrades which he witnessed during those awful days left a lasting impression on the battle-hardened soldier, especially the camaraderie engendered among the men in overcoming these privations. Thus when peace was declared in 1918, Clapham felt that all those who had fallen in this catastrophic war should be remembered and honoured in a unique way, where an individuals physical frailties could be put to the test and overcome. Remembering the searing heat and thirst of the parched veld through which he had campaigned, he settled on the idea of a marathon and he approached the athletic authorities of the day to sound their views. His enquiry led him to the doors of the League of Comrades of the Great War a corpus of ex-soldiers who had formed an association to foster the interests of their living companions who had survived the War.

Clapham asked for permission to stage a 56 mile race between Pietermaritzburg and Durban under the name of the Comrades Marathon and for it to become a living memorial to the spirit of the soldiers of the Great War This was strenuously resisted by the League, but Clapham persisted maintaining that if a sedentary living person could be taken off the street given a rifle and 60lb pack and marched all over Africa then surely a fit and able athlete could complete the distance. Applications in 1919 and 1920 were refused but in 1921 the League relented and gave permission and 1 for expenses, which was refundable.

The first Comrades Marathon took place on 24th May 1921, Empire Day, starting outside the City Hall in Pietermaritzburg with 34 runners. It has continued since then every year with the exception of the war years 1941-1945, with the direction alternating each year between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, the so called up & down runs

Margate Sands KZN South Coast

Optima Holidays — Thu, 09 May 2013 07:17:53 +0000

With 26 resorts & hotels In Optima Holidays portfolio along the KZN South Coast. Margate Sands Resort & Spa being one of the most popular spa resort.

Margate Sands Resort & Spa is situated in the heart of the entertainment area of the charming town of Margate , overlooking the magnificent mile-long stretch of beach from Margate to Manaba, with views of the rolling white-capped breakers and, during the migration season, whales spurting and frolicking out at sea. The coconut palms in front of the resort are the Southern-most palms of their kind in Africa, and house a colony of chattering starlings.

Margate Sands Resort & Spa boasts a swimming pool, situated amongst beautiful well-groomed lawns. Alongside the pool is the children’s play area and built in braai facilities. A games room with pool tables, table tennis and darts is situated in the arcade leading to Marine Drive, as well as a separate kiddies play room , a conference centre is also available for hire.

While the husbands fish or boat, the wives can pamper Body, Mind & Soul at our Renowned Cellubeauty Wellness Spa, offering a wide variety of wellness treatments including Hot Stone & Swedish Massages, Manicures & Pedicures.

With Margate’s main beachfront right on your doorstep and within easy walking distance of all the holiday action of this popular seaside town, Margate Sands Resort & Spa offers perfect convenience for a coastal family holiday or Fishing weekend. The main swimming beach is situated just across the road for endless hours of fun in the sun as is the Margate public pool where kids can safely frolic to their hearts’ content. Avid fisherman can cast their rods from one of the numerous piers along the Margate beach front . A short drive brings you to a host of activities such as golf, squash, tennis, horse riding and deep sea fishing. Margate Sands Resort & Spa offers uninterrupted views of magnificent South Coast sunrises and scenes of waves cascading onto the beautiful shoreline.

Other KZN South Coast accommodation available from Optima Holidays

· CABANA MIO RESORT

· CARRIBEAN ESTATE RESORT

· CLUB HACIENDA RESORT

· CORONA DEL MAR RESORT

· COSTA SMERALDA RESORT

· GLENMORE SANDS RESORT

· ITHACA RESORT

· KARRIDENE RESORT

· KRIDZIL RESORT

· LA COTE D’ AZUR RESORT

· PEARLY SHELLS RESORT

· RAMSGATE BEACH CLUB RESORT

· SAVANNAH SANDS RESORT

· ST IVES RESORT

· ST MICHAELS SANDS RESORT

· SUNTIDE BEACH CLUB RESORT

· SUNTIDE CABANAS MARGATE RESORT

· SUNTIDE ILLOVO SANDS RESORT

· SUNTIDE WINKLESPRUIT RESORT

· VILLA DEL SOL RESORT

· WILD COAST SUN CASINO & RESORT

To book your holiday accommodation in KZN South Coast contact Optima Holidays or log onto www.optimabreaks.com to find out more about our specials across 9 South African regions .

Affordable BIG 5 Game Viewing holidays

Optima Holidays — Tue, 07 May 2013 07:58:51 +0000

Game viewing is often deemed to be too expensive for the average South African family. Surprisingly many middle class South Africans, from teenagers to adults have not enjoyed any game viewing at any stage in their lives.

“Considering that game viewing and the Big 5 are probably South Africa’s main draw card for foreign visitors, its sad that scores of South African’s still believe they cannot afford a game viewing holiday. At Optima Holidays, we encourage every family to consider planning your own affordable game viewing holiday.

South Africa is rich in the best and widest range of game viewing in the world including mini breaks to luxury 3 week Bush Camp Exotic Getaways. There are over 12 self-catering resorts in the Mpumalanga area and 10 in the Limpopo & North West area, which are highly affordable, offering rates as low as R 250 per person per night sharing.

One of the most popular resorts is Gethlane Lodge Hotel & Spa, which is located in Lydenberg area of Mpumalanga. The resort offers luxury apartments and some of the facilities on site include 5 swimming pools, Jacuzzi & sauna, crazy golf, outdoor chess, Kiddies trampoline, children’s play ground and to rejuvenate body mind & soul a wellness spa. Visitors return here year after year and continue to give rave reviews.

The Numbi gate into the Kruger National Game Park is only 1 hr 30 mins away and provides the perfect access to a great affordable game-viewing holiday.

Other resorts in the area include: Burchells Bush Lodge, Crystal Springs, Lowveld Lodge, Millstream, Mount Sheba, Ngwenya Lodge, Pine Lake Country Estate, Sabie River Sun, Sanbonani, Sudwala Lodge and Waterberry Hills.

To book all your accommodation needs contact Optima Holidays on + 27 31 701 9999 or www.optimabreaks.com

Tranquility at Qwantani Resort

Optima Holidays — Thu, 02 May 2013 10:35:24 +0000

With rolling hills and, massive water and looming mountains, the view from Qwantani Resort set on the shores of the picturesque Serkfontein Dam within the Sterkfontein Nature Reserve, are truly breathtaking.

Watch a storm come down and change the nature of the tranquil waters. The golden hills in winter are just as appealing as the green summers ones and watching a yacht or two glide silently add to the feeling of peace and tranquility.

The surrounding Nature Reserve is teeming with unique birds and wildlife while the resort offers tennis, squash, horse-riding, fishing, sailing, mountain biking, hiking, a gym, games room and watersports. The less energetic can relax around the swimming pool or take advantage of the library facilities, retiring to the sturdy brick and tile chalet to enjoy a best seller. Take the easy 20km drive to see the unique historical sites in the area or pop into Harrismith, 40km from the resort for some shopping and browsing

Qwantani Resort is the ideal getaway for all nature lovers.

On- site facilities at Qwantani Resort includes:

· Boat/Marine Slipway

· Braai

· Fire Place

· Fishing

· Horse Riding

· Outdoor Pool

· Restaurant

· Squash

· Tennis

· Table Tennis

· Games Room

To book your holiday accommodation near Sterkfontein Dam contact Optima Holidays or log onto the website www.optimabreaks.com to find out more about what is on offer.

Lowest Price Guaranteed!!!

Self – Catering Resort Holidays on the Dolphin Coast – KZN North Coast

Optima Holidays — Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:10:42 +0000

KZN North Coast resorts remain one of the most popular holiday choices for South African holidaymakers. The North Coast offers so many self catering resorts from small ones like Labori Resort, a quaint resort based in Ballito to large ones like La Montagne Hotel & Spa & Breakers Resort .

Optimabreaks.com are leaders in North Coast holidays, where they have 20 resorts including : Bolders Bay Resort,Cabana Beach Resort, Chakas Rock Resort & Spa, Club Ten, La Rochelle Resort, Lake View Cabanas Resort, Perna Perna St Lucia Resort, Salamander Resort, Salt Rocks Palms Resort, Sandy Place Resort, Sobengu Lodge, Umhlanga Cabanas , Umhlanga Sands.

The most popular North Coast resort within the Optima Holidays stable is La Montagne Hotel & Spa, luxury self catering & hotel holiday apartments, located on the best of Ballito. The apartments are very large and are very well priced at R449 per person per night sharing sleeping 4 people. The apartments are fully serviced, and the resort boasts a swimming pool, wellness Spa, baby-sitting, games room, braai facility, Supper Theatre, restaurants, bars & the beach directly in front of the resorts

Another popular North Coast resort is Breakers Resort in Umhlanga, which recently won Resort of the Year for First Resorts, South Africa’s largest resort management company.

Book with Optima Holidays by simply calling +27 31 701 9999 or www.optimabreaks.com

Affordable Self – Catering accommodation in Mpumalanga

Optima Holidays — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:51:20 +0000

Looking for affordable accommodation in Mpumalanga, look no further than Gethlane Lodge Hotel & Spa in Lydenburg brought to you by Optima Holidays. Lydenburg is situated on the Sterkspruit/Dorps River tributary of the Olifants River at the base of the Long Tom Pass. The name is derived from Dutch meaning “Town of Suffering.” It has become the centre of the South African fly-fishing industry and is an agricultural and mining centre.

Its central location – only 290kms from Pretoria – makes it the ideal stopover to explore not only the well known Kruger National Park but also the many new routes which are ideal for adventure lovers and particularly 4×4 trail enthusiasts

Gethlane Lodge Hotel & Spa is nestled amongst 179 hectares of bird-rich indigenous forest offering serene views & superb accommodation. This resort seems the closest thing to paradise on earth. Explore one of the nearby game farms for some superb wildlife viewing or simply relax in your spacious chalet, soaking up the tranquil surroundings. For an exciting day trip take an outing to the Kruger National Park where you can spot the Big 5 and enjoy an open vehicle game drive.

Gethlane Lodge Hotel & Spa offers magnificent relaxation and numerous on-site facilities including

Mini Golf
Open air chess
Kids Playground
Pool/Snooker Table
Restaurant
Sauna
Wellness Spa
Swimming Pool
Table Tennis
Tennis
Trampoline

Optima Holidays also brings you the following self – catering resorts in Mpumalanga ,

Burchells Bush Lodge & Resort
Crystal Spring Resort
Falcon Glen Resort
Kruger Park Lodge Resort
Lowveld Lodge Resort
Millstream Resort
Mount Sheba Resort
Ngwenya Lodge Resort
Pine Lake Country Estate Resort
Sabie River Sun Resort
Sanbonani Resort
Sudwala Lodge Resort
Waterberry Hill Resort & Spa

	To book your holiday accommodation contact Optima Holidays or log onto the website www.optimabreaks.com

Summer or Winter Durban is the place to be

Optima Holidays — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 07:45:15 +0000

With 365 days of Summer, Durban offers something for everyone. Renowned as the countries family playground, Durban has it all!

Optima Holidays opens its doors with resorts, from the warm golden beaches of the Indian Ocean to the trendy nightlife of the city. Durban sports the best of theatres, art galleries, museums, Ushaka Marine World, Sun Coast Casino, shopping centres such as Gateway & The Pavilion.

Optima Holidays brings you 5 leisure and business Durban Resorts from their vast portfolio of 150 resorts countrywide.

RESORTS:

DURBAN SANDS RESORT

Situated in the heart of Durban’s Golden Mile offering a birds eye view across the waters of South Beach. Durban Sands has a private leisure deck on the rooftop where you can enjoy mini golf, squash, wellness spa, relax beside the pool or gather around the braai area. Your apartment is within easy walking distance of the numerous beachfront attractions such as fun world, Flea Markets & Ushaka Marine World and not to mention the glorious beach where you can even try your hand at fishing or surfing off one of the piers.

DURBAN SPA RESORT

Located on Durban’s Golden Mile, with the sandy beaches and sparkling deep blue sea only 50 meters away, lies Durban Spa – your answer to the family getaway! If you’re not relaxing on the white sand, swimming in the refreshing sea water or simply enjoying the breathtaking views from your window, then there’s Ushaka Marine World, fun world, flea markets and nightlife to enjoy or simply enjoy the in house facilities such as swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna or have a family braai on the spacious roof garden overlooking the ocean.

THE DON OCEANIC HOTEL & SPA

Set in the hub of Durban, a short stroll from where you can experience the thrills of fun world & mini town and not to mention the magnificent Durban beaches for plenty of fun in the warm Durban climate or take advantage of the lovely on-site swimming pool, restaurant, bar, Jacuzzi, sauna and wellness spa. Close by attractions include nightclubs, cinemas, ice rink and Sun Coast Casino.

THE PALACE HOTEL & SPA

The Palace offers a touch of elegance and style on Durban’s Golden Mile beachfront. Set on the Marine Parade or (OR Tambo Road), you can visit entertainment centres such as mini town, fun world and the Ushaka Marine World. Take advantage of the glorious Durban climate on the beach, only minutes away or relax around the resort swimming pool, enjoy a cup of coffee at the coffee shop, take rejuvenating sauna, enjoy a beauty treatment at the wellness spa or sample some interesting cuisine from one of the many nearby restaurants.

SILVERSANDS RESORT

Silversands is ideally located and offers guests the opportunity to relax on the beach, browse through the vibrant street flea markets and explore all the exciting amenities Durban has to offer. In the evening, with elegant lounges, distinctive local theatre, live music, trendy clubs and pubs. Ushaka Marine World is in close proximity and you have the opportunity to enjoy the Sea World aquarium, Wet ‘n Wild water park, various restaurants and shops available at this theme park. The Suncoast Casino, also located nearby, with cinemas, restaurants and gambling will allow an alternative entertainment opportunity.

To book your business accommodation or holiday accommodation in Durban call + 27 31 701 9999 or go to www.optimabreaks.com.

150 South African Resorts across 9 regions

Lowest Prices Guaranteed!

Jonty Rhodes South African Brand Ambassador in India

Optima Holidays — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:31:44 +0000

Did you know that our very own Jonty Rhodes will be waving the South African flag in India. He has been chosen to represent South African Tourism in India, as a means of educating India about Holidaying in South Africa. As Jonty is a respected celeb in India (due to Indian Locals being Cricket Crazy) for his many years in South African International Cricket.

“Jonty himself has volunteered to help us promote the destination in India given his passion for travel, adventure and South Africa. He is one of the best fielders in the history of cricket. India is a cricket-crazy nation and with Jonty’s support we want to connect with Indian travellers.” – Hanneli Slabber, South African Tourism country manager, India.

Jonty Rhodes is known around the world for his prowess on the cricket field. After an incredible 11 years playing in the international cricket arena, he is now the fielding coach for the Indian Premier League Team, the Mumbai Indians, and widely revered all across India. It was recently announced that Rhodes has agreed to promote South Africa in India as a brand ambassador for South African Tourism.

India is a core market for South African Tourism and Rhodes is well-loved in India, making him the perfect ‘brand ambassador’ to promote South Africa as a travel destination.

Hanneli Slabber, the country head of South African Tourism in India, says Rhodes will do much to raise the profile of South Africa as a choice travel destination. ‘Being a part of the Mumbai Indians team, Jonty has a great fan following in India and is extremely popular and loved cricketer.’

Slabber explains that, for South African Tourism, India is now a core market to attract travelers to South Africa. The numbers say it all: almost 75 000 Indian visitors traveled to South Africa in 2011 (18 percent up on the previous year’s figures).

She adds that South African Tourism couldn’t ask for a better brand ambassador: ‘Jonty himself has volunteered to help us promote the destination in India given his passion for travel, adventure and South Africa. He is 1 of the best fielders in the history of cricket. India is a cricket-crazy nation and with Jonty’s support we want to build an engagement and connect with Indian travelers.’

Rhodes will be promoting the destination to the Indian market in various ways and via social media. Slabber says: ‘Jonty will be traveling to South Africa to experience varied adventure activities, shopping, lifestyle, food in South Africa and will write down his experiences for us.’

Rhodes will be writing a guide for Indian consumers, which should prove interesting reading. ‘As the year passes, we want to work more closely with Jonty and promote the destination in India. Together, we want to highlight varied experiences that South Africa has to offer to Indian tourists,’ says Slabber.