Welcome to my blog !
A place where I will share my personal anecdotes from my travel adventures and my vegetarian culinary experiences. A space where I will catalogue all things Splendid.
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January Book Review
- Heart the Lover – Lily King
- 5 Stars
…‘Love is crushing. Love is something you let yourself feel at your own peril, despite your better sense’…
I read this book on a Saturday, and I couldn’t put it down, it was that good. A deeply moving story with an intricate throuple.
The story follows a young woman nicknamed Daisy, later known as Jordan – a name given to her by Sam and Yash, her classmates in a literature course. The novel follows Jordan’s life from her senior year of college to adulthood, where she is married with children.
During her college years, Jordan spends most of her time with Sam and Yash, sharing long discussions about literature and bonding over card games. Friendships evolve into romance, introducing emotional complexity and difficult choices. These decisions, deeply influenced by questions of faith and life’s complexities, shape the course of their futures.
As the story shifts to a married Jordan, the impact of those formative years becomes clear. The choices made in college echo forward, altering their lives in ways that cannot be undone. When long-buried secrets resurface amid a terminal illness, Jordan, Yash and Sam are forced to confront the lasting consequences of their past.
Heart the Lover ripped my heart in half and left me shattered. This was my first Lily King book, and I loved her writing style; this story is told from a narrator’s perspective. The characters were memorable and the story telling gripped me from the first chapter. I fully understand the hype around this book and why it became a favourite for so many readers in 2025.
2. Before We Were Strangers – Renee Carlino
- 5 Stars
‘We were victims of bad timing. But here we are again.’
As I read Matthias and Graceland’s story, my heart ached for them in the best possible way, and I found myself cheering for them. Their bond felt like a once‑in‑a‑million kind of love, destined to endure every challenge and hardship that was thrown their way.
Matt and Grace meet in college on their first day at Senior College and become ‘Fast Friends’ – they become inseparable. Matt is an aspiring photographer, while Grace is a music major. Their bond is magnetic; they inspire and nurture each other’s creative gifts, and over time their friendship deepens into love, both believing it will last forever.
But when they’re each offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Matt accepts his without any hesitation, while Grace has her reservations. As they navigate the next phase of their lives, things fall apart – everything begins to unravel, there’s communication breakdown – time passes and life goes on.
3. Twice – Mitch Albom
- 4 Stars
‘You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.’
Twice is packed with so many meaningful moments, I could not put it down.
The book begins with Alfie (Alfred) Logan in Nassau, being interrogated by a detective for allegedly cheating and winning millions at a casino roulette wheel. During the interrogation, he reads from a notebook and relays the intriguing story of his life – spanning his time in Africa and America. We also discover that Alfie has a unique ability to go back and do things a second time, altering the outcome for better or worse. His love story pulls you in; it’s earnest, compelling, and filled with valuable lessons along the way.
When I was reading this book, I had a few moments of reflection and wondered; if I had the ability to go back, what moments would I choose to do twice? For me, there are two pivotal moments, and both involve using the time I had with people who were once dear to the fullest.
This is the third Mitch Albom book I’ve read. The first was Tuesdays with Morrie, which I discovered while navigating life with a terminally ill sibling. That book became the therapy I needed. Twice was just as profound for me, and it served as a powerful reminder to cherish the time we have with the people we love- real life has no do-overs.
4. The First Time I Saw Him – Laura Dave
- 3.5 Stars
The First Time I Saw Him is the sequel to The Last Thing He Told Me, it was selected as one of Reese’s Book Club picks for January and the novel generated significant interest, following the release of the Apple TV series trailer which will air on the 20th February 2026.
The book is a continuation of the story from Last Thing He Told Me. Although I haven’t read the original, I watched the TV series and found it gripping. Naturally, I was intrigued by The First Time I Saw Him and wanted to read it before the start of the TV series.
The story starts five years after Owen’s disappearance and focuses on Hannah and her stepdaughter Bailey, now living in Southern California. When Owen is spotted, Hannah quickly understands that their safety is at risk, and life begins to unravel for them. Hannah mission is to keep Bailey safe. The story delves into the past, I enjoyed getting to know all the other characters and the intricacies of their connections. The one theme that stood out for me in this book, is family and the lengths people go to protect their loved ones.
The book is fast paced and easy to get into. I’m still on the fence on whether reading the book before the TV series will have an impact. I guess I’ll have the answer once I’ve watched the TV series.
5. An Almost Perfect Summer – Jill Mansel
- 3.5 Stars
I’m a sucker for books set in small towns, I enjoy the escape and picturing the setting and getting lost in it. This book was fun to read from that perspective but felt the multiple characters that get introduced make it hard to stay engaged.
The story opens with Nella and Nick bickering over the last bunch of roses at a farm shop. Nick is a charming and attractive man who manages luxury holiday homes in a Cotswolds village, while Nella is a highly organized local whose life is abruptly disrupted when she loses her job due to circumstances beyond her control. From there, the novel unfolds through a series of events that gradually draw the two characters together.
Following her redundancy, Nick offers Nella a position at the retreat. Although there is an undeniable spark between them, Nella is determined to resist her growing feelings. As she begins working at the retreat, the reader is introduced to a range of intriguing characters, each with their own storyline. These narratives are thoughtfully interwoven, adding depth and variety to Nick and Nella’s developing relationship.
My only criticism is that I would have liked to see more development in Nick and Nella’s romance. That said, the novel remains thoroughly enjoyable, light-hearted, and entertaining.
6. The Beginning of Everything – Jackie Frase
- 3 Stars
Even though I found the premise of the story in the beginning slightly unrealistic, I enjoyed the unfolding story of Jess and Gethin’s relationship. Jess has escaped a bad relationship and is homeless. She finds shelter and becomes a squatter. Gethin, the owner of the house, a kindhearted man, finds Jess in his home and lets her stay. Jess and Gethin get to know each other, and they become friends who develop feelings for each other.
I was proud of Jess for her bravery for leaving her abusive relationship. Gethin’s patience and kindness towards Jess was commendable.
This is a character-driven story, easy to read and get into. The pacing was good. If the premise wasn’t so unrealistic, I would have given the book 4 stars.
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Exploring Joburg’s Culinary Delights at Mila Restaurant
Food tells a story that imprints memories.
One thing about Joburgers — myself included — is that we truly appreciate the good life, and this was clear the day we headed out for a late lunch at Mila Restaurant at LXX in Sandton. From the moment we arrived, we stepped into an unhurried yet vibrant atmosphere, with patrons enjoying business lunches and others catching up with friends. My friend and I had recently revived our Ladies Who Lunch catch-up, and this outing felt like the perfect way to settle back into it.
The restaurant’s aesthetic exudes understated luxury—warm, elegant, refined, and welcoming.
Image Cred @Mila Restaurant 
Image Cred @Mila Restaurant As a non‑drinking vegetarian foodie, I’ve learnt to manage my expectations when it comes to mocktails. All too often, they’re served in plain glass tumblers that feel more like an afterthought than a crafted drink. So when my mocktail arrived beautifully presented and photo ready, I was pleasantly surprised. In that moment, I knew we were off to a very good start.
The food…shew…where does one even begin? It was that good. I ordered a selection of vegetarian dishes, and honestly, I savoured every single one. The Zucchini Keftedes was without a doubt my favourite meal.
The dessert was just as delicious and beautifully presented.
Left Image – Dakos Burrata; Top Image – Halloumi Ricotta Ravioli; Right Image – Zucchini Keftedes 
Dessert
Top Image – Hazelnut Tart; Bottom Image – Kafethaki Vanilla BruleOut of 10, I would rate our overall experience 9.
- Food gets a 9.
- Restaurant aesthetics and ambience gets a 9.
- Price gets a 7, the food is on the pricey side but on all fairness, eating out has become a tad pricey.
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2025 Reading!
“Something magical can happen when we read a good book.”
Books have a unique power to take us to places we may never physically go – they offer an escape. The stories allow our imagination to travel freely, introducing us to new ideas, perspectives and igniting our imagination.
Two years ago, I started being intentional with limiting my screen time. I then set a target to read at least 1 book a month. Fast forward to 2025 and I have managed to read 60 books. Fiction being the books I read most.
2025 books I read! What makes a book great in my view is when the story and the characters stay embedded in my heart and mind long after I have read the book. I will share brief review of the books that gave me that feeling. These books I couldn’t put down. In some instances, I found myself reading through the night.
I have picked 12 books for the number of months, this was a real daunting task but I managed.
The book review will focus on 3 things;
o Is the story enjoyable?
o Are the characters memorable?
o Is it a book that I can re-read?
Each book will be graded out of 5.
2025 Top 12 Reads! - The Wish – Nicholas Spark
• 5 stars- The story opens in 2019, where we meet Maggie, a renowned New York–based photographer who owns a gallery. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Mark, who soon begins working at the gallery. As Maggie and Mark grow closer, Maggie reflects on her past, taking us on an emotional journey of her past. The story shifts to 1996, when a young Maggie is sent away to live with her aunt. There, she meets Bryce, a warm-hearted boy wise beyond his years. A deep friendship forms between them, and it’s Bryce who introduces Maggie to photography. He becomes a vital source of support during a formative time in her life.
- The Wish is a complex story that addresses important societal issues and life challenges.
- Maggie as a character stayed with me for days, weeks and months after reading. I loved the setting and the story. This book, I couldn’t put down.
- Cant Get Enough – Kennedy Ryan
• 5 stars- After reading This Could Be Us and Before I Let Go, this book was one of my most anticipated reads for the year and it didn’t disappoint.
- Hendrix is a successful businesswoman and has phenomenal friends. She’s facing a few life challenges, her toughest being caring for her aging mother. She meets Maverick Bell, a tech billionaire whose chasing the next big thing in his life. Sparks fly. There’s instant attraction but Maverick is in an entanglement, which complicates their instant connection.
- As destiny would have it, his relationship comes to an amicable ending. This gives Maverick an opportunity to pursue Hendrix. The romance between them is shown beautifully – its smart, its uplifting, its loving wholeheartedly and supportive.
- What brings them together is a shared experience of having a family member who had or has Alzheimer’s.
- I love how Kennedy Ryan always builds awareness for a variety of topics in her books. I also enjoyed reading about black love shown in a positive light.
- Atmosphere – Taylor Jenkins Reid
• 5 stars- The story follows Joan Goodwood who gets selected for the NASA’s space shuttle programme in the 80ties. In the book, you get to relive Joan’s past and present while in the programme. You also meet the other canditates/ characters who are part of the programme and have an impact in her life in some shape or form.
- This is a voyage of discovery for Joan, not just in space but also her self-discovery. The story is fast-paced, gripping and heartbreaking.
- A beautiful tribute to the women who broke boundaries in the 80ties when women were only just being accepted into space programs.
- The story and the characters stayed with me for a long time after reading this book.
- We all want impossible things – Catherine Newman
• 5 stars- A book about two imperfect best friends since childhood, Ashley and Edith, who have been through everything together. As adults they are navigating a difficult time in their lives – Edith has terminal cancer.
- While the book is heavy and sad in places, it also celebrates friendship, relationships and love.
- We All Want Impossible Things reminded me of a quote that says ‘The only certainty in life is death.’ As much as the story is about the inevitable, the story is just as much about living. It is a story of full of life and laughter.
- Seven days in June – Tia Williams
• 4.5 stars- This story is not a simple love story; its romantic, it’s compelling and layered in past traumas and survival.
- It follows two writes, Eva, a single mom and Shane, a successful bad boy of the literary world. They have a romantic past. When they reconnect after fifteen years, they have chemistry; it’s steamy, its messy, its complicated as they have to confront their past.
- I loved this book. I’m a sucker for second-chance romance and Tia Williams delivered with the portrayal of the characters and their flaws in this book.
- Love Marry Kill – Zukiswa Wanner
• 4 stars- Two couples, one steamy love affair and a hitman. ‘Till death do us part’ means different things to people. This book is an emotionally layered love story with twist and turns. This book is a page-turner, which dives into the messiness of infidelity and the length people will go to keep what’s theirs.
- A great read.
- Fabrics of love – Lebo Mazibuko
• 4 stars- Fabrics of Love needs to made into a Limited Series – goodness this was such a pleasant read. Growing up in Soweto, the character, the setting was so relatable.
- The story follows the lives of the Ntoi family, with a particular focus on its women. At the heart of it is Buang, the formidable matriarch who works tirelessly to keep the family together – she’s a fierce protector, she is resilient and sadly has been hardened by her past. Then there’s Prettygirl, the vibrant life of a party – a familiar township character full of charm and energy. Her sister Rosemary is book-smart, focused, and disciplined; she is driven by ambition and purpose. Then there’s their cousin Moipone, a quiet and timid young woman who carries unseen scars from her childhood.
- Through the eyes of these women, the story explores their journeys as they chase their dreams while confronting culture, family secrets, love, relationships and the weight of past trauma.
- A multi layered captivating book. I loved how Lebo Mazibuko brought to light the vibrancy of Meadowlands (Soweto).
- One Golden Summer – Carley Fortune
• 4 stars- I stumbled upon this on Instagram, there was a lot of hype around it, and my curiosity was immediately sparked. I then had to read the 1st book, Every Summer After.
- Carley Fortune has a gift for painting the picture of a magical summer. As much as I loved Percy and Sam’s story in Every Summer After, I connected even more deeply with Charlie and Alice’s journey. This is a story steeped in nostalgia – One picture. Three teens. A yellow boat. Its where past summers collide with present-day choices, and a beautiful friendship slowly unfolds into a deeply emotional summer romance.
- Charlie is charming and self-assured. Alice gives more than she receives, she puts everyone before herself. Charlie helps Alice step out of her shell and Alice helps Charlie deal with his deep regret. They complement each other in so many ways and have the most hilarious banter. Their chemistry felt natural and warm.
- Overall, this was a fun, emotionally rich read, one that truly captures the magic of the lake. As the story reminds us, ‘Good things happen at the lake.’
- Things we left behind – Lucy Score
• 4 stars- This is the third and final book in the Knockemout series. Sloan and Lucian were my most anticipated couple in the series and Lucy Score didn’t disappoint.
- I absolutely loved Sloan and Lucian’s relationship, especially their sharp, entertaining banter. As adults, they may claim to loathe each other, but neither can deny the sparks between them. Their history adds so much depth to the story – from childhood friends, to sworn enemies after an incident that shattered their bond, and finally to lovers.
- Sloan is feisty, witty, and warm-hearted, with dreams of a traditional happy ending – a loving husband and children. Lucian, on the other hand, has become powerful and wealthy, capable of making anything happen, except committing to the idea of family, which he firmly resists.
- I love how Lucian would do anything for Sloane even when he insistent that he didn’t like her. It warmed my heart that they got their happy ending.
- While I didn’t particularly enjoy the crime subplot, it was expected, as it featured heavily in Things We Never Got Over and Things We Hide from the Light. Still, it was a joy to return to Knockemout. I have a soft spot for small-town settings – even fictional ones, as they stretch the imagination and transport you to places you may never otherwise experience.
- Tell me everything – Elizabeth Strout
• 4 stars- It follows a friendship between 90 year old Olive Kitteridge, Bob Burgess whose the central character, a lawyer and acclaimed writer Lucy Barton.
- Through quiet, intimate conversations, Lucy and Bob reflect on their lives and what might have been, while Olive and Lucy share stories about people they have known.
- The true allure of this book lies in its richly drawn characters and their complex inner lives—because human beings themselves are deeply complex. Woven through the narrative is a mystery that gradually unfolds, drawing in characters who carry their own layers of history and emotional depth.
- This book is beautifully written. Although I haven’t read the previous novels in the series, I found it easy to follow and completely captivating from start to finish.
- What a way to go – Bella Mackie
• 3.5 stars- A murder mystery with a humour all in one.
Anthony Wistern is a wealthy, charming, philander with a dysfunctional family set to inherit his fortune. Upon his untimely death, each of them becomes potential suspects. - The characters are self absorbed and not really likeable but they make a good story.
- A murder mystery with a humour all in one.
- The love we found – Jill Santos
• 3.5 stars- A sequel to The Light We Lost, which I would highly recommend reading before starting this book. Ten years have passed, and a great deal of life has unfolded since the end of the first story.
- This sequel is rich with blended family dynamics, hidden truths, and the challenge of confronting the past while learning how to move forward. It explores the reality that people are imperfect and that life is often complicated and messy. The story continues with Lucy a single mother juggling the needs of her children, her life after Gabe and finding love again.
- The story is emotional, it’s moving and it’s well written.
I’m chuffed with what I have been able to accomplish with my reading.
I’m chuffed with what I was able to achieve this year. The goal has been set and I plan to continue in 2026.
- The Wish – Nicholas Spark
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Why Singapore is a must see destination?
Singapore is one of the most visited tourist destinations of South East Asia and I totally see why. This island city-state is architectural marvel with a diverse range of exciting activities and attractions to suit different visitors interest.
There are many reasons why one should visit Singapore, I have taken the liberty of listing my top reasons.
- Visa free travel
- Coming from South Africa this is awesome, there’s nothing that I dread more than applying for a VISA. The process can sometimes be lengthy and cumbersome. It’s great to know that one can visit Singapore at anytime (should the travel budget allow for it).
- The city landscape, architectural marvel and cleansines
- Singapore’s gorgeous skyline will take your breath away. As you wander around Singapore, you’ll notice a mixture of modern skyscrapers with heritage buildings all around.
- Another thing that you will notice is how clean the city is, it’s simply refreshing.
- A great starting point to marvel at the architectural icons and attraction that Singapore has to offer. From the Marina Bay Sands to the Merlion Park to the Art Science Museum, the helix bridge the list is endless.
Views of the Marina Bay 
The Merlion Park 
The helix bridge 
- In the mornings, we ran at the bay, we walked around the bay to get to places of interest and the kids managed to ride bikes. It’s the simple things that make this place a splendid experience by day or by night.
By night - Gardens by the Bay
- The gardens by the bay is Singapores top attraction, a truly unique experience – it blends nature and cutting-edge architecture and features the following: –
- The Flower Dome, the world’s largest glass greenhouse – an impressive 1.28 hectares of flowers under glass.
- The Supertrees which can be found around the garden, they are man-made trees of up to 16 storeys tall, with 12 at the Supertree Grove.
View of the Garden by the bay from the 57th floor of the SkyPark 
At night one feels like they are in Pandora with the way the trees light up. It’s a just simply majestic.
By night – Supertrees 
- The Dragonfly Lake and Kingfisher Lake are a rich source of aquatic life and also act as an eco-filter to cleanse water pumped in from the Marina reservoir.
- The family-friendly attractions
- Singapore offers a number of family-friendly activities, making it ideal for travellers looking for an exotic vacation spot with options for children.
- Sentosa Island – is Singapore’s premier island resort getaway, a man made island that was built for fun and recreation. It includes Resorts World, Universal Studios Singapore, Tiger Sky Tower, Singapore Butterfly & Insect Kingdom, and one of the largest collections of aquatic animals in the world, SEA Aquarium.
Image cred: Make My Trip (makemytrip.com) 
- The night safari is another great experience for the little people, coming from South Africa, we were impressed by the animals in the park. Its home to over 2,500 animals across 130 species –– of which 38% are threatened.
- Food Paradise & Shopping Mecca
- The food culture is big in Singapore with an array of different culinary experience, from your local to international cuisine. I might just have to arrange a separate trip to this city-state just to explore the different culinary experiences. On our visit, food was something that we did when we remembered we were hungry, we did manage to eat at some lovely child friendly places.
A. Bread Street Kitchen, Singapore
A modern industrial restaurant and bar, located at the Marina Bay Sands, was a perfect late lunch/early dinner place for the family. Its family friendly and I really liked the kiddie’s menu, very creating.
The food all round was a hit, I enjoyed my Quinoa salad with cucumber, avocado, baby spinach, dried cranberries, toasted almond. The dessert was lovely, I also had the Chocolate Fondant with salted caramel, mint chocolate chip ice cream.
Attention to detail, friendly staff and great food is what makes the Bread Street Kitchen a must eat place.
B. 63 Espresso http://www.63espresso.com/
A cosy coffee shop and cafe with great ambience. We had a light lunch at the one located at Orchard Paragon.
I had the Siam Tofu and the Truffle fries. I usually enjoy tofu but I was not blown away by the way they cooked it. The truffle fries were ok, just found the truffle oil slightly overpowering.
I did enjoy my Matcha Latte, its a place I would frequent if I lived in Singapore.
C. DC Comics Super Heroes Cafe
This was the little people’s choice, at 1st glance you have your doubts about this place but surprisingly enough, it was a magnificent experience.
This café-retail experience is home to the DC comic universe and the one we ate at is located at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
The menu has everything from your salads, to burgers, to sandwiches, a patisserie and ice-cream station. They cater to vegetarian which is great. The meat eaters enjoyed their meal, I found my Quesadilla (Hals source of green energy) a bit blend.
- I’m not a big shopper but I appreciate seeing the local clothing brands whenever I travel. Singapore is paradise for shoppers, from high-end to affordable fashion brands there’s something for everyone. There’s the Shoppes at the Marina. the famous Orchard Road, theres’ Vivo City, Suntech City, Marina Square…the list is endless.
Places to Stay
- It seems that the place to stay is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel (should the budget allow) the resort boasts luxury accommodations, upscale shopping and an infinity pool with unparalleled views of the city.
In my personal opinion, we found the hotel overwhelming and we were not even staying there. Its very busy with guests checking in and out, people walking around from Tower to Tower and going to eat, people going to the casino and the SkyPark. If you like big hotels and a hectic vibe, then this place can work for you.
- There’s ample accommodation for every type of traveller.
Where we stayed?
- We stayed at the Mandarin Oriental – a great business and leisure hotel on Raffle Street, opposite the Marina Bay. The hotel is linked to the Marina Square Mall and near Suntech City.
The hotel features: –
- The hotel has rooms and suites – Our room was comfortable and had great views of the Marina Bay.
- 6 restaurants and bars – The hotel offers a range of food choices from Japanese to Cantonese to Italian. The melt café has by far the best international buffet selection. A great way to sample local cuisine and explore an array of food choices.
- Gym – A decent size gym with great equipment. I had every intention of working out at the gym but it’s not everyday that one has the opportunity to run in such perfect environment.
- Spa – A tranquil sanctuary with talented therapist.
- Pool is surrounded by lush green gardens with spectacular views in all directions.
The service at the hotel was great and staff were friendly and extremely helpful. It was a lovely, comfortable stay.
Singapore is a true gem, it does cater for everyone. It can be a perfect girlfriend / boys getaway, a couples retreat, family holiday and shopping paradise.
Singapore Flyer 
Singapore Flyer – By night A truly Splendid Experience!
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‘Vibe Dining’ experience – LAVO Singapore
LAVO Singapore is an Italian Restaurant and Rooftop Bar that was officially opened to the public on the 8th January and we were lucky enough to be part of the 1st dinner sitting at the restaurant. Located on the 57th floor of Tower 1 of Sands SkyPark at the Marina Bay Sands, this Italian American Bistro offers a ‘vibe dining’ experience with breathtaking views of Singapore.
Welcome Reception Desk 
Views from terrace 
Views from terrace 
Views from the terrace We were impressed by the restaurant design, its contemporary with an eclectic feel to it. As you enter the restaurant there’s elegant lounge pockets setup, the main dining area has wooden tables and round leather seating booths. We liked the use of old subway tiles for the wall finishes and the exposed wooden bricks look.
Restaurant Entrance 
Lounge seating at the entrance 
Old subway tiles used as wall finishes The outdoor terrace has lounge pocket seats, an outdoor bar and a gelato cart.
Terrace with lounge pockets 
Terrace bar The food was cooked to perfection, the garlic bread served to the table was made to perfection – slightly hard on the outside but warm and soft on the inside. For a vegetarian dining experience, the menu has some option.
Top Image-Garlic Bread and Bottom Image-Eggplant parmigiano starter For the starter I had the eggplant parmigiano, which was delicious and well cooked. The meat eaters at the table had the famous LAVO one-pound meatball. Thank goodness our waiter recommended it to share, it’s a lot of meatball.
For the main, we had the Rigatoni Melanzana to share – the pasta was al dente and exquisite. The meat eaters had Roasted Black Cod, Chicken Parmigiano, Spaghetti and Meatballs. The food went down well.
I was the only person keen to try the dessert, I ordered the 20 Layer Chocolate Cake (which is literally 20 layers). I love chocolate cake but this was a bit of an overkill. We ended up sharing the cake. The cake was moist, I’m not a big peanut butter eater but the Peanut Butter Mascarpone was light and worked well with the cake.
20 Layer chocolate cake From a food presentation, it was well presented however we did feel that some of the portion sizes were a bit much. I could have eaten the eggplant parmigiano starter as a main. As for the 20 layer cake, a table of 8 people can easily share that cake.
By night the restaurants transforms to a nightclub, I like the design of the DJ booth and the positioning is perfect. When next in Singapore, it will be a must do activity at night.
DJ Booth Our overall dining experience was lovely, we were looked after by an overzealous team – from the waiter to the bar staff to the floor managers. The service was great and we enjoyed our dinner.
Another splendid experience!
TS!
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Pont De Val Riverside Escape
We finally made it to Pont De Val River Escape which is located inside the Cote de Val River Lifestyle Estate, set on the banks of the Vaal River – 91.8km (1h7m) from Johannesburg via the N1. This riverside escape is a perfect getaway from the city life.
We had booked lunch at the restaurant and an overnight stay at the newly built hotel on the estate.
The Restaurant
This bistro specializes in French cuisine and serves lunch and dinner. They have lounge style dining area outside and proper tables and chairs to accommodate different type of diners.
We had booked lunch and it was great to see a selection of vegetarian option. I had the Spinach, Feta and Sundried Tomato Baguette. The baguette was eatable but there was an overpowering taste in the spinach. My +1 had the Halloumi burger which he raved about and said it tasted really good. (It was so good he actually refused to share it)
The dessert was the best part of the food, we had the Petit Fours Platter – an assortment of mini dessert that serves 2 people. As full as I was, I just had to try everything and glad I did. It was devilishly good.
The food was beautifully presented, a tad on the duur (expensive) side. For the wine connoisseur, they offer wine tasting on Saturday & Sundays at R40pp and have a 30m River Cruise at R275pp.
The overall experience at the riverside bistro was astounding, its a place we will visit again.The Hotel
The Boutique hotel is a new addition to the Pont de Val accommodation offerings, they also have Self-Catering holiday homes. The French countryside-style with a unique, timeless, modern feel is carried through the hotel.
Hotel Pool with views of the vineyard towards the river We were booked in the Luxe Room which has its own balcony with views over the vineyard towards the river.
The rooms have uncapped WI-FI, DSTV, air-conditioning, safe, Illy coffee machine, tea station, bath, shower, king size bed (or two singles), work desk with USB charging point as well as inside and outside sitting spaces.
View from our hotel room overlooking the vineyard towards the river The hotel accommodation rates start from R2590 – R2790 per room and that comes with breakfast. For guest that love a big breakfast, you will not be disappointed. The breakfast is substantial.
Breakfast that’s included in the BnB Rate The muesli and fruit were delicious however when it came to our egg order, there were a few minor glitches.Even though our breakfast was presented well and you could see that they made a real effort, we were left underwhelmed mainly because of the egg order. Its one thing to get one order wrong but both orders not very good.
Pont de Val has a spa that is located in the hotel building, they also have venues where they host weddings, functions and conferences.
The Cote de Val River Lifestyle Estate is positioned to make for the ideal weekend escape, a great escape from busy city life and for us a perfect mid-week recharge.
River view from my morning run Don’t believe that you have to travel far to discover hidden gems in your country, hidden gems can be found in your own backyard and not halfway around the world.
Stay Splendid:-)
TS!
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‘Paradise…Found’ – Atlantis Bahamas
‘Let’s take it back to the beach
Where we were young and carefree
This is how it should be
Said this city don’t feel me’
My happy Place, beach walks away from city life. There’s something about a beach holiday that nourishes the soul – the sound of the ocean, the breath of fresh air and the sand between your toes. I love Throwbacks, I get to distract myself, reminisce and write about my travel adventures.
As they say, to travel is to live. I really do love travelling and undoubtedly I live, work hard and smart so I can travel and explore different amazing and extraordinary places. Travelling to the Bahamas was yet another one of those amazing experiences and grateful that I got to do with family. We travelled to Nassau (Bahamas) and we were based at Atlantis, Paradise Island – an ocean themed resort on Paradise Island in the Bahamas.
Arriving at the hotel, felt like we were on a set of a family vacation movie scene (besides the fact that we were in a green stretch limo which they refer to as a ‘family car’.) As you step out the car into the open air lobby, there’s a cool breeze blowing, soft background sounds of the ocean and a friendly welcome by the staff.
Our ‘Family Car’ 🙂 🙂 
Hotel Lobby 
Atlantis 
The Royal Towers Entrance 
‘Atlantis, Bahamas features the world’s largest open-air marine habitat; Aquaventure, a 141-acre water park, including the iconic Mayan Temple’s Leap of Faith slide; 11 incredible pools; four miles of magnificent beaches; a Tom Weiskopf-designed 18-hole, oceanfront golf course; and the Atlantis Casino.’
Accommodation
Atlantis features a variety of accommodation, we stayed the Cove, a stunning place, an oasis of style that provides a private escape that’s removed from, yet still part of, the amazing world of Atlantis. (The Cove pool area has been renovated and it was relaunched early in November)
We had 2 interleading family rooms, both very spacious with a separate lounge area that leads to the balcony with breathtaking views of the ocean.
Both rooms had a full bathroom (bath and separate shower) and provided basic hotel amenities.
Family Room & Views from the Lounge area 
View from the top Other Accommodation at Atlantis
- The Royal Tower – The Royal Towers is the icon of Atlantis featuring the awe-inspiring mythology of the Lost City of Atlantis risen from the sea.
- The Coral Towers – Dedicated to multigenerational family fun.
- The Beach Tower – the Beach Tower offers casual, come-as-you-are beachfront and garden facing rooms.
- The Reef – The Reef offers luxury, residential-style studios and suites offering vacationers all the comforts of home, with the service and experience of a magnificent resort.
- Harbour Site Resort – Harborside Resort features spacious residential-style villas, offering guests kitchens or kitchenettes, creating a casual, home-away-from-home feeling.
Marina for guest that want to dock their Yatch Dining
From fine dining to quick and easy meal, there’s endless options for every palette. Atlantis features 20 restaurants and 19 bars and lounges. What I liked about Atlantis is the fact that the restaurants are child friendly.
- This was our breakfast spot, so many great selections – from your basic eggs to variety of cereals, assorted meat and cheese, they had something for everyone.
- Their bircher muesli was amazing, very well prepared and consistent everyday.
- They had a pastrie section with muffins, doughnuts, croissants, danish pastries…etc I had to stay clear from as I have a weakness for pastries.
The pastrie display (Image cred @missmelissaleah) - Nobu is Japanese cuisine at its best, a true culinary experience courtesy of executive chef Nobu Matsuhisa.
- Great atmosphere and the sushi was lovely. I had a few vegetarian dishes and they were well prepared, vegetables were al dente and cooked to perfection. Service was exceptional and overall great night out for the family. Nobu is on the list of the top restaurants, we loved this place.
- 77° West (I think this place has a new name now)
- Spacious, open restaurant with perfect lighting that creates a lovely atmosphere. 77°West offers South American-inspired cuisine with a Bahamian touch. Not much of a selection from a vegetarian perspective, I had the Oven Baked Wheat Tostada and Casa Quinoai salad. Service was good, but I must say the food experience was not at all memorable for me.
- This restaurant came highly recommended by the hotel staff, I think they saw brown people and figured we would love a BBQ experience. Let’s just say we were left underwhelmed here.
- The vegetarian options, the grilled veges and cornbread to be exact were blend and tasteless so I ended up eating a plate of chip. Apparently the ribs and chicken wings were great. Overall experience here was underwhelming.
Best Dessert Places
- An ice cream, gelato and sorbet experience created by Bahamian Chef Wayne Moncur.
- The décor look and feel is fresh, modern with soft touches of torques.
- Sun & Ice’s ice cream, gelato and sorbet flavors are made fresh, in-house daily and offer unique flavours and names given. Each scoop has a story, and flavors are infused with local Bahamian ingredients like sea grapes and sapodilla.
- Ben & Jerry’s
- Yes Im obsessed with Ben and Jerry’s and if I see one I have to have one. Such a treat to have a stand-alone store at Atlantis.
Activities & Experiences
Atlantis has everything for everyone, the abundance of activities and experiences are overwhelming but great as they cater to different types of travellers.
- You can explore the world’s largest open-air marine habitat with over 50,000 marine animals in 15 exhibit lagoons
- Spend a day at the 141-acre water park filled with water slides and river rides or just soak up the sun at one of the 11 amazing pools or beaches.
- Snorkel, scuba, snuba, and dive or walk with sharks.
- For the fitness fanatic, there’s a fully equipped fitness centre, you can enjoy yoga, pilates or simply unwind in their world class Mandara Spa.
- For the golfers, play a round of golf at the 18-hole Ocean Club Golf Course with spectacular views of the ocean.
- Indulge in their island tours or nightlife or if you prone to taking risk with money, visit the casino.
- For parents travelling with little people and wanting some adult time, the resort has a kids club.
Every trip has at least one highlight, and on this leg of the trip I had so many but the one that came very high was the Dolphin encounter. We had such an incredible time smimming with the dolphins.
Upclose & Personal 
Another epic family trip to add to my travel adventures. Atlantis, Paradise Island (Bahamas) is truly an experience like no other, we continue to create memories that will last a lifetime.
Mardi Gras Junkanoo dancers at the airport 
TS!
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Good food in a tranquil setting – The Litchi Orchad
While in Ballito, I took a drive to Salt rock and landed at a place called The Litchi Orchard. I had seen this nursery before and was intrigued by it, I do also have a secret love for nurseries.
The Litchi Orchard started off as a Wholesale Nursery in the middle of over 300 Litchi trees to hosting Farmers Markets and has now evolved into a collective of food & lifestyle shops and eateries.
I had lunch at Delish Sisters Cafe a lovely, tranquil café.
I arrived just in time for the Harvest Table Lunch which is served from 12pm – 3pm. There was a great variety of food and decided to sample the vegetarian option that were available.
I had the Spinach and feta quiche, chickpea and coriander flatbread, grated carrot salad and the mushroom thyme phyllo cigars. Loved the flavours and texture of the chickpea, coriander flatbread. I found the ginger on the grated carrot salad a bit overwhelming. The spinach and feta quiche tasted like a quiche, nothing special there and the mushroom thyme phyllo cigars tasted really good. Overall lunch was splendid.
Looking at the menu, Delish Sisters caters to a wide range of eaters and even have a vegan option.
Overall, lunch was great and could not have asked for a better setting, another Splendid Experience.
Looking forward to another visit at Litchi Orchard to try a meal at The Shed, or buying some crafted baked goods from Yoli’s Bakery or sampling some coffee from Beanstruk Coffee Roastery or indulging in some homemade ice-cream from Scoop or just enjoying the farmers markets and events hosted there.
Stay Splendid!
About Me
“Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.
My love for travelling was ignited by my parents, they opened our eyes to the world of travel and encouraged us to explore the world.
A lover of all things Splendid. I love travelling, I love discovering new places and experiencing how other cultures live. Amazing memories are created through experiences, no matter how small or big.
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SPLENDID EXPERIENCES 