Feb 16, 2020 | Nelspruit Accommodation
Living in the moment, being content with life, mediating daily, being aware of how you feel and what you are doing with your time, being fully attentive. This is what it means to be mindful and while it might seem like just another passing internet trend, it is capturing the attention of many South Africans looking for a more meaningful life experience.
Being fully attentive and aware is one way to not only consciously live life to the fullest but it also helps to control stress, emotions and how we react to certain situations. It also helps to completely focus when we need to. The moment the mind starts to drift, the practice of mindfulness can bring us right back again.
What does this have to do with Nelspruit Lodge?
As Nelspruit’s foremost lodge, we try to create an oasis of peace and calm for all of our guests. From taking a walk around the gardens to enjoying the bliss of staying in one of our stylish and fully kitted out rooms, there are ways that you can be mindful when staying in Nelspruit.
We are also situated close to a few places where the people of Nelspruit are embracing this popular practice, so if you are from out of town and wish to recharge, you can quickly find your tribe.
- Yoga in the Gardens
The second Saturday of every month sees yoga enthusiasts come together for a free session in the Lowveld Botanical Gardens. Yoga and mindfulness go hand in hand, as both practices focus a lot on being aware of the body and mind.The session in the garden incorporates basic yoga and ancient breathing techniques known to sooth the mind and calm the body. If you are in town during this time of the month, or if you are a local looking for something new, this is the perfect excuse to get outdoors and stretch your soul.
- Secret Sunrise
Another fantastic way to come back to yourself is to dance it out as the sun rises. Secret Sunrise is by no means a South African thing, but we have sure fallen in love with the concept and become huge fans. Secret Sunrise is all about wellness and the group is on a global mission to connect people through music and movement.Participants each wear headphones and are guided through the session by a facilitator. The songs played are perfect for practicing and enhancing mindfulness, medication, and breath work, while these is also an element of insatiable playfulness that well leave you enlivened for days afterwards.
Secret Sunrise Lowveld takes place once a month and to find the exact dates follow this link.
Mindfulness is an evidence-based activity and it has been proven to have positive effects on health, happiness, relationships and careers. It is also the one practice that can spark creativity and unleash your inner self.
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Take full advantage of our comfortable Nelspruit accommodation by booking your stay at our lodge today. You can look forward to the best hospitality and the most comfortable rooms.
Feb 2, 2020 | Nelspruit Accommodation
Although it is super trendy these days to completely disown Valentine’s Day and pretend that it is only marked by loved up losers, you couldn’t be more wrong.
Life is fast paced and expensive these days, so for many, those romantic weekends away are becoming less and less convenient. If you set aside one special day in your month (or year), to treat yourself and that romantic person in your life to an evening of love, Valentine’s Day should be it. Besides, who cares what anyone else thinks! If celebrating Valentine’s Day is your thing, you should do what makes you happy and spend some time simply enjoying yourself.
Valentine’s Day has interesting origins which date back to the Roman times, and the festival of Lupercalia. The festival was originally a celebration of the coming spring, fertility and in some cases, it was used to pair up partners.
The rise of Christianity saw Lupercalia become St Valentine’s Day as at the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I saw the changes through.
Traditionally, the day fell in the middle of February, and over the years, the 14th was adopted as the official day to celebrate love.
What to do this Valentine’s Day?
Trying to think up a few ideas about how you can treat the love of your life this year? We’ve got you covered!
There is no right or wrong way to mark this day, but if you are short on planning time or if you are looking for a few ideas to make the day even more memorable, it doesn’t hurt to read those online lists. Dinners, gift ideas, picnics or simply a special gesture, a little can go a long way.
For Valentine’s Day 2020, Nelspruit Lodge is running a Nelspruit accommodation special, so you can spend the weekend with us where we will set you up in the best accommodation while treating you and your partner to a romantic evening meal and some fun outdoor activities over the weekend.
Not keen on making a whole weekend out of Valentine’s Day? Then why not just make a night of it with an evening meal at one of Nelspruit’s popular restaurants?
Salsa Mexican Grill, Adega Nelspruit, and a few places in White River such as Picasso’s, Gin & Co, Habana 64, and Da Loose Mongoose are all offering specials on the day.
You could also treat your special someone to a memorable gift? Violet & Rose, Ilanga Mall, Riverside Mall and Coral Blooms all have specials running for Valentine’s Day.
For more information and to get few more ideas, you can check out Show Me Nelspruit’s extensive and super helpful guide.
Jan 29, 2020 | Nelspruit Accommodation
South Africa’s top holiday destinations, for South Africans, is generally the coast. After months spent in the stuffy cities, rushing through life and getting generally stressed out, most of us will head to coast for some fresh air. But if you have been to the coast during the holidays, you’ll know that the overcrowding is real. You can barely find a spot on the beach and if you do get to the beach, there are so many people that it is just about impossible to take a dip in the water.
If you are looking to shake up your holidays by visiting someplace new in 2020, Mpumalanga should be firmly on the map.
Over the years, Mpumalanga has gained a reputation for being one of the most beautiful parts of South Africa and tourism is definitely on the up. Home to gorgeous outdoor attractions and many wonderful natural sights, when visiting our province you are sure to find a real sense of peace.
A quick look at any map will show you that Mpumalanga is a big place. Split into the Highveld and the Lowveld, most of the best loved attractions can be seen in the Lowveld. Home to the provinces capital city, Nelspruit, the Lowveld is a botanical gem filled with countless places to see and things to do. This part of the province is also surprisingly affordable, making it the ideal place to have a holiday.
The Waterfalls
Did you know that there are more waterfalls in this part of the country than anywhere else in South Africa? Travelling along the Panorama Route is the best path to follow when searching for this kind of attraction. Some of the waterfalls are more famous than others and while some are free to visit, others require a small fee that goes towards the upkeep on the attraction.
Popular waterfalls include the Bridal Veil Falls, the Mac Mac Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls. Many of the falls have a place where tourists can stop for a picnic and others require a little bit of a hike to get to.
The Mountains
From the exquisite views of Blyde River Canyon and God’s Window, to the Kaapsehoop Escarpment, although it is called the Lowveld, this part of the province is filled with loads of mountains. When standing on the top of a mountain, it is quite easy to feel small amongst the gorgeous views, and it is also the perfect experience for those who want to find some peace and free their minds.
The Hikes
For those who want to spend their holiday outdoors, the hiking trails on offer in the province are ideal for anyone looking to break away from the city and immerse themselves in quiet and solitude. Hikes can take place in forests and mountains, and those hiking can enjoy sights that very few have the privilege of seeing.
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You can find plenty of information about Mpumalanga’s numerous attractions online when doing your holiday planning. And if you are going to be staying close to Nelspruit book your stay at Nelspruit Lodge.
Jan 29, 2020 | Nelspruit Accommodation
Forested hiking trails and picnic spots, rushing waterfalls and rivers pouring over ancient rocks creating unbelievable formations, mountains offering exceptional views of distant landscape; Mpumalanga has a lot for those who love to be outdoors. In every way, it is an adventurous destination that lures visitors in with its beauty and makes them feel at home.
The province is best known for being a gateway to the Kruger National Park and for having a balmy, adventure filled destination called the Lowveld. There are loads of things to enjoy here, even if you are not keen on getting too adventurous. But for those who are looking to get their blood pumping, these exciting activities are not to be missed in 2020:
White River Rafting
Sitting on a rubber boat floating furiously down a river is a thrilling experience, especially in the summer months just after the rains. The Sabie River in the Hazyview area is a popular place to enjoy this past time and a trip can take roughly 1 to 2 hours to complete. You won’t need to have much experience to successfully make your way down the river, although it is a good idea to know how to swim!
Horseback Riding
The region has many places to experience horseback riding with trails through forests, grasslands and mountains being among the most popular. Kaapsehoop is without a doubt the most beautiful place to go horseback riding, with the Kaapsehoop Horse Trails offering an unforgettable, interactive experience up in the mountains of the Escarpment.
The Safari
With much of the Kruger National Park situated in Mpumalanga, going on a safari is without a doubt something you will want to do. Along with the option of driving yourself through the Southern Kruger, many local tour companies offer guests the option of full day tours and half day tours. Day safaris might seem short but they are more than enough time to see a wide variety of animals.
Explore the tree tops
Hazyview is home to the world’s longest aerial cable trail. With a guide at the helm, guests are taken on a trail along the Sabie River, through the tree tops of a lush green natural forest. The tour will not only give you the chance to learn all about this indigenous forest and its spectacular plants, but it will also bring you up close to the wildlife that makes its home in the trees.
Take in the history
This part of the world is filled to the brim with interesting history, dating back to the time when Bushmen lived in the area. The area has numerous small historical towns with museums and other interesting attractions. Many of these trips are easily fit into a day, and most of the locations are just a short drive from Nelspruit which will allow you to stay at our Nelspruit accommodation.
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Make 2020 your year to explore South Africa, and start off your adventures in Mpumalanga. For more information about our accommodation or to make a booking, you can contact us.
Dec 17, 2019 | Nelspruit Accommodation
Find yourself staying in Nelspruit this Christmas? There are many ways to prepare for the holidays and even if you are away from home, there is nothing to stop you from tucking into a delicious meal or going out shopping.
Although the Christmas decorations are very much winter themed, wherever you are in South Africa, the temperatures around Christmas time generally soar. So the whole idea of sitting down to a rich, hot meal is the last thing that anyone wants to do. One advantage that we have though, is that during this most wonderful time of the year, is that it is the perfect time to get outdoors and end the year with your feet up.
Let’s dive into the Christmas guide for those staying in Nelspruit for Christmas 2019
Gifting
The town’s many shops, especially those in the malls, generally extend their shopping hours in the run up to Christmas. The longer you leave your shopping, the more crowds you’ll have to face, so getting all your shopping wrapped up as soon as possible is best. You don’t want to taint the holidays with stress, so the earlier you head out the better. To completely remove the possibility of getting stuck in crowds, shop online. if you choose to do this, you’ll have to make sure that you order your items as soon as possible or they won’t be delivered on time.
Homemade and eco-gifts are tremendously popular right now, and the trend is fueled by the fact that Pinterest is filled with great ideas. If you want to really cut back the amount of money you spend, create a budget that everyone in the family must follow and then make your gifts. Remember, regardless of what the media says, it really is the thought that counts.
Christmas Lunch
Most Nelspruiters will settle down for a family lunch on Christmas Day. Traditional Fruit Cakes are always a popular hit as is the turkey or roasted chicken. But modern trends are also leaning towards seafood, and simple, cold foods. Delicious gammon, fillets and light snacks are very in right now and when paired with roast potatoes, seasonal veggies and all kinds of salads, everyone will have their fill.
Make sure that you add a few bottles of your favourite chilled wine to the table, and a bowl of ice cream or peppermint crisp tart for desert is always a winner.
Not keen on cooking? There are plenty of places serving up a delectable lunch. Sophie’s Bistro, Magnolia in White River, Bosvark Pub and Grill, La Villa Vita, Tindlovu at the Gardens, and Old Joe’s Kaia are all open on Christmas Day. If you plan on eating out, it would be best to book ahead.
Boxing Day/Family Day
It doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s another day of rest after the long year and the festivities. You could be super lazy and snooze the day away, or you could take advantage of this time by getting a little outdoorsy. Time in the Botanical Gardens or hiking through the misty forests of Kaapsehoop are both good for the soul!
Make sure that you book your Nelspruit accommodation with us today in time for Christmas and enjoy a relaxed day in our small town.
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