BRITISH Airways revealed last year that Cape Town and Johannesburg were predicted to be the top long haul destinations for them for 2009. This was likely due to the impact of the British Lions Tour as well as the strength of the pound against the rand.
British Airways’ head of UK & Ireland sales, Richard Tams said, “South Africa will be popular thanks to the relative strength of the pound against the rand and the upcoming British Lions tour.” Many fixtures take place in the country between May 30 and the final in July 4.
Offerings from a group of four star properties known as the The Classic Cape Route collection provide the same high level of service yet all have their individual charm. The collection is situated within the classic route that visitors to the Cape most commonly follow.
The Winchester Mansions Hotel is a leading beachfront boutique hotel facing the Atlantic and not far from the V&A Waterfront. It has 76 rooms and suites and a heated pool and a spa.
In the Stellenbosch Winelands is The Devon Valley Hotel with its own working SylvanVale Vineyard. This 50 bedroom, hotel has a colourful history.
On the Garden Route is Belvidere Manor overlooking the Knysna Lagoon. Accommodation is in fully serviced, private white washed cottages set in manicured gardens. Each cottage has a lounge with fire place and double en-suite bedrooms.
Lalibela Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape spans five ecosystems resulting in a huge diversity of plants, animals and birds. It has three lodges all offering African safari options. For all properties contact Led Tours, telephone 27-21-5313493 or or see www.ledtours.com.
Whale watching packages from The Marine Hermanus are available and include a two hour ecological adventure where guests may see whales, seals, penguins and other marine birds. Packages are available until April 30 and from September 1 to December 15. Rates: $1,659. Prices from May 1 until August 31 start at $1,024. Contact Liz McGrath at reservations@collectionmcgrath.com of The Collection, a group of hotels in the Cape Province offering luxury accommodation. All are five star Relais and Chateaux Hotels.