Editor’s Letter

From snow-covered African mountains and going from bush to luxury hotel in Kwazulu-natal for a family holiday, to relaxing on an estate in the Fanschhoek Winelands and being in the heart of the action in the CBD of Cape Town – the local and regional travel section of this edition of PREMIER is packed with inspiration for your next adventure.

Features editor, Julie Graham, took to the Afriski slopes in Lesotho and found out that Africa is one of the best places for a snowy holiday. Turn to Adrenaline on Tap on page 54 to read more.

Many people see two roads to choose from when it comes to vacations: roughing it, or enjoying the smooth pace of luxury. Travel writer, Dean Mccoubrey, decided to go down both roads on a recent family holiday in Kwazulu-natal, which saw him, his wife, and three daughters join up with another family to do some birding before heading off to the sublime The Oyster Box for some lavish relaxation. Turn to The Rough and the Smooth on page 63 to read more.

Franschhoek is well-known for the host of wine estates that dot the valley – one that stands out for its wondrous facilities is Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate. Turn to A Grand Cottage Stay on page 28 to read why this estate encompasses everything that Franschhoek is so renowned for.

If you are a person that loves to be in the thick of city life, The Westin is a must-visit. Right next to the Cape Town International Convention Centre, The Westin offers fine dining at ON19, a spa to relax when the city life gets too much, and sumptuous rooms to ensure an excellent night’s rest. Turn to A Rest at The Westin on page 74 to read more about this city centre gem.

Onto a more sombre subject, breast cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among women. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and aims to increase awareness around this disease, and encourage people to get themselves checked. Certain lifestyle choices can contribute to a higher risk of breast cancer. Professor Justus Apffelstaedt, Associate Professor at the University of Stellenbosch and Head of the Breast Clinic at Tygerberg Hospital, goes through some of the lifestyle choices associated with causing breast cancer in Decrease Your Risk on page 35.

An inspiring South African who has taken an extremely unfortunate circumstance and turned to art is Yvette Chilli. Read more about her journey of healing through painting in A Journey into the Abstract on page 24.

I hope that you enjoy this edition of PREMIER; safe travels!