Here are some of our favourite luxury Manor Houses in the Cape Winelands – all of the featured properties have hit the mark with us in terms of location, service, decor, luxury and the ultimate ‘X-factor’!

This is week two of celebrating dreamy designer lodges throughout Southern Africa. Today, we shift our focus beyond local borders to some of the brightest shining stars on the African continent. Brace yourself for some serious style!

Safari experiences are no longer limited to game drives and bird watching. A new generation of private lodges offers the discerning individual luxury treats and pamper packages beyond the imaginable. We take a closer look at the design elements and cutting edge amenities that distinguishes Southern Africa’s top lodges from the pack.

The Greenhouse Restaurant recently scooped up the 2011 Eat Out and DSTV Food Network award not only as ‘Restaurant of the Year’ but also as the ‘No 1 Restaurant in South Africa’. It has become the favourite subject of food writers, local leisure seekers, international travelers and, auspiciously, the Travel Concepts team alike.

As lovers of good things food and wine, we decided to go for lunch and see for ourselves what people were getting hot under the collar about.

Mandi Johnson-Aliverti visited Jardine Restaurant on Bree Street last week – a much loved and worshipped Cape Town fine-dining institution.