Read our travel stories from around the world
With the pandemic well and truly behind us, we found ourselves once again planning an international getaway. And having not seen the snow or strapped on our skis in almost five years, the slopes were calling. So, we had been tossing around ideas on which European ski destination to choose. And in the end, we settled on Italy and the town of Passo Tonale in the Pontedilegno-Tonale ski area.
On a recent family ski holiday to Italy we chose to spend a delightful four nights at the Madonna di Campiglio ski resort situated in a valley below the spectacular Brenta Dolomites, which along with seven other resorts forms part of the Skirama Dolomiti adamello brenta.
more “A family-friendly ski adventure at Madonna di Campiglio”
It’s time for a family holiday and where better to visit than beautiful Durban? With warm weather, beautiful beaches and plenty of activities for all ages to do, Durban is a fantastic local holiday spot for travelling with little ones. It’s also a lot more affordable to fly to Durban and rent a car than it would be to book a holiday somewhere like Mauritius or Zanzibar. more “Iconic family destinations to visit in Durban and surrounds”
Monkeyland, a free-roaming primate sanctuary just outside Plettenberg Bay, has always been one of our must-visits anytime we are in the Garden Route. It’s an absolute privilege to be able to roam around the forests with monkeys big and small, learning a bit more about them, their habits and habitats in the wild.
So, when we recently found ourselves near Ballito in South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal Province, seeing the newly opened Monkeyland KZN just had to be on our list of things to do.
In the heart of KwaZulu Natal’s Battlefields, in the quaint town of Dundee, lies the Chez Nous Bed & Breakfast. Meaning “at home” in French, it is here where we recently retreated for a few nights to discover some of South Africa’s rich history, indulge in a little bit of rest and relaxation, and meet a self-proclaimed ‘mad French woman’ with a passion for travel. Keep reading to discover more about our experience at this Parisian-styled home away from home.
In the heart of pristine Drakensberg wilderness lies the Cavern Resort & Spa. On a secluded swath of untouched mountain, this resort doesn’t just look at the beautiful Drakensberg but immerses you in the mountains themselves. It is an absolute haven for both nature lovers and families alike and this year the resort celebrates an impressive 81 years of ‘many happy returns’.
more “A family getaway to the Drakensberg at Cavern Resort & Spa”
We’d be happiest if we could be on the road all the time, seeing the world and just enjoying the freedom of travel. However, work, responsibilities, reality, and life with a toddler, mean that permanently travelling is not particularly practical, or enjoyable.
On a recent trip to Kruger National Park we were privileged to make use of an Iveco motorhome for our trip and while we’re still not going to be packing up everything we own, selling the house, and taking to life on the road, it did give us pause for thought that buying our own motorhome may be a good investment, here’s why:
5 Star Stories is a family-run business. My husband and I find ourselves in the enviable position to work at home remotely for travel companies around the world. While it gives us the flexibility to travel and choose our own hours, it also presents challenges. Particularly now, we have an 18-month-old as part of our clan!
more “Have you considered a homework corner for your child?”
The Constance Hotels and Resorts brand is one that’s synonymous with luxury. Although their collection of resorts extends to hotels in the Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar, this is one brand that sells more than just bed nights. They have a genuine passion for hospitality that translates into an ethos of living your best life, appreciating the finer things in life, and cherishing special moments, all in the most beautiful of surroundings of course. And this they do by combining blissful spa treatments, with exciting adventures, a stellar standard of service, and gourmet cuisine to create a holiday you’re unlikely to forget.
In the reserve of Bel Ombre on the southern shores of Mauritius, the Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort combines relaxation, with family-run, romance and the charm of an early 18th-century Mauritian sugar cane plantation.
We recently visited this beautiful property in paradise, and here are some of the things we loved most about the resort: