So, as it turns out, Top Gear hits Durban on 15 – 16 June 2013! If you feel the need for speed come on over to Durb’s for some fun in the sun!

Great cars, great music, pretty girls and lots of beer and Braai’s happening over that weekend.  If you are looking for accommodation well then you have come to the right place FINALLY! (more…)

One of South Africa’s favourite and most charming areas. From Culture to “Quaint” the garden route has it all!!!

Optima Holidays provides access to resorts from the vibrant Beacon Island of Plettenberg Bay to the tranquillity and charm of Knysna & George, culminating in the Tsitsikamma Forest – a fairyland of giant trees, ferns and birdlife. (more…)

For those of you who don’t know much about Mpumalanga, here is a little History of the land, and some really nice places to stay at while on  holiday. (more…)

So we all know that Easter is around the corner. A time for eating chocolate bunnies and not really worrying about ones waistline.

If you have not yet booked your Easter accommodation, we recommend you do it NOW before it is too late. Call Optima on 0860 333 666 to find your dream holiday resort. In the meantime, take a few minutes to relax and read this article. (more…)

Spiga D’Oro

Established in 1835, Spiga is renowned for its exceptional quality Italian cuisine.  With having always offered fantastic service, with a friendly smile, the atmosphere is to die for and very original for Durban. Located on 200 Florida Road, Spiga is a definite MUST for Valentines day or any other day for that matter. (more…)

While we tend to think most of romance around Valentine’s Day, our favorite romantic getaways are guaranteed to rekindle a long-standing romance, or kick a new one up a notch, all year long. Whether you choose to cuddle up on a gondola ride in Venice; snuggle under a blanket on a caleche ride in Quebec City; dance cheek-to-cheek in Buenos Aires; spend long days canoodling on spectacular islands like Bora Bora, Santorini, and Nevis; cruise magical Halong Bay; or discover breathtaking Dubrovnik together, you’re bound to feel a renewed (or new) sense of intimacy with your partner. Of course, no list of this sort would be complete without a nod to Paris, the epitome of romantic getaways (and site of countless marriage proposals), but dear Santa Barbara, closer to home, is just as ripe for a tryst, with countless spas and vineyards in the vicinity that are sure to help you and yours relax – and lose your inhibitions. (more…)

Today, I felt adventurous and wanted to write about some of the crazy things we can do, as South Africans and international travelers visiting our beautiful country.  Activities every person should experience at least once in their lifetime! Well, here goes… (more…)

Here in South Africa, we do Christmas a little different.  We don’t have a ‘White Christmas’, with land covered in snow, and Santa on a Sled.  Here, we have Santa driving a Land Rover with his Reindeer huddled in the back, all trying to steal a chance at flapping their tongues in the wind.

Instead of roast Chicken or Turkey and Cranberry sauce, we Braai Chops and Wors with a side dish of Salad Greens, Baked Beans, Spicey Curry dishes, Pap and freshly baked rolls. (more…)

Travelling safely in South Africa is vitally important to all, foreigners and locals.  Knowing your country and its people is important for general day to day interaction and survival.  But in this article we cover ‘Knowing South Africa’ for travellers.

South Africa is one of the top countries to have welcomed ‘Going Green’ with open arms.  So why not ‘Go Green’ whilst you travel? Keep in mind your carbon footprint, what you leave behind, and what you can add to this beautiful country. Optima Breaks is proudly South African and supports Going Green. (more…)