Water, Wine and Wellness - it’s all happening in South Africa
We take a look at what’s been happening at Lanzerac, Sala Beach House and Fairlawns in the recent months.
Lanzerac introduces luxury water tasting experiences:
Lanzerac, already a favourite in South African wine, has teamed up with The Fine Water Company to introduce something completely different — The Library, South Africa’s first fine water tasting room.
Yes, you read that right - water tasting!
The Library at Lanzerac
Tucked inside an elegant corner of the estate, this space invites guests to slow down and savour what’s usually overlooked: water. Becoming a new, luxury experience throughout Europe and the US - we are pleased to introduce this unique activity that highlights something normally seen as a necessity - being given the unexcepted attention and appreciation of nature’s ultimate pure hydration.
Guided by Nico Pieterse—one of only two certified water sommeliers in the country — the tastings explore the unique characteristics of six premium waters from around the world. 3 Still water tastings and 3 sparkling water tastings. A few of the waters that guests can expect to taste include: Denmark’s ISKLD, the lightly carbonated Perlaghe from Poland, Peru’s volcanic Socosani, and Armenia’s bold and mineral-rich Jermuk.
Of course, South Africa is represented too, with the locally bottled Mountain Falls.
Exquisite cuisine
Wine and Waves at Sala Beach House:
In June, Sala Beach House hosted two standout wine-and-food evenings that showcased the depth of South African winemaking alongside coastal cuisine.
The first, held on 4 June, featured Klein Constantia, a winery known for its cool-climate elegance. Guests enjoyed four signature wines, including the Blanc de Blanc 2020 and Estate Red Blend 2021, carefully paired with dishes like burrata macarons and truffle short rib—each designed by Executive Chef Shanal Ramroop to highlight the wine’s profile.
On 27 June, Sala welcomed Blankbottle, an unconventional winery led by surfer and winemaker Pieter Walser. His eclectic selection, paired with bold flavours like saffron-truffle smoked salmon and lavender parsnip lamb, invited guests into a more experimental tasting experience.
Both events reflected Sala’s combination of the beauty of the Indian Ocean and perfect hospitality and cuisine for truly special evenings.
Wellness Weekend and Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa:
Healing Earth skincare blending
This July, Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa partnered with Healing Earth to host a serene wellness retreat focused on holistic renewal and the elemental power of fire.
Over three days, guests immersed themselves in a carefully thought-out programme that blended luxury, self-care, and mindful experiences—ranging from sound healing and restorative yoga to bespoke spa treatments and breathwork rituals.
The weekend also featured interactive highlights like a sushi masterclass with Chef Song, skincare blending in the Healing Earth Beauty Kitchen, and a garden-side talk on gut health by Dr Nadine Haberfeld.
Set within the hotel’s tranquil courtyard and Balinese-style spa, the retreat offered guests a chance to recalibrate and reconnect—with themselves and the natural rhythm of wellness.
Sala Beach House - making waves in Sustainability
We are excited to congratulate Sala Beach House in achieving their Fair Trade Tourism Certified Status in recognition of their outstanding sustainability initiatives.
Sala Beach House achieves Fair Trade Tourism Certification
Sustainability is a way of life at Sala Beach House. Their commitment to responsible tourism and ethical hospitality has recently earned them the prestigious Fair Trade Tourism Accreditation, a testament to their dedication to making a positive impact on people, the planet, and the community.
“‘Fair Trade Tourism’s globally recognised, independently verified certification is awarded to tourism businesses that demonstrate a genuine commitment to using tourism to benefit local people, safeguard the environment, and support destination development priorities. Sala Beach House and Spa has met these rigorous standards across key areas of sustainability, including fair employment, local social and economic benefits, as well as responsible environmental practices’ ”
Sala Beach House has embraced the principles of Fair Trade Tourism, striving to create a welcoming and sustainable retreat where guests can relax and enjoy exceptional experiences. Sustainability is at the core of everything they do. Their operations focus on continuous improvement, efficiency, and a deep respect for the social, cultural, economic, and environmental impact of their actions.
From the beginning, Sala has had a genuine commitment to ethical and sustainable practices and these remain an ongoing journey. Among their practices are:
Solar Power
Sala Beach House has installed a solar power system that provides electricity to power the entire property. This system reduces the need for grid electricity, which in turn reduces the carbon footprint of the restaurant.
Grey Water usage
Grey water from the property is used to flush toilets and for irrigating the tropical gardens. This reduces the amount of freshwater needed for these purposes and helps conserve water.
On Site Herb Kitchen
Reduced Plastic Usage
Sala Beach House has made a conscious effort to reduce our use of single use plastics.
Composting and waste reduction
The kitchen waste generated by the restaurant is composted to create nutrient-rich soil for the vegetable and general garden areas. This reduces the amount of organic waste that would otherwise go to landfill and provides valuable nutrients for the gardens. Paper, plastic and glass are recycled.
Rehabilitation and coastal dune vegetation
As part of the construction of the property, Sala Beach House rehabilitated the coastal dune vegetation and eradicated invasive specifies in the gardens. This helps protect the local ecosystem and promotes biodiversity.
Big 5 Creche
Community
Our Charitable Foundation, the Ndumu Charitable Foundation supports a number of primarily education initiatives in Northern Kwazulu Natal.
In 2024, Sala Beach Houses’ contributions have included:
Big 5 Creche:
Sala donated and assisted with maintenance and upgrading essential facilities at the creche, including waterproofing the roof, fitted guttering, painting interior walls, improved outdoor play area and started a vegetable garden.
Their new project will be upgrading their toilet facilities.
Tshaneni Primary School
Tshaneni Primary School:
Sala donated 4 student computers to supplement children’s education. These are the only computers in the school that assist children in learning how to use a computer as well as improve their maths skills. Ongoing facilitation for library use, donation of school stationary and sports equipment by visiting guests and Sala facilitates working visits by guests.
Their next potential project are an upgrade to the kitchen and building a full computer centre.
Sinethemba Pre-school:
Upgrade and maintenance to school, such as waterproofing roof, Improved vegetable garden, blackboards and outside play area.
Head office and various staff members have donated Christmas boxes to all the children.
Their next Project is to donate a jungle gym.
Nokukhanya Pre-School:
Sala contributed to the installation of double entrance gates, additional art supplies and essential amenities such as soap, cushions etc.
Isiphephelo Sejuba: (Place of Safety for women and children)
Sala donated cupboards, beds, bedding and crockery as well as ongoing gifts from guests e.g. clothes, children’s toys and essential toiletries.
Vumazulu:
Sala assists in supporting a local youth group to provide Zulu dancing and cultural activities.
We congratulate Sala Beach House on their inspiring efforts, positive impacts and these being recognised by Fair Trade Tourism.
For more information, follow the links below to contact Sala Beach House directly, or the Travel Promoters Team.
Life's a Blue Flag Beach - Sala Beach House
We are proud to share that Thompsons Bay has made WESSA Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa's list of Blue Flag beaches for 2022/23.
"To achieve Blue Flag status, as many as 33 different criteria spanning four aspects of coastal management must be met and maintained: water quality, environmental education and information, environmental management, and safety and services."
Sweet Suite Deal - Sala Beach House
Sala Beach House have launched an incredible offer…..
For suite bookings made before 31st May 2023 for all stays up to 15th Deceber 2023, the 2nd person sharing the suite pays just 50%. Contact your DMC for details… or download here.
Come spa by the sea...
Sala Beach House Spa opens it’s doors using sustainanble skincare range from celebrated brand - Terre D’Afrique
We are delighted that the team at Sala Beach House have opened the doors to its very own ocean side spa.
Slip away to the beach and pamper yourself at the intimate Sala Beach Spa. We offer a wide range of luxurious, professional Terres d'Afrique facials and body treatments. Our products harness the unique power of African botanicals in science-driven, organic formulas that balance the skin and nourish the senses.
Enjoy a delicious meal at Sala Beach House as you enjoy the view of the ocean.
Terres D’Afrique capture the unique power of rare African botanicals in science-driven, organic formulas that balance the skin and nourish the senses.
Sala Beach House joins Travel Promoters
An exciting new coastal boutique property, South Africa…
We are delighted to welcome the effortlessly stylish Sala Beach House (which opens this month) to our Travel Promoters portfolio.
Sala (meaning “stay” in Zulu) is an intimate, privately owned & run boutique hotel nestled between Ballito and Shaka’s Rock and offers breathtaking, uninterrupted ocean views on KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast, with private beach access to the protected tidal pool and gorgeous, sandy sheltered swimming beach at Thompson’s Bay.
The property comprises a main house with four luxury guestrooms, three incredibly spacious suites sharing the use of 2 pools, as well as a separate, self-contained 3-bedroom private villa with its own dedicated pool.
Soft textured furnishings and muted tones partner perfectly with carefully selected contemporary, natural furnishings and decor. The mood and balance set is one of rest, relaxation, sea air and sunshine.
No expense has been spared with in room amenities and conveniences from coffee makers, to USB ports and international sockets (in abundance on both sides of the bed - this excites us !)
We are sure this new hideaway will fast become a firm favourite with singles and couples wanting a smaller, boutique offering and the coastal surrounding. However, with just 10 rooms, Sala Beach House is also the perfect sole use location for celebrations and multi-generational gatherings too.
Sala’s prime location guarantees “wow” factor as a backdrop to its infinity pool, yoga deck and fire pit. Just twenty minutes from King Shaka International Airport, Sala Beach is positioned as the perfect ‘beach’ partner for a safari pairing in Northern Zululand.
The Sala Spa will be launching in August and promises to deliver rejuvenation and relaxation with signature treatments and locally sourced amenities.