Fly Airlink - Freedom of the African Sky

1. Discounts offered will vary from establishment to establishment and it is up to the traveller wishing to claim the discount to ascertain certain information when booking the accommodation.
2. The establishment in question must be an AA Quality Assured PARTICIPATING establishment. (See www.aatravel. co.za for details)
3. To check what discount is being offered by that particular establishment and if the discount is on the accommodation only or also includes meals at the discounted rate.
4. The discount offered will most probably be offered by most establishments only during off peak periods, but may vary from establishment to establishment. All bookings must be made directly via telephone with the establishment!
5. There is no limit to the number of people who may benefit from the discount offer providing it is linked to a (6 month) valid SA Airlink or AVIS document as described above, or providing the traveller is a current AA SA member, and that the discounted offer is used during one uninterrupted stay at a particular participating establishment.
6. Only one discounted stay at a participating establishment may be redeemed using that particular SA Airlink or AVIS document, or AA SA Membership Card presentation, a copy of which will be retained by the establishment.
7. The discounted offer from participating AA Quality Assured establishments will be valid for the duration of the programme which will run from 1 September 2011 until 29 February 2012.
8. With the validity of any of the qualifying criteria being for 6 months from the date of SA Airlink or AVIS travel and including AA SA members, the discounts will be honoured by participating establishments until 31 August 2012. Any extension to the programme will be communicated through all the appropriate SA Airlink, AVIS, AA SA and AA Travel Guides channels.
9. Additional BONSELA in the form of prizes linked to a loyalty programme are included for participating travellers. Establishments will sign and stamp blocks on a form, for every room night spent at their establishment, e.g. two rooms for two nights would equal four blocks being signed. Once all 10 blocks on the sheet are completed the traveller submits the form to our head office to enter a bi-annual holiday draw which includes air fare, car hire and accommodation for two. (more information on the website)

For further information and for Quality Assured accommodation that meets or exceeds your expectations visit the AA Travel Guides website today: www.aatravel.co.za

The Kingdom of Swaziland: Experience a feast for the senses.

As featured and advertised in the October 2011 issue of Skyways, Airlink's inflight magazine

Set within lush tropical gardens, lakes, gentle cascades and waterfalls, Summerfield Botanical Garden and Luxury Hotel sets a high standard for sheer indulgence, tailored to provide the ultimate sanctuary for the senses. From the moment you arrive at this magnificent home away from home, you are enveloped in a tranquil world where time ceases to be relevant. No intrusions, no interruptions, while your every wish is met with discreet, friendly service that leaves nothing to be desired. This secluded hideaway offers 33 spacious suites and villas with every amenity one comes to expect of a five-star facility, featuring spacious en-suite bathrooms, luxurious furnishings, bespoke poster beds, crisp white high thread count linens, air-conditioning, covered patios and charming private gardens where you can be inspired by the breathtaking views. The elegant villas and suites are the epitome of the quintessential tropical retreat, providing an alluring magnet for those seeking to immerse themselves in elegant luxury. This is a truly unique travel experience.

Summerfield is close to the airport, the main city centres, shopping malls and tourism attractions, yet it's a world apart and where you will find the Summerfield Botanical Garden.

African Colonial Charm
The architecture and interior furnishings of the resort exude a unique blend of tradition and elegant sophistication, combining traditional African colonial style with a contemporary aesthetic. Surrounded by lush foliage, the villas and suites offer comfort and the highest measure of privacy, while also taking the conservation of nature into consideration. Summerfield is unique in its design as an integrated Botanical Conservancy and luxury Leisure Resort.

Unwind in style and relax with cool drinks or tall cocktails in the Leopard Lounge, a sophisticated meeting place and the perfect location to begin or end a special evening. For a slower pace, the lakeside Grand Pavillion is the perfect place to while away an afternoon enjoying one of the most renowned afternoon teas available in the Kingdom. Let your cares soak away while you laze around our striking cascading pool with its surrounding pool deck and take in the picturesque garden and mountain views.

Partake of a sumptuous breakfast or light lunch at the divine Summer Terrace Bistro or relax over sundowners in the executive Red Feather Bar as you watch your favourite sports match on the large screen television.

The Garden Of Eden
Tucked away in the heart of the beautiful Kingdom of Swaziland, this captivating tropical utopia resonates beauty, tranquillity and peacefulness. Each changing season within the botanical garden brings with it, its own natural rhythms and a stunning kaleidoscope of colours. Summerfield Botanical Garden is Swaziland's first and only botanical garden, primarily established to conserve flora and fauna in Swaziland. We are also driven by our local cultural heritage and social responsibility. Summerfield plays an essential role in supporting indigenous artistry through the commissioning of local craftsmen, to showcase ethnic crafts imbued with the culture of the Kingdom of Swaziland.

In nature's oasis, many activities abound. Recreational options include gentle country pursuits such as horseback riding, bird watching, nature walks, butterfly spotting, bicycling and croquette, to name but a few. The more intrepid can take to the great outdoors with activities such as organised cultural tours, caving, abseiling, white water rafting and much, much more. Golfers can look forward to a round of golf on three professional golf courses in the vicinity.

Culinary Dreams
Wine and dine at Summerfield's lakeside Palm Cascades fine dining restaurant and delight in the delectable cuisine prepared by the establishment’s master chefs - tantalising Continental and International offerings, exotic Asian fare, piquant Thai cuisine and spicy Indian delicacies - where guests will be spoiled for choice. Alternatively romance a loved one as you wine and dine in the privacy of your own villa or suite.

Discover the Real Africa
Explore Swaziland's wild beauty with guided journeys through majestic mountain landscapes, awe inspiring ridges, torrential rivers, tranquil lakes, dams and deep valley gorges. Be entranced by the peaceful traditions of the Swazi people and attend elaborate and colourful national ceremonies celebrated only on auspicious occasions.

Elegance and detail, solitude and calm, romance and excitement - Summerfield is an altogether unforgettable experience.

Sailing on the breeze of optimism:
Orange River Cellars continues to grow in trying times

As featured and advertised in the October 2011 issue of Skyways, Airlink's inflight magazine

With the local wine industry currently facing various challenges on the local and international fronts, the Northern Cape’s Orange River Cellars is set for further growth and is keenly optimistic about its future.

Speaking at a recent Farmer's Day in Keimoes, attended by Orange River Cellars’ producers, CEO Herman Cruywagen said the company’s commitment to unlocking value for its grape producers serves as the primary motivation factor for driving profits.

"We have come a long way since 2001 when our Cellar found itself facing a fork in the road," Cruywagen said. "Despite being founded in 1965, our wine production needed a serious infrastructural and capital injection to meet the challenges of the modern markets. Our producers, constituting more than 900 grape farmers, understood this and gave us the green light for expansion and striking out towards becoming a more focused producer of quality wines."

Reaping the fruits of the vine
The new direction included appointing a team of viticulturalists tasked with guiding the grape producers towards market-orientated production. This has led to, among other things, the planting of new varieties and premium vineyard selections farmed for specific wine lots.

"The main goal is to ensure the financial security of the farmers along the Orange River,” Cruywagen said. “To do this meant producing quality wine at all costs, which is impossible without producer buy-in. By rewarding the producer for his efforts, a healthy and strong winery has been created, braced for further expansion into various wine markets."

Cruywagen said that, although the new direction meant a paradigm shift away from an emphasis on volume production, Orange River Cellars’ trump card remains the fact that it is able to produce large volumes of wines of high quality at competitive prices.

Orange River Cellars’ proactive marketing teams have made tremendous inroads in new local and international markets over the past two years, with success in the local market leading the way.

Also speaking at the Farmer's Day, Matthee van Schalkwyk, Head of Production at Orange River Cellars, said that the team of winemakers also deserve special mention. "We have five wineries: Keimoes, Kakamas, Upington, Grootdrink and Groblershoop - and to have such exceptionally talented and enthusiastic winemakers at each cellar is truly a blessing," he said. The 2011 harvest was remembered for all the wrong reasons due to the Orange River floods causing havoc in the middle of the harvest. "Still, we have produced the best Chenin Blanc in our history, under the trying conditions that were nothing short of a natural disaster. This says a lot about the dedication of our human capital."