On a hot afternoon about a year ago, four Chinese tourists walked into a jewelry store in Windhoek, Namibia and a few hours later walked out having purchased R3 million worth of gems. True story.

Last year Chinese tourists spent $215 billion travelling abroad, almost as much as the current GDP of the South African economy, the third largest economy in Africa.

It is time South Africa starts to acknowledge the enormous potential of high-end Chinese tourism and start marketing our beautiful country effectively to our friends in China. So this month I would like to focus on marvelous South African destinations in the June issue of Travel Page.

We kick of our sojourn with an incredible journey on the Blue Train from Pretoria to Cape Town.

The Southbound journey train slowly flows into smooth motion and we were on our way with that delicious, deep in the pit of your stomach feeling making you do a silent, internal oooowheeee and plastering an idiotic, involuntarily grin on your face. It makes its way through some of the most stunning scenery South Africa has to offer and it is an iconic trip of a lifetime.

Once in Cape Town, you simply have to sample the indulgence and opulence of the incomparable Tintswalo Atlantic, a luxury boutique hotel located on the Atlantic Ocean just outside Hout Bay. Named after the Greek titan, Atlas, the Atlantic Ocean has inspired artists, poets and philosophers with its immense beauty and the owners Ernest and Gaye Corbett have clearly absorbed this place into their DNA, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for personal comfort and signature in this beautiful hotel on the water’s edge.

In case you prefer being closer to Cape Town, Tsogo Sun’s Southern Sun Waterfront hotel is just the place. The view of the surrounding city and Waterfront is simply spectacular and all modern amenities are provided. Recently refurbished, the hotel offers 537 beautifully-appointed rooms, in a Standard, Standard Surcharge and Executive format, along with a number of spacious Suites. The chic contemporary decor echoes the tasteful and modern design that characterizes this award-winning hotel - all at very affordable rates.

And lastly we go on a proper vacation, to the self-catering Tsogo Sun Cabana Beach Resort Hotel, located on the idyllic coastline just north of Durban in uMhlanga in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province of South Africa.

I cannot remember when last I had the luxury of doing nothing for this long and this vacation was thoroughly worthwhile.

So enjoy your South African journey and until next month, Bon Voyage!

Jo Kromberg,

Travel Editor