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What 2024 Has In Store For Your Love Life, According To Your Zodiac Sign
Explore your sign’s 2024 horoscope predictions to learn what is in store for you this year in love, career, and more. Check out the love compatibility of each sign to learn more about zodiac pairings and all things compatibility.
Love in 2024 is about finding the balance between your needs and the needs of your relationships. The blindfolds are being taken off, and clarity is gained in matters of the heart. With Jupiter in Taurus for half the year, a Venusian sign aligned with love, with two eclipses in Libra, another sign ruled by Venus, the planet of love, and with Mars going retrograde at the end of the year, there is a lot to take in and a lot to feel through when it comes to romance.
This year is an opportunity to decide from the heart and to bridge the gap between what you want in love and what you have through self-confidence and faith. There are a few key dates of the year when relationship matters will be more heightened. A few of them are on March 25, during the Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Libra, and on November 2, the New Moon Solar Eclipse.
Your 2024 Love Horoscope Predictions For Each Zodiac Sign
During the Lunar Eclipse culminations come to fruition in love, and it’s a time of letting go of any energy you don’t want to bring with you in your relationships anymore. This is a time for healing in love and a time to regroup. On Nov. 2, there is a Solar Eclipse in Libra, and this is a time of major changes in love and in the direction it is headed. Remember that things need time to settle when it comes to eclipses, and the changes you are seeing now may not be a forever thing.
Give yourself and love grace, and see how you can learn and grow with another, rather than retreat.
Saturn is in Pisces for the entire year, which is also shaping things romantically for the world, as Pisces is a more emotional and heartfelt sign. While Saturn is in Pisces, we learn through our emotions, and we discover the stability that comes from healing. Don’t be afraid to ask yourself the tough questions this year and to do what it takes to move you away from fear of vulnerability, and closer to love. With Juno in Virgo for most of this year as well, the need to take care of yourself and your well-being and to create more of this good health and nurture in your relationships is prevalent.
This year is overall about recognizing your needs in love, and if they align with the people you are connected to or are in your life. Are you overcompensating or giving more than you want to or have in you to give? Can you ask for what you need to create more room for clarity and understanding in your relationships rather than confusion?
If you were to take a look at where love and the close relationships in your life are right now, would you be satisfied and happy with where things are, or would you look for a new path? This year is an opportunity, and it’s one to strengthen where the love is for you already or open new doors by showing you what else is possible for you.
Keep reading for your sun and rising sign to see what your energy in love is like for 2024:
Petri Oeschger/Getty Images
ARIES
This year is a powerful year of love for you, Aries. You are receiving the love you are looking for, and the growth you are moving through now is here to stay and is only going to get better for you. With an eclipse in your sign this year, the North Node in your sign, and Chiron in your sign as well, a lot of the focus is on you in 2024, and you are a true power player of the year.
Something healing is taking place for you over the next year, and you are healing your perspective and idea of love. There is less of a need to always do things alone and to keep everything in, and this year is teaching you that you can trust love, you can trust the people in your life, and that when you open up to the things you want, you feel less alone.
TAURUS
Love this year is about giving patience and allowing yourself it as well, Taurus. Jupiter is in your sign until May, and when Jupiter is in your sign, you experience some of the luckiest months of your life. So, being in this energy is going to benefit your life on all levels, including love. However, Chiron is also in your 12th house of closure, and you are letting go of your past traumas or challenges in love.
With you already being a relationship-focused sign, things can feel like a lot to handle emotionally at times this year.
Your guidance is to think things through, to think before speaking, and to only take action when you feel inspired and intentional about it. Allow love to fall into place without getting too ahead of yourself, and trust that the right person will be there when you are ready.
GEMINI
This year is about opportunities in love, Gemini. New paths are opening up to you, new people are coming into your life, and love is moving forward. This is an exciting year for love, and with Jupiter, the planet of blessings in your sign from May 25th into 2025, you have luck on your side right now. This is a year of being seen for the gift that you are and about experiencing success in many different areas of your life, including romantically. There are two eclipses in your 5th house of romance this year, and things are getting interesting for you here.
You are moving through changes in what and who makes you happy, what you want to spend your time on, and how you want to show up in your relationships. With Venus in your sign from May 23rd until June 17th, mid-year is when things start to pick up for you in love, and this energy will last through the year.
CANCER
Love this year is all about trusting your intuition and using what wisdom you have gained for your benefit, Cancer. You are someone who understands emotions well, and you are using this strength of yours in your relationships. Venus is in your sign from June 17th until July 5th, and mid-year, you are moving through a time of feeling seen and like the love you give is being reciprocated.
The Cancer New Moon on July 5th is a good time to set your intentions for romance and to focus on what perspectives you have to make sure you are manifesting what you want and not what you fear. With Saturn in Pisces and in your 5th house of romance this year, you are learning a lot about what makes you happy right now, and this may be a gradual process for you. Trust where you are being led in 2024, and trust your own inner heart to guide you.
LEO
Your heart is protected, and you are free to love, Leo. This year is a big year for growth in love, but the lessons in obtaining it may be difficult at times. You are being guided to create more healthy boundaries in your life, to not give up on the things you have worked towards, and to trust your heart. Being there for yourself is not selfish, and the people who get it will be there for you regardless of what is happening in your life.
Mars goes retrograde every two years, and just so happens to be going retrograde in your sign this year from December 16th until February 24th. The end of the year will be a time of releasing negative energy from your life, refocusing your motives and intentions, and finding renewed passion in love. This year overall is helping you see where you need to let go emotionally and where you want to strengthen.
Petri Oeschger/Getty Images
VIRGO
Love this year is about trusting your instincts, Virgo. You may have to make some uncomfortable decisions this year, but they will ultimately lead you to a better experience in love overall. With Saturn, the planet of challenge, restriction, and structure, in your 7th house of love and partnerships this year, you may be feeling more pressure in your relationships, and like there is room to grow here. Give yourself and others as much grace as you can, yet be firm in what you want for yourself and where you want to be.
Juno is in Virgo until August of this year, and this energy is healing for you in love and is allowing you to see the fine details of your relationships clearly. Overall, this year is about being brave, being honest, being grateful, and doing what you feel is right.
LIBRA
ove for you this year is transformational, Libra. Love is overall surprising you in 2024, and there is a lot to grasp, and also a lot to let go of as you move through the year. With two eclipses in your sign and one eclipse in the area of your chart having to do with love and relationships, you are finding your balance here. The New Moon Eclipse in Aries on April 8th, is when you are going to start seeing these changes and new beginnings come about for you in love, but this year is also more about having fun with it all and not holding yourself or anyone else to too many restrictions.
Things change, and the more you can trust that you will benefit from said changes, the better. The North Node is in your 7th house of love this year as well, and you are overall going to be developing a lot regarding relationship matters and will be reaching some important awareness and goals here.
SCORPIO
This is a year of good karma for you in love, Scorpio. The things you have been hoping for, the justice you have been seeking, and the balance you have been working towards are coming into focus for you now. This is a powerful year for you when it comes to romance, and the first half of 2024 is when a lot of this energy is going to be more prominent for you. Jupiter is in your house of love until May 25th, and you have good luck on your side when it comes to soulmates and manifesting your dreams in love.
Uranus is also in your 7th house of love, and there are some surprises in store for you this year, and they are coming exactly when you need them. Saturn, being in your house of romance for the year as well, is balancing the growth and new beginnings you are experiencing with the stability and structure you need to maintain them.
SAGITTARIUS
You are being protected in love this year, Sagittarius. This is a year of gaining awareness in your relationships and about creating a new chapter for yourself here. Not everyone is going to get you or be the right one for you, and you are weaving through the what-ifs and making room for the people you truly want to say yes to. The second half of the year is going to be the most beneficial for you in love, as Jupiter enters Gemini and moves into your house of partnership from May 25th to 2025.
Love is going to get really good for you as the year ends, especially with Venus entering your sign for a month on October 17th. Chiron, being in your 5th house of romance this year, is also guiding you toward your personal happiness, and attracting to you healing, loving, and emotionally expressive individuals who want to show their love for you.
CAPRICORN
This year, you are in a good space in love and are feeling the stability, growth, and abundance of your relationships. This is a time when you are being recognized for what you bring to the table and the fact that you deserve everything you want here. You are leading the way forward in love and are claiming the good that wants to come into your life this year.
Venus is in your sign twice in 2024, once at the beginning of the year and again at the end, and there are also two Capricorn Full Moons this year as well. There is something extra magical about this year for you, Capricorn. There are gifts that want to come in for you, opportunities to grab hold of, and self-empowerment to own. You are happy with where things are in love in 2024, feeling emotionally secure, and are doing things your own way.
AQUARIUS
This year is about overcoming fears in love, Aquarius. You are moving through a time of healing in your relationships and a time of noticing where the restrictions have been for you in love. There are some limitations you are overcoming now, as you challenge yourself to connect and be more vulnerable with how you are feeling with others.
True power can come through expressing your emotions, and with Pluto in your sign this year, you are finding your voice and where you can hone in on your strengths more.
With Saturn being in your 2nd house of self-confidence, investments, and values this year, you are also looking at where you want to put more energy into your relationships and where you need to ask for more of what you are looking for. Venus is in your house of love from July 11 to August 4, and this is a good time of the year for you romantically in 2024.
PISCES
You are getting a fresh start in love this year, Pisces. This is a fruitful year for you emotionally, and a time where you are seeing your relationship goals manifest and come to fruition. Saturn is in your sign in 2024, and you are going through a major growth spurt in life, but you are finally starting to see the benefits of how you have evolved personally.
You are going about things in your relationships in a healing and nurturing way, and you are receiving the love and support that you give. Mercury will be retrograde in your 7th house of love for a little over a week from August 4 to August 14, and some extra patience within your relationships will be needed then. However, with Juno also in your 7th house of love for most of the year, you are overall at a time of feeling commitment and receptivity in your love life this year.
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Tayler Barakat is a Mystic who has studied Astrology for over a decade. She does intuitive astrology and tarot readings for people all over the world, and her work focuses on healing and empowering individuals. Follow her on Instagram @taylerbarakat_ and check out her website www.listentothevirgo.com.
These Newlyweds Found Love Thanks To A Friend Playing Matchmaker
How We Met is a series where xoNecole talks love and relationships with real-life couples. We learn how they met, how like turned into love, and how they make their love work.
Jason and Elise Robinson’s union is a reminder that kind people still get their happily ever after. The pair had their first date in October of 2021 and tied the knot on June 15, 2024. Both of them have dedicated their lives to celebrating and supporting Black culture so it was only fitting they get married in what's considered the Black Hollywood of America during the Juneteenth celebration weekend. From the florists to Elise and Jason's gown and suit designers to the table signage and so much more, everything was Black-owned. It's no wonder their love for Black culture was the jumping-off point for their love story.
When they met, Jason had just moved to Atlanta for a new job opportunity, and Elise was living happily in her career and had put dating on the backburner. But luckily, a mutual connection saw something in both of them and thanks to a yoga-themed baby shower and a chance text message, they found their forever. Check out their beautiful How We Met story below.
I’ll start with the easiest question. Can you both tell me a little bit about yourself and your background?
Elise: Sure, my name is Elise. I’m actually from Atlanta, GA – not a transplant. I grew up here and left right after college to pursue my career. Now I’ve been back going on eight years, and I’m in my early 40s.
Jason: And I’m Jason. I’m originally from Racine, Wisconsin. I went to school at Florida A&M University, so I am a rattler. I went back to the Midwest for a period of time, in Indianapolis. Now, I’ve been in the Atlanta area for a little over two and a half years.
Jason and Elise Robinson
Photo by FotosbyFola
Wow, that’s nice because Atlanta gets a bad rap when it comes to relationships. So you have to give us the deets. How did you two find each other?
Elise: So I work in TV and I was on-air for a number of years and then transitioned into being a producer and then a manager. As a producer, I’d always have guests on. And there was a woman who came on frequently named Rosalynn (@Rosalynndaniels, often referred to as The Black Martha Stewart), and we connected instantly. Anyway, she got pregnant right before COVID and invited me to a “modern-day yoga baby shower.” I came to support, but was also just curious about that theme.
I had an amazing time. And when it was over a few of us stuck around and convos got personal. She ended up asking me the infamous ‘Are you dating’ question. When I told her no, she decided to set me up. So I should tell you, in both of my only two serious relationships, I was set up – so I was like no.
But she pointed at her husband, who was folding up chairs, and said that another friend set her up with him. Sometimes, it takes people outside of us to see what we need. A few months later, she reached out and said she had family relocating and thought I’d really like him. So she gave him my number, and I reached out with a text. He responded with a call, and that night, we talked for about 2-3 hours. So that’s how we met. I was a little nervous because me and Rosalynn were starting a friendship, and here I was, talking to her family!
Jason: It was new for me too. Remember, I was new to the area, and I had heard so many “stories” about how people have been done wrong in the dating world. Whether it’s by theft or scamming (laughs). Plus, I had just got a new job and wanted to focus on that. But I did want to be able to date someone in a more personal way and see where it led. I felt like who better than someone who I trust to connect me. Rosalynn knows I’m private, about business life, and my personal life is important to me.
So let’s get into your courtship. What was your first date like?
Elise: We had our first convo on a Monday, and he asked me out the next day. I didn’t have any plans, but I still said no. I was just playing hard to get (laughs). But we were talking every day, and he told me he wanted to take me somewhere I’ve never been. And I’m like, you’re in my city! But he sends me three options, and sure enough, two of the places I hadn’t gone to. So, our first date was October 1, 2021, and somebody was 45 minutes late.
Now Jason, why were you 45 minutes late?
Elise: It was me – in my own city. I just got turned around, and the traffic was horrible. I kept calling him and giving him permission to leave. Full transparency: I probably wouldn’t have waited if the shoe was on the other foot. But this was my first sign of what I now know and love the most about him. It’s his patience. When I got there, I was frazzled and everything, but he was just super calm. It ended up being a great first date.
Jason: I remember just waiting and being concerned for her well-being. Because I know how traffic can be, especially when someone is rushing. I was just scrolling through my phone and looking through the menu. It was cool.
Elise and Jason Robinson
Courtesy
That’s beautiful. Now let’s talk about the “what are we” convo? Did you have one of those and if so, who initiated it and how was it?
Elise: I initiated it. Jason was dating me – and still does. But by this time, we had been on a number of dates. We were on our way to a winery, and we had a bit of a drive. So I decided to state my intention. We were just a few weeks in, but we were spending a lot of time together and we are people of a particular age. So I told him, I know Atlanta can be a Black man’s playground. There’s so many beautiful professional women here. But I’m dating with intention. I don’t want to kick it or hang with a good guy even though he’s not my person. I was done with all of that. So I’m “laying down the law” in my eyes, and he didn’t flinch. He let me finish and basically let me know we were on the same page. He was not trying to sow his royal oats.
Jason: Yeah, I was not trying to be Prince Akeem. But also, it was more so about setting a tone and goal for myself. My mama always told me to set my goals. And having a family was always one of mine. I think the biggest thing of it all, was I felt blessed – in terms of moving for work and meeting Elise, now being married. There’s victories being placed in my life.
I love that you both shared that because sometimes I get feedback on these stories and it seems like sometimes we’re afraid to really voice what we desire, no matter what that looks like.
Elise: Yeah, I think sometimes women feel like they don’t want to put pressure on their partner. But it’s not pressure. Look, Jason and I are based in faith, and what is for us is for us. Being upfront and honest is best – and early makes sense. You don’t have to convince someone to be your person.
Jason: I think her sharing those values resonated with me, and hearing her “lay down the law” was fine because I was there, too. I would say to millennial women, don’t be afraid to tell a mate what you want. You never know what that would lead to. Time is a precious commodity. Elise saying that early on showed me that she values both of our time. It showed her heart, character, and integrity, and I was drawn to that and the mature conversation. In the social media world, we don’t have those pointed conversations face-to-face. I would challenge readers to have those conversations in person, and you would get more from that convo than any post or reel. Because you see body language reactions and have deeper communication.
Yeah, I think sometimes women feel like they don’t want to put pressure on their partner. But it’s not pressure. Look, Jason and I are based in faith, and what is for us is for us. Being upfront and honest is best – and early makes sense. You don’t have to convince someone to be your person.
You both have mentioned time, family, and integrity. I’m curious what other core values do you both share?
Elise: Early on, our faith. Not just do you believe in God. It had to be deeper in that. I needed someone who would lead me, our home, and our family. I didn’t want to be in a push-and-pull relationship about prayer, church, or have conversations about being better people. Also, we discussed finances. That doesn’t just mean going to work. We chatted about ownership and what it looks like for us. How do we support each other individually and together? I know I like having my hands in a few different pots, and I needed someone who was supportive of that and likewise.
Jason: My background is that I was raised in the church. My father is a deacon and my mom is a deaconess. They've been married for 55 years. Faith was very important to me and it was crucial that my wife have that relationship as well.
Elise and Jason Robinson
Photo by FotosbyFola
Can we talk about challenges? Big or small, what are some things you had to grow through together?
Elise: I have never lived with anyone – not a roommate, a sister, friend, boyfriend or anything. Now, I’m in my 40s and I'm living with someone. When you’ve been by yourself for so long that was a challenge for both of us. We weren’t pulling each other's hair out but I’m a bit extreme. Things are color-coded in my closet. For me, working in news is chaotic so I want my home to be peaceful and organized.
Jason: I’m a man, and she’s a woman. That dynamic alone adds a flair to it. She wants things a certain way. She’s a Capricorn. But just in terms of how she wants to keep a home was a big adjustment for me. It took time.
On a smaller level, what are some of the things you disagree about day-to-day?
Elise: Cleanliness and systems. Like, he recycles and I do not. But sometimes I just have to decide if it really needs to be a thing or if I can just take care of it.
Jason: This is where my organization takes over (laughs).
What are your love languages? Do you know?
Elise: Jason’s is an act of service which works because I love cooking for him. It doesn’t feel like a chore to me. I love when I’m out, picking up his favorite juice. The other day I saw he needed t-shirts while folding clothes. So I just like doing small things for him that he doesn’t expect. He’s very much that guy that will ask to help so it doesn’t bother me.
Jason: I’d say Elise is all of them, but physical touch would probably be the biggest one. I had to get used to that. She’s taught me it in a number of ways. I remember we actually talked about love languages, and I sent her this song called “More Than Words” by Extreme. That explained to her how I felt.
Finally, can we end with the proposal? Tell us everything!
Jason: It was at a restaurant. And again, I was trying to find somewhere she hadn’t been. Also, I didn’t want to do it on our anniversary because that would have been too obvious. I contacted one of the restaurant’s staff and decided to change up the dessert menu. Each item was something special to us.
Elise: We go on so many date nights, so I just thought it was a regular night. We had finished eating, and I had to go to the bathroom. They had a nice mirror, girl. So I’m in there taking videos and stuff.
Jason: While she’s in the restroom, I’m getting everything in place with the waitress.
Elise: So as I’m reading the menu, I realize it’s telling our story and he eventually proposed. It was so special; I actually had the menu framed! It was so beautiful and thoughtful.
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Feature image by FotosbyFola
Safari, Culture And Luxury: Your Guide To The Ultimate South African Adventure
South Africa has always been a bucket list destination for me. I’ve admired the culture and history of its people, and I’ve been aware of its troubled political past since childhood. I’d often read books about the systemic and political struggles there, and I’ve watched many documentaries about esteemed activists and leaders like Nelson Mandela and Steve Biko, and entertainers like Miriam Makeba and Brenda Fassie.
And now that we have platforms like Netflix and Amazon Video offering glimpses into post-apartheid South Africa, I often binge on shows and films featuring some of the best of the best in today’s entertainment world from the tip of Africa. (If you haven’t seen How To Ruin Christmas, Sarafina, Generations, or Kings of Jo’Burg, you’re truly missing out.)
When I got the opportunity to travel to South Africa via Afri-Centric, a woman-owned boutique travel company that specializes in curated experiences meshing luxury, authentic community, and continental connection, it was truly a full-circle, once-in-a-lifetime adventure, spanning from Johannesburg to the Eastern Cape, and ending in Cape Town.
The experience showcased the impeccable tastes and savvy of Afri-Centric’s owner and managing director, esteemed tourism and hospitality industry veteran Itumeleng Pooe.
From that whirlwind 10-day trip—a first for me in almost every way imaginable—I was able to experience a range of lodging vibes, cultural moments, and must-see adventures. Here are a few travel itinerary options for your next trip to South Africa:
WHERE I STAYED
Rockefeller Hotel, Cape Town
Rockefeller Hotel, Cape Town
Chic, City Vibes: The Rockefeller Hotel
This is the perfect home base for a weeklong experience in Cape Town since it’s centrally located, and has amazing views of the city, a rooftop lounge, a pool, a gym, and an excellent breakfast buffet. You’re a short drive away from the V&A Waterfront, where there’s shopping and eateries, Table Mountain, one of the “7 Wonders of Nature,” and the Mother City nightlife many on Instagram brag about. (A favorite of mine was Ayepyep Lifestyle Lounge. Order one of their brai platters and enjoy affordable bottle service, along with a good mix of R&B and Amapiano hits.)
The Rockefeller Hotel was the perfect home base for a trip to Cape Town since it’s centrally located, and has amazing views of the city, a rooftop lounge, a pool, a gym, and an excellent breakfast buffet.
Sanctuary Mandela, Aerial view from suites floor
Courtesy, Sanctuary Mandela
Sanctuary Mandela
Historic Serenity And Presidential Aura: Sanctuary Mandela
This was by far my favorite hotel experience and I highly recommend making this your first stop when staying in Johannesburg. Not only will you be respectfully immersed in the life, culture, and experiences of Nelson Mandela, iconic activist and former president of South Africa, but you’ll also enjoy sophisticated decor, fine wine, amazing customer service, and delicious food. Arriving there after more than 17 hours of travel felt like a warm hug, and we were right in the middle of suburban Jo’Burg which had a welcoming calmness perfect to start a trip to South Africa on the right foot.
From here, we embarked on a very bittersweet but necessary visit to the Apartheid Museum, the largest site to extensively tackle pre-, during, and post-apartheid history and the global impact of the movement for justice, equality, and restoration of the country.
I thought I knew all I needed to know about this topic, but it was refreshing to start from the beginning of the history of the people who settled in the region and the sources of what would launch systems of oppression there.
Luxe Queenly Ambiance: Lanzerac Hotel & Spa
I literally got my Lady Danbury of “Bridgerton” fantasy on at this wine estate, engrossed in history dating back to 1692 and located in a mountainous town called Stellenbosch, a town in the Western Cape. Each suite is unique and includes classic but luxurious touches, and the wine is among the best of the best in the world. The property also has a spa and several dining retreats, and it is perfect for a baecation or girls' trip to relax and enjoy the opulence of the lush South African landscape.
Lanzerac Hotel & Spa
Lanzerac Hotel & Spa
WHAT I DID: WINE COUNTRY, SAFARI, AND THE ARTS
First, when traveling to South Africa, especially for the first time, I highly recommend going with a group and booking transportation to excursions or other cultural events through an agent or tour company. This literally takes the guesswork out of the logistics of it all, and you’ll be privy to guides who can tell you all about South Africa, its history, and its people. Throughout our trip, we were well taken care of by ElJoSa Travel and Tours, where the coaches were clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned. The tour guides became like family by the end of the experience.
Cozy, Family-Centric Safari: Milima Big 5 Safari Lodge
It was here that I got to see what safari enthusiasts call “the big five,” which are the five largest and most dangerous animals in the wild. It was an exciting and centering experience, unlike anything I’ve ever encountered before. We had three drives through the bush with a guide.
At this lodge, we saw rhinos, elephants, a leopard, a buffalo, and a pack of lions that casually walked just two to three feet next to our truck. It was an extraordinary occurrence since, according to several guides, it’s rare to see all five during your first time on safari.
The lodge itself reminds me of camping experiences of my teenage years, with rustic amenities and a spectacular pool and dining area that offers views of the animals’ watering hole—we could see elephants casually taking baths and drinking as we ate lunch. Also, the staff, again, felt like family by the time we had to check out. You can opt to stay in one of the cabins or a beautiful luxury tent where the animals will literally greet you in the morning.
My view from the safari truck, Milima Big 5 Safari Lodge
After a morning safari drive, Milima Big 5 Safari Lodge
Wine Tasting In Alluring Romance And Opulence: Delaire Graff Estate
We made a stop here to see the grounds and taste their selections, and for the brief time we were there, I fell in love. Overlooking the Banhoek Valley in Stellenbosch, this property has vast views including those of Table Mountain, amazing wines, provocative African art, a spa, and a range of suite options that might make you want to extend your trip. Classy, elegant, modern, and upscale comfort are major themes here.
Delaire Graff Estate
Delaire Graff Estate
Coastal Vibes And Culture In Eastern Cape: National Arts Festival
While Cape Town and Johannesburg are top destinations for travelers, Eastern Cape offers an off-the-beaten-path option that’s just as worthwhile. It offers striking and geographically diverse coastal and inland countryside experiences and the Algoa Bay beachfront was a pleasure to preview for the short time I was there. It’s also the birthplace of major South African leaders, including Mandela, Biko, and Thabo Mbeki. I enjoyed our stay at the Sun Boardwalk Hotel, which is within walking distance of Blue Flagged Hobbie Beach in Qheberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth.)
I became an active part of history with this stop, as the festival marked 50 years of providing a platform for South African and diasporan artists and creatives to serve, fight against oppression, collaborate, and express themselves. It was an honor within itself.
The festival has roots in Makhanda, a town formerly known as Grahamstown, and it’s a stop you should add to your itinerary when traveling to the region in the summer months.
Township visit, Eastern Cape
"Sarafina," presented by the Sonwa Sakuba Institute
We caught a riveting rendition of “Sarafina,” an iconic anti-apartheid musical-turned-film that has won numerous awards across global stages. We also saw a moving performance dedicated to the life of Sarah Baartman, a South African woman who was exploited by 19th-century Europeans as a human exhibit attraction. (For more information on the festival schedule and performances, follow on Instagram @natioonalartsfestival or visit their website.)
During the festival season, there’s a pop-up food experience called The Long Table, where we ate authentic South African dishes prepared fresh by what I anointed the “beloved aunties,” a group of elders who literally handmade everything with love.
It was a communal experience that felt like eating at your grandmother’s house. Standout dishes were the peanut soup and anything with lamb in it. You’ll need to either check their Facebook page or simply visit the area in order to know the hours and menu, but it’s definitely a worthwhile search and visit.
(Check out more on the Eastern Cape and plan your trip there via the Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency Instagram or its website.)
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