Tag Archives: red wine

Travel & Tourism

South African Public Holidays: Maximise Your 2026 Leave

Maravi Post Reporter

Back at the office and already dreaming about your next break? The feeling is mutual! The good news is that with a little forward planning you can turn South Africa’s 2026 public holidays into extended breaks to maximise your leave.

We’ve summarised how you can maximise your leave around South Africa’s public holidays this year…

April and May

Easter Weekend (3-6 April)

Days to take: 7-10 April

After the Easter weekend, take the rest of the week off to enjoy a 10-day break using just four days of leave. Easter is prime travel time in South Africa, and for good reason. Many travellers opt for local getaways, whether it is a trip to Cape Town or exploring the small towns in the Western Cape.

Freedom Day (27 April) and Workers’ Day (1 May)

Days to take: 24 April, 28-30 April

By taking four days of leave, you can score a 10-day break during the Freedom Day and Workers’ Day break. The weather is still playing nice, so this is your sign to sneak off to the beach or go on a budget-friendly camping trip with some of the best views.

long march to freedom museum

Workers’ Day (1 May)

Days to take: 4-5 May

Take two days off and turn your long weekend into a relaxing five-day break. Best for a spontaneous getaway, whether it’s a wine farm stay or a midweek spa break.

June

16 June: Youth Day

Days to take: 15 June

With Youth Day falling on a Tuesday, your one day leave turns into a four-day weekend. June is fantastic for bush breaks: game viewing is excellent, and there’s nothing quite like sitting around a fire with a blanket and a glass of red wine. If you have children, school’s are also closed on the 15th.

August

9 August: National Women’s Day (The public holiday is on the 10th)

Days to take: 7 August

Because Women’s Day falls on a Sunday, the public holiday moves to Monday. Add one day of leave, and you’ve got a four-day break for a girls’ getaway, a solo reset, or some well-deserved self-care. August is also whale-watching season along the coast, so towns like Hermanus become a front-row seat to all the action.

September

Heritage Day: 24 September

Days to take: 25 and 28 September

With Heritage Day falling on a Thursday, taking Friday and the following Monday off gives you a five-day long weekend. Go in search of wildflowers (September is flower season) or conquer a hike with sweeping views of some of Cape Town’s most Instaworthy scenery.

December

With three public holidays in December, there is no excuse to take a year-end break, especially if HR has started sending those “please use your leave days” emails.

Day of Reconciliation: 16 December

Days to take: 14 and 15 December

This public holiday falls midweek, but with just two days of leave, you can turn it into a five-day mini break. For this mini Dezemba break, hit a few epic parties, suntan on the beach, and squeeze in a little downtime before the festive chaos hits.

Christmas Day and Day of Goodwill – 25 & 26 December

Days to take: 21–24 December 28–31 December

Take eight days of leave to enjoy a 16-day festive break. Summer is in full force, so with two weeks away, you can escape the crowds in a small beach town, go on a safari trip, or take one too many afternoon naps during a city staycation.

Related Articles

 

The post South African Public Holidays: Maximise Your 2026 Leave appeared first on Cape Town Tourism.

Entertainment

21 Loose Fall Dresses to Look Like a Rich Hamptons Aunt — Starting at $15

Maravi Post Reporter

My life goal is to be the rich aunt who has the most impeccable style. I’m already living up to that reputation with my impressive selection of Amazon dresses. Yep, Amazon has a surprising selection of high-end-looking dresses that many people assume I bought at the Hamptons outlets.

The options for fall are incredible right now, too, featuring a mix of deep hues, cozy fabrics and flattering silhouettes. Step into the rich auntie vibes with these 21 loose fall dresses today.

21 Loose Fall Dresses to Look Like a Rich Hamptons Aunt

1. Make It a Midi: All the rich Hamptons aunts are heading to wine weekends wearing dresses that look exactly like this tiered midi.

2. Chocolate Brown: This rich hue is the color of the season, and Anrabess’ cozy waffle knit maxi will help you stay on trend.

3. Brunch Baby: Pair this casual tunic dress with high boots, a leather jacket and pretty gold accessories, and you have the perfect outfit for all the fall activities.

4. Comfier Than Sweats: Sweatpants can look frumpy, but if you take the same fabric and turn it into a flouncy dress, you’ll be the most stylish person in the room.

I’m a Fashion Editor: 17 Pieces That Start at $9 and Scream ‘Designer’ — Up to 64% Off

5. Navy Dreams: Deeper colors are much-needed in fall wardrobes, and yours won’t be complete until you add a long navy T-shirt dress to your collection.

6. Dress It Up: You shouldn’t need an excuse to wear this gorgeous drop-waist, pleated dress — time to make everyday a celebration!

7. Pumpkin Spice: Match your favorite autumnal latte by snagging Sampeel’s long-sleeved T-shirt dress in a rusty caramel color.

8. Boho Beauty: The floral pattern on this smock midi dress will keep your spirits high as the temperatures dip. Don’t worry, the deep orange and yellow colors make it perfect for fall.

9. High Fashion: This unique flowy sweater dress combines a variety of design elements — including a pleated skirt, sweater top and Breton stripes — for a preppy, fresh-off-the-runway look.

10. Extra Cozy: You’ll want to snuggle up in this sweater dress all season long. Best of all? It has pockets!

11. Prep Star: Look like you’re heading to an expensive British boarding school in this ribbed sweater dress. The adjustable quarter-zip neckline is our favorite detail.

12. Swing Swing: The bell sleeves on this lightweight knit gown give total 70s vibes. If you have any winter weddings on the docket, it’ll certainly come in handy.

13. Cute and Flirty: The babydoll cut and square neckline make this flowy ribbed sweater dress ideal for date nights. It flatters your figure while keeping you cozy.

14. Red Red Wine: Deep burgundy is an inherently sophisticated color, which is why you need Zeagoo’s sweater dress for special dinners this season.

15. Total Steal: For a limited time, you can shop this color-blocked sweater dress for just $15! It’s definitely worthy of becoming your new go-to.

16. Home Staple: What do all the rich aunties wear at home? The answer isn’t athleisure, it’s this relaxed tunic dress. The under-$25 piece is literally softer than pajamas.

17. All in the Details: The intricate neckline embroidery makes Dokotoo’s shift dress appear much more expensive than it actually is.

18. Simple Classic: You can never go wrong with an oversized sweater dress. Our advice? Choose a fun color! This one comes in rose pink, orange and wine red to boost your mood.

19. Tres Chic: Look like you just stepped out of a Ralph Lauren Polo ad in this collared, pinstripe sweater dress.

20. Super Layerable: It’s not always easy to wear a leather jacket over long-sleeved dresses. We suggest opting for this puff-sleeved design that will look extra cool with a moto jacket and combat boots.

Cable Knit Cutie: You can never go wrong with a timeless cable knit sweater dress — full stop. This one will be in your closet for decades.

21 Loose and Flattering Dresses That Channel Hamptons Fall Style

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
Health

Five best alcohols to drink if you’re trying to lose weight and stay healthy

Maravi Post Reporter

Some drinks are WAY better for you than others…

Between year-end functions, Christmas parties, family gatherings and the impending New Year, our social calendars are jam-packed! The other thing that gets jam-packed? Our liver. Our kidneys. Our bellies.

READ MORE: This Is If You Want To Lose Weight

But not all alcohol is equal. If you’re going to be indulging, try stick to choices that will give you some benefits too (and like with anything, keep it in moderation):

1. Bubbly

Call it Champagne, MCC, bubbly… it’s all the same thing with a whack of nutrients.

The phenolic acid in bubbly has been proven to help improve memory in the long run and the polyphenols can help reduce blood clots!

MCCs also contain far less sugar than wine, but if you’re looking for a super-low sugar alternative, look out for brands that say Brut Zero. We recommend Graham Beck’s Brut Zero.

2. Red wine

Our most-fave tipsy tidbit: red wine is actually good for you. Yes. Thanks to its antioxidant resveratrol. Try drink lighter styles, such as Pinot Noir, and keep it slightly chilled for summery refreshment.

Vodka is lower in kilojoules than other spirits – sorry gin! To stay away from excess sugar, mix your vodka with sparkling water and fresh lime or orange juice. This way you stay hydrated and you the fruit takes away some of the sharp alcoholic flavour.

3. Vodka

Vodka is lower in kilojoules than other spirits – sorry gin! To stay away from excess sugar, mix your vodka with sparkling water and fresh lime or orange juice. This way you stay hydrated and you the fruit takes away some of the sharp alcoholic flavour.

4. Light beer

Our go-to fave is Windhoek Light because it’s light in alcohol and kilojoules at only 300kJ per bottle and 2.4 percent alcohol. Castle Lite is the next best bet at 4 percent alcohol and 413kJ.

5. Tequila

While we’re not suggesting you down a bucket load, if you’re going to be doing shots, choose tequila over those sugar-packed coffee-chocolatey flavoured spirits.

And we mean real 100-percent agave, like El Jimador. The agavins lower triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Just remember to drink enough water in between and don’t go drinking on an empty stomach!

These are the 7 simplest weight-loss strategies you’ll ever find. Plus: 6 signs your metabolism is out of whack.

This article was originally published on Women’s Health South Africa.