Umdwebo Lifestyle Festival

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Visitors to South Africa who enjoy the finer things in life will appreciate the Umdwebo Lifestyle Festival. Held annually in November, it is the only festival in the country that celebrates the art of fine living. Originating in 2003, the festival takes place over 10 days at the KwaDukuza Coast in Ballito. Umdwebo is a Zulu word meaning “to create art” and the festival offers visitors a chance to revel in the best South Africa offers. The festival is popular and visitors should book their Durban accommodation in advance in order to ensure they will have a place to stay.

Each year the Umdwebo Lifestyle Festival has a host and a number of fine living events are held. One of the highlights of the 2008 festival was the barefoot gala dinner. Guest dressed in the finest ballroom gowns and suits, danced under the stars and moons to beautiful music. The catered event featured a five-course meal and award winning wines right on the beach. Another much loved black tie event is the opera concert, performed by the Black Tie Ensemble. Featuring a diverse cast of talented South African musicians, the event exposes classical music and opera to a larger audience. Music was also featured in the Jazz Picnic. Held outside on the Beach three hours of soul stirring music was performed, prepackaged picnic baskets were provided and the event was popular with couples and families with children.

Because of popular demand, the Ballito Lifestyle Centre Open Air Drive turned the centre into an old fashioned drive in 2008. Drivers came with their children and were treated to classic movies that entertained. Popcorn, drinks and even café fare were enjoyed while watching the movies. Those who love the finest in foods will appreciate the interactive tasting. Guest definitely want to prepare their Durban accommodation or apartment rentals in advance to taste these fine luxury items! In 2008, the chocolate, tequila and cigar tasting at the Umdwebo Lifestyle Festival offered guest an interactive experience learning from experts about the taste of each item.
Though the tasting was an event both men and women could appreciate, ladies looking for a girls day out enjoyed the ladies lunch, offered last November. Women enjoyed a delicious three course meal, wine and fashion show. The 2008 Umdwebo Lifestyle Festival also featured a whiskey tasting and Blackjack lesson set in the Ibzo Room at the Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom. Whiskey lessons were lead by connoisseurs knowledgeable of the single malt beverage and guest played hands of Blackjack right in the casino!

The 2008 event was capped off by the appearance of former South African president, Frederik Willem de Klerk. He presented the Umdwebo retrospective lecture at the Luthuli Museum. The Nobel Peace Prize winner was instrumental in ending apartheid in South Africa and shared the 1993 Nobel Peace Prize with national hero, Nelson Mandela. Events featured the work of a well known South African artist and many events in the past have allowed visitors to meet and greet artists at some venues.

The Umdwebo Lifestyle Festival is an event no visitor or resident of South Africa will want to miss. Because Durban accommodation will fill up fast for the 2009 event, visitors should be proactive and book a hotel in advance so they don’t miss out on this event. No.5 Casa Playa is a self catering apartment that is ideal for those visiting for the November festival. Ideally located in Durban the apartment has close access to restaurants and beaches and is near the festival location.

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