Family travel to South Africa just became much easier. In mid-November, South African Tourism announced that minors traveling to the destination will no longer need to provide their Unabridged Birth Certificates or consent letters when accompanied by parents and carrying valid passports. South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, says he wants families spending more time in the destination “and less time worrying about the provision.”

Additional good news includes The Royal Portfolio has debuted four private residences in Cape Town, each serviced by and with access to The Silo Hotel. The properties range in size from four to six bedrooms and have been designed by South Africa’s top architects. Good to know: The homes have views of the Atlantic Ocean and are decked out with private cinemas, games rooms, wine cellars, spa facilities, gyms and heated pools. 

Bookings include return airport transfers, welcome drinks and canapés, high-speed Wi-Fi, an on-site manager, housekeeping team, full daily breakfast, private chef and 24-hour off-site concierge services. In addition, guests will have full use of The Silo Hotel’s facilities and concierge team, who can book tours of the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa, a helicopter transfer from Cape Town to Franschhoek in the Cape Winelands for a lunch at La Residence and tables at the best (and hardest-to-get) restaurants in Cape Town. Contact Mignon Chater (mignon@trp.travel), head of reservations.

In other South Africa news, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa has introduced a new 5-Star Premium grading status for hotels, which “[exhibit] the pinnacle of world-class service and quality.” The latest recipients include: Mpumalanga’s Lion Sands Ivory Lodge, Hermanus’ Birkenhead House and Cape Town’s The Silo Hotel.

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