Plenty of fish in the sea

It’s a new year bringing new possibilities and encouraging fresh beginnings. It seems that at the Beacon Island Lifestyle Resort, it’s time to cling to the old clichéd catch phrase- ‘there are plenty of fish in the sea’.

As the waves crash against the boulders, a number of young boys and their dads are scattered across the smooth rocks in tight huddles. Looking intently at each other, this bonding experience appears to be more then just a holiday activity. It is a memory in the making; a learning experience that will be carried into the future.

Another group made up only of children are squatting around pool of water between the rocks looking for easy prey. “There are lotsth of fith in thiths one,” says a little boy with a lisp to the rest of the crowd. Using a white fishing net, the younger boys keep themselves amused as the older men fiddle with their fishing rods, dangling bait from rather sinister looking hooks.

“Mom, I need R20” says a young boy to his mother who is soaking up the sun. “For what?” she replies with a slightly drowsy tone or as mothers do to the incessant demands of their young ones. “For fiishh” he says rolling his eyes as though it is obvious, “Bait!” he cries. Knowing that he’ll be kept busy for the rest of the day, she hands over the money with ease and the two seem satisfied with the transaction. Peace and quiet for hours of unlimited exhilaration gave the impression that a fair trade had taken place.

Another mother goes to check that everything is alright, then tiptoes over the rocks back to her chair overlooking the small beach in front of the hotel. “Did they pose for you?” she asks, “They’re not very good at posing” she says. The Steele family from Johannesburg have been coming to the resort for five years with their children. “I’ve been coming since I was a kid though” she adds, “it’s lovely here.”

Most of the fish caught wouldn’t end up on anyone’s plate, but that’s not to say that a lot of fish don’t get eaten at the restaurants. “Most people order fish,” says one of the waitrons serving guests, “It’s fresh and it’s nice for people who don’t usually eat fish at home” he adds. The menus offer a range of delectable fish dishes- simple yet tasty and suitable for a ravenous appetite.

A definite must try for fish lovers, particularly raw fish lovers is the sushi. Mandla, the sushi chef, has been flown out from Johannesburg to cater for the season demand of the much-loved Japanese style cuisine. “Lots of people enjoy my sushi” he says with pride. Ordered from a local business, Robberg Seafood Safaris, the fish is delivered daily ensuring quality and freshness. The vegetables are also sourced from local green grocer: Uitsig Fruit and Vegetables providing the added benefits of local trade tariffs, value and wholesomeness.

After enjoying some sushi ourselves, we found another satisfied young customer eating a plate of sushi outside Café Estoril. “The sushi is amazing” he said. His friend also joined the conversation saying, “we came here for the sushi, we have a house near Robberg 5 but my friend is from England so we decided to come here because we heard the sushi’s really good.”

But if fish isn’t what you’re looking for (other than through a pair of diving goggles in appreciation of their beauty and grace) the vegetarian sushi options could be for you. The avocado maki makes for the perfect healthy starter/ late afternoon or between meals snack. That leaves you without the hassle of organising a quick bite to eat and allows for more time to check out the other of fish in the sea!

Beach, Braai, Bake and relax in warmth and comfort!

Smoke billows from a vigorous braai in short puffs down at the pool. The sun is beating down from the cloudless blue sky as a cool breeze softens the blazing heat.  Iconic images of the perfect seaside holiday come to mind standing on the soft green grass with a panoramic view of the ocean- children playing and laughing, seagulls squawking and the subtle sway of moving, splashing water sounding in the background.

As lunch time nears, children start surrounding the braai in anticipation. The rolls are set out and the sizzling of the boerewors leaves the children staring from the sidelines in wide eyed wonder. For R25, guests can expect to find a quick and easy, no fuss lunch served with proficiency at their beach loungers. “When the weather is nice like this we have a braai- we do boerewors rolls one day, burgers another, chicken burgers the next,” says Lloyd as he turns the slowly browning ‘wors’.

The day is filled with fun activities too. In front of the indoor swimming pool, kiddies’ tables and chairs are set out with a daily activity planned. Today, the children are cutting out, colouring and decorating mobiles, which they can take home for keepsakes, recalling fun memories of their holiday spent at the Beacon Island Lifestyle Resort. Children are kept safe and busy, allowing parents and other adults to read, relax and enjoy their holiday. However, if you feel your inner child is in desperate need of a little creative therapy- you could join the table of miniature furniture and get your hands dirty, earning yourself a home-made mobile reward for your efforts.

A tug-of-war competition is soon underway as males and females line up on opposite sides of the rope to determine the winners. After a mighty heave, the females topple over in fits of laughter as they fall to the ground. Then, within seconds all the participants are diving to find R5 coins in the swimming pool after an announcement that who ever finds the treasure gets to keep it.

While the children search endlessly for the coins a pro diving group is testing their diving equipment. The animated instructor jokingly explains to the ‘eager-to-learn’ crowd, “your first time under water is called organised chaos,” he laughs at the concerned faces looking back at him and then explains what he means putting their minds at ease.

For added relaxation, two beautiful JIWU Spa and Salon staff members are promoting and providing massages for guests’ right next to the pool. With a range of sun screens, the two ladies are making sure that no one is getting burnt in the scorching heat. Everything you need can be found right at the pool area making your holiday stress free and enjoyable!

To see more pictures visit our Facebook page- Click here: Island Diner

New Year's Eve- a roaring success

 Lights, flashes and a vibrant flair filled the dining areas of the Beacon Island Lifestyle resort with exuberance as 2010 came to a close. In a fabled fashion, guests celebrated the coming of a new year wearing colourful masks and fancy shoes.

Within a stones throw of Central beach, guests were caught up in the magical stir of the evening, watching the flying fire lanterns rise and twinkle across the ocean. The night air was warm, outside Café Estoril couches were filled with guests drinking wine and enjoying the atmosphere. Inside, toasts were being made with shooters in hand after the food plates had been cleared.

Although there were three venues to choose from, it seemed as though they were joined, spreading across the resort like one massive party. People filled the spaces between the restaurants, standing sitting and some even dancing. From the calm tables inside the lounge area next to Café Estoril to the loud pumping music in the marquee outside Indigo Bay people were enjoying themselves with their families and friends.

The decorations, which were arranged with detail and effort by the Island Diner staff, transformed the usual look of the restaurants into a fantastical feast for the eye. Outside, two women wearing flashing devil horns shot deviant cheeky smiles at whoever noticed. With amazing food and great entertainment, The Beacon Island Lifestyle Resort proved to be the idyllic spot of the season for celebrating New Year’s Eve.

Stepping outside under the marquee, the temporarily fashioned dance-floor was alive, buzzing with exhilaration. Singing the lyrics of the words aloud, “Baby tonight, the DJ’s got us falling in love again…” the diverse crowd were united in the festivities. Twirling around hand in hand, old and young, men and women danced the night away happily. 2011 is sure to be a spectacular year assuming it carries on the way it began that night!