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!

Sunny Sunday afternoon

It’s a lazy Sunday afternoon in Plettenberg Bay; to not be outdoors on such a beautiful day would be sacrilege. Central Beach is jam packed with youngsters who have just finished school, making it difficult not to feel the holiday spirit in motion, even though the year hasn’t quite drawn to a close. It seems that summer has finally arrived and what better to do than spend some time soaking up some vitamin D, sipping on cocktails while marvelling at the spectacular views. The Island Diner has it all.

As I walked off the beach, leaving the rowdy beach vibe behind I sat down at a table at Café Estoril and looked out to the glistening ocean, feeling relaxed and at ease as the waves crashed on the shore. The restaurant is perfectly positioned for watching dolphins and provides a perfect complimentary backdrop for a fabulous meal. Café Estoril offers a diverse menu at affordable rates making it the place to frequent this holiday season.

Behind me a table of four are enjoying a fresh plate of oysters with a bottle of wine, laughing and chatting happily in the afternoon glow. In front of me, two mothers, still wet from a dip in the pool are drinking Cokes after playing with the kids. “It was the first time we’ve swam with the baby in the tube,” says the one mother to Dave, the manager. “It was so cute” she adds. Not only are the staff members friendly; they are efficient and the service is good making Café Estoril a perfect place to bring the family.

It’s also ideal for couples as the temperature and mood are set for romance. The lush grass provides the perfect spot to cuddle up to someone you love and enjoy the scenery together. A young couple is doing exactly that on this particular afternoon, lying comfortably with a bottle of wine chilling in an ice bucket, talking softly and laughing lightly while they watch a father and son play bat and ball. The Island Diner clearly makes Sunday afternoons all the more enjoyable.