Summer is finally here! As we head to the Festive season, all entertainment spills outdoor to braais picnics and open air concerts. Nothing is more idyllic than a romantic picnic with your better half or with family than an afternoon on the banks of the Vaal River. Piqued your interest? Then head down to the Vaal and get yourself a perfect picnic spot at the old Riviera On The Vaal. Under new management by BON Hotels, this grand dame of the Vaal has regained its lost lustre and is shining ever so brighter.
The picnic can be booked with the hotel and the chef will prepare a picnic basket worthy of a king’s feast. Within reason, every meal choice and palate can be accommodated. Our basket had a delectable pasta shell salad, a green salad, sweet sticky chicken winglets and drummettes, as well as an assortment of fruit and a divine desert. The basket was topped off with a chilled bottle of Sauvignon Blanc which always goes down extremely well on a hot Summer’s day. As my beau and I had our kids in tow for our not-so-romantic escapade, the muppets also had their separate picnic basket with their goodies and fruit juices. The kids were in heaven, especially noticing the packed in Oreo biscuits just for good measure.
On arrival, we were escorted to beautiful spot in the lower garden with beautiful views of the Vaal River complete with picnic blankets and pillows for a leisurely relaxed and serene afternoon of sheer luxury. An experience previously reserved for Victorian couples in those classic art movies! The excellent food, beautiful gardens and idyllic views of the Vaal begged for an endless day of fun as we tried to stretch the day for as long as we can to enjoy the occasion. We wrestled to get the kids away from the kiddies play area and just as well as we got ourselves much deserved alone time in the shade with a gentle breeze blowing cool air through the hair. Who needs the beach in such exquisite natural surroundings? The day at the Vaal should not be ended without a sunset cruise on the boat, cocktail in hand, to savour the moment as the orange sun kisses the distant horizon in a magical moment. The Petit Verdot, the Bon Riviera’s boat is as legendary as the hotel itself. It was with sadness that we had to bid the Bon Hotel Riviera Hotel on Vaal.
For the romantic at heart or just the outdoorsy fun loving types, a picnic at the Bon Riviera Hotel on Vaal should make your bucket list for the festive season. If you are not heading down to the coast for the festive season like all inland dwellers, a picnic at the Bon Riviera Hotel on Vaal is a must! It is fun sans the long distance travel! If you are heading to the coast for the festive season, book yourself a picnic spot for a real festive celebration before you head down into the craziness that is coastal towns in December. Or you can wait until everybody is gone and head down to the Vaal for quality holiday or day out picnicking in total tranquillity!
The Bon Riviera Hotel on Vaal is located off Mario Milani Road in Vereeniging and can be contacted on (016) 420 1300 for picnic bookings and hotel reservations. The grand dame of the Vaal is back with a bang and surely worth a visit!
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