Mpumalanga, South Africa – Today, 13 January 2019 the third stage of the 4th Mpumalanga Cycle Tour started at Forever Resort Swadini and finished at Forever Resort Blyde Canyon. The Mpumalanga Cycle Tour of seven days is the longest cycle tour in South Africa with an overall distance of 817km and a climb of 15 495m.  Today was also the final stage for the Veterans, Juniors and Open Groups. The Elite group will continue with the rest of the Mpumalanga Cycle Tour.   

Distance: 90.3km

Start for the Veterans, Juniors and Open Groups: 08:30

Start for Elite Group: 09:15

Start Elevation: 628M

Max Elevation: 1274 M

Gain: 1756M 

Final Prize-giving Results for the three day tour so far in the Category: Juniors & Vets:
Best Young Rider, KOM (King of the Mountain) and Points: Travis Stedman – Rider 614 

Final Prize-giving Results for the three day tour in the Category: Veterans 40+: Johan Naudé – Rider 476 

Final Prize-giving Results for the three day tour in the Category: Veterans 30+: Phillip Mudau – Rider 347

Overall Category winner (Juniors, Veterans and Open) for the three day tour: Damon Fouchee (17yrs) – Rider 618 

Stage 3 Results:

• Stage Open Category Winner: Shaun Ramahlodi – Rider 976
• Stage Junior Category Winner: Travis Stedman – Rider 614 2019 

Mpumalanga Cycle Tour Race Stages:

Monday, 14 January 2019: Stage 4: Forever Resort Blyde Canyon to Mbombela Stadium
Distance: 148,3 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 1163 Metres
Max Elevation: 1721 Metres  

Tuesday, 15 January 2019: Stage 5: Forever Hotel White River
Distance: 129,5 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 943 Metres
Max Elevation: 972 Metres 

Wednesday, 16 January 2019: Stage 6: Mbombela to Forever Resort Badplaas
Distance: 97 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 682 Metres
Max Elevation: 1557 Metres

Thursday, 17 January 2019: Stage 7: Forever Resort Badplaas to Forever Resort Loskopdam
Distance: 197,2 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 1112 Metres
Max Elevation: 1791 Metres

Mpumalanga, South Africa – On 11 January 2019 the first stage of the 4th Mpumalanga Cycle Tour started at Forever Resort Blyde Canyon and finished at Forever Resort Swadini. The Mpumalanga Cycle Tour of seven days is the longest cycle tour in South Africa with a distance of 817km and a climb of 15 495m.

Distance: 90.3kmStart: 09:00
Start Elevation: 1164
MMax Elevation: 1274 M
Gain: 1223 M 

Top 3 finalists for day 1, stage 1:

1. Rider 6 - Willie Smit from NAD with a time of 02:15:56
2. Rider 23 - Jayde Julius from ProTouch Sports 
3. Rider 14 - Calvin Beneke from Luso ACDC Pro Cycling Team 

First KOM @ 2km results:

1. Rider 1 - Matthew Beers from NAD
2. Rider 32 - Jean Pierre Lloyd from OfficeGuru Racing U23 Cycling Team 
3. Rider 42 - Alex Miller from Nam Nat Team (Namibian team) 

First Hotspot @ 14.2km results:

1. Rider 28 - Myles van Musschenbroek from Pro Touch Continental
2. Rider 15 - Andries Nigiri from Luso ACDC Pro Cycling Team 
3. Rider 26 - Rohan du Plooy from Pro Touch Continental 

Second KOM @ 26.6km results:

1. Rider 31 - Travis Barrett from Office Guru
2. Rider 1 - Matthew Beers from NAD 
3. Rider 16 - Christiaan Jooste from Luso ACDC Pro Cycling Team  

Second Hotspot @ 39.7km results:

1. Rider 2 - Gawie Combrink from NAD
2. Rider 6 - Willie Smit from NAD 
3. Rider 3 - Nico Bell from NAD 

Third Hotspot @ 55km results:

1. Rider 14 - Calvin Beneke from Luso ACDC Pro Cycling Team
2. Rider 1 - Matthew Beers from NAD 
3. Rider 29 - Dillan Girdelstone from Office Guru 

2019 Mpumalanga Cycle Tour Race Stages:

Saturday, 12 January 2019: Stage 2: Forever Resort Swadini to Orpen Gate and back to Forever Resort Swadini
Distance: 121 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 636 Metres
Max Elevation: 742 Metres 

Sunday, 13 January 2019: Stage 3: Forever Resort Swadini to Forever Resort Blyde Canyon
Distance: 90,3 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 628 Metres
Max Elevation: 1274 Metres 

Monday, 14 January 2019: Stage 4: Forever Resort Blyde Canyon to Mbombela Stadium
Distance: 148,3 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 1163 Metres
Max Elevation: 1721 Metres 

Tuesday, 15 January 2019: Stage 5: Forever Hotel White River
Distance: 129,5 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 943 Metres
Max Elevation: 972 Metres 

Wednesday, 16 January 2019: Stage 6: Mbombela to Forever Resort Badplaas
Distance: 97 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 682 Metres
Max Elevation: 1557 Metres

Thursday, 17 January 2019: Stage 7: Forever Resort Badplaas to Forever Resort Loskopdam
Distance: 197,2 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 1112 Metres
Max Elevation: 1791 Metres

Mpumalanga, South Africa – On 11 January 2019 the 4th Mpumalanga Cycle Tour took place starting at Forever Resort Blyde Canyon.  There are a total of seven stages across Mpumalanga and approximately 100 long distance road cyclists are expected to participate including some international riders. Apart from competing for the various titles the total value of the prizes add up to approximately R128 000.00.

Willie Smit is one of the well-known riders, was approached by the Italian team, Katusha Alpecin after his results last year. This year Smit will be participating alongside some of his Katusha Alpecin team members.

2019 Mpumalanga Cycle Tour Race Stages:
Friday, 11 January 2019: Stage 1: Forever Resort Blyde Canyon to Forever Resort Swadini
Distance: 90,3 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 1164Metres Max
Elevation: 1274 Metres

Saturday, 12 January 2019: Stage 2: Forever Resort Swadini to Orpen Gate and back to Forever Resort Swadini
Distance: 121 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 636 Metres
Max Elevation: 742 Metres

Sunday, 13 January 2019: Stage 3: Forever Resort Swadini to Forever Resort Blyde Canyon
Distance: 90,3 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 628 Metres
Max Elevation: 1274 Metres

Monday, 14 January 2019: Stage 4: Forever Resort Blyde Canyon to Mbombela Stadium
Distance: 148,3 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 1163 Metres
Max Elevation: 1721 Metres

Tuesday, 15 January 2019: Stage 5: Forever Hotel White River
Distance: 129,5 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 943 Metres
Max Elevation: 972 Metres

Wednesday, 16 January 2019: Stage 6: Mbombela to Forever Resort Badplaas
Distance: 97 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 682 Metres
Max Elevation: 1557 Metres

Thursday, 17 January 2019: Stage 7: Forever Resort Badplaas to Forever Resort Loskopdam
Distance: 197,2 Kilometres
Start Elevation: 1112 Metres
Max Elevation: 1791 Metres

2017 Best Results:
Clover Lowveld Tour (1st Overall)
Volta Cyclista ó Ribeiro (1st)
Vuelta Ciclista a Leon (1st)
Vuelta a Segovia (1st)
African Continental Championship (1st Road race, 4th individual time-trial)

South African National Road Championships (2nd individual time-trial, 3rd road race)

Winner Mpumalanga tour 2016 and 2017

Gauteng, South Africa – On Thursday, 15 November Forever Resorts South Africa hosted their annual Charity Golf Day, this year in aid of the Foundation for Children with Hearing Loss in SA at Blue Valley Golf and Country Estate.   

The Foundation aims to improve the quality of life for people with hearing loss, creating a sustainable future for people with hearing loss, inspire, educate, develop and empower an entire community, create fresh perspectives and innovative solutions, promote social welfare, encourage poverty alleviation and generate a lasting change.  

The Forever Golf Day raised a total of R189 093.01 and the funds were paid over directly to the foundation to help three children (Haley Smit (4 years), Ronisha Malander (4 years) and Mulweli Makhuva (9 years)) with funds to pay for their cochlear implants. Mulweli underwent his operation on Monday, 19 November 2018 and will now be going through the process of slowly training his brain to hear again as he lost his hearing due to illness some years ago.  

“On behalf of Forever Resorts we would like to thank our wonderful sponsors who participated in our annual Golf Day, without you, your passion and your selfless generosity this would not have been possible. Oranje Drukkers, Bravo Group Sealy, Backgat Braai,  Adams&Adams, Pam Golding Nelspruit, Beeld, Birchwood Hotel, Unlimited Events Group, Forever Warmbaths, Forever Badplaas, Forever Gariep, Forever Centurion, Forever Loskopdam, Forever White River, BDT Accountants, AirlinkVictoria Falls Rainbow Hotel, Wild Horizons Tours, The Good Oaks, Pentagon Security Consultants, FNB, Valorem, Agri SA, Rockwood Theatre, Delheim Wines, Levati Water, Rhino Clothing, Work Front, Dairymaid, Pretoria FM, Decimal Agency and Zebula Golf Estate and Spa”, said Heidi Halgryn, Marketing Executive at Forever Resorts South Africa.

Badplaas, South Africa – Forever Badplaas is proud to announce their SAAHSP (South African Association of Health and Skincare) Spa Membership after they recently opened the new Spa at Badplaas. SAAHSP Membership certificates were awarded to the Hydro Manager, Assistant Hydro Manager and five Beauty Therapists.  

SAAHSP, a non-profit organisation, was legally constituted to protect the public interest in relation to the Spa and wellness industry inclusive of beauty, somatology and spa treatments within South Africa.  

“Being registered members of SAAHSP is a privilege and gives us a higher professional designation that provides our passionate Spa team with platforms to improve their knowledge and staying up to date with the industry and trends which ultimately provides our guests with quality Spa treatments. This membership also reflects the professional integrity of the Spa as well as the team”, said Johan Bezuidenhout, Senior General Manager at Badplaas, A Forever Resort.

Loskopdam, South Africa – On Saturday, 3 November 2018, Loskopdam, A Forever Resort hosted their own fishing competition. The competition, Catch for a Cause raised funds for two NGOs, Boikano Disablity Care Centre near Groblersdal and Middelburg Care Village.

With more than 100 entries the day was filled with sunshine, lucky draws, good food, swimming and entertainment including a performance by the band, Vancout. An awards ceremony took place after the competition for winners of the two biggest Carp and Mudfish alongside a junior boy and girl who won themselves a bait boat. The heaviest fish of the day was a Carp weighing in at 3, 34 kilograms.  

A total of R49 300.00 was raised for each of the two NGOs. However, one loyal fisherman took it up a notch and made a donation that raised the total to R50 000.00 for each of the two NGOs. “As much as this was a jovial family day, we couldn’t help but get emotional when we handed the cheque over to the two NGOs as this money will help approximately 130 children”, said Monica van der Linde, General Manager at Forever Loskopdam. 

“Our hearts are so grateful to each and every person and child who attended the Catch for a Cause, we are also thankful to have had incredible sponsors who made this day possible  for our community and would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Seagull Lifestyle Products, Boude & Blaaie, Outdoorsman Witbank (Andre Booysen), Frik Geyser, Sand & Klip, Macy’s & Fiyas, Isabel & Alwyn Pretorius, Mbidi Lodge, Action Car Traders, Janet Sweets – Squeezy, Musketeer Engineering, Pentagon Security, Pretoria West Trading, Pest Control Specialists, Promoworld, Lucy and Andre Tlam, Aubrey van Wyngaardt, Legend Liquors Witbank, Midas Middelburg, Vleismark Groblersdal, Wurmhoekie (Rudi Stoltz), Forever Badplaas, Warmbaths, Swadini and Mount Sheba, Forever Resorts (PTY) Ltd, Heneck Sacks, Tevo as well as Buco Middelburg”.   

“We would also like to extend a special word of thanks to our Service Providers Radio Kosmos, SAPD Waterwing (Capt. Grobler), Legacy Emergency Services, Columbus Fishing Club, Loskopdam Nature Reserve (Andre Hoffmann) and our passionate Forever Loskopdam Staff”. 

Badplaas, a well-known treasure within the Forever Resorts South Africa portfolio has recently spent millions on the upgrade of their Hydro and Spa facility. This upgrade has been on the books for the past two years and upgrades begun in October 2017 with the official construction commencing in January 2018. On the 26th of March the Coffee Shop which also underwent a total renovation along with the Hydro re-opened. The Spa re-opened two days later, on the 31st of March 2018. The official exclusive launch of the Hydro and Spa took place yesterday, 7 June 2018 and was attended by elite guests and VIPs including Honourable MEC Eric Kholwane and Executive Mayor Councillor Nkosi of Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality. 

Sandra Rath from the South African Association of Health and Skincare Professionals (SAAHSP) and from SDV Pharmaceuticals who attended the exquisite launch of the Badplaas Hydro and Spa said that the Spa industry in South Africa is still showing growth regardless of the Economic climate. “Being in the industry for the past 30 years, I can only say that the standard of this Spa exceeds expectations in all aspects. From ambiance to style, staff to treatments, this Spa is a must experience”, Rath added.  

The new buzz word, “Hydro”Hydro’s are often confused with Jet Baths and Jacuzzis. The reason for this is two common  elements, water and pulsing jets. A Hydro is however a treatment rather than an experience, an underwater massage which stimulates your body’s blood circulation. Over and above that, the water is warm therefore it opens pores cleaning your skin leaving you feeling refreshed. The Hydro assists with the treatment of stiff, sore muscles and joints by focusing on typical problem areas such as your neck, back, legs and limbs. It is for this reason that Hydro treatments are often recommended with products and treatments maximising the benefits.

What makes the Badplaas Hydro and Spa unique? There are only a few resorts in South Africa that can boast with natural warm water springs – Badplaas is one of those select few. The spring water is filled with a variety of 32 natural minerals. This water is them pumped into the Hydro pools, from the Hydro pools the water is pumped into the heated pool outside, from there the water is distributed to the other pools on the property cooling down as it travels from one pool to the other. The spring water is also used in the spa for various water based treatments offered at Badplaas. 

The Spa has Specialist Therapists who take care of the needs of customers individually in tranquil and beautiful surroundings. The relaxation area consists of a 12 seat sauna and relaxation pool with spring water. The Spa offers a range of Facial and Specialised Facial Treatments, Brow and Lash Treatments, Massage Therapy, Specialised Body Treatments, Hand and Foot Therapy, Nail Treatments, Waxing and even kiddies treatments including Facials, Massages, Manicures and Pedicures. 

The origin of the springsHot springs in South Africa originates from seepage-water that joins a subterranean water system, the more the water sinks the warmer the mineral water gets. If the mineral water moves fast enough it can still be hot when it moves back to the earth’s surface.  Mineral water contains a large amount of trace elements such as sodium, chloride and fluoride; however the mineral water’s chemical compound will differ from one source to the next. The spring water mainly consists of surface water (rain and snow) seeping through layers of rock which contain the minerals, as the water moves between these rocks its trace elements are dissolved by the water before it moves back to the surface of the earth. 

The spring water at Badplaas rises from approximately 4300 metres below the earth’s surface. The spring itself has a capacity of 34 000 litres of mineral water per hour and a water temperature of 53˚C. A rift valley from Badplaas to the Swaziland Spa in Mbabane has formed in the earth’s crust causing hot bubbles at various places in this valley’s trail.