2010 stands to be a most inspiring and industrious year for South Africa. With the FIFA World Cup 2010 looming large on all of our calendars, and the holidays now just a memory, it can be hard to feel rested at the beginning of an exciting year.

The malaise may kick in, and whilst good planning can help alleviate the feeling of panic about the year ahead, a true mini-break may be just what you need.

With the tourists returned to their homes, the holiday madness has ended and, a short weekend retreat to your favourite Villa or Game Lodge could be just the ticket to get your re-energise your soul.

So, why not take advantage of the out-of-season specials and reduced rates at accommodation establishments in the Cape?

With great events happening around the Cape over late January, you can also  enjoy some entertainment! Top Gear is in town, with their fabulous brand of cynical, adrenaline-fuelled motoring journalism, and flashy cars.

Or, if something more relaxing is up your street, try the Kirstenbosch Craft Market on 31 January 2009. With 180 stalls of crafts and delicacies, you’re sure to find something for everyone.

The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are also in full swing, with Fokofpolisiekar, aKing, Just Jinjer and Prime Circle scheduled to appear in late January and during February 2010.

Go ahead and book that little respite from your desk, and go exploring in the Cape. It’ll do you a world of good!

The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are the perfect opportunity to savour the Cape sunsets during summer.  The Summer Sunset Concerts are held in the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, and offer you a breath-taking infusion of music and natural beauty in which to sit back and relax.

Held on Sundays, between  17h30 and 18h30, from 22 November 2009 to 4 April 2010, the Summer Sunset Concerts cater for all music tastes – from jazz, folk, rock and classical.

This season’s line up includes:

Johnny Clegg – 22 November 2009
Jesse Clegg – 06 December 2009
Jonny Cooper Orchestra – 13 December 2009
Ashtray Electric and Pretty Blue Guns – 27 December 2009
A Fist Full of Diamonds with Josie Fields, Farryl Purkiss & Dan Patlansky – 03 January 2010
Freshlyground – 10 January 2010
Zebra & Giraffe -  17 January 2010

For the rest of the line up and contact details, please visit the Cape Stay Blog by clicking here.

Newlands is perhaps, internationally, best known for its cricket and rugby stadiums – thousands of sports fans frequent the suburb to watch enthralling local and international sporting events every year.

Newlands is however, more than just the stadiums. Newlands is one of the most beautiful and green suburbs in Cape Town and Newlands Forest, which forms part of the sprawling suburb, provides the perfect vantage point for a walking adventure up Table Mountain.

This tranquil suburb also provides easy and central access to all areas of Cape Town and all the greatest attractions are a short drive away from this lush suburb.

Almost all Newlands accommodation comes complete with a magnificent view of Table Mountain, and you can find your perfect holiday or business rental here.

A key, must-see highlight of Newlands is Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden – home to more types of plant life than found in the entire British Isles.

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, set against the Eastern slopes of Table Mountain, was founded in 1913 and is world-renowned for the diverse beauty of Cape flora on display.

The Garden grows only indigenous South African plants, and the 528-hectare estate supports a diverse fynbos flora and natural forest. The cultivated garden displays collections of South African plants, particularly those from the winter rainfall region of the country, the Western Cape.

Held within the spectacular Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, the outdoor Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, as sponsored by Old Mutual, take place every Sunday from early December until April.

These concerts are a fantastic way to enjoy a Sunday sunset in Cape Town. The open-air amphitheatre concerts cater for all music tastes, from jazz, folk, rock to big band Swing and are a delightful way to enjoy the surroundings and unwind. The concerts offer a unique experience and part of the charm lies in the warm, friendly and relaxed atmosphere, with music-lovers picnicking on the soft grass banks that slope downward towards the stage.

With only five concerts left this season, a myriad of great South African artists have been showcased this year, including Shaun Morgan of Seether, Freshlyground, The Parlotones and Prime Circle.

Still to come in this season are: The Dirty Skirts (15 March 2009); aKING (22 March 2009); The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (29 March 2009); the UCT Rag Concert (04 April 2009) and HHP and Friends (05 April 2009).

At a pretty price, of R40 to R50, tickets are popular and gates open at 15h30 so, best you get there early and pick a prime spot. Concerts start at 17h30 and offer you the ultimate sunset experience, with soft tunes to soothe your soul.

For more information, please call the Information Office on +27 21 799 8783.