• On 09 November 2020, air travel resumed at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gabarone, Kasane International Airpot and Maun International Airport
• On 01 December 2020, ground crossing will resume at the following commercial border points: Kazungula Road, Kazangula Ferry, Ngoma Ramokwebana, Martins Drift, Ramatlabama, Tlokweng, Mamuno, Ioneer and Mohembo;
• On 01 December 2020 international air travel will resume at Phillip G Matante International Airport in Francistown.

All arriving travellers please note:

• You must present a valid negative COVID-19 PCR test result, conducted within 72 hours of departure for Botswana
• You will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms upon arrival
• If you are symptomatic upon arrival you will be required to undertake a mandatory testing and possible isolation and or quarantine as per the Public Health Act of Botswana
• You will be required to remain in contact with the local health authority for a period of 14 days of self-monitoring
• Returning citizens and residents of Botswana not meeting the requirements detailed above will undergo a 14-day mandatory quarantine and testing at their own cost (as assessed by the local authority)
• Non-citizens not meeting the above requirements will be denied entry into Botswana
• Travellers exiting Botswana are expected to comply with travel regulations of the destination country at their own expense

By making sure we have your correct details at all times we can ensure that you receive important resort information, both before booking and arriving at your holiday. You will get helpful tips and reminders about when your points might expire and most importantly, how to make the most of your points by receiving communication about when we have awesome deals on offer!

Follow the link below to login to your online profile and update your contact information so you don't miss out!

Update my contact details

Unfortunately, these included shutting down leisure travel including travel within provinces so we have had no choice but to cancel bookings with immediate effect. If you had a booking with us for occupancy during this lock down period and would like to book an alternative date, please send us an email and we will gladly assist.

If you have yet to plan your holiday this year or re-schedule due to the restrictions why not book now to secure your preferred dates and resort to avoid losing out?

We know how disappointing this news is but we hope this changes soon because we can't wait to send you on holiday!

Despite the event being cancelled, RCI still released the winners. Notwithstanding these sombre times, The Beekman Group came out on top with numerous accolades from the industry.

The Beekman Group won the Technology Award while the Group's resorts management arm, Vacation Management Services (VMS) was recognised in a number of the categories.

The following resorts and individual staff members were recognised by the industry for their achievements, dedication and service excellence:

• Sunshine Bay Beach Club was nominated in the category - Top 5 Gold Crown Resorts - Medium
• Falcon Glen and Sea 'n Sky were nominated in the category - Top 5 Silver Crown Resorts - Small
• Margate Beach Club and Formosa Bay Villas were nominated in the category - Top 5 Silver Crown Resorts - Medium
• Castleton, Hazyview Cabanas and Kiara Lodge were nominated in the category - Top 5 Silver Crown Resorts - Large
• Banana Beach Club and Umhlanga Cabanas were nominated in the category - Top 5 Hospitality Resorts (both properties have been upgraded now to Silver Crown)
• Castleton was nominated in the category - Top Housekeeping - Large
• Falcon Glen was nominated in the category - Top Unit Maintenance - Small
• Castleton was nominated in the category - Top Unit Maintenance - Large
• Hazyview Cabanas and Qunu Falls Lodge were recognised with Partnership Awards - Long Service
• Cayley Lodge was awarded with the Innovation Award
• Employee of the Year awards went to the following members of staff:-
• Bronwyn Nicholas - Banana Beach Club
• Danie van der Merwe - Qunu Falls Lodge
• Dirk du Plessis - Illovo Beach Club
• Gerhardt Mynhardt - Dikhololo
• Jacques Schlebusch - The Aloes
• Joyce Nzama - Margate Beach Club
• Keith Webber - Dikhololo
• Leander du Plessis - Cayley Lodge
• Martie Mc Taggart - Hazyview Cabanas
• Mary-Ann Matroos - Sunshine Bay Beach Club
• Nick van Graan - Formosa Bay Villas

The Group continues to focus on our vision, which is "Making Extraordinary Holidays The Standard".

Congratulations to all the winners and nominees and best of luck for next year!

Protecting You and Others

For all of you travelling soon, you might be interested to know that, while our resorts have always maintained the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene, we have intensified these efforts now more than ever.

Specific COVID-19 guidelines are being implemented at our resorts to ensure the health and well-being of our guests and staff members alike, including, but not limited to:

• Hand-sanitizer stations;
• Frequent cleaning of high-touch areas;
• Protocols and procedures in the event that there is a suspected case among guests or staff.

Your holiday family time does not have to be affected by COVID-19. Our self-catering units make our resorts the closest thing to home, while being on holiday.

Travel Flexibility

Given the far-reaching impact of COVID-19 we understand that you may need a little more flexibility with your travel plans right now. Should you have any concerns or queries regarding your accommodation or travel bookings, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us and we will assist you with pleasure.

Staying Abreast

We will continue to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) updates, and will respond and communicate with you, based on the World Health Organisation recommendations, and the advice of government and health authorities. Meanwhile, we remain dedicated to your holiday needs and are confident in our operational excellence and commitment to our guests. We look forward to sending you on holiday soon.

Wishing you safe travels,

The Holiday Club

The new and exciting Stay Essential package includes movie, documentary, lifestyle, sport, community, news and children's channels, catering for individual interests and all ages. * Resorts with individual decoders in each unit will now have access to this amazing choice of entertainment, which features more than 90 television channels including a number of great radio channels. (See resort list below)

While selected resorts that don't have individual decoders in the units might have fewer choices, we have upgraded this selection to provide more variety and balanced choices of channels to cater for everyone. We listened to what our members suggested which means more viewing pleasure as you unwind during your holiday.

The Club endeavours to give our guests the best holiday ever and with this end goal in mind, are always evolving and finding new ways to enhance your experience at our resorts. We hope that all our guests will enjoy this exciting new upgrade at our resorts!

* Resorts with full access to the new channel offering are as follows:

• Boulder Bay
• Castleton
• Dikhololo
• Falcon Glen
• Hazyview Cabanas
• Kiara Lodge (selected units)
• Royal Atlantic
• Royal Wharf
• Sunshine Bay Beach
• Table View Cabanas

During the first half of each year, resorts notify The Holiday Club as to when we have access to units within those specific resorts. The units are released to The Holiday Club according to a resort's operational calendar, with release dates as late as June.

Units at our Signature Collection resorts are usually released in March/April of the preceding year. Signature Collection Resorts are those which are largely owned and managed by The Holiday Club. Once units are released, these are loaded onto our system and are then available to be booked online or through a Reservations Consultant.

We notify our Members through email newsletters when units are available or when there are great special offers and discounts. Make sure that you select what marketing correspondence you want to receive and how often so you don't miss out! You can do this on your online Membership profile or alternatively you can phone a consultant for assistance.

Remember, reservations are on a "first come, first served" basis, so book in advance to avoid disappointment! Keep an eye out for our newsletters. Ready to pack your bags? Enjoy the convenience of booking your holiday online! Not only is our website conveniently available 24/7, you also enjoy an extra 5% off just for booking online!

Consult your new Private Edition 2019 magazine and see where you'd like to go next! A great indication of how busy some regions get is the demand calendar in the first page of each region in the Private Edition. For your added convenience, you can also refer to the online edition of the Private Edition 2019 where you can access the demand calendar and see some awesome videos and fun interactive visuals.

Don't wait too long! Book online now or speak to a consultant about your 2019 holidays!

Why not switch to a monthly debit order to pay your Membership and Reservation fees? Not only will your accounts always be current, you also enjoy:

• Convenience - phone us to set it up and it automatically goes off every month as opposed to manual banking methods
• 5% off your Membership and Reservation Fees or 2% if paying via credit card (MasterCard & Visa)
• Lower banking fees than manual payment methods
• Peace of mind:
  • Reservations made at your convenience
  • No interest or penalties can be incurred

• The magazine is a great guide for your Membership: Your magazine serves as a useful tool for navigating the ins and outs of your Membership, making sure you easily find the information you need.
• The new and updated resort directory list highlights the Top 100 resorts and will hopefully make it easier for you to holiday at your preferred destination.
• We have included a list of accredited Holiday Club agents for your convenience.

Read all about it in your new Private Edition which should be finding its way to you soon, as a link via email (if you opted to Go Green) or if you are fetching your copy as usual from our Gaborone office.

Speaking of which, are all your details accurate and up-to-date? To check if your details are up-to-date or if they need updating, go to this link. This way, you make sure you get your magazine! Doing this online only takes a few moments and will also ensure that you're kept abreast of our latest and greatest special offers.

You can update the following:

• Your personal contact details
• Your communication preferences

The Communication Preference tab allows you to select what, when and how you want to receive information from us. You can opt in or out to receive Monthly Newsletters.

You can also turn off the print version of the Private Edition Magazine to go green!

This year, The Holiday Club celebrates two huge milestones - turning 25 years old and sending our 7 millionth guest on holiday! Mr and Mrs David and Busi Selesho have been Holiday Club members for more than 10 years and really know how to make the most of their Points!

The Holiday Club surprised them with some gifts and a picnic at their recent holiday at Margate Beach Club on the South Coast of South Africa.

"It's been a great 10 years! We love holidays," said Mrs Selesho. They said that they really love spending holidays as a family, with their four daughters.

"The family-friendly facilities and activities at the resorts are great, our kids love it and we really enjoy the holidays. Staying in the hotel is not nice, but resorts offer spacious accommodation and there are activities the whole week!"

The family loves holidays so much that they try to go as many as 7-8 times a year! They prefer going out-of-season so it doesn't cost so much Points, as well as using Bargain Breaks. "We like going out of season because then there is no traffic, you avoid the rush, you can relax and really enjoy your holiday," said Mr Selesho.

For being the 7 millionth guests, the family received a huge hamper of Holiday Club branded merchandise, vouchers to enjoy the local attractions on the South Coast and we also gave them their Points back so they can enjoy even more holidays!

Updating your details online only takes a few moments and will ensure that you're kept abreast of our latest and greatest offers!

You can update the following:

• Your personal contact details
• Your communication preferences

The Communication Preference tab allows you to select what, when and how you want to receive information from us. You can opt in or out to receive (via email):

• Monthly Newsletters
• Specials
• You can also turn off the print version of the Private Edition Magazine to go green!

Your holiday preferences:

• If you're sending a guest on holiday, update their details at any time!

The Holiday Club enjoyed a phenomenal year of growth and we look forward to 2018, especially because we are marking our 25th birthday. Since 1993, we have sent 6.6 million people on holiday and we are aiming to reach 7 million soon! Will that person be you? We are marking our big birthday with something special so watch this space.

As part of our ongoing commitment to always enhance your holiday experience, we have new and exciting projects planned in 2018.

Last but definitely not least, we want to hear from you! We think The Holiday Club did great in 2017, but what do you think? Please let us know how we can serve you better by filling in our quick and simple Annual Customer Survey. And, just for taking a few minutes to help us out, we are giving away holiday goodie hampers in a lucky draw.

Those who fill in the survey will stand a chance to win one of three prize hampers. The competition closes on February 14, 2018 and winners will be notified shortly thereafter.

Please familiarise yourself with these updated rules:

• Should the confirmed reservation be cancelled 6 or more weeks from occupation date, there will be a full refund.
• Should the confirmed reservation be cancelled between 3 to 6 weeks from occupation date, there will be a cancellation fee equal to 50% of the value of the reservation.
• Should the confirmed reservation be cancelled less than 3 weeks from the occupation date, there will be a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the value of the reservation.
• Should the confirmed reservation be originally made with Points that would have expired but for the reservation and the reservation is subsequently cancelled, then these Points will expire.

For any queries or concerns, please contact one of our friendly Member Services consultants on +267 390 8742 or email us at memberservice@theholidayclub.co.bw

It's now easier than ever to pay your accounts and we have made sure that there are convenient ways to pay. Be sure that all your Holiday Club membership payments are up to date, to make sure you enjoy uninterrupted holidays.

You can choose to settle your Membership and Reservation fees monthly in advance, either by debit order or credit card. The following discounts are available if you pay your annual Membership and Reservation fees monthly in advance for 12 consecutive months - 5% discount if you pay via debit order or 2% if you pay via credit card (Excludes Amex and Diners Club Credit Cards). The discount will be credited to your account in the month that your Membership and Reservation fees are invoiced.

For Bonus Rental bookings, payment will have to be made within 48 hours to confirm your booking.

To make your life easier, you can pay multiple accounts with one payment. Your payment will be allocated to your Trust Account and from there we will transfer the amounts owing to each individual account. These payments are allocated in order of amounts outstanding the longest. It is important to remember, depending on your method of payment and with whom you bank, that your payment can take up to two days to reflect on your Club account.

For any queries about your accounts, please contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable Member Services consultants on +267 390 8742 or email us at memberservice@theholidayclub.co.bw

As a Member of The Holiday Club you will have various accounts linked to your profile. This is due to certain fees being charged on behalf of other entities within The Holiday Club, and in order to keep control of all these transactions, we need to keep them separated.

• TRUST ACCOUNT
  To make your life easier, you can pay multiple accounts with one payment. The Trust Account is a holding account for all payments and we will transfer the amounts owing to each individual account. These payments are allocated according to how long payments have been outstanding.
• FINANCE AND PURCHASE ACCOUNT
  The Purchase Account reflects your purchase price, less your deposit, plus the entrance fee.
  The Finance Account reflects the balance to be financed. The Finance Agreement's terms range from 1 - 72 months. Each month's service fees and interest are raised on the account. These amounts are included in your monthly instalment and need to be settled within 30 days of the statement date.
• MEMBERSHIP & RESERVATION FEE ACCOUNT
  The Membership Fee is used to pay all the inventory owned by the Club. The Reservation Fee covers the cost of various administrative and staff costs relating to our Call Centre. These fees are invoiced annually in the month prior to your Anniversary Date and are payable 30 days from the invoice date.
• iEXCHANGE AFFILIATION ACCOUNT
  iExchange offers exciting exchange options both locally and internationally. Any applicable fees relating to using iExchange will be raised on this account. Click here for more information about iExchange.

The Points Statement reflects important information about your Points ownership, usage thereof over the last year as well as your Points currently available. For a detailed explanation of your Points Statement click here.

For any queries about your accounts, please contact one of our friendly and knowledgeable Member Services consultants on +267 390 8742 or email memberservice@theholidayclub.co.bw

Nothing quite gets you in the mood for a holiday than a pampering treatment or two! We have Body Bliss Day Spas on-site at Kiara Lodge in Clarens, Cayley Lodge in Central Drakensberg and Hazyview in Mpumalanga. Our spas are designed to offer an unforgettable journey to help you feel completely relaxed and rejuvenated from head to toe.

Our professional Body Bliss therapists are ready to melt all your stress away to give you that much-needed pampering you deserve during your holidays. If you or your near and dear could use a bit of a spoil, why not book a treatment? Everyone is catered for, even the little ones, with our Junior Bliss treatments! Our pampering treatments are perfect as gifts to celebrate important occasions to spoil your loved ones, such as birthdays, Women's Day, anniversaries etc.

As a Holiday Club Member, you get a cash discount according to your membership tier, on all salon treatments at any Body Bliss Day Spa. Just remember to present your membership card when booking on-site.

Did you know that you may use expiring Points to book treatments at Body Bliss? You can conveniently book your Body Bliss treatments through a Reservations Consultant at the same time you're booking your holiday!

Consult your 2018 Private Edition for Body Bliss Day Spa treatments and prices or click here.

Should you need assistance with booking a Body Bliss Day Spa treatment, speak to a Member Services consultant on +267 390 8742 or email memberservice@theholidayclub.co.bw

Go ahead, indulge. You deserve it.

We have some exciting news! We are re-branding the Suntide resorts and plan on reflecting these name changes immediately on-line. The 'Suntide' brand fell away years ago and is no longer a separate brand, which is why we have dropped the name from these resorts.

Signage at the resorts will be rolled out gradually, and will boast the modern new names and dynamic logos. The Suntide Resorts have been re-named as follows:

• Suntide Beach Club is now Banana Beach Club
• Suntide Margate Hotel and Cabanas is now Margate Beach Club
• Suntide Illovo Sands is now Illovo Beach Club
• Suntide Qunu Lodge is now Qunu Falls Lodge

We are confident that the fresh branding of these Resorts will be well received by guests and will undoubtedly enhance The Holiday Club portfolio of product offerings. We hope that you are as excited as we are about these changes. The previously named Suntide resorts have given you holiday pleasure for more than two decades and will continue to do so for many years to come under its new names and logos.

Late August and September months are exceptionally busy periods for our Reservations Call Centre. So why not beat the Call Centre queue and book online? Making an online Reservation is quick, easy and secure. Most importantly, with real-time availability you can see exactly what the Call Centre consultants would see, and you can make your Reservation any time of the day. As an added bonus we have 'web only specials' that really make this method worth your while.

As a Member you are automatically registered as a user on the website. All you have to do is log onto:
www.theholidayclub.co.bw using your Membership Number as the username.

Some of the online features you have access to:

• Booking Local Points Reservations
• Booking Rental Reservations
• Using Advanced Points to book your holiday now
• Cancelling Reservations
• Adding guest details to your Reservations
• Logging and tracking your Reservation queries online
• Web only specials

Follow the simple steps below to book your next holiday

1. SEARCH

• Go online at www.theholidayclub.co.za and on the availability page
• Select the dates and country you'd like to travel to and then select [GO] to search
• Once the availability is retrieved, filter your choices further to narrow your search by Area, Ideal for Activities, Sleeping Max i.e. number of people, Points value, Duration, and Resort Facilities.

Please note that you can currently only make reservations for South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe. For all other international destinations, you can view the resort and unit information, but Reservations can only be made through the Call Centre.

2. SELECT

Once you have found the resort and suitable unit size, select [Add to Basket]. Here you can hold as many possible options before you make pick one and make a booking. The Holiday Basket confirms your Points particulars and lets you know how many Points the reservation will cost, and whether any additional fees are payable. Look out for "special information" notices on this page.

3. CONFIRM

Now it's time to confirm your Reservation. Make sure that you have correctly selected the Reservation that you require, and that you have read and understood the applicable Reservation booking terms and conditions, as well as the cancellation terms and conditions.

Please note that should you have any arrears on your Membership file the reservation will go into a provisional status until all outstanding amounts are settled in full. You can either settle the arrears online or contact our Collections Department who will gladly assist.

For any queries about your accounts, please contact our Member Services Department +267 390 8742 or email memberservice@theholidayclub.co.bw

Don't spend hours on the phone or web searching for the best flight options or going from one travel agent to the next for the best options. We can simplify it for you! Our system allows the consultant to find the best flights to suit your needs as well as your budget.

Whether you need a local flight or want to jet-set to some exotic international destination, leave it to our experienced consultants to find the best flight:

• We search across selected airlines and flight options
• Rate comparisons allow you to make the best choice for your budget
• We can check seat availability on selected airlines

Call our travel team now for cost-effective and hassle-free flight bookings on +27 39 688 5570 or email travel@theholidayclub.co.za

Points are essentially your currency to book holidays as well as other value added services. Why does The Holiday Club's unique Points system have the advantage over classic timeshare ownership? Our Points System gives Members the ultimate in flexibility, freedom of choice and financial planning, allowing you and your family to design your dream holiday.

Why the Points system is the best option:

• Variety of amazing destinations at 160+ resorts locally and 4000+ resorts internationally. Why go to the same resort every year when it's a big world out there?
• Easy reservations. For your convenience, we have extended Call Centre hours and our website is available 24/7/365
• From quick breaks to weeks at a time, you decide how long your holiday will be
• Enjoy multiple holidays by splitting your week/s and making as many reservations as your points will allow.
• All year access because you are not tied to a specific week
• Range of unit sizes

Points are valid for three years and you can borrow twice as many Points as you own just in case you want a long break or even go overseas! Use your Points for family, friends or as staff incentive. Plus, did you know you can use your Points for value added services such as car hire, flights, Body Bliss Day Spa bookings or to purchase merchandise? The best part is, you can purchase more Points to add to your Portfolio!

Click Here for more info.

Should you need assistance on your Points, speak to a friendly and knowledgeable Member Services consultant on +267 390 8742 or email us memberservice@theholidayclub.co.bw

The Holiday Club Botswana, established in 1993, has knowledgeable and dedicated staff members who are on hand to assist with all aspects pertaining to your Membership. We have been at our new Gaborone office for a year and have had many Members visit for business or to say hello. Members are happy that our office is centrally located in a safe complex with ample parking. Meet The Holiday Club Botswana Team:

Meet the Team:

1. Charity Sibanda - Our rock and the office manager. She has been with the company for 23 years.

2. Gertrude Gonnetsweng - Member Services, Collections and Reservations. She has been with us for 14 years.

3. Onalenna Sibanda - Member Services, Collections and Reservations. She has been with us for 11 years.

4. Galafele Tiroyame - General office assistant and has been with us for 2 years.

5. Wandile Sibanda , Intergrade - In-house accredited marketing agent who has been with us for 5 years.

6. Belinda Gelderbloem, Holidays4Africa - Accredited marketing agent who conducts presentations for prospective Members. She has been with us for 3 years.

7. Clune Jason Regan, Holidays4Africa - Accredited marketing agent for Holidays4Africa who has been with us for a year.

The Holiday Club Botswana not only makes family holiday dreams come true but also offers great service with a smile! If you are interested in finding out more, call us on +267 390 8742 or email us memberservice@theholidayclub.co.bw or pop into our office at Grand Union Buildings. See you soon!

The Holiday Club subscribes to the Protection of Personal Information Act and is committed to safeguarding your confidential information to our utmost best. The 'Authority to Transact' (ATT) form is an added security measure whereby the primary account owner authorises other users to have access to their account.

The ATT form ensures that you or your authorised users are the only individuals empowered to transact on your account. The access rights given to a third party by the primary owner is determined by the access levels set in the ATT form by the primary member. Should you require more than one person to transact on your account, please send us a completed form for each authorised user.

Third parties may access your account to do the following:

• Enquire into contact and owner details
• Enquire into financial details
• Enquire into reservation details
• Make changes to contact details
• Make payment arrangements
• Make changes to banking details
• Make, confirm, change and cancel reservations

If you want to complete an ATT form, simply download it, fill it out and email to Member Services. Call us on +267 390 8742 or email us memberservice@theholidayclub.co.bw

Your iExchange benefit opens up a whole new world of vacation exchange possibilities! Thanks to your iExchange affiliation, you and your family have access to a larger variety of accommodation in various local and international exchange pools while retaining all your existing benefits.

iExchange Benefits for The Holiday Club Members:

• 60 000+ holidays available NOW
• 160+ resorts locally
• 4 000+ resorts internationally
• 1 500+ rental resorts internationally
• Free local exchanges
• Competitive international changes

Your local iExchange benefit:

You enjoy more holiday destination choices and more actual weeks available at the same quality resorts that you love as well as give you the option of trying out new resorts that are now accessible via iExhange! To see the value iExchange brings to your Membership, be sure to find the Green Bar indication on the Access Icon on each resort, which shows you where iExchange brings you additional inventory.

Your international iExchange benefit:

With a wide selection of more than 4 000 exchange resorts, the world truly is your oyster! International exchange accommodation can be booked using your iPoints, with an extremely competitive exchange fee. See the international points table or turn to page 42 of your Private Edition Magazine to look up the points you need for your next international destination.

Call us on +267 390 8742 and we will arrange everything for you!

Holidays are a time of relaxation and to ensure the safety and comfort of all guests is met, our resorts do have rules that need to be adhered. Nothing will ruin your holiday mood faster than a hitch during the check-in process. These guidelines may come in handy for a hassle-free check-in.

Prior to arrival

To enable the resort to fully prepare for you, kindly ensure that all the details on your booking confirmation letter are correct. These details include:

• Guest name (if you have booked on someone else's behalf)
• Proof of identification or Passport Number (proof of identification must be shown when checking in)
• Number of people checking in (please strictly adhere to maximum occupancy rule for your unit booked)

Unit servicing

Your booking confirmation letter details the unit cleaning schedule provided by that resort. Certain resorts offer servicing only on check-in and check-out days. Most resorts do not offer unit servicing on a Sunday or Public Holiday. Resorts will add a penalty charge for cleaning an excessively dirty unit.

Check-in and out times

Please refer to your booking confirmation letter for your check-in and out times. No early arrivals or late departures will be permitted as the resort requires adequate time to prepare the units for new guests.

Remember

• You will need your proof of identification, Membership card and confirmation letter for a speedy check-in.
• If you have special needs, please notify the resort prior to arrival.
• Let the resort know if you're arriving late in order for them to make arrangements.
• Check the weather for the area to ensure that you pack sensibly.
• Familiarise yourself with visitors' attractions in the area so that you can plan your daily excursions.

Did you know? The Holiday Club Botswana has a dedicated unit at The Kingdom Resort in the Pilanesberg Region. There is limited availability for 2017, but if you've missed out on a booking you can look forward to 2018 to experience the many delights it has to offer! The Kingdom Resort is a lifestyle and family destination resort that is truly reserved for royalty! Here you'll be able to experience and embrace the tranquillity of the untamed and spectacular landscape while in the lap of luxury.

Situated next to the Pilanesberg National Park, you're a stone's throw away from some of the most spectacular landscapes and game viewing that Southern Africa has to offer. A short distance from The Kingdom Resort is the internationally renowned Sun City complex, with its casino, golf courses, live shows, restaurants, water park and a host of other activities.

The resort features African-inspired architecture, with subtle cultural themes weaved throughout the design and decor of the chalets and villas. Rich browns, burnt reds, charcoal and rustic stone cladding decorate the interiors and exteriors, emphasizing the African feel and transporting you to a space where authentic Africa meets modern luxury.

The Kingdom Resort offers an all-encompassing holiday experience from the moment you arrive. There is a smorgasbord of fantastic facilities to keep the whole family happily entertained in the duration of your stay. These include:

• Acacia Terrace Cafe
• Adventure Golf
• Body Bliss Day Spa
• Boma
• Complimentary Shuttle to Sun City
• Game Drives (Pilanesberg National Park)
• Jumping Pillow
• Jungle Bar
• Jungle Gym
• Mountain Bike Trail
• Outdoor Movie Theatre
• Rock Climbing Wall
• Splash Kingdom Waterpark
• Swimming Pool
• Trampoline
• Welcome Centre

And lots more coming soon! Call us on +267 390 8742 Monday to Friday between 08:15 - 16:30 to book your holiday at The Kingdom Resort!

The Holiday Club is proud to provide Hotel Hunter as a benefit. This exclusive and complimentary service will save you from wasting time searching for the best hotel deals and comparing offers. Whether you are looking for a boutique or family hotel, bed and breakfast or a serviced apartment, we will source the perfect accommodation for your needs, so that all you have to worry about is packing for your trip.

There are so many great reasons why you should use this free service:

• We will save you time. Research shows that the average person visits 85 web pages to compare accommodation options before committing to a booking. This equates to 5 hours online!
• The Personal Touch. There's just that extra comfort and trust about speaking to someone at the end of the line, knowing that they have your best interests at heart.
• Flexibility. Life is unpredictable and it can sometimes be frustrating when you have to change your booking. Hotel Hunter can save you that frustration by providing the ultimate flexibility because we keep all your search preferences on hand. Simply let us know if anything has changed and we'll sort it out for you!
• Experience. With more than 40 years in the leisure industry, and our strategic partnerships, we are able to offer specially negotiated rates. Our consultants know where to find the best online and off-line deals for you. You benefit from all our experience without any of the pitfalls.

Despite what you might think, all the best deals are not online! Travel agents still get the best deals and promotions which you can't find anywhere else. Call us with all the pertinent details of your trip, then sit back and relax while we do the searching. We will narrow down the best options and email them to you within two working days. Pick which option you want and then book and pay directly at your chosen establishment. Turn to page 53 of your Private Edition 2017 magazine to find out more.

Call us on 0861 THC HOTEL (0861 842 468) to speak to a consultant.
We appreciate any feedback you may have regarding your experience using this service. Please email us with your comments.

In line with our commitment to making sure you have the most amazing holidays ever, The Holiday Club embarked on a standardisation project across all our Signature Resorts last year. This long-term endeavour will ensure that quality standards across our resorts are consistent in terms of service excellence and enhanced facilities. Because we can't stress enough how valuable your input is, we asked you to tell us what areas we can improve on, and just for telling us what you think, you stand a chance to win!

You might have come across the "Tell Us & Win" competition in your Private Edition 2017 magazine (on page 89). To refresh your memory, we asked you to email suggestions on how we can make your holiday experience even better, with the subject line "My resort ideas". All suggestions will be entered into a lucky draw and you stand a chance to win a pair of Nikon binoculars valued at R1 800! So keep your eye on the prize and make sure you email us your brilliant ideas and suggestions by Sunday, 30 April 2017. Good luck!

Accruing points might also be a good idea in case you plan on going on a longer, bigger break or a holiday overseas, and are saving your Points with this in mind. You may accrue Points for two consecutive years but you must use them by the end of the third year or you forfeit them. These are called Expiring Points.

Expiring Points may only be used if your account is up to date. You can use these Points to make a reservation online or through the call centre before they expire. Once your reservation is confirmed, you can't change the occupation date, the resort of your choice or cancel your booking after the expiry date of the Points, otherwise these Points are forfeit.

You may also use your expiring Points to purchase The Holiday Club merchandise or book a pampering treatment at one of our Body Bliss Day Spas, provided that these points are not expiring within the next 90 days from the date you intend to use them. You can conveniently book a spa treatment or purchase merchandise through a Reservations Consultant at the same time you're booking a holiday.

Should you need assistance with using expiring Points, speak to a friendly and knowledgeable Member Services consultant on +267 390 8742 for assistance. Call centre hours are from Monday to Friday 08h15 to 16h30

Look for the Bargain Break stamp on certain resorts in your Private Edition magazine, these are the resorts most likely to offer these fantastic deals. Don't miss out! Browse through the Special offers online or make sure you're the first to know about the latest Bargain Breaks by signing up for our monthly newsletters or "last minute" email and SMS offers.

Be sure to indicate your communication preferences under My Profile or speak to a consultant on +267 390 8742 for assistance. Call centre hours are from Monday to Friday 08h15 to 16h30.

It's a good idea to know when inventory is released so that you don't miss out on your favourite resorts on your preferred dates. During the first half of each year, resorts notify The Holiday Club as to when we have access to units within those specific resorts.The units are released to The Holiday Club according to a resort's operational calendar, with release dates as late as June.

Units at our Signature Collection resorts are usually released in January and February. Signature Collection Resorts are those which are largely owned and managed by The Holiday Club. Once units are released, these are loaded onto our system and are then available to be booked online or through a Reservations Consultant.

We notify our Members through SMS's and email newsletters when units are available or when there are great special offers and discounts. Make sure that you select what marketing correspondence you want to receive and how often so you don't miss out! You can do this on your online Membership profile or alternatively you can phone a consultant for assistance.

Remember, reservations are on a "first come, first served" basis, so keep an eye out for our SMS's and newsletters. This way, you will always get to go on the holiday you really want!

Ready to pack your bags? Enjoy the convenience of booking your holiday online! Not only is our website conveniently available 24/7, you also enjoy an extra 10% off just for booking online

Our spas are designed to offer an unforgettable journey to help you feel completely relaxed and rejuvenated from head to toe. Our professional Body Bliss therapists are ready to melt all your stress away to give you that much-needed pampering you deserve during your holidays. If you or your near and dear could use a bit of a spoil, why not book a treatment? Everyone is catered for, even the little ones, with our Junior Bliss treatments!

As a Holiday Club Member, you get a discount on all salon treatments at any Body Bliss Day Spa and the discount depends on your membership tier. Just remember to present your membership card when booking on-site.

Did you know that you may use expiring Points to book treatments at Body Bliss? This is provided that the expiry Points have an expiry date of three months or more when booking the treatment. You can conveniently book for Body Bliss treatments through a Reservations Consultant at the same time you're booking your holiday!

Consult your 2017 Private Edition for Body Bliss Day Spa treatments and prices.

Go ahead, indulge. You deserve it.

We pride ourselves on the flexibility our Points System offers our Members, as well as offering affordable holiday options. For this reason we offer our Members value-added accommodation benefits in the form of Bargain Breaks.

At various low demand times of the year, and at selected resorts, The Holiday Club will discount the Points advertised in the standard Points Tables to create better value for our Members. This means that, wherever you see a Bargain Break advertised, you will be able to book using less Points than normal. To view and book for Bargain Breaks, simply log in to The Holiday Club website and view the latest Bargain Breaks on offer and book while you're online! Through Bargain Breaks you can also view the availability for selected resorts attached to every given deal for optimal holiday planning at discounted rates! Happy holiday planning!

Now that you have your spiffy new Private Edition 2017, why not put it to great use and start planning your holidays for 2017?

You can refer to your Demand Calendar on the first page of each region in your Private Edition 2017, to see which resorts are in high demand at certain periods during 2017, this should help you plan where you need to book in advance so as not to be disappointed. For your added convenience, you can also refer to the online edition of the Private Edition 2017 where you can access the demand calendar and see some awesome videos and fun interactive visuals.

Start speaking to your friends and family about your future holiday plans and if you have kids, you can plan around school holidays. Remember, out of season holidays and low demand resorts also offer you more value for your Points!

Now, what are you waiting for?

Grab your closest electronic devices and start making your reservations online for added points discounts; especially for those sought after resorts for 2017. Alternatively, speak to a Reservations Consultant on +267 390 8742 about your 2017 holidays.

We'd really love to have your feedback on where you best enjoy viewing this content and especially what types of features you like and dislike. We want to deliver content that you really care about and your feedback is so important to us! Please take a few minutes to give us some feedback and help us share the most relevant news and offers with you, our awesome Members! We've put together a quick survey on our Facebook page which you can find here!

• Some of our coastal resorts will be based in areas that enjoy additional festivities catering specifically for students, so you may find local areas busier than normal.
• Selected resorts will be charging a refundable breakage fee, which is payable on check in.
• If you are being awesome and treating your family and friends to a getaway by sending them on holiday using your Membership, please ensure that your Guest details for the booking are updated before check-in to reflect the guest that will be responsible for the booking.
• Valid identity documents must be presented by guests in order to complete the Indemnity Form that must be filled in at the resort upon check-in.
• During this period, all bookings require the occupying party to be accompanied by an individual 21years or older throughout the full occupation period.

Remember:

• Refer to your confirmation letter or check with your Reservations Consultant for special notes and information about the "selected" resorts.
• Provide a valid confirmation letter detailing all of the guests' names taking occupation, supported by valid ID copies upon check-in.

Should you require any assistance with your bookings, one of our helpful consultants will be happy to assist you on +267 390 8742.

So, if there is any aspect of your resort stay that you would love to compliment or feel could be improved upon and standardised across all of our resorts, we would absolutely love to hear your ideas!

Tell us what you would like to see standardised or improved at our resorts, and stand a chance to win a pair of Nikon binoculars to the value of R1 800! Email your suggestions to tellus@theholidayclub.co.za with the subject line "My Resort Ideas".

Good luck!

Competition closes 30 April 2017.

Going on holiday in Botswana is akin to coming home to tranquillity, and this comfortable lodge offers a truly African bush experience. Modumela is named after the indigenous Modumela tree, which surrounds the resort. The main Lodge, which is surrounded by many indigenous trees, comprises of a home-like dining room, bar and shop which overlook a scenic dam.

Offering game drives, birding, nature walks, swimming and orienteering, Modumela is a "must do" destination for the whole family. Modumela offers comfort, relaxation, peace and great hospitality to anyone longing for a back-to-nature retreat. Guests with their own 4x4 vehicle are welcome to take themselves on game drives around the expansive property.

The fully furnished, self-catering chalets at the resort are set in rustic thatched log cabins, each with en-suite bathrooms. There are fantastic on-site facilities and activities such as a swimming pool, board games, fishing, volleyball, mountain biking, braai facilities, nature walks and game drives to keep you entertained.

Modumela has an extensive list of animal sightings at the resort, and approximately 30 animal species have been recorded on the property, including Honey Badger, Impala, Kudu, Black-backed Jackal, Civet, Steenbok, Duiker, African Wild Cat, Caracal, Zebra, Reedbuck, Springhare, Scrub Hare, Wildebeest, Warthog, Eland, Brown Hyena and Hartebeest.

If you're looking for something to do off-site, the North East District of Botswana has a rich history, and historical places of interest are visited on some of the resorts day trips into the surrounding areas. Other activities of interest include viewing the local traditional dancers and drummers, the giant African rock Fig tree, the Domboshaba ruins, the Nata Bird Sanctuary, the Sowa Pan and local golf courses.

Sandpiper Dunes blends perfectly in with the surrounding desert and this gorgeous holiday resort caters for all modern conveniences, ensuring the opportunity to get as close to this sandy natural environment as they can. Sandpiper Dunes is made up of 20 luxurious units and each unit offers all of the essential facilities needed for a self-catering holiday, with the added benefit being able to step out of your unit straight into the beautiful natural desert. This provides a host of opportunities to have a fun and relaxing holiday, perfect for vacationers of any age!

The resort is a host of leisure activities, with the beach being just a stone's throw away as well as the resort also offering a swimming pool and games room for those lazy, sun-filled afternoons. With a play area for the kids, and the chance to kick back and do a little fishing, you're sure to be entertained and provided with ample time to relax during your stay.

The resort also offers WiFi (at a nominal fee) which means that you'll still be able to email your loved ones back home with priceless pictures of the beautiful sunsets and precious holiday memories. Outside of the resort itself, there are plenty of activities to fill up your days. Whether you head to the Walvis Bay museum, hike one of the fantastic Okakambe Trails, try one of the Pelican Tours or go for a little artistic enrichment at the Kristall Galerie, there is something entertaining for everyone.

Each unit comes with the option of satellite television allowing you to tune in to your favourite DSTV shows, housekeeping services (excluding Sundays and public holidays), and laundry services. Spacious and open-plan, the two bedroom units also come with their own enclosed patio and braai area.

The annual Membership fee services all levies charged at various resorts where The Holiday Club owns inventory. Simply put, the cost to operate a resort is divided amongst all owners at that resort. This fee also builds up reserves to pay for refurbishment costs like furniture, landscaping, external upgrades, appliances etc that need periodic replacement and capital costs due to normal wear and tear, just like your own costs when owning your house or car etc.

The annual Reservation fee covers administrative and staff costs relating to the Reservations and Member Services process offered via the call centre and online websites.

Why it's important for everyone to pay their Membership fees

The Holiday Club has in the past 21 years acquired investments in resorts throughout the country, and has developed some of its own quality resorts in some of the most popular destinations.

Staying true to our commitment of delivering exceptional service and quality standards at our own and managed resorts, we schedule refurbishments to ensure we are on par with contemporary trends in resort amenities and service offerings. These are some of the benefits of resort refurbishments:

• Conversion of smaller, unpopular units to bigger units for more family and friends to occupy. This means you can book one big unit instead of two separate, smaller units.
• Upgrade of old amenities like Putt-Putt courses, games rooms, on-site facilities such as food and beverage outlets, a fresh coat of paint on buildings and refurbishment of swimming pools.
• Inclusion of new amenities such as WiFi, games room, indoor swimming pools and spas.
• Improvements and maintenance of building interiors which include but are not limited to showers, baths, kitchen appliances, energy saving fixtures and bedrooms.

Therefore, if each Member pays their Membership Fees we can continue to add value to your Membership investment and ensure that you continue to enjoy the excellent services and standards you have grown accustomed to over the years. For more information on the various ongoing and future planned resort refurbishments, contact our Member Services Department on +267 390 8742 or email us at memberservice@theholidayclub.co.bw

Benefits of an Annual Reservation Fee vs Transaction Fees

Parting with hard earned money is a lot easier when you know what your money is paying for. One of our core values here at The Holiday Club is transparency. We are transparent about what we own, what you can access and what you pay for. Unlike most other Points clubs, we charge an annual Reservation fee and not a transaction fee per call or booking made.

How does it benefit you? Well, your Reservation fee covers you for:

• Unlimited call centre support.
• Unlimited website access and support.
• Multiple reservations may be confirmed and cancelled, without incurring additional transactional costs.
• Guests can be issued with booking confirmation letters, at no extra cost.
• Authorised Users can assess your account and make bookings or change details, at no extra cost.
• Access to additional holiday accommodation, offered by iExchange and Associated Resorts, without incurring additional administrative or booking fees.
• Monthly newsletters and special offers via email and SMS.

With other Points clubs, transaction fees are charged every time you access any of their inventory. What this means for you is that every time you go on holiday, you are required to pay an additional fee for accessing that inventory. Putting you at the heart of our business, The Holiday Club has been able to negotiate and develop good working relationships with our exchange partners without transferring the cost to you. This is just our own little way of showing you that we see you as part of The Holiday Club family.

For more information on Reservation fees and any other accounts, please login to our website and visit your Accounts page. Alternatively, contact our Member Services Department on +267 390 8742

Benefits of Annual Fees

With the continued payment of your annual Membership and Reservation fees, we have been able to contain administrative costs and eliminate transaction fees for every booking made through The Holiday Club. In addition, you gain access to more inventory options through new exchange partnerships, as your annual fees cover the administration costs, and resort refurbishments are often undertaken without raising special levies.

For more information about Membership and Reservation fees, contact our Member Services Department on +267 390 8742.

Late or Non-Payment Implications

• Accounts are due and payable when rendered.
• Only payments received before the due date are reflected on the current statement.
• Interest penalties will accrue and be payable on all overdue accounts.
• The Holiday Club is obligated to suspend your Points usage if any account is not current.

Pre-Payment of Membership & Reservation Fees

Should your Membership and Reservation Fees be paid monthly in advance, either by debit order or credit card*, you will qualify for either a 5% or 2% discount respectively. The discount will be credited to your account in the month that your Membership and Reservation Fees are invoiced. This discount excludes Amex & Diners Club credit cards.

* IMPORTANT NOTE: As it is difficult to determine the exact fees for the following year, an estimate is used and deducted from your account in equal instalments. The exact amount will only be known later in the year once the resorts have released their levy increases. If it is found that there is a shortfall on your Membership and Reservation Account, you will be contacted by a Collections Controller. Alternatively, you will be notified of the increase via SMS or statement and your payment will be adjusted accordingly.

Go Green with The Holiday Club

Update your Communication Preferences via www.theholidayclub.co.bw OR email your account number to green@theholidayclub.co.za and get your statements via email.

Collections Enquiries
+267 390 8742
memberservice@theholidayclub.co.bw

Offering an all-encompassing retreat for vacationers of all ages, Kiara Lodge has easy access to all the nearby attractions, along with a host of its own. Kiara lodge has recently built a stunning new state-of-the-art children's games room, perfect for keeping the kids entertained in those chilly winter months. With soft play systems for toddlers, a Lego area, a movie lounge to age appropriate Xbox games for the bigger kids, there is something for everyone!

Kiara Lodge has also added an adults only @Ease Lounge for over 21s only. It's a great facility if you're looking to get in some down time while the kids are kept busy in the games room. The @Ease Lounge features games such as pool and darts, flat screen TVs and is a Wi-Fi hotspot. Another fantastic and fun facility is the Jumping Pillow! The Jumping Pillow, which is an inflatable trampoline, is the first of its kind in South Africa and will provide hours of fun for the children, and the adults too!

There is currently construction underway in which a new solarium (indoor heated swimming pool area) and a new 18-hole Adventure Putt-Putt course are being built onsite!

Enjoy the spacious elegance of these self-catering chalets. Each chalet has an open plan entertainment area and fully equipped kitchen, perfect for cooking meals together and entertaining. Relax on your own private patio as you watch the sun rise over the mountains or grill dinner on the braai. And if you're looking to explore a little further, try out the Clarens Golf Course, or the art gallery or the Basotho Cultural Village to learn about the region's fascinating legacy. Alternatively, you can visit the Tugela Falls or the Royal Natal National Park.

Kiara Lodge is truly an all-encompassing and delightful family destination!

Updating your details online only takes a few seconds and will ensure that you're always up to date about our latest and greatest offers!

You can update the following:

• Your personal contact details
• Your communication preferences
• Using the Additional Communication Preferences tab, update which of your contacts you would like to keep informed about our latest news, special offers etc
• Your holiday preferences
• If you're sending a guest on holiday, update their details at any time!

With the Festive Season fast approaching, be sure that your details are correct so that we can keep you informed about great Last Minute deals and special offers!

Membership Tiers are your access to all of the fantastic value-added benefits that The Holiday Club has to offer. Tier benefits are unique to The Holiday Club's Members and your exclusive Membership card allows you to enjoy many special discounts!

Upgrade and Save

Times are a bit tough and you're probably looking for a little more bang for your buck? If that's the case, you should consider upgrading your Tier Level and giving yourself AND your family access to even more awesome holiday experiences!

The higher your Membership Tier level, the larger the discounts are that you get to enjoy, namely:

• Reservations made on Bonus Rentals
• Longer Complimentary iExchange membership, this opens you up to a world of vacation exchange possibilities!
• Discounts on Body Bliss Day Spa treatments
• Travel and car hire rates when bookings are made through our Lifestyle Centre

However, we urge you to remember; only Points purchased from an accredited The Holiday Club Marketing Agent will qualify you for an upgrade to the next Tier level. Trade-ins, Accerent points or the purchase of "second hand" Points will unfortunately not upgrade you to the next level.

Contact us on memberservice@theholidayclub.co.bw or phone +267 390 8742

To familiarise yourself with all aspects of expiring Points, click here!

The Holiday Club Points are allocated annually on the first day of your Anniversary month (the month your first debit order was raised) which, if unused, can be carried over for an additional two years. However, by the end of the third year you must have used at least the first year's Points, otherwise you will unfortunately lose these Points. We recommend that you utilise these points by making a confirmed reservation before or on the last day of the month preceding your Anniversary month. Should a reservation be cancelled that was originally made with Points that would have expired, then these Points will automatically be lost when cancelled.

We would like to remind you that expiring Points may also be used to book an indulgent treatment at a Body Bliss Day Spa at selected Signature Collection resorts, to purchase our quality branded merchandise or for car hire while on holiday. Please refer to your Private Edition magazine for all Terms and Conditions that may apply!

How do I know I have Points to expire?

The easiest and fastest way to check up on the status of your points is via your profile on The Holiday Club website. Login Now

Remember! Our highly skilled Member Services Consultants are always on standby to assist you with enquiries regarding your Points. Contact a dedicated Support Consultant today on +267 390 8742 between 08h00 and 16h30 on weekdays (Monday - Friday).

Online Support

In order to access our Online Support Service you can visit the following website: www.theholidayclub.co.bw. This new and exciting service will offer you, our Valued Botswana members, a host of great benefits such as:

• Convenience
• Time and cost-effectiveness
• A user-friendly online experience

This exciting new service will also allow you to access a great deal of information including:

• Bookings
• Resorts
• Points Statements
• Points Balances
• Specials
• Latest News
• etc.

Self-Service Centre

Our self-service centre allows our Botswana members access to trained and qualified agents, to ensure you receive all the information and assistance you require as well as the personal touch.

By visiting one of our trained and qualified agents you can:

• Receive assistance with all membership related queries.
• Become educated on how to make the best use of your points.
• Know your membership benefits.
• Upgrade your points portfolio
• etc.

The contact details for our self-service centre are:

Telephone : +267 390 8742
Facsimile : +267 390 6526
E-mail : memberservice@theholidayclub.co.bw

The Holiday Club Points are allocated annually on the first day of your Anniversary month which, if unused, can be carried over for use the following year and for a further one year thereafter.  Simply put, Points not used in a particular year may be banked for use in the following year. You can accrue Points for two years, but by the end of the third year you must have used at least the first year's Points, otherwise you will forfeit these Points.

You may, during the year of expiry, safeguard your Points by making a reservation for later in the year or even for the following year, as long as the reservation is confirmed before or on the last day of the month preceding your Anniversary month. Expiring Points may also be used, 60-days prior to Expiry Date, to book a relaxing Body Bliss Day Spa treatment offered at selected Signature resorts, or the purchase of our quality branded merchandise or the reservation of a car when on holiday.

Should a reservation be cancelled that was originally made with Points that would have expired but for the reservation, then these Points will automatically expire.

Have you ever considered playing a round on one of Africa's premier golf courses in the morning, followed by a game drive to spot one of Africa's Big 5 in the late afternoon? Perhaps you are inspired by the breath taking views of the Drakensberg whilst walking along one of its numerous hiking trails? How about treating your family to a whole day of fun at South Africa's entertainment mecca and then returning to a luxury villa for an evening braai around your very own splash pool? If Latin charm, feasting on peri-peri prawns and lazing on a dazzling powder soft beach is appealing to you, what about Mozambique?

Contact a Reservations Consultant on +267 390 8742 and receive a preferential discount!

Resort Portfolio

Regretfully, reservations cannot just be moved to a later date if the request to move the reservation takes place less than 10 weeks before the actual occupation date. We have to cancel the reservation and then make another reservation for the new date. If the new occupation date is less than 10 weeks away, you will lose all the Points or part of the Points that you used for the original reservation - so chat to your consultant first to ascertain whether moving your reservation will result in the loss of the Points that you used for that reservation.

For more information on Moving a Reservation email us on memberservice@theholidayclub.co.bw or speak to one of our consultants on +267 390 8742.

We all like to spoil ourselves now and then and getting a spa treatment is something we can all partake in. At Body Bliss Day Spa we aim to offer a tranquil retreat where you can let go, be pampered by our qualified staff and indulge in life's little pleasures like getting a massage or a pedicure. When on your next holiday you really have no excuse, so take the time to indulge in a treatment or two to revive mind, body and soul.

As part of our commitment to helping you relax on your holidays, The Holiday Club has partnered with Body Bliss Day Spas at Kiara Lodge, Cayley Lodge, Hazyview Cabanas and The Kingdom Resort. Whether you long for a body scrub, facial, foot massage or wish to indulge in one of our Luxury Retreats, there is a treatment with your name on it. For a list of treatments, click here or refer to pages 64 and 65 of Private Edition 2016.

Spa treatments can be booked in advance using your Points or cash. As a THC member, you enjoy discounted rates based on your Membership Tier on all cash or card payments. To make use of these discounts, you will need to provide your Membership card. You can even use Points that are due to expire to pay for treatments. Keep in mind that Points can only be used to book treatments if it is due to expire in 60 or more days.

To indulge in a little R&R, speak to a Reservations Consultant on +267 390 8742 or email bodybliss@theholidayclub.co.za to book a treatment.

Along with being able to see available resorts in real time and make online reservations, you are now able to cancel upcoming reservations. You can now cancel all upcoming reservations made through the call centre or online at any time without the hassle of waiting in the call queues listening to classical music.

To cancel an upcoming reservation, you simply logon to your account and go to My Bookings. A list of all your future reservations is displayed with the current status of each reservation. You also have the option to View the reservation details to ensure you're cancelling the right reservation. Once the desired reservation(s) has been selected, click on the Cancel Booking tab. A detailed breakdown of the Points cost, Points Loss(if any), a link to our cancellation rules and a compulsory tick box to acknowledge you understand the cancellation rules is displayed to ensure you are aware of the penalties of the cancellation.

For more information on the cancelation rules, contact our Reservations Department on +267 390 8742 or our Member Services Department Botswana on +267 390 8742

Life is cyclical. We all go through seasons of ups and downs but that doesn't mean we can't help the wheel turn a little bit in our favour. But how? Research has proved that going on a holiday is great for mind, body and soul so it's definitely one of the best ways of getting yourself out of the dumps and putting a big smile on your face.

Here are a few red lights to indicate that you may really be in need of a holiday:

• Monday mornings are like something from hell.
• Often people's first words to you are "You look sooo tired!"
• You can't concentrate on anything.
• You snap easily.
• You have imaginary (but intense!) arguments with colleagues.
• You cry when you watch TV - even during MasterChef.
• You are just plain, good old-fashioned tired.

There is something about holidays
What is it about a holiday that makes you feel human again? And we're talking about a real holiday - one where you pack your bags and leave your home. Why is a change of scenery so important? Here are a few reasons:

1. You'll have time to relax and just breathe
When you never take time to stop and relax you become grumpy, sick and unproductive. During a holiday, your body goes into a period of recuperation. You'll feel the physical changes from your holiday almost immediately. Your shoulders won't be in a permanent knot, you'll get fewer headaches and you'll be able to get going in the morning without a strong cup of black coffee. In the long run, this means that your risk for stress-related diseases like heart attacks and strokes may even lower because you're taking care of your body and mind.

2. You'll have time to be active
If you're already diligent with your workout routine you'll know how important it is to stay active to combat stress. Holidays allow you to stay active in a fun way that will help to increase your energy levels and better your mood. Nothing is more refreshing than going for a long walk on the beach, hiking in the mountains or spending your days in the pool.

3. You'll get to spend quality time with your family
It's unfortunate, but between work, school and all our other commitments we tend to live past each other - even the people we share a home with. When last did you spend an entire day just laughing and having fun with your spouse or your kids without worrying about something you need to do later? When last did you all sit around one table to enjoy a meal? During holidays you and your loved ones get to bond in a relaxed and fun environment - it's where great memories are made.

4. It's good for your health
Studies have shown that going on holiday can increase your resistance to heart-related diseases, reduces stress and improves your sleep pattern. Another big bonus when on holiday is the conversion of cholesterol in the skin to vitamin D3 when spending time in the sun. In general we also tend to laugh more when on holiday. Frequent laughter lowers blood pressure, reduces stress hormone levels and boost immune system cells, called T cells. No wonder they say laughter is the best medicine!

5. You'll be more creative afterwards
Not only will your brain be more relaxed after some time off, but you'll be inspired by your new environment. That's why it's also important to try new things whilst on holiday. Go see a movie you'll not usually watch, do an activity that scares you a little bit and eat something you've never tried before. All these experiences will contribute to a higher level of creativity and help generate new ideas.

So with this in mind, start planning your next holiday. We can't wait to host you and your loved ones at one of our resorts.

Making arrangements for your next holiday has just become a bit easier. Through Lifestyle Centre's 1-Stop-Travel benefit, our Members book flights and car hire in one easy process.

We have partnered with First Car Rental to bring our members discounted offers on car hire. Simply book your car hire online to automatically qualify for these competitive rates. For help with air tickets call us or email us your travel dates as well as departure and arrival airport.

We created the Points table in order to help you plan your next holiday better and to know what it'll cost. Apart from this information being available in your Private Edition magazine, it's also available in greater detail on the website.

All you have to do is to login to your account and select your preferred resort. Click on the tab that reads "Points Table". Here you'll find all information about the different parts of the resort, the sleeper sizes, spans (duration of your holiday) and the calendar year for which you're planning your holiday. You can even see when each check-in date will be.

For more information on the Points Table read the article in your Private Edition magazine or call us on 390 8742.

We had a great time meeting with so many THC Botswana Members at our new offices at the Grand Union Building in Gaborone on 3 March 2016.

The event was filled with laughter, great food and drinks as well as prizes. The crowd loved the Balloon Popping and 30 people walked away with merchandise from the Club's collection.

Neville Beekman, Director of The Holiday Club South Africa informed Members that there will be a much bigger focus on the Botswana Club over the next few years. With the addition of Modumela Lodge weeks as well as the highly esteemed Peermont Hotels now accessible via Points bookings, the Club's inventory portfolio is already growing. Mr Beekman also advised that there will be a big focus on acquiring new, local resorts to add to the choices for Club Members.

Steve McCarroll, Sales Director of The Holiday Club ended the evening by giving thanks to all the staff members of the Botswana office for their hard work and those in attendance.

One of the biggest anticipations of the evening was that one lucky guest would walk away with a weekend away at a Peermont Group Hotel! We're happy to announce that Mr and Mrs M Maphanyane are the lucky winners. We hope that you enjoy your time away!

Holidays are a time for relaxation with family and friends and being carefree. However, in order to ensure the safety and comfort of all our members, there are some resort rules and regulations that need to be adhered to. Over the next few months we'll be reminding you of some of the key regulations when visiting our resorts.

#1: No Overcrowding

Simply defined, overcrowding is to fill an accommodation space beyond its capacity or beyond what is comfortable. We've had a few complaints from other guests about noise levels as a result of overcrowding.

Please ensure you check your Confirmation Letter after you've confirmed your reservation for the maximum number of guests allowed to occupy a unit.

The Confirmation Letter also tells you how many adults and children are allowed in each unit. And because your comfort is our number one priority, we've also added a recommended number of guests per unit as a guideline of what would be comfortable for each unit.

Our resorts do not allow overcrowding as this impacts the safety and comfort of other guests. Overcrowding also makes it extremely difficult for the resort staff and management to do their jobs effectively and efficiently.

For more information about this matter, please contact us on 390 8742.

To make the resort search experience as quick and easy as possible, we have enhanced the search function on our website to reduce the search time and help you decide where your next holiday destination will be.

All you have to do is:

• Login to your account
• On your dashboard, look for the "Search" widget
• Click the "Availability" button on the "Search" widget
• By clicking on the "Availability" button, you're taken to a page requiring you to enter your intended Check-In and Check-Out dates. Select your preferred dates and a country from the drop down menu and click "Go". The results displayed will be for all the available resorts for the date range you've selected.

To further ease your navigation experience, click on the button below the resort write-up that says "View Resort Availability". Here you'll see the Points cost for the reservation and suggested alternative to your preferred dates.

For more information on resort availability and other features, please contact us on 390 8742.

A New Year is upon us and we're still feeling the laid-back vibes of the past Festive Season and our annual holidays. Unfortunately, unscrupulous and fraudulent people never go on holiday and we want to take another opportunity to warn and remind you about individuals parading themselves as agents of The Holiday Club.

We urge all our Members who are interested in purchasing additional Points to deal only with our accredited agents. Beware when approached by companies offering you fantastic options and promises regarding your Holiday Club Points. If it's too good to be true, then it probably is.

For more information on new purchases, upgrades and resale of Points or to verify any agent of The Holiday Club please contact us on 390 8742.