Little Italy Diaries
Covid-19   |   News   |   Resort Upgrades   |   Awards   |   Events   |   Animal Sightings   |   Notices

The first few months of 2020 have been turbulent – with the threat of COVID-19 hitting us all a little too close to home. It might take a while, but we will all recover from this global disaster and come out stronger than ever!

 

The only thing we can do, with certainty, is hope; pray; and continue dreaming about a better tomorrow. When we close our eyes and listen to the songs of the ocean – it is easy to imagine what ‘a better tomorrow’ will look like.

 

We can see you by our side, smiling, laughing and having a wondrous time basking in the sunshine at Uvongo River Resort – your little slice of Italy on the Lower South Coast. We are beyond blessed to have your ongoing support and loyalty and are looking forward to creating many more incredible memories with you this year and the years to come.

 

Read on to find out what makes your Uvongo River Resort so special.
VRS Covid-19 Shareholder Notice
COVID-19

We would like to extend our gratitude to every shareholder, as well as to South Africa as a nation, for heeding the call of President Cyril Ramaphosa on the eve of the nation address in relation to the COVID-19 lockdown and restrictions. We, as the Managing Agent of your preferred holiday destination, would like to thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to navigate this pandemic.

 

A message from Marjorie Forssman, Managing Director of Vacation Recreational Services:

“Our commitment to providing an environment to create everlasting memories for all our shareholders and guests remains at the forefront of our mission. In light of the current COVID-19 situation, VRS is implementing viable management solutions for your home-away-from-home to ensure the health and safety of you and your families for when you can enjoy your holidays once more. The VRS Team extends their heartfelt empathy for all who have been affected, direct- or indirectly, by this outbreak. Our faith lies firmly that South Africa will emerge from this situation stronger than before and with a heightened appreciation for this beautiful country; let us remain united as a nation.”

 

Kindly note, in compliance with government regulations and our own policies and procedures that Uvongo River Resort will remain closed to the public until it is deemed appropriate, by government, to return to normal operations. That being said, we want you to know that we are missing the sight of all your lovely families arriving in Reception and the happy sounds of your holidays unfolding! We are eagerly awaiting, and we know you are too, the day when we are able to open our gates once more; returning to a time where you may relish every moment at your ‘Little Italy’ in a safe and relaxing environment.

 

Click here to view relevant COVID-19-related news and information

 

As our further commitment to you during these trying times as we are sure you are looking forward
to being able to visit your home-away-from-home:

 

VRS Options
 

DON'T LOSE YOUR WEEK

VRS Options has been made available to our shareholders to deposit the week(s) which have been lost, due to the nationwide lockdown and/or the extended closure of Uvongo River Resort in return for tokens to the full value of the respective week.

Please visit VRS Options, bank the stay you can no longer occupy and retrieve your tokens, to be used for a future Resort-stay. A small Exchange Fee is the only payment required to open the possibilities of a multitude of Resorts to you. While we understand this means you might not receive an equivalent stay at Uvongo River Resort for a future date, we are sure this gesture, of an alternative holiday for your family, will result in many cherished holiday memories.

Visit VRS Options
 
 

Our thoughts and prayers are with each shareholder, as you manoeuvre through these trying times. Please do not hesitate to reach out to VRS Property Admin, should you require further information.

All emails can be directed to propertyadmin@vrs.co.za


Uvongo River Resort
– A Legacy worth taking good care of
Uvongo

We are well aware of and sensitive to the impact of the current state of national disaster, but in our role as ‘caretaker’ of your Resort, we understand that our monthly obligations – such as municipal charges, rates and taxes, administration, Resort maintenance – remain payable; and are necessary in order for us to ensure that we are able to welcome you back to your beautiful Resort as soon as possible.

 

We would like to thank all those shareholders who have continued to pay their levies, especially those who have paid even though they, sadly, lost the use of their week this year, due to the COVID-19 situation. 

 

This is a Team-Uvongo match
and we need each one of our shareholders,
at our side, in the line-up.

We thank all shareholders for your continued support in ensuring the upkeep of the Resort at this time.

 

Awards and Applause

Hip, Hip Hooray…
Three cheers for the incredible Uvongo River Resort Team!

Booking.com score

The hardworking Uvongo River Resort Team scored an 8.6 out of 10
in the annual Booking.com Traveller Review Awards for 2020
.

This is an appreciation programme that recognises partners for their exceptional hospitality, as evidenced in the review scores left by travellers after their stay or experience.

We would like to congratulate the Uvongo River Resort Team and individuals on this phenomenal achievement!

Did you know that we are on Facebook?

Uvongo Facebook

Give us a like and follow the day-to-day happenings at your favourite South Coast Resort.

We love hearing from you, our valued shareholders, as well as our treasured guests – so interact with us and share your experiences for all to see. Let us know what makes Uvongo River Resort YOUR home-away-from-home.
VISIT OUR PAGE TODAY
Animal Sightings

The South Coast is a wonderful place filled with numerous incredible animals. Seeing as though we are headed into winter, we thought it only appropriate to share some of the animals we should be seeing soon.

Sardine Run
SARDINE RUN

Known as one of the most magnificent ocean migrations, the Sardine Run – a natural phenomenon - happens anywhere between May and August, annually, and sees millions of sardines move from the colder Cape waters to the warmer waters of KwaZulu-Natal to breed. Did you know that the Sardine Run can be seen by satellite?

 

The giant shoal of sardines – approximately 15km long – attracts predators including whales, sharks and dolphins. The intelligent dolphins round the sardines up into ‘bait balls’ and then the feast begins. These slippery, silver fish are often driven into shallow waters where delighted bystanders scoop them up by the bucket-load.


There are plenty of seaside activities and events taking place during Sardine Season to ensure that the whole family enjoys the winter days.

Whale Migration
WHALE MIGRATION

The South Coast is the perfect spot to experience and watch these graceful giants as they head to and from their breeding grounds in Mozambique.

 

Did you know that whales migrate through our waters annually between May and December? The Whale migration and Sardine Run often coincide as whales feed on these small fish, tiny shrimp (krill), as well as plankton.

 

Mothers and their young swim close together and often affectionately touch one another with their flippers. Whales only become adults once they reach sexual maturity – this could be between 6 and 10 years of age. These underwater giants can live anywhere between 30 to 70 years old.

 

PS. The best days for whale watching are clear, windless days.

Resort News

Have you been wondering what has been happening at your home-away-from-home?

Read below and wonder no more!
Nikita

Nikita De Vries

Uvongo River Resort has a new Team Member! Nikita De Vries started her role as our new Front Office Administrator on the 17th of December 2019. Nikita was thrown in the deep end as she started during our busiest season, nevertheless, she has caught on quickly and performs her duties with great talent. She is always willing to go the extra mile and also enjoys interacting with our guests and making them feel welcome.

Updates and Refurbishments

We are constantly looking for new and innovative ways to improve our guests’ experiences. Below are two of our 2020 undertakings in this regard.

 
Refurb - benches

We have upgraded the Mini Golf area by adding seating for our guests. Parents keeping an eye on their children, while they play, can now watch them from this new relaxing and comfortable space.

 
Refurb - Airbricks

To ensure our units are well ventilated and to prevent damp and mould, we have started installing airbricks in all of the rooms and living areas. An airbrick is a special type of brick that contains holes to allow the circulation of 'fresh' outside air.

Special Occasions and Fun Days

Special Occasions and Fun Days mean a lot to all of us here at Uvongo River Resort. These days allow us to unleash our creativity, show off our fun side and make our guests smile from ear-to-ear.

 
December holidays
 

December School Holidays

We might not have an extensive Holiday Programme with activities throughout the day, but the activities we do offer keep our youngest guests bouncing with delight. December 2019 was no different! We had arts & crafts, Mr & Miss Uvongo and our first ever Amazing Race – which was a roaring success! Our unique location makes it possible for our guests to enjoy a day at the beach – wading in the water, building sandcastles, and even basking in the warm sunshine – and spend some time outdoors with the Uvongo Entertainment Team, which means you really can make the most of the great South Coast outdoors.

 
Christmas Celebrations
 

Christmas Celebrations

Christmas check-in was a real treat! We set up a table outside Reception with marshmallow snowmen, chocolate coated marshmallows, freshly popped popcorn, cupcakes, chocolates, sweets and juice – everything one needs to make check-in extra-special!. In the days before Christmas, the kiddies had the chance to make some Christmas art – this was an activity that the mommies enjoyed just as much!

 
New Years
 

New Years

Our New Year’s check-in was filled with the sound of excitement. Guests were welcomed with some freshly baked cupcakes, lightly salted popcorn, other sweet treats and some refreshing juice.

 
Valentines
 

Valentine’s Day

Our guests were spoiled rotten during our Valentine’s Day celebrations. Specialised mugs were printed with adorable messages, filled with ‘cake in a mug’ sachets, wrapped in cellophane and tied together with a special little note. We decorated Reception with little hearts and offered coconut ice, Rice Krispy treats, popcorn, sweets and juice to our guests during check-in. One of our guests contacted us before their arrival to ask if we could assist with a romantic turndown; we surprised the couple by folding their towels like swans and sprinkling rose petals and sweets in the Main Bedroom. We love being able to go the extra mile for all of our guests!

 

UniVate Properties

Uni-Vate Properties is your one stop portal for all residential, vacation ownership and commercial property.

Univate Properties
 
VACATION TIMESHARE
 
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES
 
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

The Uni-Vate Properties portal not only allows you to buy weeks at your favourite Resort but you can also sell your Vacation Ownership week in a few simple steps.

 

Click here to view our latest stock

African Blessings

AFRICAN BLESSINGS
Did you know that we support African Blessings?
This Non-Profit and Public Benefit Company cares for its community, children, animals and the environment. Check out their website for their latest projects and developments.

 

More info...
VRS Options

VRS Options
VRS Options allows you to exchange your fixed holiday for availability at various Resorts, for alternative dates or unit sizes. We’ve secured you a multitude of destinations through some of our partners to give you more holiday options.

(Please note that the exchange fee will increase in 2021)

More info...

 

Take the pressure out of planning the journey to your favourite home-away-from-home: our partners at ACT Travel are here to plan your flights, car hire and so much more to ensure you have the most relaxing vacation.

ACT Travel
Important Notices
Timeshare Calendar >
2020 | 2021
 
Instruction letter >
2020 | 2021
 
VRS Website >
Click here
 
2019 ASM Minutes >
Click here
 
Covid-19 Notice>
Click here

Keep in Touch With Us

Uvongo Facebook   Uvongo TripAdvisor
In Closing...

While we cannot be certain how long the effects of this outbreak will last on our lives, we are certain that through everything, we are by your side – dreaming of and working towards a better tomorrow.

 

Thank you for your support and encouragement through the years. We look forward to your next stay with us,
 

where you can experience the warmth and hospitality of your “holiday family” once again.

We are thankful that you have chosen Uvongo River Resort as your home-away-from-home and the place where your holiday memories are made.

 

Until we see each other again… May all your dreams come true during this next half of 2020.

Warm Regards,


Marjorie Forssman
VRS – Managing Director 
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