Arno Carstens is the stuff SA rock legends are made of. He pushed boundaries as the lead singer of the cult rock band Springbok Nude Girls and going solo has given fans and his career a totally new dimension. 

We caught up with him after his trip to Zanzibar in January. Check out the holiday snaps.

GoTravel24: You recently visited Zanzibar, would you recommend it as a holiday destination and why?
Arno Carstens: “It is our fourth visit. The resort has no TV or Telephones, so I go there to rest. I do lots of reading, snorkelling and there is lots of good company. It’s like the Betty Ford clinic, except we party a little now and then.”

Favourite place in Zanzibar or would that be giving too much away?
“My favourite place would be the resort we always stay at… Hakuna Majiwe. I rarely leave it once I arrive as it has everything I need for a relaxed, remote getaway. They arrange snorkelling and diving trips and pretty much anything you feel like. Diving with the dolphins was a big highlight for me.

“Paje By Night is another place I would recommend, it has excellent music and pizza and a pool table. Good for some fun in the evening. For somewhere a little more exotic, there is a fantastic place called The Tower Top restaurant at the Emerson & Green Hotel in Stone Town. A great way to spend a lazy afternoon.”

As one of SA’s most popular and successful musicians, does it bother you being recognised while on holiday?
“No, I am use to it. If it wasn’t for these people I wouldn’t be able to go on holiday so it works both ways.”

Are you mostly a bush baby, eco adventurer, extreme thrill-seeker, beach bandit, or five-star freak?
“None of the above. It’s more like I go to heaven on holiday, chilling out and being totally anonymous. I also enjoy being surrounded by people whose language I don’t understand.”

Local is lekker when you find yourself in...
“Betty’s Bay, you are surrounded by the mountains of the Boland.”

My favourite hangout in the global village is...
“Is New York, although I don’t go there much. Switzerland, Italy and the Play Boy Mansion would also be cool...”

Your travel nightmare would have to be...
“Kenya , Zimbabwe and Iraq. Also just having too much baggage and carrying it around.”

Your dream getaway would see you...
“Going to the Space Hotel for a week or to the North Pole before all the snow melts.”

Travelling in style is..
“First class all the way.”

Are you a walking holiday itinerary or a spontaneous relaxation rebel?
“Definitely the spontaneous relaxation rebel. My lifestyle, doing shows and that kind of thing, means that I am constantly surrounded by people and it’s all very structured and leaves me little time to just spend my days as and how I please. So the last thing I want is a step by step itinerary when I am trying to relax.

“A good holiday for me is somewhere remote, somewhere where I can decide in the morning what I feel like doing that day and somewhere that to have a good time all I need is a good book, good friends and good food. And good wine.”

Have you had or made any mile-high club propositions?
“I am a member for a couple of years now – thanks to my wife.”

Your ideal travel companion is...
“My wife but if I could pick person it would have to be Jack Nicholson.”

You never travel without your...
“ My sunblock, vitamins and a book.”

Tip to make and not break the holiday...
“Don’t Party too much and take a good book.”

What keeps you coming back for more...
“Good friends and a tropical heaven.”

Having recently shared the stage with Grammy award-winning Amy Winehouse in 2007, you can catch Arno at various gigs around the country in April. He will also be performing at the Granaat Festival in Bloemfontein during May. Check out Channel24 for listings.

Make like Arno and enjoy an island retreat. Click here to book a beach holiday.