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There's no doubt that the seasons are changing and for some of us, who are not that into the cold and blustery, it cannot come soon enough. Time to shake off that wintry self and head to one of these...
Step into spring along the West Coast
To catch a glimpse of Spring’s rebirth, head to the Cape West Coast where winter has shaken off her coat to reveal a heavenly sight of bright spring flowers.
Base yourself in the picture-perfect fishing village of Paternoster and celebrate the changing seasons with complete abandon at Abalone House and Spa.
This intimate 10-suite guesthouse is known for its eclectic décor, supreme luxury touches, Reuben’s restaurant serving delicious fare and endless views of the bay. Aside from the fresh seaside air, endless beach walks, beachnic (that’s a beach picnic!) and fun exploring the village shops and eateries, the guesthouse’s Healing Earth Spa is a highlight for visitors.
The New Moon Journey is particularly recommended this spring: body brushing, a cleansing bath ritual, detoxifying exfoliation and a body balm massage – all using mongongo nut known for its detoxifying properties - pure heaven.
Check out their Spring deal priced at R2 250 per person sharing per night and includes the following: two nights’ accommodation, breakfast each morning, one spa treatment (two hours), a two-course dinner at Reuben's every night and one spring-themed Beachnic.
For more information on seasonal specials and to book, call Abalone House and Spa direct on (27) (022) 752 2044; email info@abalonehouse.co.za or visit www.abalonehouse.co.za.
Escape in the Purple City
Pretoria is a city. You can go there for a weekend. Imagine that? Go shopping, visit museums or even try out this new outdoor adventure playground.
Gautengers might want to make it an overnight theatre escape or just a spring weekend escapade to get away from it all.
Check into the Brooks Cottage - a small B&B, set in Brooklyn, a leafy suburb east of Pretoria's centre, a few kilometres from Brooklyn Mall, Hatfield's lively night scene and the University of Pretoria. The Hatfield Gautrain station is 3km away and just a block from the bus stop.
Brooks presents a historically stylish stay, that’s rather like visiting your gracious old aunt in the city.
Offering five luxurious rooms, surrounded by a lush (green) garden, all accentuated by simple pleasures and interesting detail such as pewter sherry glasses and flowers in the toilet bowl. Yes. Rose petals.
The rooms have huge beds, antique furniture and are individually styled to add to the experience. Rates start from R450pp (sharing) and include a full breakfast. For more info visit Brookscottage.co.za
Ewe needs a break in the Free State?
(Marinda Louw)
Imagine open spaces, crisp cold air and the smell of the veld. A sheep farm just outside Bloemfontein might be just the right cure for shaking off the winter blues. Those in need of silence and solitude will do well here.
De Oude Kraal country Estate and Spa is a working farm, 30km south of the Free State's capital. But it's more than just a plaas, offering luxury rooms with open fireplaces, a spa, gourmet restaurant and a flock of things to do.
During your stay, indulge in some horse riding with a guide to see the sheep, a run on the farm or enjoy the pleasures of one of the treatments with sheep-related names such as 'Royal Ewe' and 'Ram's Delight'.
After nurturing your soul, nurture the tummy at the restaurant. The restaurant has been on the top 100 list of Fine Dining restaurant for nine years and has a wine list to match their status. The menu changes daily according to available ingredients but includes fare such as succulent Free-State lamb.
De Oude Kraal has some delicious specials such as 10% discount on a 2-night weekend stay or overnight stay for two guests, including breakfast, 5-course dinner, a 60 minute massage and free use of the sauna and Jacuzzi for R2600. Visit deoudekraal.com for more info or email info@deoudekraal.com.
Tasteful time-out in the winelands
Go there for the food and you will stay the night. Stay a weekend to be totally fed-up. Literally. Chef Reuben Riffels' restauran serves culinary masterpieces with simple and fresh ingredients at this small hotel in the winelands town of Robertson.
The Robertson Small Hotel is 160km from Cape Town, perfect for a tasteful weekend in the country. The five-star boutique hotel has 10 rooms in an eclectic French-inspired style
Awarded best luxury country in South Africa for three years, you can expect the menu to match. Fare such as chilli salted squid with lime mayonnaise and pork belly with chilli-ginger caramel will win your heart. But you will not be able to move.
Best to rest, then.
Or you can arrange muscle warmth with walks around the town or a visit to the in-house spa. Treatments at the Wellness Room include a full body cocoa wrap, facials, aromatherapy and reflexology.
Various winter specials are available including an overnight stay with a complimentary treatment at the Wellness room. Rates start at R1070 pp sharing. Book at reservations@therobertsonsmallhotel.com
Old school resort-style fun
(Marinda Louw)
At Crawford's Beach Lodge in Cintsa, near East London, the welcome is warm, the sea is safe and the 35km beach will invite you for a walk. With temperatures in the mid-20's you will be tempted to show some leg.
Crawford's is a family-run seaside resort with a small-town feel and the best aspect about its location is the sea. If you can, choose a sea view unit, if not, the sea is an ever-present rush of sound through the curtains or just a few meters down some stairs.
A perfect family getaway, there are children activities, nanny services, child play area (with trampoline) a games room with a pool table and table tennis. And of course free Wi-Fi. Games for adults include a tennis court, two pools, an Indian Ocean and various organized activities including game drives, village tours and canoe trips.
Crawford's has a weekend special now from R675 pppn including three meals per day. In August, children under 12 stay free. Visit crawfordsbeachlodge.co.za to book.
Where is your favourite weekend escape? Share your indulgence with us and you could be featured on Traveller24. Email info@traveller24.co.za or come join us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or tag us on Instagram.
