National Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the strength and fortitude of the special ladies in our lives. Why not make a long weekend of it? In that vein we’ve rounded up some of the best long-weekend stays – with options for pampering and family fun thrown in for good measure.

Romance & Pampering in the Western Cape

Centrally located in Cape Town O on Kloof, with an outdoor water fountain, cosy sitting area with a fireplace and sherry on arrival, makes you feel pampered from the moment you set foot inside. The plush rooms come with decadent en-suite bathrooms, air-conditioning, sitting areas, and tea-and-coffee stations. O on Kloof is a perfect stay for romance and pampering in the Mother City, with a an enviable location close to inner city entertainments, a chef available during the day to cater to your dining needs, a heated swimming pool and a beautiful, revamped spa.

While in Cape Town: consider enjoying a glitzy high tea to add to the luxurious experience.

Restful Retreat in KwaZulu-Natal

Calming views of the river and surrounding greenery make Treehouse River Lodge, in Shongweni, a perfect option for restful stays. Spa treatments, easy access to game reserves and tourism routes, hiking trails and picnic spots ensure that you’ll have plenty of opportunity to unwind. Accommodation is offered in either self-catering log cabins or catered romantic suites.

Fun for the family: PheZulu Safari Park is an interesting day outing with a cultural village, reptile park and wildlife experiences.

A City Stay in Jozi

With the look of a Tuscan manor, it’s hard to believe that the 4-star Avondhu Guest House is located just outside of Johannesburg in Saxonwold. A lush garden, tennis court, swimming pool, and proximity to nearby attractions such as Zoo Lake, Emmarentia Dam, and the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, will keep all ages happy. Rooms offer queen-sized beds and cosy sitting areas, and we love Room 5 for its sunken bath and hours of sunlight.

For more romance: check out these 5 retreats only 2 hours from Joburg.

Wildlife Fun in the North West

Surrounded by bushveld, Almar Exclusive Game Ranch is ideal for those hoping to have a complete break from the routine of life. Biking and hiking trails surround the property and San art and an old ruin that dates to 1898 make for a fun morning outing. Watch the gemsbuck, hartebeest, springbuck, ostrich, zebra and eland roam the farm, or go on a game drive to visit them, as you revel in the pastoral peace. A jungle gym and swimming pool will keep children entertained while accommodation options include a honeymoon suite and a luxury chalet.

For adventure lovers, there are some great places for family fun found around the North West.

Safari in Style in the Eastern Cape

Shamwari Game Reserve offers the sort of fairytale safari stay you’d expect for a Big 5 reserve, and comes with the credits of World’s Leading Conservation Company and Game Reserve. Though it costs a pretty penny to stay there, the private game drives for groups of 6 just add to the overall experience. Spa treatments, a swimming pool, game walks, jungle gym, and supervised playroom ensure the whole family will have memories of their luxurious time in the bush.

Explore the area: and visit these organic markets in the Eastern Cape.

What are your plans this Women’s Day?