We love this time of year in South Africa. Not because of the season changes or anything. The reason is whole-heartedly more selfish than that. The next 2 months hold the promise of long weekends where we can enjoy an extra day devoted to nothing more than extending the art of weekend chilling.

Diarize these long weekends now:

  • 21 – 23 March 2014 (followed by school holidays from 28 March – 7 April)
  • 18 – 21 April 2014
  • 26 – 28 April 2014 (schools are closed on 29 and 30 April so this can extend to the next long weekend if you like)
  • 1 – 4 May 2014 (if you take Friday off)

We’re choosing to take it as slow as possible over the next few long weekends, so have a look at our list of relaxing spots where you’ll have little to do but lazzzzzzze.

Days-at-Sea-Beach-Lodge

Days at Sea Beach Lodge, Trafalgar

The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is scattered with quiet little hamlets hiding amongst tropical date palms and mangrove forests. Approximately 150km from Durban, Trafalgar is a green retreat that incorporates a Marine Reserve and the Mpenjati Nature Reserve. Days at Sea Beach Lodge has been rated as one of the 100 Best Hideaway Hotels of the world (2010 and 2011), offering the most luxurious modern comforts with the best of nature. Book now

TripAdvisor review by Eugene S, Cape Town: “We arrived at Days at Sea exhausted and met with the most generous and warm welcome over the intercom. That warmness was continued from our reception and throughout our stay. All the staff are attentive and made sure we were given the time and space to relax and enjoy this beautiful place. The food is excellent and the service exceptional. South Coast hospitality at its best. If you are looking to unwind, relax, and feed your soul far from the maddening crowd this is a place to go. Highly recommended.”

Tshukudu-bath

Tshukudu, Pilanesberg

Roughly a 2 and a half hour drive from Johannesburg, Pilanesberg National Park is an ideal destination to switch rush hour traffic on the highway for leisurely Big 5 game drives. Tshukudu is an intimate 4-star game lodge cushioned on the slope of a koppie overlooking a waterhole and savannah plain. Book now

TripAdvisor review by NatashaInGermany, Germany: “Exclusive kid-free zone in the middle of the Pilanesberg. It is not ‘over-the-top’ luxury. Since there are only a few guests [6 chalets] and dinner was around one table – it almost feels like a dinner among friends – especially after 2 game drives together. We really enjoyed relaxing on our balcony overlooking the park, beer in hand from the included mini-bar. It was so quiet we could hear the noises of nature from birds to Dassies at the same time having a view over the water hole and all animals that pass by – we saw wildebeest, impala, and zebra from our room! The safari drives were amazing. Our guide, Evan, was very passionate and knowledgeable. He was keen to show us as many animals (preferably the big 5) as possible. Thank you for a wonderful stay!”

tranquility-lodge-room

Tranquility Lodge, Nature’s Valley

Nature’s Valley is a secluded beachside destination on the Garden Route, between Plettenberg Bay and Storms River. While the hike to the enchanting mouth of the Soutriver is worth every sweaty step, you’re more than welcome to work on bronzing your body at the foot of the sandy dunes all weekend long. Tranquility Lodge has won numerous awards for Best Honeymoon Destination, so if it’s good enough for sheltering newlyweds, it’s more than ideal for lazy bones’. Book now

TripAdvisor review by James S, Port Elizabeth: My wife and I took a last minute trip to Tranquility Lodge. There is an immediate sense of “calmness” as you walk through the front gate. Besides the beautiful surroundings, the beach 50m away, the food was INCREDIBLE. Hats off to Jason (the chef) on amazing cuisine – definitely one of the biggest attractions and a reason we will be back there soon. We had great weather and enjoyed paddling on the lagoon, swimming in the sea, hiking and just relaxing. It’s not 5-star but that’s the point. It’s natural, beautiful, very comfortable, and most of all it lives up to its name…TRANQUIL!

 

Where is your favourite lazy long weekend getaway?

Feature image is Tshukudu