Cosy Winter Getaways

With winter in full swing, you might want to spend a night or two at a crackling fireplace, with a good bottle of wine, a book and your partner. Check out our selection of some of the cosiest winter getaways in South Africa.

Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate – Franschhoek

grande providanceLocated in Franschhoek, the heartland of South African wine country, Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate embraces true South African wine heritage, excellent food at The Restaurant and luxury accommodation at The Owner’s Cottage and La Provençale. Part of The Huka Retreats, Grande Provence also offers guests The Winery, The Jonkershuis, The Gallery, The Sculpture Garden and The Shop.

Take advantage of the Heartland winter offer at Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate and experience superb Franschhoek winelands hospitality. Available until the end of August, this special offer suits travellers looking for a haven of tranquillity in this lovely valley.

With special rates for both The Owner’s Cottage and La Provençale, and dinner for two included for guests staying at The Owner’s Cottage, a tranquil winter getaway amidst the vineyards is guaranteed.

To book, visit www.grandeprovence.co.za call on 021 876 8600 or e-mail ownerscottage@grandeprovence.co.za.

BELGRACE BOUTIQUE HOTEL – MPUMALANGA

Fountain at Entrance lrThe brand new, unapologetically luxurious and over the top romantic Belgrace Boutique Hotel opened its doors in October 2014. Situated close to the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport, 20 minutes from both Nelspruit and White River, this unique establishment stands proud and ready to welcome couples to recharge, reconnect and ignite the spark.

Outside Dining lrThe grand welcoming and romantic ambience in every detail gives the feeling of being swept off your feet, and falling in love all over again. Opulence and romance are delicately combined in every detail. With interiors of gold damask wall coverings, hand painted finishes and crystal chandeliers, the feeling of European grandness abides. The mood is undoubtedly set on arrival with abundantly scattered rose petals around the Jacuzzi, champagne on ice, and candles everywhere…who could wish for a better setting for special quality time together?

For more information go to www.belgrace.co.za, email reservations@belgrace.co.za or give them a call on 076 539 0409.

KURLAND HOTEL – WESTERN CAPE

kurulandEnjoy a unique vacation experience at the family owned and operated 5-star Kurland Hotel, located near the picturesque beach resorts of Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley, in the heart of the Garden Route, South Africa.

You have the option to fly in to George Airport or take a truly breath-taking drive from Cape Town stopping at quaint villages and towns en route such as Wilderness and Knysna, surrounded by diverse countryside whilst soaking in the magnificent coastal views and not forgetting the enchanting Tsitsikamma Forest. Kurland Hotel is a perfect marriage of old world charm enhanced by modern sophistication. Here the best of both worlds marry to create a unique experience of tranquil countryside and breathtaking beaches. Benefitting from the warmer temperature of the Indian Ocean, Plettenberg Bay and the surrounding areas offer a superb nature and beach style vacation.

Kurland Hotel has been designed with exceptional facilities for family holidays and due to the area enjoying a Mediterranean climate; it makes this the ideal year round destination for fun vacations, romantic getaways, exclusive weddings and family reunions.

For more information call +27 (44) 534 8082, email:info@kurland.co.za, or visithttp://www.kurland.co.za/

KGALAGADI LODGE – NORTHERN CAPE

KGALAGADI LODGEKgalagadi Lodge, situated between the red sand dunes of the Kalahari, is the ideal desert haven where modern meets wilderness. Two-hundred and fifty kilometres away from Upington Airport, and only five kilometres from the popular Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, this family-owned and operated lodge is perfectly located for excitement-seeking travellers.

Whether you’re looking for a pit stop en route to your destination, looking to explore the famous national park, or simply looking for the perfect getaway; Kgalagadi Lodge offers various services to meet every guest’s needs. With a 50-seater restaurant offering authentic, South African cuisine; a fully-stocked grocery shop and liquor store, and picnic packs available for guests visiting the park, the lodge offers everything you could possibly need for your holiday – all under one roof.

Visit http://www.kgalagadi-lodge.co.za/ for more information or to make a booking.

VALLEY LODGE & SPA IN THE MAGALIESBERG – GAUTENG

Valley-Lodge-new-spa-pool-+-relax
Valley Lodge & Spa in the historical Magaliesberg region is offering Humming Bird winter package 4 night stay with Spa treatments comprising of 1 Indian Head Massage & 1 Foot Massage per person per stay. (Valid For 01 May – 31 August 2015 only)

Relaxing Sunday lunches, private picnics catered for by Head Chef Wayne Walkinshaw and his creative team on the banks of the Magalies River flowing through the privately appointed destination, bird- watching, hot-air ballooning, professional conferencing facilities, a romantic chapel, fly-fishing activities and the exquisite Valley Lodge Spa are on offer at the award-winning 4-star country hotel.

For more information call (27-14) 014-577 301/5; email res@valleylodge.co.za, or www.valleylodge.co.za

MADIKWE RIVER LODGE – NORTH WEST

madikwe-river-lodge-001Beautifully situated on the banks of the Groot Marico River in the heart of Madikwe Game Reserve, the Madikwe River Lodge offers guests a place to relax and unwind. The luxury split-level secluded thatched chalets set in a riverine forest are decorated to create a rich African Feel. Guests are treated to their own private viewing decks overlooking the river. Madikwe River Lodge also provides the ideal venue for intimate wedding ceremonies.

MOTSWIRI PRIVATE SAFARI LODGE – NORTH WEST

Madikwe-collection-Photos-048-MotswiriMotswiri Private Safari Lodge lies hidden in the bush, an exclusive lodge offering guests some of the best views in Madikwe as well as the feeling of tranquillity given by the mature trees (mostly leadwoods) under which the main building and 5 luxury bush villas nestle. An intimate homely setting offering complete privacy. The exquisitely appointed main lodge overlooks a waterhole frequented by elephant families and other big game.

For bookings, call +27(011)3156194, email info@madikwesafaris.co.za or visit www.madikwesafaris.co.za

AFRICAN PRIDE – MOUNT GRACE COUNTRY HOUSE & SPA – GAUTENG

mount-grace-hotelThis laid-back country house is 31.3km from Mountain Sanctuary Park and 33.4km from the Krugersdorp Municipal Nature Reserve. The rooms are simply styled, with colourful throws and pillows for a stylish touch. They have air-conditioning, free WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemakers. Some upgraded rooms have balconies and private pools. There are 2 restaurants, 1 for fine dining, the other for buffet-style meals, plus a spa cafe and a cocktail bar. The spa has a hot tub, a waterfall and a heated pool. Other facilities include a gym, a tennis court, fly fishing and mountain biking.

For bookings: visit www.africanpridehotels.co.za