Whether you’re coming in from the snow or the rain, these travel offers on cosy winter vacation destinations are sure to chase the winter blues away.
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Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, Kamberg
Between the roaring fires, the gourmet food and the stunning decor, this luxurious lakeside retreat will be your most fabulous farmstay.
Home away from home
Nestled in a tranquil KZN valley flanked by the Drakensberg range, this farmhouse has been standing since the 1940s and hasn’t lost one bit of its original charm. The five Standard Rooms in the farmhouse are the height of comfort; each individually and lovingly decorated with meticulous detail.
Whether you choose the red-and-green Scandinavian Room or the enchanting Colonial Natal Room, feeling at home is guaranteed. Make yourself a cup of tea and soak up the shine of the season on the outside sun-lounger or, if the nip in the air is too much, curl up in front of the fireplace while gazing out of your window to watch the mist rise gently from the lake.
Farm fresh
With award-winning chef Richard Boynton on-site and a constantly rotating menu, Cleopatra’s farm-to-fork dining experience will be a holiday highlight. If you think nothing can top the three-course breakfast’s Norwegian salmon and home-made pastries, just wait until you dig into the mouth-watering seven-course dinner!
After a hearty country meal, indulge in a deep-tissue massage at Cleopatra’s Copper Pot Spa (from R600pp for an hour), and revel in the most comfortable winter you could ever hope to wish for.
Claim your special offer
Quote ‘w&hCleopatra’ when making your reservation to receive a 10% discount on the booking rate. Rates valid until 31 December 2018; standard T&C’s apply. To book, email [email protected] or call 033 267 7243; see cleopatramountain.com
Giant’s Cup Wilderness Reserve, Underberg
Your accommodation within this reserve, which happens to be one of the most gorgeous fly-fishing destinations on the planet, feels like part of a fairy tale, surrounded by snow-topped mountains.
Lakeside leisure
The two-bedroom Duckbay Lodge is ideal for families. It’s a private paradise, surrounded by pine glades and reed beds, where you can skip stones on the lake, or spot birds from the comfort of your bed.
Wake up to the steppe buzzard’s song, then coax the kids into bringing you a mug of warm tea while you lie in! Pack in a couple of board games, too, enjoying them with the family in front of the lounge fireplace on chilly evenings.
One fish, two fish…
Since the reserve is part of World Heritage Site uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, do explore its exquisite beauty with a walk around the silent lake. The stillness is supreme for any fly-fishing enthusiasts.
Take a boat out onto the water, or stand at the edge, casting for fish. Back at the lodge, cover the outside picnic area with blankets and try to spot the lake’s shy otters breaking the water’s surface.
Claim your special offer
Quote ‘w&hGiantsCup’ when making your reservation to receive a 5% discount on the booking rate. Rates valid until 30 September 2018; standard T&C’s apply. To book, email [email protected] or call 033-7011511; see giantscup.co.za
Forest Valley Cottages, Knysna
Soak up sweeping views of Knysna forest’s emerald expanse, staying in one of six units at Forest Valley Cottages. You’ll never feel more at one with nature’s wonder than when surrounded by this leafy cornucopia.
Tucked away
From this pretty accommodation on the forest’s edge, you can see the world, but still enjoy stunning isolation. The romantic Earth Rose cottage, complete with a rather inviting Jacuzzi bath, should be your and your partner’s top choice.
Here, the only indication you aren’t alone is the rose petal-scattered bed, and bubbly and flowers laid out for you by the hosts ahead of your arrival.
Visit the valley
The Outeniqua surroundings are beautiful to explore. A wonderful hiking trail is a stone’s throw away, and a five-minute drive takes you to an array of local gems, like renowned Totties Farm Kitchen for a cuppa and fresh scone.
The day wouldn’t be complete without a horse-riding excursion at nearby Buffalo Bay, ahead of a cosy night spent indoors.
Claim your special offer
Quote ‘w&hForestValley’ when making your reservation to receive a 5% discount on the booking rate. Rates valid until 30 June 2018; standard T&C’s apply. To book, email [email protected] or call 084 606 0813; see forestvalley.co.za
