Add colour to your winter with a pleasure-packed escape for friends or mothers and daughters. We’ve rounded up the top five spots you must book into now with your girlfriends.
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Best for shopping: Suite life at the DaVinci
What better way to celebrate friendships or family than by gathering the girls for fizz and frock shopping in the heart of Sandton? Splash out on a glam room at the DaVinci Hotel and Suites, and you’ll have bustling Joburg at your stiletto-clad feet.
Despite the hotel’s title – a nod to the old-world master – the interiors of the rooms are distinctly modern. Monochrome is given new magnificence in the hotel’s black-and-white decor scheme. It’s all about clean sophistication: open-plan rooms invite long baths and much-needed me-time, with king-sized beds and flat-screen TVs.
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As the flagship for many of SA’s trendiest stores, Sandton City is a fashionista’s Mecca – and it’s in walking distance from the hotel. Breathe new life into your wardrobe by perusing the racks of international brands that have comfortably made their home here. After, rest your weary heels while sipping on chilled drinks in the hotel’s Maxim Lounge.
The glamour of the DaVinci is matched only by its signature dining room, Maximillien. A wall of windows means you’ll dine to views of the city, and a grand piano will enhance your experience. Savour flavours of the Med, with dishes like slow-roasted lamb shank.
What it costs: From R3 960pn for two people sharing a Standard King Room, including breakfast. For more information, see legacyhotels.co.za/hotels/davinci-hotel-and-suites.
Best for city breaks: Post at the Pepperclub
Get a group of girls together and toast the town with an indulgent, close-to-home break at the Pepperclub Hotel & Spa in the Mother City. Think late-night cocktails and evenings of laughter at this urban hideaway, which almost sparkles it’s so fabulous.
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Relish a room of your own that oozes minimalist flair – floor-to-ceiling windows, grand bathrooms and unspoilt views of the mountains. The no-clutter calm gives a real feeling of being away from the chaos of everyday life.
Cape Town’s nightlife needs no introduction. Get glammed up and head out to one of the city’s stylish eateries or cocktail bars. The hotel’s restaurant will give you preferential seating and you’ll feel like a real VIP!
What it costs: From R2 290pn for two people in a Deluxe Studio, including breakfast. For more information, see pepperclub.co.za.
Best for food & wine: A Sip of the Cederberg
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Revel in exquisite wine and cuisine at the Cederberg’s most delicious hideaway, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat. The flurry of gastronomic activities is a great way to expand your palate – and catch up on gossip as you drink and dine. The luxury suites and rooms do rustic-country styling brilliantly – you’ll love the double French doors that open onto a sprawling patio.
Check-in is followed by high tea and a nature drive through the reserve. Dinner will be served in The Homestead, where world-class chefs will whip up haute cuisine. Choose between sleeping in or a rock art excursion in the morning, then while away the afternoon in the pool or at the spa. Other activities such as canoeing, are also on offer.
What it costs From R7 950pn in a double Luxury Room, including all breakfast, lunch, high tea, dinner and selected activities. For more information, see bushmanskloof.co.za.
Best for relaxed fun: sparkle up in Stellenbosch
Pampering yourself before winter makes an indulgent – and worthy – excuse to meet scattered friends. Rendezvous at Majeka House in Stellenbosch, a small luxury hotel with an award-winning restaurant.
Designer Etienne Hanekom went all out in styling the 22 rooms, and his eclectic style speaks for itself in the bright fabrics, bespoke wallpaper and bold selection of furniture and art. Each room is almost a work of art in itself, fully equipped with plush beds, super-thick towels, Lavazza coffee machines and a mini-bar with real French Champagne.
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Flanked by glass windows, Majeka Spa’s indoor swimming pool will wow you from the start. You’ll barely need to venture off site but, if you do, Stellenbosch is peppered with gorgeous boutiques and galleries, although is most famous for its dazzling array of top-notch wine farms. At the award-winning Makaron Restaurant, expect fine dining at its best.
What it costs From R1 300ppspn in a Premier Collection room, including breakfast (the hotel will be closed from 23 June to 26 July). For more information, see majekahouse.co.za.
Best for sunshine: Plettenberg’s five-star coast
Sneak away from the daily grind for a holiday of lazy days and beautiful sunsets. All you need are your closest friends and an amazing backdrop. Step forward The Robberg Beach Lodge’s Beachy Head Villa, a private lodge on the ritziest stretch of Plettenberg Bay’s beaches.
Dangling over the Indian Ocean, the Villa’s suites are five-star fabulous. The dining room and lounge blend seamlessly and lead out onto the veranda – perfect for casual suppers and sundowners. The Villa has a decked-out kitchen, so if home-cooking’s your thing, pick up some fresh seafood (and white wine, of course) and prepare yourselves a feast.
Idle luxury is your aim. Kick back by the pool with a shared pile of mags and novels, or head onto Robberg’s unspoilt sands to beach with the rich and famous. Ready for a spot of exercise and history? Go for a walk in the Robberg Nature Reserve, where you’ll be immersed in fynbos, and learn all about the early inhabitants of the area.
What it costs: Two people sharing will pay between R1 980pn for a Standard Room and R3 960pn for a View Suite, including breakfast. For more information, see therobberg.co.za.
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DISCLAIMER: All prices are subject to change. Accommodation is subject to availability and booking is essential. See respective sites for more information and the terms and conditions.
