So here are some ideas for a very short escape while you leave the kids with gran and escape to a quiet little place inland which nobody else thought of...
Escape from Plett
Ah Plett, the most magnificent bay in the world! But it’s easy to lose perspective on that when standing in those December queues at Woolies. Up through the glorious mountain passes into the Karoo, and you’re in another world – the boundless Karoo with roast lamb dinners, starry nights, and quiet. The interestingly named Die Gat Country House is out on a farm just outside the delightful hamlet of De Rust and has rates from just R450pp.
Escape from George
When last did you visit Oudtshoorn? Portfolio has no less than 11 places around the quaint historic town. Escape to lovingly restored Rosenhof Country House has a beauty clinic and suites with private pools, or take the mountain bikes to De Denne Country Guest House (a luxurious bargain at just R605pp)
Escape from PE
Clive and Anne Read are your relaxed hosts at The Elephant House in the Sundays River, which makes a great base for Addo Elephant Park – but it also makes a great base for, well, doing nothing at all! Just enjoying the 2 pools, the shady verandahs and candlelit dinners – and from just R600pp it’s worth spending an extra night if you can.
Escape from Cape Town
We all love it, but with the traffic and parties and queues for restaurants, a few days in the quiet of the Robertson Small Hotel will restore and recharge. Destination restaurant Reuben’s at the Robertson spills out onto a quiet courtyard – and after a very, very long lunch there’s no traffic to consider, just meander back to your elegant room.
Escape from Hermanus
If you’re lucky enough to have a family holiday home is this beautiful town, you might find yourself staring wistfully at the mountains wishing to escape the December invaders. So take a drive deep into those mountains, to Swellendam''s Augusta de Mist Country House, to read in the lush indigenous gardens, or wonder through the surrounding historic quarter as the sun sets against those mountains, and they turn such magical colours. Or if you’d prefer to be out in the countryside, Jan Harmsgat Country House is set amongst pomegranate orchards, which make for wonderful shaded walks, and the pool is just beautiful.
Escape from Durban
Hartford House is rightly famous for it’s dining, which is simply magical - inventive, impeccably presented and using local sourced ingredients. Wander along tree-lined country roads past paddocks of racehorses, take tea on the verandah, or explore the nearby Midlands Meander, at a leisurely pace, of course. Fordoun Hotel and Spa, and Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse are in the area too – why not treat yourself to more than one place, and enjoy the fabulous fare at each.
Escape from Nelspruit
Up the Schoemanskloof valley, not far from town, is a giant manor house set in a forest high up on the slopes of a mountain. it’s so remarkable remote you won’t want to shift from the deep, cool shade and the sounds of birds in the beautiful gardens. Or if you prefer being close to water, Serenity Forest Eco Lodge offers romantic picnics and healing massages, rare butterflies and game, and its not far out on the Malelane road.
Escape from Pretoria
Portfolio’s team have personally chosen 10 places in the Waterberg bushveld area which provide that personal touch which we love. We’re not into driving around all day – we love early morning drives or bush walks, and long days being pampered by the pool, and sunset drinks. We specially recommend booking the Giraffe Room for the outdoor jacuzzi at Wild and Free Private Game Reserve, or enjoy the outdoor starlit stone showers at Bushwa Private Game Lodge and Spa. A massage in the outdoor sala at Leeuwenhof and you’ll forget all about every stress you may have arrived with.
Escape from Joburg
Pack your bags, pretend you’re going on a long drive, and check in to elegant 33 Melville Road in delicious Hyde Park, where you’ll lie at the pool being served chilled chardonnay, take afternoon naps in decadent bedrooms and feel like you’re a thousand miles away. Or take a short drive – just 45 minutes out of town – to the gracious Herbert Baker mansion which is Welgelegen, to read your book in the rose garden and take strolls through the quiet countryside.
After your quick getaway to recharge your energy levels, return to your family well rested and wonder why it is that people all head head to the sea in December - when there’s the whole year to enjoy travelling South Africa’s beautiful coast and plenty of peaceful inland getaways that are just as relaxing?