Holidays are great for both our physical and mental health, and something we all need to create balance in our lives. From visas to queues to flight delays, international travel can be stressful, and sometimes counterintuitive to what you need: relaxation.
Big Ambitions, a marketing company focused on the tourism industry, says that experts believe that short holidays spread throughout the year can actually be more beneficial to your mental well-being than one long holiday. And short holidays are far easier when done locally.
“On a shorter trip, you won’t be expecting an inbox full of emails to check when you get back either, so it’s easier to let go and unwind,” Jonathan Alpert, psychotherapist, executive performance coach and author of Be Fearless: Change Your Life in 28 Days, explains.
With this information, Big Ambitions compiled the best local holidays to satisfy your needs on a mini-break. Here’s their guide for the best things to do:
1. Supersize your mini-break with a 2-for-1 deal
This time of year, between Winter and Summer, is a perfect time to visit the Cape Helderberg. It is worth the beautiful scenery and chance to relax by a cosy fire, but is also great for seasonal deals.
Also read: The best accommodation deals this month
Debbie-Lee, Cockrell, manager of Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa says: “There are some wonderful, valuable travel packages that make this the perfect time of year for a mini-break.”
The hotel also has beautiful surrounding areas, and you will be able to explore wineries like Lourensford, Vergelegen, and Morgenster.
Also read: Vergelegen wine estate wins Eco-Hospitality and Tourism Award
2. Banish the boredom with an exciting city break
If you’re looking for a break but don’t have the means to leave the city, Grand Daddy Boutique Hotel is the perfect spot. Situated in the middle of Cape Town, the hotel sits in Long Street amongst all you could need for a city stay.
With stylish and spacious suites, and a one-of-a-kind rooftop Airstream Trailer Park, this is an unforgettable place.
BON Hotels CEO, Guy Stehlik, says: “If you want to be close to the action, be it restaurants, clubs, theatre or shopping, you can’t go wrong with a stay at the Grand Daddy. New to BON’s portfolio, this iconic city centre hotel is one of the most original, conveniently-located and proudly South African places to stay – especially if you want to experience the spirit and vibe of the Mother City.”
Also read: Travel From Pretoria to Cape Town on The Blue Train for 22% less
3. Be Spontaneous: the last-minute getaway is here!
For some people, it is too stressful to even think about taking a mini-break from work commitments. The Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa is conscious of this, and has developed a way for you to take a break on your own terms.
Along with getting the breather you need, you’ll be able to make spontaneous decisions about your getaway. Erinvale offers you the opportunity to be delightfully impulsive. Book a weekend stay within seven days of your intended arrival and receive 45% off a premium room or suite.
Also read: Rejuvenate Yourself with this Beauty Bundle in Cape Town
4. Get outta town together
A family holiday is a great opportunity to bond with your loved ones, create memories, and relax and rejuvenate all together. Stellenbosch offers an incredible range of family-friendly accommodations and experiences.
Also read: Enjoy a 2-Night Stay Package for 2 People in Langebaan
“Families have even more reason to discover the warm heart of Stellenbosch and linger longer,” says Visit Stellenbosch CEO Jeanneret Momberg. “Earn and spend Stellenbucks – a digital currency that you earn when booking two nights’ accommodation at one of our partners – and you can eat, stay and play for free.”
The ’Stay Stellenbucks’ campaign rewards visitors with ‘Stellenbucks’ coupons to the value of 20% of their accommodation bill. Stellenbucks can be used for meals, wine purchases, experiences and even return accommodation.
For example, head to Spier. Book for two nights or more and get 15% off your room rate from 1 September to 15 December 2022. This is a perfect visit for the whole family.
Also read: Stellenbosch: all you need to know
5. Invest in a little (or a lot) of pampering
The perfect treat when you really want to relax is staying at a hotel with an onsite spa and/or salon. Whether a massage or a mani/pedi, there’s no better way to unwind after a busy year.
Also read: The best spa deals in Cape Town
The Lurra Spa at Erinvale has a steam room and heated indoor pool, letting you enjoy a therapeutic treatment (or two) before grabbing a towel and heading to the pool. World-class products like TheraVine and TheraNaka – both locally made – are used at the spa.
“This September, our Lurra Spa has a real ‘top-to-toe’ pamper with a TheraVine Hair & Scalp Treatment PLUS a medi-heel treatment, perfect for getting you summer-sandal ready, all for only R599 per person,” says Debbie-Lee.
6. Venture a little further out…
If you can push your trip beyond the borders of the Cape, the whole of the Western Cape awaits you too. Nestled in the foothills of the Overberg mountains in Swellendam, bloomestate is the ideal spot to experience the region’s highlights.
Staying at bloomestate you can experience: whale-watching on the Indian Ocean, wine-sipping in the Robertson Wine Valley, wandering the trails of the Langeberg Mountain range, communing with the wildlife of the Marloth, the Bontebok National Park and De Hoop Nature reserve.
Bloomestate is a 6.5-acre eco-friendly retreat which balances stylish contemporary architecture with open, natural spaces. Along with beautiful rooms, walk-in showers, and private terraces, bloomestate has a lake, a secluded jacuzzi, a saltwater pool and hammocks.
Also read:
The most luxurious villas to stay when holidaying in Cape Town
Picture: Supplied
