Nkorho Bush Lodge

Sabi Sand Game Reserve: 3 Nights

Nkorho Bush Lodge is situated in the Big 5 Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve, which shares an unfenced border with the Kruger National Park.

Game drives start early in the morning, the best time to spot game. On the afternoon/evening game drive, enjoy a sundowner drink in the heart of the bush and marvel at the surroundings and its magic.

Walks are also included in your safari experience here. Accompanied by your ranger, a walk is done either before breakfast (in summer) or after (in winter). There is a maximum number of 8 people allowed per walk for safety reasons.

In between game activities, cool off from the African sun in the spectacular infinity flow pool or in the unique rock pool.  There is also a small spa treatment room offering a range of massages and facials.

As your day draws to a close, feel the thrill as the nocturnal animals rule the night. You are lured to indulge in typical African cuisine around an open fire in a traditional boma.

The lodge can accommodate a maximum of 16 people in stylish yet homely en-suite thatched chalets. There are 6 standard double/twin chalets, and a Honeymoon Suite which boasts a kingsize bed, a small lounge area and a private deck.

There is also one family chalet which has 2 bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and are connected by an interleading door. One room has a queen sized bed and the other room has twin beds.

The Beach Hotel

Port Elizabeth: 1 Night

The Beach Hotel is situated on Port Elizabeth's magnificent beachfront, directly opposite Hobie Beach and next to the Boardwalk Casino and Entertainment Complex. For history lovers, it is believed that the original Beach Hotel and surrounding area belonged to Piet Retief and his family. His home, a tennis court and servants quarters stood on this ground.

There are 3 onsite restaurants to suit everyone's palate. Enjoy a relaxing environment, sipping a cocktail white overlooking the ocean at The Verandah restaurant, or indulge in a buffet meal at The Crest.  Real foodies will love the fine dining cuisine at Ginger, voted one of the best restaurants in Port Elizabeth - it is definitely a must.

There is an outdoor swimming pool, and the hotel also offers complimentary high speed Wi-Fi.

The Beach Hotel offers homely comfort in its 58 spacious, en-suite bedrooms, some with stunning sea-views and others opening onto the tranquil courtyard.

The Non Sea-Facing Rooms are quiet, and overlook the tranquil surrounds of the courtyard. The Side Sea-Facing Rooms offer spectacular side views of the Indian Ocean whilst in the comfort of your stylish room, decorated in soft Mediterranean tones, and the Front Sea-Facing Rooms offer, as you would expect, front facing views of the ocean.

The Executive Rooms are spacious with large comfortable beds that invite guests to relax and take in the sights and sounds of the ocean. The suites offer generous, well appointed lounge areas as well as stylish bathrooms with separate showers. Finally, the well appointed, stylish Suite consists of a spacious bedroom with en-suite bathroom equipped with a freestanding bathtub.

The Lofts Boutique Hotel

Knysna: 3 Nights

Situated right in the heart of the Garden Route and set on the shores of a beautiful lagoon, Knysna (pronounced 'Nysna') is a bustling little holiday town with a lively Waterfront area.

The excellent selection of accommodation and restaurants, coupled with the many activities on offer, makes this a superb holiday destination and a perfect base from which to explore the many attractions of the Garden Route. The annual Knysna Oyster Festival takes place mid-year in Knysna and is one of the area’s annual highlights, boasting amazing food, great music and friendly people.

The Knysna Lagoon is sheltered from the ocean by a coral reef and the Knysna Heads - 2 large cliff formations which form a natural narrow opening into the ocean. Several operators offer relaxing catamaran trips and sunset champagne cruises out to the Heads and into the open sea, which is a great way to escape the busy streets for a while.

The surrounding forests and nature reserves provide ample opportunity for leisurely walks or picnics, short hikes or more strenuous day walks, plus a number of biking trails. Nearby Brenton-on-Sea beach is a magnificent 7 km stretch of uninterrupted white sands around a half heart-shaped bay.

The unique location of the Lofts Boutique Hotel on Thesen Island, in the centre of the Knysna Estuary, sets the tone for a tranquil, revitalising, relaxing and refreshing stay here. As you drive over the venetian style bridge you feel that you are entering a different, more peaceful world.

Set within the remodelled timber frame of the old Knysna boatbuilding shed, the luxury loft rooms and lagoon suites offer the discerning guest a combination of luxurious accommodation and breathtaking views over the scenic Knysna Lagoon. All are individually decorated and styled to provide the ultimate in comfort and unique living. The suites have a large bedroom with an open plan bathroom and separate toilet; and the loft rooms feature a large bedroom, a balcony with 2 sun loungers and an en-suite bathroom.

The Atrium is the 'lounge' of The Lofts and is an ideal space to relax, read, chat or just sit and enjoy. It has high ceiling, lots of character and resembles an old passenger sailing vessel. Other facilities include a splash pool and sundeck. Guests can also take a canoe out and paddle through the Thesen Islands canals, or hire a bicycle and cycle into the town or to the Knysna Waterfront for some shopping therapy.

138 Marine

Hermanus: 2 Nights

Located on the south coast and within a 2 hour drive of Cape Town, Hermanus and Gansbaai are amongst the world's leading destinations for both land-based and boat-based whale watching. From June to December each year, whales can be seen as close as 20m from the shore and can come right up to the side of the whale watching boats.

With excellent accommodation options, fine restaurants and a glorious coastline in addition to the attraction of getting within a few metres of some of the largest animals ever to have lived on this planet, this is a place that every visitor to South Africa should try to see.

Hermanus is a pretty town and the local 'Whale Crier' walks the streets during the whaling season, informing visitors when the whales are present with a blast on his kelp horn. At the Old Harbour Museum, an underwater microphone transmits the whale songs and calls into the museum hall for everyone to hear. Don't miss Bientang's Cave restaurant, where you can watch whales less than 100m away whilst eating an excellent seafood lunch. Other good vantage points are from the Old Harbour wall or the cliff path.

Gansbaai, 50 km from Hermanus, is the starting point for more boat-based whale watching, as well as cage diving with great white sharks, as well as trips to the Dyer Island seal colony.

138 Marine is a luxurious, upmarket beachfront guest house with spectacular sea views, about a 7 km drive from the centre of Hermanus.

Spend lazy, sun-filled afternoons on the spacious terrace with panoramic views of the ocean and the mountains. Relax with a glass of wine on the deck next to the beach and enjoy magnificent views of breaking waves and spectacular African sunsets over the ocean, or watch the whales from the comfort of your bed during the whale watching season. The extensive breakfast menu changes daily and on request a platter can be provided to enjoy on the beach in front of the guest house.

There are 6 designer double rooms, each individually decorated and luxuriously fitted. No attention to detail has been spared in the superbly stylish decor.

Lavender Farm Guest House

The Cape Winelands: 2 Nights

When it comes to finding an exclusive getaway in Franschhoek, with creature comforts best described as world class, you would certainly struggle to find anywhere that could rival the grace and beauty of Lavender Farm Guest House.

Situated a mere 1.3 km from the village centre and surrounded by purple lavender fields and mountains that seem to extend as far as the eye can see, Lavender Farm boasts the honour of being the only guest house on a lavender farm in Franschhoek.

After a hard day of sight seeing, wine tasting, exploring, lying by the pool or just shopping in the village, what better way to end the day than to retire to the comfort of your luxurious room.

The Luxury Suites flank the farm's manicured green lawn area. These suites are spacious and each one has its own outdoor pergola-styled verandah of grape vines and wisteria.

The Luxury View Suites have a private verandah overlooking the lavender field and mountains where you can enjoy a hot cup of morning coffee before coming up to the dining area for a hearty breakfast or sip a relaxing glass of wine in the evening.

One of the Manor Rooms has large patio doors that open up to a view of the relaxing pool and lawn area.  The other Manor Room has a small lounge with a sleeper couch, which is ideal for a young family.

The Honeymoon Suites have a private patio and garden with stunning views over the lavender fields - ideal for settling down with a bottle of wine from your mini bar and enjoy the romantic sunsets.

The PortsWood

Cape Town: 3 Nights

Nestled at the foot of the majestic Table Mountain and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Cape Town is consistently voted amongst the top cities in the world to visit and it is no surprise that this wonderful city is one of the highlights of a holiday to South Africa. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild winters and hot summers.

One of the main tourist attractions is the tastefully restored V&A Waterfront with its many shops, bars and restaurants. There is also an aquarium and one of the largest craft markets in Southern Africa. Boats offer tours of the harbour from the quayside and the whole place is always buzzing with life and activity. The City Bowl is home to many museums and historical buildings which can all be viewed from a 'topless' hop on/hop off tourist bus, complete with interesting commentary as you ride around the city.

The adventurous can climb up (or abseil down) Table Mountain, windsurf or kitesurf at Bloubergstrand Beach, dive in shark tanks, or do any one of a dozen more adrenalin pumping activities. For a more relaxed pace of life, there are miles of sandy beaches for soaking up the African sun, or enjoy a quiet stroll through the beautiful Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.

Situated adjacent to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town's premier entertainment and tourist attraction, the PortsWood is an oasis of calm and comfort alongside the active nightlife and vibrant restaurants of the Waterfront.

The PortsWood's success has been due to its superb service and excellent location. The hotel also is part of Cape Town's rich history, as the restaurant and lobby are built around a 300 year old well and the cells which held prisoners on their way to Robben Island.

The PortsWood offers a choice of Studio Rooms, Standard Rooms, Deluxe Rooms and Suites.

There is also a swimming pool for guest's enjoyment - ideal for relaxing by and sipping a cocktail after a day exploring the sights of Cape Town. The spa offers a range of treatments and a steam room.

The Quarter Kitchen is a relaxed, elegant restaurant offering an à la carte breakfast and comprehensive à la carte lunch and dinner menu specialising in Malaysian/Cape Malay Cuisine. For those who prefer the luxury and comfort of their rooms, room service is available 24 hours a day.