Kruger Gate Hotel

Hazyview: 3 Nights

From the time that you are welcomed to the Kruger Gate Hotel (formerly called the Protea Hotel by Marriott Kruger Gate) under the towering indigenous portico upon the wooden board walk to the reception area, you will know that you're about to experience something different.

It's the impression of being in a tree house, reinforced when you notice that the veranda and walk-way to your air-conditioned room is at a level normally the sole domain of the variety of birds found in the area.

Situated only 100 meters from the Paul Kruger Gate, the Kruger Gate Hotel provides guests with the ideal location from which to experience wildlife first-hand.

One of the most memorable moments of your visit will be dining in the open air lapa restaurant under the African stars.

The hotel offers bush drives in their own private reserve and through the Kruger National Park, along with open vehicle safaris and organized game trails for you and your family.

Each of the comfortably appointed 96 luxury en-suite bedrooms and 7 six-sleeper fully equipped self-catering units at the Protea Hotel Kruger Gate will make you feel part of the bush environment. All rooms feature extras such as television, mini-bar fridge, personal tea and coffee making facilities.

One of the most unique facilities is the Tree House, providing an opportunity to experience a sleep out under the stars, with calls of the wild drifting by.

There is also a Spa, which offers a range of treatments including a full range of massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and a variety of packages individually suited to guests needs. Guests can either enjoy their pampering from the comfort of their hotel room or on the hotel deck.

Protea Hotel Sea Point

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.

The mediterranean-style Sea Point Hotel is on the doorstep of the Atlantic Ocean. Stylish and spacious, all 124 rooms offer breathtaking views of either the ocean or mountains. Family rooms, with a sleeper couch for children, are available.

Soak up the sun beside the sparkling plunge pool, set up on the 4th floor with magnificent views of the bay, or unwind in the sophisticated and friendly atmosphere of the La Cafe Coffee Bar, which also serves a delicious buffet breakfast daily.

Diaz Hotel & Resort

The Garden Route: 1 Night

Located only 10 metres from the high-water mark and offering spectacular ocean views from every window and balcony, the Diaz Hotel and Resort welcomes you to the pristine seashore of Mossel Bay's renowned Diaz Beach, offering a thrilling and entertaining experience right in the heart of the picturesque and famous Garden Route.

Discover all of the delights Mossel Bay has to offer. This charming town boasts long and scenic shorelines, pristine beaches and seasonal whale and dolphin watching.

Take in the spectacular views of both the Indian Ocean and the Outeniqua Mountains as you enjoy a wealth of culinary choices, from scrumptious dinners and cocktails to informal café-style lunches and cool drinks. You'll find a menu to suit every member of the family.

Relax by the exclusive outdoor rim-flow pool under the warm African sun as the waves lazily wash against the beach in the background.

In addition, there is a separate water park next to the hotel which guests can visit, promising a fun and exciting action packed day. For those wishing to just relax, enjoy the Lazy River and drift along without a care in the world.

The Diaz Hotel offers 86 superior sea-facing rooms, each with a private balcony from where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mossel Bay.

La Plume Guest House

The Klein Karoo: 1 Night

La Plume is a boutique Guest House on a working ostrich, alfalfa and cattle farm with spectacular views of the Swartberg Mountains and the Olifants River Valley. A warm welcome awaits you at this charming 1902 Victorian homestead with its tranquil surroundings where old-world charm has been combined with modern comforts to ensure extraordinary service and personal attention.

Guests can join an informative tour of the farm (on request and additional cost - booking essential) to learn about the day to day activities in the life of a full-time farmer, as well as the giant birds and the trials and tribulations of farming with them from one of the few experts on the ostrich industry.

The English Breakfast buffet is the perfect start to a busy day with fresh fruit platters, a bread and cereal selection, cold meats and cheeses, as well as hot breakfast with special requests made to order. The restaurant also offers a daily lunch menu or picnic baskets for guests exploring the wonders of Klein Karoo. For dinner enjoy exceptional local wine and traditional home-cooked cuisine meticulously prepared by the chef and served in the spacious, candlelit dining room.

La Plume offers stylish luxury with a diverse range of accommodation. The 5 Superior Suites and the Luxury Rooms all have private entrances that open onto sunny verandas overlooking the gardens, and the 2 Honeymoon Suites embody a feeling of romance and cosiness. The Luxury Junior Suite is ideal for 3 adults travelling together or family with an older child wishing sleep in a separate room, as the suite consists of a queen master bedroom with full en-suite bathroom and lounge with single bed for the third person.

The Plume Cottage consists of 2 interconnecting suites each with its own bedroom, full bathroom and lounge sharing a kitchenette.  The Private Farm Villa has 2 bedrooms each with its own full en-suite bathroom, a large open plan living and dining room and a fully equipped kitchen. This typical South African farm house is off the main property nestled among alfalfa fields overlooking ostrich enclosures and a mere 100 meters from the main homestead.

The Rex Hotel

Knysna: 2 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 Rex Hotel promises its guests superior service and exceptional comfort. This impeccably appointed hotel offers guests a gateway to world-class restaurants, lush forests and the shores of the peaceful Knysna Lagoon.

The Rex Hotel offers the choice of Standard Rooms, Luxury Studios and two bedroom Apartments that reflect an urban chic ambiance and mixes contemporary and classic décor with cool colours and rich fabrics. The studios and the apartments have an open-plan lounge, dining area and kitchenette.

The O Bar & Eatery at The Rex offers excellent service, superb cuisine and exciting specialities. The outdoor terrace area is the perfect spot to bask in the sunshine and indulge in coffee or light snacks.