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Tucked between the Langeberg and Riviersonderend mountain ranges, in the small town of Robertson, is a boutique hotel so exquisite you’ll never want to leave. The Robertson Small Hotel’s attention to detail is unsurpassed, yet the mood is refreshingly unpretentious.CheCk in Ten beautifully decorated rooms are spread between the manor house, the stable block and the poolside suites. Our pick of the best? Ask for a poolside room and step inside, where vaulted ceilings and king-sized beds dressed in crisp white linen await. Light from the skylights floods the room and stacked glass doors open onto a private deck, which flows directly into the swimming pool. The bathroom

Some hotels are so hot that even a single night works wonders. Kate Macfarlane takes her pick

ONE-NIGHT

boasts his ’n hers basins and pampering smellies made especially for the hotel. eat and drink Booking a room for the night secures a table at the on-site Reuben’s at The Robertson, where you’ll pay around R200 for a two-course meal. The constantly changing menu was designed by Reuben Riffel himself and you’ll feast on caramelised onion and Gorgonzola tartlets with chilli jam, braised pork belly with pommes croquette and crispy duck breast in a spicy citrus jus. What to do Secure a lounger at the pool and sun yourself or venture into town. Robertson is small but it’s packed with character. Explore the wine route, sit out by the lake with a bottle of wine at Springfield

or visit the impressive cellar at Graham Beck. Browse the local farm shop, stop in at the art gallery then head back to the hotel for canapés around the bar before sitting down for dinner. What makes it speCial At The Robertson Small Hotel it’s the, well, small details that really matter. A night poem placed on your bed alongside a plate of bite-sized desserts, a bottle of locally produced wine and the all-inclusive minibar. Plus, the small wellness room punches above its weight with a long menu of tempting treatments. Find out more From R850 per person sharing. therobertsonsmallhotel.com; 023 626 7200

The Robertson Small Hotel

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Travel trends come and go but the hospitable, relaxing Drakensberg remains one of our favourite places. Located in the Sterkfontein Nature Reserve, Wild Horses Lodge, with its breathtaking views, personalised service and five-star cuisine, is the ideal destination for a romantic weekend away.CheCk in Secluded and private, the Lodge is one of the only buildings on the mountain, so enjoy the beautiful, uninterrupted views from the windows in your bedroom or private balcony. The en-suite bathrooms have beautifully vintage decor, and the rooms are fully kitted for the freezing winter months or a balmy summer getaway. There’s also a pool and deck area, private library and large lounge, which is the perfect spot to curl up with a glass of wine.eat and drink Dining is a sumptuous affair with three-course breakfasts, hearty lunches and decadent afternoon teas. The real star, though, is dinner. We loved the wild mushroom and lemon risotto with beef fillet, followed by a soft-centred chocolate fondant. What to do Take a cruise out on the dam or go for an early morning horse ride through the mountains. The Lodge also offers fly-fishing, guided hikes and game viewing.What makes it speCial Opt for a private dinner for two in the romantic wine cellar, afternoon tea at sunset on the deck, or breakfast in bed. Find out more From R950 per person sharing. wildhorses.co.za; 058 622 7000; 083 640 0024 speCial oFFer Quote w&h when booking and get a complimentary lunch during your stay. >>

Is relaxation your key to holiday happiness? Then a night wallowing in the luxury of a private game lodge – part of a private concession within the Kruger National Park – is your dream. CheCk in You’ll choose between three camps: Shawu, Shonga and the main camp, Shishangeni. Here, the 22 chalet-style lodges with sun decks are smart and modern, with power showers, fluffy towels, outdoor showers and a fireplace. eat and drink Snack on freshly baked muffins early morning before your game drive, then you’ll have breakfast and lunch out on the deck. Each day ends with a good dinner in the boma with a bonfire and a selection of traditional cuisine. What to do Set out on two game drives a day, or simply curl up in the library with a book or cool off in the swimming pool. What makes it speCial Therapists are on hand so book a pampering treatment in your room or on your balcony. Find out more From R3 120 per person sharing. shishangeni.com; 013 735 3300

Shishangeni Private Lodge

Wild Horses Lodge

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short breaks

In the heart of the small but bustling fishing village of Hout Bay, you’ll find Villa Afrique Guest House, a five- star family-run guesthouse with an exceptionally personal touch. CheCk in Book into one of the four rooms, each with an en-suite bathroom that features beautiful Victorian baths and separate showers with large power showers. underfloor heating and heated towel rails are an extra touch, and make each room a luxury shelter from the chilly Cape Town breezes. The rooms are designed for comfort and relaxation while guests are encouraged to linger in the lounge area with their favourite glass of wine. eat and drink Only breakfast is served and it’s delicious and wholesome, while a fully stocked honesty bar caters for the nightcap of your choice. What to do Take a dip in the pool or enjoy the ambience and views of the mountain, sea and harbour from the comfort of the verandah. A picturesque fishing village, Hout Bay is a quaint town that’s home to fabulous seafood restaurants and brilliant curios and decor stores so set aside an afternoon to browse the nearby shops.What makes it speCial It feels like an elegant and serene home away from home, with small touches like Charlotte Rhys pamper goodies that add to the warmth. Find out more From R950 per person sharing, includes breakfast. villaafrique.co.za; 021 790 9157speCial oFFer Quote w&h when booking your two-night – or longer – stay and get a 15% discount off the accommodation price.

Da Vinci HotelStep away from the bustle of Sandton and be pampered in this luxury cocoon. CheCk in Beautifully designed interiors make this a stylishly modern getaway. Step into the front lobby and get swept up in the feeling of sophistication and exclusivity. Suites are open-plan yet intimate, with luxury comforts like iPod docking stations and coffee machines.eat and drink For a gourmet dinner, spiral your way down the glass staircase to the maximillien Brasserie, then sip on a nightcap in the sophisticated whisky, wine and cigar lounge.

What to do The tranquil pool area is perfect for a quiet lunch or a spot of reading, or succumb to one of the tempting treatments on the spa menu.What makes it speCial With an address right on Nelson mandela Square, SA’s most premier shops are just an elevator ride away; however, everything you need for a fabulous stay lies within the hotel’s elegant walls. From their first-rate restaurant to a superb spa and gym, you won’t want for anything. Find out more From R2 550 for a double room per night. legacyhotels.co.za; 011 292 7000

Villa Afrique Guest House

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Book a suite at Lawhill and you’ll have the enviable bragging rights to one of the city’s hottest locations. The ultra-modern apartment block in the Marina rubs shoulders with the neighbouring One&Only so it’s within walking distance of the V&A Waterfront. CheCk in Sleek lines, modern fittings and all the essential home comforts make the suites a very glam home away from home. Oversized beds and couches take comfort to a new level and glass doors open onto a private patio with a view of the canal – the perfect spot to flop down on the outdoor couch with a glass of wine. eat and drink Your apartment is

self-catering so there’s a full kitchen and dining area – perfect for extended stays – but why stay in when you’ve got a choice of some of the city’s best eateries, like Willoughby & Co, on your doorstep? What to do Shop up a storm at the Waterfront. And the concierge desk will arrange tours, car hire and restaurant reservations for you. What makes it sPeCial The list seems endless, but we love that guests have access to the One&Only spa – plus a 20% discount off the rates!Find out more From R2 750 for a two-bedroom suite. lawhillluxuryapartments.com; 021 438 9160

Lawhill Luxury Apartments

This Provençal-style boutique hotel in Johannesburg’s Northcliff suburb would look perfectly at home in the French countryside. The building and its interiors ooze old-world charm and there’s a converted farmhouse on the estate too. CheCk in If you love sheer opulence, try one of the seven lavish suites in the manor House, each named after a different plant. The Agapantha Room is all antique furniture with neutral shades and hints of blue, while the Rosa Room is draped in pretty florals and soft green

Just outside Nelspruit, Likweti Lodge is the perfect bushveld retreat for a couple’s getaway or a girls-only adventure.CheCk in The deep earth tones that decorate each of the rooms instantly gives you that serene feeling that can only be found in the African bushveld, and each room has an outdoor shower and deck.

Morrells

Likweti Game Lodgeaccents. The morrells Farmhouse was built in the 1800s and the building’s exterior still exudes a vintage charm. With the original wooden floors and pressed ceilings, the interior of this converted farmhouse is a sight for discerning eyes too. eat and drink Sumptuous homemade meals – expect seasonal menus – are served in the ornate dining room. What to do While it may be difficult to drag yourself away, the area is worth investigating, if only for some restaurants. What makes it sPeCial Each of the rooms boasts a unique selling point; from a Victorian slipper bath to a private courtyard and a double-headed shower. Find out more From R460 per person sharing (farmhouse); from R1 380 (manor house). morrells.co.za; 011 476 5077sPeCial oFFer Quote w&h when booking your stay and get a 10% discount off the rates. >>

Special occasion? Then ask for a luxury suite, which comes complete with a heated pool and a tub with a view of the distant Swazi mountains. eat and drink Being close to nature doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy life’s little luxuries, like three-course lunches and dinners. The chef’s speciality? Deliciously glazed shrimp and stuffed chicken breasts. What to do As the sun sets and the temperatures drop, snuggle up in the fleecy ponchos and sample the cheese and wine packed especially for you on your evening game drive. Or spend the day spoiling yourself at a nearby spa.What makes it sPeCial After a busy day out, why not have a romantic candlelit dinner on your deck? Find out more From R990 for a double room. likweti.co.za; 013 750 8100 sPeCial oFFer Quote w&h when booking and receive a bottle of wine with each dinner for the duration of your stay.

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Stoke up your relationship with a blast of African heat. Cape Town’s arresting scenery and vibrant atmosphere mean you’ll feel like you’re sharing a big adventure together – one that deserves to be done in the grandest style. CheCk in Flamboyant One&Only Cape Town on the Victoria & Albert Waterfront is the city’s best address. It feels like an opulent oasis – rooms clad in wood are super-sized and gizmo-packed, and Table mountain views loom over its private-island spa. In short, it’s fabulous.What to do For the dreamiest sea views, take a cable car up Table mountain with

local wine and glasses. Drift around the baobab trees at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, and catch flaming sunsets on a Robben island boat trip – or bobbing in the hotel’s infinity pool.eat and drink michelin-starred chef Nobu matsuhisa is famous for his super-sleek sushi-and-saki restaurants, and has his African outpost in the hotel. What makes it speCial The scrumptious pillow and scent menus – and the in-room Nespresso machine.Find out more From R6 440 for a double room. oneandonlyresorts.com; 021 431 5800 w&h

One&Only Cape Town

It’s one of the KZN’s most beautiful hotels, with a prestigious Umhlanga address right on the beachfront.CheCk in All rooms are sea-facing, with spacious suites lavishly decorated, boasting two televisions, Nespresso machines and private patios with loungers from which to lap up the uninterrupted sea views. The large bathrooms are a delight – Charlotte

Rhys toiletries prettily adorn shelves, tealight candles line the bath and a glass scale is tucked under the basin.eat and drink With fantastically extravagant breakfast spreads – complete with salmon, Champagne and blinis – on offer, and gourmet dinners, this is definitely a no-diet zone. What to do A swathe of golden sandy beachfront hugs the hotel – lie on a lounger at the giant sparkling turquoise pool and indulge in the sea view. What makes it speCial Beautifully elegant interiors and the sea views make your stay at this hotel unforgettable, but it’s the topline service that earns it gold. Staff are exceptionally warm and helpful, from the front-desk team to the private butlers who service the suites. Whether you’re here for a romantic getaway or a rejuvenating break, you’ll be sad to leave.Find out more: From R2 950 for a double room. southernsun.com; 0861 44 77 44

Beverly Hills Hotel

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