South Africa's Best Resorts for the School Holidays
South African resort hotels have become one of the most popular destination choices over the years and for good reason too. Fun-filled family holidays, romantic honeymoons and weekend getaways filled with adventure and special memories to last a lifetime! A resort is a popular option during the December school holidays, with plenty of things to do for every member of the family.
Resorts are vibrant destinations with a seemingly inexhaustible list of activities; it might take your entire stay to investigate all the exciting facilities on hand! From golf, tennis and squash to volleyball, outdoor yoga and beach games, there are also indoor games and group activities from painting to cake baking and cooking. Enjoy working out in the well-equipped gyms or relax with a pampering treatment at the resort spa.
Many resorts have kids and teens clubs with daily programs, while evening entertainment can include live bands, lavish dance shows and even late-night discos!
Here is a list of some of our favourite South African resorts for the December and January school holidays.
Premier Resort Cutty Sark
Good news for beach lovers - the totally revamped Cutty Sark in Scottburgh on the South Coast is due to reopen on 15 December. The hotel is ideally situated on the lagoon of the Mpanbanyoni River leading to a beautiful golden beach. The resort is set on14 acres of perfectly manicured gardens and with just 56 rooms, it can be considered a boutique resort.
For dive enthusiasts Scuba Xcursion is located at the hotel and this is your chance to dive on the famous Aliwal Shoal. The Crocworld Conservation Centre and the Selborne Country Club Golf Course are both just 15 kms away. With Durban close by, you are able to visit facilities like the world acclaimed uShaka Marine World while on your holiday.
Wild Coast Sun
The Wild Coast Sun at Port Edward on the KZN South Coast is one of the most superb beach resorts in South Africa. For those travelling from inland, the beach will be a haven of warm sand and the lapping waves of the revitalizing ocean. But this is much more than just a beach resort. Tee off on a round of golf or take a cruise on the Umtamvuna River. Once the kids discover the Wild Waves Water Park you will be hard pressed to round them up at sundown! There is a long list of activities including ten-pin bowling, cycling, horse riding, quad bikes, tennis, squash, bowls and Segway Gliding Tours. The Riverside Aqua Sports and Beach Bar offers a host of water activities including tube rides and water skiing.
Little Switzerland Resort
Little Switzerland – the name says it all. This family resort is the height of charm in the foothills of the Drakensberg with 2-bedroom family accommodation in Alpine style chalets. The serene silence promises a quick re-charge of the batteries before tackling all the activities on offer, including hiking and viewing ancient on-site San rock paintings. Nearby you will find the pristine Royal Natal National Park with hiking paths for all levels of hikers. Enjoy horse riding, cycling, fishing, go-karting and mini golf. The best time of the day is sunset as the light fades over the majestic mountains. Time for a sundowner with unspoiled views!
Sun City
This is a resort that was born in a wild and untouched corner of South Africa, truly the stuff that dreams are made of. Four sublime hotels offer a wide range of accommodation from family cabanas to a lost city in the jungle. The activities are awe-inspiring, and include internationally acclaimed golf courses to the famous Valley of the Waves, water sports to casinos and just about anything you could wish for including game drives in the Big 5 Pilanesberg Game Reserve. The kids - and you - won’t want to leave!
Spier
Just 10 kms outside Stellenbosch, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, Spier is a delightful mix of art, culture, outdoor activities, cuisine and of course world-famous wine. The accommodation is in delightful Cape Victorian style villages in keeping with the original buildings on the site. Take a Segway Tour through the vineyards, enjoy the tactile experience of the eagle encounter, browse through the art studio or enjoy a wine tasting. Dine at Vadas Smokehouse and Bakery, order a picnic under the trees or buy your lunch at the Farm Cafe. The Craft Market and classically designed Elemental Garden are not be missed. Be sure to check the daily activities for families but most important of all you do not have to stay at Spier to enjoy many of these activities.
Welcome to the world of South African resort hotels. Call Thompsons Holidays for more information on resorts around the country and find one that perfectly suits your family's needs these school holidays.
