Scope out warmer temperatures on the KZN South Coast

Who says you can’t grab your surfboard or take dad diving just because it’s wintertime? The sunny South Coast in KwaZulu-Natal is well known for its pleasant year-round temperatures, making it possible to enjoy a beach holiday whenever you fancy one.

Be sure to plan a stay at the Blue Marlin Hotel – and perhaps take advantage of their new all-inclusive packages, too – and you and dad can look forward to a pamper session at the onsite spa. The ‘Build a Hero’ Father’s Day special allows you to choose 3 treatments and pay just R580! Alternatively, make your way to the onsite Lighthouse Restaurant for a mouth-watering buffet braai at just R275 per person.

Spoil dad on the Dolphin Coast

The KZN North Coast, also known as the Dolphin Coast, is another fantastic option for escaping the freezing temperatures that are currently sweeping through the rest of the country. The popular holiday town of Ballito, in particular, promises everything that you could want from a beach vacation, especially if dad has an adventurous side.

Book a stay at Zimbali Lodge and you’ll both be treated to a decadent carvery lunch at Thandi Restaurant, priced at R360 per person. The set menu is chockfull of winter-warmers, from butternut soup served with warm bread to lemon and thyme roast chicken and homemade malva pudding.

Spend time getting closer to nature outside Pietermaritzburg

South Africa is swarming with incredible national parks and game reserves, all of which are practically bursting at the seams with wildlife and birdlife. The great news is that there is no better time than now to head out on a safari. Due to the drier, cooler weather, the grass will be short and sparse, and the animals will be on the move rather than seeking shelter beneath the trees. In short, you’re sure to spot plenty more than you probably would during spring or summertime.

Why not opt to visit Pietermaritzburg and stay at the Tala Collection Game Reserve? It’s far off the well-beaten track, allowing you to steer clear of crowds, it’s 100% malaria-free, and it’s home to plenty of big game, such hippo, giraffe, kudu, and eland.

The reserve’s lodge is also providing the chance to have some memorable family fun with your nearest and dearest. Adults pay R350 each and kids between 4 – 12 years old pay R175. This fee is inclusive of a small gift pack and a free Segway ride for dad, and he can also opt to take part in a paintball and target shooting competition if he has a competitive streak. The fee is also inclusive of a tasty buffet lunch following all of the festivities. Furthermore, tethered hot air balloon experiences will be available at an additional R300 per person.

Go big in the Greater Pilanesberg

The Greater Pilanesberg is a firm favourite amongst families who love being outdoors and exploring the best of what Mother Nature has to offer. From long, breezy hikes and guided bush walks to scenic bike rides and sunny afternoons spent fishing beside the lake, there’s no doubt that this is the ultimate destination for nature enthusiasts who are desperate to get away from noisy city streets.

If this sounds a lot like dad, you can’t go wrong with a stay at Finfoot Lake Reserve. During your visit, you’ll be able to treat your old man to a memorable meat-lovers’ meal, including a starter of grilled buffalo wings with a trio of sauces, a choice of surf and turf or chicken schnitzel and a variety of delicious sides as the main, and a decadent chocolate brownie with vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Escape to the mountains in Citrusdal

If a mountain escape is at the top of dad’s wish list, Citrusdal is the place to be. This charming town is small and promises plenty of peace, quiet, and breath-taking views. Dad is sure to enjoy horseback riding through the valley, cycling along winding bike routes, mountain bike trails, hiking and stocking up on yummy snacks at the local farm stalls.

Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort, which is perched neatly at the top of the Piekenierskloof Pass a 10 minute drive from Citrusdal, is offering its guests a scrumptious Father’s Day lunch and a versatile set menu. Dad can choose from a sizeable selection of starters, mains, and desserts. Think biltong tartlets, sticky BBQ wings, T-bone steak, seafood chowder, Peppermint Crisp tart, and more – all at discount prices.

Go hiking with dad in the Drakensberg

If both you and dad are avid hikers, you’ll be well aware that winter provides some of the best conditions in which to enjoy your favourite outdoor activity. The dry weather means that a downpour is unlikely to put a damper on your adventure. Plus, with subtly snow-dusted mountain peaks, the Drakensberg is absolutely beautiful at this time of year.

Choose Little Switzerland Resort as your base for your getaway and you can sit down with dad and savour a braai buffet lunch at just R250 per adult and R125 per child under the age of 12. Treat him to a bowl or two of flavourful soup, fresh salads and classic braai sides, and every meat lover’s braai favourites – from lamb chops to boerewors and everything in between. Finally, make the meal even sweeter with a broad selection of indulgent desserts.

Don’t forget to book in advance for all of the experiences highlighted above to avoid disappointment.

This is the year to go all out. After all, dad deserves the best!

“While in previous years booking at the 11^th hour would leave you with limited options, we’ve seen a definite uptick in the trend for last-minute bookings this year. We want to assure those looking for a romantic getaway, dinner, high tea or trip to the spa that there is no reason to despair. With a variety of incredible options to choose from, they’re sure to find something at one of our 21 properties across the country.”

“The appeal of our resorts are that many of them are off the beaten track, away from crowds, intimate and quiet. There are also a range of activities couples can enjoy together; from Segway Safaris at Finfoot Lake Reserve and diving at the Blue Marlin to birding at Nibela Lake Lodge. These are wonderful experiences to enjoy together with your significant other, but as always, a firm favourite, a romantic spa treatment and dinner, remains a bestseller.”

The ‘month of love’ special offers include:

Zimbali Lodge

Surrounded by acres of tropical forest, a stay at Zimbali Lodge feels like a ‘Balinese’ holiday on the Dolphin Coast.

Zimbali Lodge special package – Take some time out for a full-day experience (a hot stone or aromatherapy massage and high tea) from R1,760 per couple or opt to extend your spa day by including a 1-night B&B experience from R3935 per couple.

Jozini Tiger Lodge

Close to St Lucia and the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, Jozini Tiger Lodge is well worth a visit!

Jozini Tiger Lodge and Spa Valentine’s special – Includes dinner, bed and breakfast, a turndown service, 60-minute full body massage for two and a 2-hour sundowner cruise. From R3,300 per couple per night.

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa

Ease into pure luxury and wine and dine in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley at Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa.

Le Franschhoek’s Suite Valentine Escape – Includes a romantic turndown gift, bubbly on arrival and 10% of any spa massage treatments, plus receive 25% off their best flexible rate. Offer valid for the month of February 2021.

The Blue Marlin
Make the most of the endless sunshine on the south coast at Durban’s beloved Blue Marlin Hotel with rooms offering exquisite sea views.

Special offer – Stay 3 Nights pay for 2 – from R3400 per couple. Contact the hotel for more info on this offer. 

Finfoot Lake Reserve
Just a 90-minute drive from Johannesburg and situated in the Greater Pilanesberg area, lies Finfoot Lake Reserve. It’s the perfect weekend break in the bush. Splurge on a romantic spa treatment, starting from R600 per couple.

Special offer from R2704 per room per night.

Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort
Treat yourself to an overnight or weekend stay in the Cederberg Mountains at Piekenierskloof Mountain Resort, less than a two-hour drive from Cape Town.
Special offer from R1635 per room per night or book a Valentine’s dinner on 13 February for just R325 per person including a glass of sparkling wine.

“After the challenges of 2020, and already one month into 2021, there’s never been a better time to treat yourself and your partner to a Valentine’s Day getaway. Make up for lost time. Book your romantic treat with us today!” concludes Ragunanan.

For enquiries and reservations contact 0861 010 347 or email info@dreamresorts.co.za.

“We have embarked on three lifestyle development opportunities at Finfoot. This includes our luxury tented camps, private self-catering luxury villas, and owner-built private stands,” explains Clyde Keevy, Dream Hotels & Resorts Sales Manager.

“Our private stands allow for full personal control over the planning, material and architectural design, while our villas will be offered on a fractional ownership basis.”

The current focus is, however, on the new luxury safari tents which will be offered on a shared ownership basis. “We have already completed one unit, with the development plan to build nine more, depending on demand,” he adds.

Luxury Tent Amenities

“Located just a stone’s throw from the Vaalkop Dam and surrounded by the natural bushveld setting of the Eland’s River Reserve, these luxury tents will make waking up in the morning a true delight with the cheer of birdsong all around you,” says Keevy.

He explains that this particular style of accommodation is “ideal for those who revel in the nostalgic look and feel of iconic canvas tent-style safaris, but who want a higher level of comfort and refinery”.

The current luxury tent, and those set to be built at Finfoot, features two bedrooms and two en-suite bathrooms which comfortably accommodate four adults and two children under 12 years.

Fully-furnished and well-equipped, each unit is fitted with a kitchen, a lounge area, an authentic outdoor shower, a private deck with a medium-size pool, and a shaded boma braai area. “It is the perfect setting, where you can relax while the potjie simmers on the fire.” he adds.

The price for each unit starts from R44,790 for a week on a shared ownership basis. Purchases can be financed over a maximum period of 60 months at the prime interest rate +3% with a minimum 10% deposit and levies excluded from price, from rates based on out of season weeks.

Finfoot Facilities & Activities

“Just 90 minutes from Johannesburg and 30 minutes from Sun City, Finfoot offers that perfect bushveld setting, with all essential facilities on-site to ensure holidays both convenient and comfortable,” says Keevy.

“The large thatched lapa serves as the main hub at Finfoot Lake, with a communal pool, restaurant, bar and comfortable lounge areas. There is also a private spa, games room for the kids, an outdoor boma, and a conference centre catering for up to 60 delegates.

“We offer many interactive team building and family-friendly activities, such as game drives, bush walks, canoeing, fishing and mountain biking,” Keevy adds. Another signature activity at Finfoot, is the Segway safari – an effortless way to explore the area with a guide, but without breaking a sweat.

Sunset barge cruises on the Vaalkop Dam are another long-standing tradition at Finfoot. African skimmers and Kingfishers are common, where you can often hear the unmistakable call of the Fish eagle, says Keevy.

“To be part of our Finfoot family in 2019, all that’s left for South Africans to do is to stake their claim in this spectacular reserve by snapping up one of our brand-new luxury tents,” Keevy concludes.