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.

“Hyperlocal, closer to home, and flexible travel will be the order of the day as changing lockdown restrictions continue to impact the way in which we travel,” says Sharmila Ragunanan, Marketing Manager, Dream Hotels & Resorts.

“Having recently acquired Zimbali Lodge in KwaZulu Natal, it is fitting that we’ve arrived in 2021 with 21 properties in 21 destinations brimming with experiences that would tempt even the most hardened homebodies to leave the house.”

With bookings declining in the first quarter of 2021 for tourism and hospitality establishments and many of South Africa’s international source markets experiencing COVID-19 re-surges, the importance of stimulating demand within the domestic market and entrenching a culture of local tourism is even more important.

“The introduction of regulations over the festive season mean that some travellers may have cancelled or deferred their plans for travel. With fewer crowds and quieter roads, the period from January to March after the festive season presents a safer and less crowded time to travel,” Ragunanan says.

“Availability is high and, right now, many accommodation establishments are offering discounted citizens’ rates, making it affordable for those on a tight budget.”

As part of their ‘21 places to be in 2021’ campaign Dream Hotels & Resorts will be offering reduced rates at selected resorts within their portfolio, alongside a flexible booking policy.

“Our mission to promote local travel in 2021 is not just about booking a few nights at our 21 properties, but rather experiencing all of the wonders surrounding our resorts,” Ragunanan explains.  

“From the rugged beauty of the Elephant Coast, to the wilds of the Pilanesberg region of the North West province, our lodgings are predominantly located in less-explored regions of the country where the pace is less hurried and the focus of the holiday is the pure pleasure of travelling.”

Over the years, DHR has managed to acquire and maintain a thoughtful and diverse collection of family-friendly resorts where authentic experiences are readily available benefitting local communities.

“The industry has fought long and hard together to prove that local travel is not only safe and normal—it’s just as fun and rewarding as jet setting abroad,” Ragunanan explains.

“Not only does travel play a crucial role in our economy, it also promotes national pride, and contributes greatly, in my opinion, to personal well-being. There has never been a better time than now to explore, to discover and re-discover, whether it’s 21 new places across the country or even just one.”  

For more information on DHR’s ‘21 places to be in 2021’ deals, visit: www.dreamresorts.co.za

The acquisition also includes the management of Zimbali Vacation Club, strengthening the company’s footprint within the province and bringing the total number of properties within their portfolio to 21.

Says Brent Dickson, Director, Dream Hotels and Resorts: “We are extremely proud to be taking over the management of this prestigious lodge from 1 December 2020.  It is the latest addition to our range of mixed-use properties, cementing our dynamic product offering as one of our unique selling propositions.

“With light at the end of the COVID tunnel, we are grateful for new growth opportunities and are really looking forward to this new endeavor.”

Zimbali Lodge consists of 18 hotel suites as well as 35 self-catering vacation ownership units making up Zimbali Vacation Club. The lodge also caters for small conferences and remains a desirable venue to tie the knot. Before South Africa’s lockdown, the property saw an average of 47 weddings a year, with newlyweds snapping up availability for their honeymoon and many returning to celebrate anniversaries.

“Zimbali Lodge is renowned for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, and we can’t wait to further enhance the experience for our guests at this world-class lodge,” Dickson explains.

Situated 50 km north of Durban, the property is also conveniently located. It is a five-minute drive from the thriving hub of Ballito and just 20 minutes’ drive from King Shaka International Airport.  

“Quietly nestled within an indigenous forest and overlooking a pristine, secluded beach (accessible by foot), a holiday at Zimbali Lodge promises luxury, relaxation, and peace of mind,” he adds. “It’s just the place to catch up on some birding, tee off on the championship 18-hole golf course, and end each day with the most idyllic sunset views from the Valley of the Pools.”

Guests at Zimbali Lodge will have easy access to the on-site Trophy Bar (also open for breakfast and lunch), the squash and tennis courts. Along with these, guests will also benefit from full access to a range of wine and dine options and a stellar selection of world-class amenities within the resort.

“Whether you’re a nature-lover, an incurable romantic or an exhausted businessman in desperate need of a break, Zimbali Lodge is your ticket to explore a little slice of heaven in a very special country,” says Dickson. “A stay at Zimbali Lodge will also put you in close proximity to a range of attractions including the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and a number of historical isiZulu battlefield sites.”

Over the years, Dream Hotels & Resorts has made a significant investment in less-explored regions within the province. Some of these include Nibela Lake Lodge situated along the banks of Lake St Lucia, the Blue Marlin Hotel in Scottburgh along the South Coast, and Little Switzerland Resort overlooking the Amphitheatre in the Northern Drakensberg.

“KwaZulu-Natal holds a special place in our hearts and I am delighted that, with the  acquisition of Zimbali Lodge, Dream Hotels & Resorts will not only contribute to the growth and future of this landmark, but also to the province as a whole,” adds Dickson.

As from today, systems are up and running to manage all new bookings at Zimbali Lodge. With regards to Zimbali Vacation Club, all contractual terms in respect of ownership sold remain in place.

“We have established a great relationship with the current vacation owners and appreciate their invaluable input and support. They are passing the baton – and we are definitely not going to let them down. It’s a fantastic new chapter for Dream Hotels and Resorts and Zimbali Lodge,” he concludes.