Go on, spoil yourself with a weekend getaway with the girls

IImagine waking up to the fresh smell of morning dew high up in the mountains of the Drakensberg, listeningto the faint sounds of water trickling down a nearby stream or witnessing the sheer beauty of the scenic view of the valleys below. Expect this and so much more when you visit the Cathedral Peak Hotel. To say that this 4-star TGCSA-graded establishment is nice would be an understatement, it’s magnificent!

So what is it that makes this resort so unique? Well, besides the mountains, picturesque landscape and luxurious accommodation, it has to be the impeccable service provided by staff, a wide variety of outdoor activities on offer and wellness centre to rejuvenate.

Let’s begin with the accommodation that includes superior and presidential suites -  but don’t worry, there’ll be no fighting over who gets which room as there’s plenty of suites for you and your friends to enjoy that luxurious touch. Oh, and did we mention rooms with thatched roofs? These unique spaces truly give guests that African feel while offering the ultimate in comfort. Expect to pay between R1720 per person a night for a standard room or if you’d like to share with three friends, then the rate would be R5160 per night.

As for activities, ladies be sure to pack warm and get ready for an extreme adventure or a leisurely outdoor experience. Activities include a nine hole golf course, horse riding, fly-fishing, quad-biking, 18 guided hikes to choose from, archery, mountain bike trails plus exhilarating helicopter flights.

For more information on rates, facilities and more, please contact +27 (0)36 488 1888 / bruce@cathedralpeak.co.za

Leopard Mountain - Hluhluwe

HHead to Leopard Mountain, situated high on the clifftops in the Hluhluwe area of KwaZulu-Natal, for an incredible safari adventure. Imagine intimate encounters with some of Africa’s magnificent creatures as you head out into the bush on a guided game drive. But of course this is not the only highlight of one of KwaZulu-Natal’s sought-after lodges, there’s an Africology Spa to look forward to where top therapists are on call to offer you and your girlfriends unique pamper sessions that are sure to rejuvenate one’s soul.

When it comes to accommodation, Leopard Mountain certainly does not disappoint. Expect luxurious stone and thatch chalets equipped  with large, open showers that boasts views of the valley below.

Expect to pay from only R4750 per night sharing. For more information on their winter special, contact +27 86 111 4789 / info@leopardmountain.co.za

The Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spa – Drakensberg

AA getaway to KwaZulu-Natal is not quite complete unless you visit the Drakensberg. Once there, settle in at the Cavern Drakensberg Resort & Spaand take in the beauty of the foothills of the Northern Drakensberg in the Amphitheatre World Heritage Site area. You’ll be in complete awe of the lush indigenous forests and clear bergstreams that can be found near this incredible establishment, which promises to provide you and your girlfriends peace & tranquillity during your stay – unless you’re keen for activities including mountain biking, trail running and more.

The accommodation comprises of hotel and family options thatrangefrom standard rooms, superior rooms and superior suites to superior family suites.  Basically, there’s enough room for your whole entourage of friends to get together, relax and enjoy being in this remote part of South Africa. Starting from R1400, expect great rates on their accommodation.

For more information contact +27 036 438 6270 / info@cavern.co.za

Pumula Beach Hotel - Umzumbe

NNow, for those of you who can’t resist travelling to the coast and having some fun in the sun with sand between your toes, then head to Pumula Beach Hotelsituated along KwaZulu-Natal’s coast, 100 km south of Durban. You know you’re in good hands when the hotel you’re staying in was a winner in the 2013 Lilizela Tourism Awards in the Service Excellence in Accommodation category.

Now, of course this is a bonding time for you and your girls, so why not take on some of the many activities on offer at the hotel that range from coastal excursions and deep-sea fishing to ocean safaris and helicopter rides? There’s enough adventure to keep everyone entertained and fond memories to be made.

When it comes to cost, the Pumula Beach Hotel offers incredible rates that everyone should take advantage of – starting from R1430 per person sharing per night with all meals included.

For more information contact +27 39 684 6717 / reservations@pumulabeachhotel.co.za

The Elephant Coast Guesthouse – St. Lucia

HHave you ever been to St. Lucia, gateway to iSimangaliso (the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park), which was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site? There’s never been a better time than now to visit. This beautiful region of South Africa is home to the Elephant Coast Guesthouseand this quaint guesthouse is all that a guest would need for ultimate relaxation.

Consider this establishment as the means to experiencing the best of the surrounding wetlands, safari and marine environment. While exploring the outdoors, you and your girlfriends may be lucky to spot resident wildlife including hippos, bushbucks, porcupine, small antelope, mongoose, monkeys, bushpigs and lots of feathery friends.

The accommodation is everything you’d expect from a 4-star TGCSA-graded establishment. The rooms available boast distinct African décor with a touch of modernity and luxurious essentials.  Expect to pay between R550 and R990 per night including breakfast. Contact +27 (0)35 590 1888 / reservations@elephantcoastbnb.co.zafor more information.

There you have it, even more reason to pack your bags and hit the road and take a Sho’t Left  to explore more incredible getaway deals with your girlfriends and celebrate true friendship while enjoying one of South Africa’s most beautiful provinces, KwaZulu-Natal.