Women are constantly faced with a balancing act of some sorts - from home, to family to making sure everything is under control at work at all times. So, it’s no surprise that the idea of hitting the pause button is so often moved down your to-do list.
Here is a list to give you some girls’ weekend inspiration.
Pamper party
Wellness travel is #trending in a big way, so a spa weekend is no doubt at the top of the list. Gather your girls and take a trip up the N2 towards Hermanus. Known internationally as a favourite spot for whale watching, fine dining and an impressive collection of wine farms to choose from, it’s a great location to unwind, catch up and regroup over a glass of bubbly or three. Dial up the relaxation and treat yourself to a night or two at the African Pride Arabella Hotel & Spa to enjoy the ultimate pamper experience.
Definitely take a day to wine tour up the Hemel en Aarde Valley and do the Creation food and wine pairing, and from there, head all the way to the top of the mountain and do a bubbly tasting at Domaine des Dieux, famous for their MCC sparkling wine.
For those up North, don’t stress - we have you covered too. For the ultimate indulgence, visit African Pride Mount Grace Country House & Spa. Not only is it a quick 1.5-hour drive from Jozi, it’s situated in the scenic Magaliesburg surrounded by breath-taking mountain views. The hotel is a destination in itself and offers a refreshing blend of outdoor fun, gourmet dining and spa bliss, yoga retreats, bird watching and trails to explore! For the adventure girls in the group, try ziplining from 11 platforms built on cliffs on the scenic mountain range.
Food
If you’re foodies at heart, then Durban is the place to be. From traditional curries and fresh seafood to beach-side coffee shops and extravagant cocktails, it’s any food lover’s dream. Ile Maurice has an octopus curry that melts in your mouth. Get in on the action by staying at the ideally situated Protea Hotel by Marriott Umhlanga Ridge and be moments away from Durban’s most sought-after boutiques, restaurants and beaches. Make it a strong weekend by getting active and cycle along the picturesque Golden Mile or take it easy and catch a lift on a rickshaw for an authentic tour of the city.
Glam it up in Jozi
For glamour queens looking for ultimate luxury this long weekend, consider a city getaway to the in the heart of Joburg, the Melrose Arch precinct. Explore the stylish restaurants, bars and boutiques that this mixed-use precinct has to offer. Start your evening with a cocktail at the Fire & Ice Melrose Arch. Try one of their new signature OTT G&Ts, and then head over to the Goliath Comedy Club for a laugh. Recover from the night before with a stroll through the Sunday Banting Market on High Street and indulge in some guilt-fee treats before spoiling yourselves with a much needed pamper session at the Camelot Spa located in the African Pride Melrose Arch.
Find your inner artist in Clarens
If you’d prefer to get away from it all, and your friends are into arts and bric-a-brac, then suggest a girls’ weekend in the quaint little town of Clarens. Hidden at the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, this gem is home to a variety of eclectic art galleries, gourmet restaurants, friendly coffee shops and scenic spots. Take time out with your girls and enjoy beautiful local and international artwork and handcrafted goods before making a lazy pitstop at a coffee shop to recharge your energy levels with a freshly baked sweet treat or two.