6 SHO’T LEFT SPOTS TO HELP RECHARGE YOUR BATTERIES

WE ARE a few months away from the December holidays and a new year.

In the meantime, the stress levels are dangerously high. And I know the thought of sipping on some vino and putting your feet up in a tranquil setting sounds heavenly right about now. No deadlines. No errands. No stress. That’s why this Heritage Month, which is also Tourism Month, we propose a Sho’t Left break.

KWAZULU-NATAL

Fordoun Hotel and Spa, Midlands

This family-owned luxury boutique hotel and spa near Nottingham Road in the Midlands serves the best views, history and serenity.

The hotel has 22 stylish rooms, but if you are looking for something a little more private, they recently added a self-catering farm village with 9 cottages, kitted out with all the amenities.

The panoramic views of the Drakensberg immediately put guests in a tranquil state of mind.

A stay here starts from R1 795 during off-peak times and R2 600 during peak times, for a minimum 2-day stay.

And the 2-3 bedroom cottage starts from R4 515 during peak season and R3 990 during off-peak periods.

For more information, visit: https:// fordoun.com/

Ghost Mountain Inn, Northern KwaZulu-Natal

Dubbed Zululand’s finest country inn, this award-winning hotel is in Mkuze, where you can choose between a pamper or adventure break, exploring the game reserves of Zululand. It also has a rich heritage.

Guests can indulge in one of the packages: wildlife and boat safari or boat and spa.

Other options include a hike to the top of Ghost Mountain where you can

learn about the Battle of Tshaneni. Of course, the sunrises and sunsets are just breathtaking.

Right now, they have a few packages on offer.

For more information visit: https:// www.ghostmountaininn.co.za/

JOBURG

Olive Tree Farm, Magaliesburg

Olive Tree Farm is a short drive from Joburg and the ideal weekend getaway.

Located in picturesque Magaliesburg, this place is part of a shared 250ha game conservancy. What this means is that if you enjoy walks, hikes and mountain bike riding, this is one

of the best spots to do it at.

Close to Maropeng, the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, Olive Tree Farm ticks a lot on the bucket list.

If you are looking to spot giraffe, sable, kudu, zebra, eland, blesbok and other wildlife and bird life, this small private reserve makes it possible.

The farm offers self-catering as well as bed and breakfast options, but for a minimum 2-night stay on weekends or public holidays.

For more information, visit: https:// olivetreefarm.co.za/

Akabeko Boutique Hotel, Mpumalanga

This luxury hotel, which opened in

early 2016, is on a working cattle farm and offers all the modern luxuries travellers are looking for.

There are several stylish suites, a Kalahari Couples Spa room, an outdoor jacuzzi and local fly-fishing on offer. And if you are a golfer, the golf course on the property makes it a winwin situation.

Each suite, which accommodates two people, is set privately in the landscaped gardens along the Hoppe River.

And no expense has been spared with the design, which includes kiaat wooden floors and black marble. Each suite has a fireplace and a mosaic sunken bath doubling as a small pool.

Akabeko, which translates to “Red Cows” in Japanese, is inspired by Japanese folklore. It celebrates resilience, strength and happiness.

A stay here will cost you a pretty penny, with a starting cost of around R11 000, but it’s worth every penny.

For more information, visit: https:// akabekohotel.com/

CAPE TOWN Languedoc Cabin, Stellenbosch

Again, a perfect quick escape from the concrete jungle. Looking at the pictures, I can understand why they call it a slice of paradise.

It looks every inch the part, surrounded by the harmony of nature and complemented by picturesque mountain views

It’s celebrated as a Winelands gem, too.

So what’s on offer? Luxurious rustic cabins or a garden or paddock suite. After all, guests love options. The garden suite, which costs R1 300 for the room only, has a fully equipped kitchen and accommodates two people.

The paddock suite is an open-plan apartment with private parking that happens to be under an oak tree. It’s spacious and air-conditioned. Guests can watch the horses from the patio, which also has a braai area.

It costs around R1 400 for the room only.

My best, though, is the rustic wooden cabin, shrouded by 70-yearold liquid amber trees.

The unit has a spacious veranda area, ideal for soaking up the serene ambience and being one with nature, as well as a braai pit and rock pond.

It sleeps two and costs R1 800 a night, room only, and must be booked for a minimum of 2-nights.

For more information, visit: https:// www.languedoc.co.za/

Leeu Collection, Franschhoek When it comes to location, it really doesn’t get much better than this.

This haven is in the heart of Franschhoek.

The Leeu Collection is the manifestation of the vision of founder Analjit Singh (aka BAS), who wanted to deliver an experience that is both sophisticated and unparalleled.

And it does so with its premium five-star and two five-star boutique properties in South Africa’s Winelands: Leeu Estates, a five-star 23-room country house and boutique winery in the Franschhoek valley; Leeu House, an exclusive 12-room hotel in the heart of Franschhoek village; and Le Quartier Français, a romantic 25-room hotel also in the village.

They have several packages available, depending on what you want out of the break.

But wine is definitely a great starting point, in my opinion.

For more information, visit: https:// www.leeucollection.com/SA/stay