Darrel Bristow-Bovey marched his mum through New York City at a pace. We asked our team where they’ll take their mums for something more… relaxing, to celebrate Mother’s Day on 10 May.
Rockwoods farm, Cederberg. Photo by Sonya Schoeman.
1. Sonya Schoeman, Editor
My mother has advanced Alzheimer’s, and hers is of the restless kind so she needs a lot of activity. She also cannot be without her dog, which she loves more than anything, even her children (we tease). So we will take her to the Cederberg. The wide-open spaces and copious number of rock pools along many of the walks mean she can do her two favourite things: walking in the wild and swimming. The huge benefit is that the space will also calm her down – I think the landscape and skies are some of the most remarkable in the country, and it’s heaven for birders – there’s plenty of birdsong, which my mum loves. We will need to be careful of baboons, but the place we stay has plenty of space to keep an old dog safe. We stay at the magical Rockwood Farm, R1 100 per night per first couple, R150 per person per night thereafter.
2. Jacqui MacGregor, Art Director
My mom and I celebrate our relationship each and every day, but on Mother’s Day we head to Ons Huisie, and make sure we are seated as they open at 9am. The historic house is a heritage site in Bloubergstrand and has such breathtaking views, and a real South African farm-style brekkie (one of the best on the West Coast). Ons Huisie is also pet friendly and has a large playground for the kids, which makes it perfect for a family outing. Parents can enjoy a light lunch while their kids play safely under the watch of childminders.
If you are looking for a quieter, more personal view, On the Rocks is an old favourite. This al fresco experience brings new meaning to a luxury breakfast on the beach; one of those places that you wish you could keep a secret.
3. Melanie van Zyl, Gear Editor
I come from a family that loves food – we are of the ‘live to eat’ variety. A few years back my family and I enjoyed a memorable Christmas Eve feast at Muisbosskerm in Lamberts Bay, an incredible outdoor beach restaurant offering fish, freshly baked bread, potjiekos, mussels and a sunset over the sea. We don’t have quite the same option in Johannesburg but Die Vette Mossel near Hartbeespoort Dam is the closest we will get to the ocean and offers a similar sumptuous spread – which is why it featured in my blog of 10 (more) awesome things to do in Joburg. It costs R230 per person to dine on mussels, West Coast snoek, seafood pot, calamari steak followed by fruit and koeksisters for dessert. I’ll bring mom’s favourite wine (there’s no corkage fee) and enjoy the Highveld winter sun. Booking is essential.
