Days are shorter, nights are longer, temperatures have dropped and the heating is turned up – all signs that winter has well and truly arrived.
‘While it may be tempting to hibernate at home from the chilly weather, now is the perfect time to get out and explore all that South Africa has to offer, away from the crowds and at reduced rates,’ says Premier Hotels & Resorts’ Group Sales, Revenue and Marketing Director Mark Jakins.
He shares some of his favourite winter getaway and holiday spots in Premier:
Celebrate the season with Sani
For many South Africans, seeing snow is a special experience and winter often brings a snowfall to the Drakensberg, so Premier Resort Sani Pass is a brilliant vacation choice this winter.
Guests are encouraged to watch the snow reports. Situated on the slopes of the Southern Drakensberg, guests can take 4X4 excursions up the Sani Pass, ride up the mountain towards Lesotho on horseback, and go hiking and biking. For those who prefer to take it a little easier, there’s the spa with breathtaking views. After a day of activity, guests can unwind with a meal in the Maluti Restaurant overlooking the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, or head to the historic pub at the nearby Premier Hotel Himeville Arms for a drink.
Premier Hotels & Resorts invested R100-million into the venue’s recent makeover, which included room upgrades, a new multipurpose entertainment area, a heated indoor swimming pool with new changing rooms, an outdoor pool and a much-improved kids club area complete with a mini soccer field. All these features make Premier Resort Sani Pass a new accessible, desirable destination for the KZN holiday market.
Go wild this winter
Winter is the best time of the year for spotting wildlife at Premier Resort Mpongo Private Game Reserve just outside East London in the Eastern Cape, as the grass is low and bushes and trees are sparsely leaved. With low levels of rain, the animals will migrate towards the water, making watering holes, dams and rivers a hive of activity. See lions up close, and buffalo, antelope and elephants on game drives, along with numerous birds of prey. As the reserve is situated in the Eastern Cape, temperatures during the day are typically pleasant – ideal for the game drives and safari walks offered by the resort on more than 3,500 hectares of conservation land.
Come to the Cape
Cape Town is an often forgotten destination during winter, due mainly to this being its wettest time. However, there are many near-perfect days in between the wintry ones, and many indoor activities, which make a trip to the Mother City very worthwhile.
Although it’s unlikely anyone will want to brave the waters of the always-icy Atlantic Ocean in the cold months, the Winelands, with their beautiful settings and barrels of vino, beckon. Plus, with winter being the low season for tourists, tour operators and attractions discount their rates heavily. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, for instance, is offering free entry to kids during the school holidays. Premier Hotel Cape Town is conveniently located near the Waterfront, city and many natural wonders – enabling guests to easily take advantage of the specials on offer around the city.
Wander the Garden Route
Whether it’s warming up from the inside out with the adrenaline that comes from paragliding and bungee jumping, exploring indigenous forests, or taking a relaxing cruise on the Knysna Lagoon, there’s much to see and do along the Garden Route. Situated less than 3km from Knysna’s town centre and waterfront, Premier Resort The Moorings provides the perfect base when experiencing one of the most scenic coastal stretches in the world.
Up until the end of August, guests can while away the winter days at any of Premier Hotels & Resorts’ 18 properties around the country at 20% less (with bed and breakfast included).
To take advantage of this offer, use the promo code ‘Winter 2019’ when booking.
Visit premierhotels.co.za for more information.
