The December holidays are light years away and you’re running low on leave days. Don’t despair, LekkeSlaap has the cure! We’ve rounded up a list of ten resorts in South Africa, perfect for a weekend getaway filled with some much-needed R&R!

Qwantani

Near Harrismith, Free State

Head to this family-friendly resort on the banks of the Sterkfontein Dam near Harrismith. These 6-sleeper chalets offer every necessary amenity with magnificent views of the dam. The resort is regarded as one of the most pristine fishing destinations in the world, and a hidden jewel offering affordable, quality accommodation that guarantees total relaxation.

Accommodation: 53 luxury self-catering chalets

Key features: pet-friendly, a library, outdoor chess, a swimming pool, squash, tennis, mini golf, horse riding, dam-based water sports, boat trips aboard the barge, Emmi, an entertainment programme for children, the on-site Martial Eagle Restaurant, and conferencing and wedding facilities

Club Mykonos Resort Langebaan

Langebaan, Western Cape

At Club Mykonos, you can enjoy a unique holiday as well as conferences and events on the scenic shores of the Langebaan Lagoon on the West Coast. Guests can choose between four-star units or elegantly comfortable units with views varying from pool to sea views. Here you’ll be transported to your very own Greek paradise!

Accommodation: four-star Athenian Cascades and Terraces units, and the elegantly comfortable Village, Beachfront and Hillside units

Key features: health spa, swimming pool, children’s play area, gym, braai facilities, mini golf, tennis, boat cruises, beach access, wet bikes for hire, and a selection of restaurants on the premises.

Midlands Saddle and Trout Resort

Near Mooi River, KwaZulu-Natal

Escape to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains for a revitalising stay at Midlands Saddle and Trout Resort. Young and old are welcome at this resort set among stud farms, game reserves, battlefields, and bush along the Midlands Meander where you’ll definitely find that elusive euphoria!

Accommodation: eight luxury self-catering chalets

Key features: adventure golf, cocktail lounge, birdwatching, board games, bowling, communal braai area, convenience store, trout dam, hiking trails, horseback riding, jungle gym, laundry service, library, restaurant, and wellness centre

Umngazi Hotel & Spa

Near Port St Johns, Eastern Cape

Umngazi Hotel & Spa offers full-board accommodation high on the Umngazi hillside. It offers stunning views of the Mngazi River and the ocean beyond, as well as an array of facilities. Accommodations at Umngazi Hotel & Spa range from child-friendly to adult-only chalets and this untouched coastline between the Mtamvuna and Great Kei Rivers is rugged, remote, and perfect for getting away.

Accommodation: Garden, River, Sea, Emlonyeni, Honeymoon and Ntabeni chalets

Key features: free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurant, babysitting services, a kiddies dining room, games and entertainment room, gym, laundry and ironing service, petrol station, a curio shop, a spa and wellness centre, swimming pool, TV lounge, and a tennis court

Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge

Near Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga

This is a picturesque resort within 2 400 hectares of pristine countryside, conveniently accessible to many of Mpumalanga’s most amazing tourist attractions. Crystal Springs Mountain Lodge offers four-star self-catering accommodation at the top of Robber’s Pass on the historic old road to Pilgrim’s Rest. The lodge blends in perfectly with its surroundings of spectacular cliffs, gorges and lush forests, and it’s the ideal bush retreat for families and friends. 

Accommodation: self-catering apartments and chalets, accommodating between two and six guests each

Key features: game drives, a bar, conference room, day spa, laundry service, a playground, a games room with a pool table, a guest lounge, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a convenience store, Jacuzzi, putt-putt, a restaurant, table tennis, and a trampoline

The Kingdom Resort

Pilanesberg, North West

Laid out as a collection of small villages with chalets grouped together to resemble a horseshoe-shaped kraal, The Kingdom Resort is just a two-hour drive from Johannesburg and the ideal getaway for Gautengers. Surrounded by game-viewing opportunities and birdwatching galore, the abundant nature will help to bid your blues farewell.

Accommodation: double suites, twin suites, presidential suites, four-sleeper family suites, four-sleeper and six-sleeper chalets, and four-sleeper, six-sleeper and eight-sleeper villas

Key features: restaurant on-site, operational spa, quad bike tours, archery, paintball, a rock climbing wall, bicycle hire, and a complimentary shuttle service to Sun City

Oranjerus Resort

Kanoneiland, Northern Cape

Oranjerus Resort is situated on the banks of the Orange River in Kanoneiland in the Green Kalahari. It is located a mere 30 kilometres outside of Upington and is the ideal stopover for guests visiting the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Augrabies Falls, Riemvasmaak and Namaqualand during flower season. The location of these self-catering chalets on the banks of the Orange River ensures relaxation.

Accommodation: Budget, River and Luxury chalets, guest rooms, tented camps and log cabins

Key features: air-conditioning, on-site bar and restaurant, swimming pool, braai facilities, conference and wedding venue

Port Owen Marina

Velddrif, Western Cape

Port Owen Marina offers self-catering options on the banks of the marina in Velddrif on the West Coast. This resort was designed to offer you the quality, affordable accommodation that you deserve. There are endless opportunities for sailing, boating and fishing and most apartments have access to a jetty so you can bring your own boat and water sports equipment. And don’t forget your binoculars – this area is a birdwatching hotspot!

Accommodation: self-catering accommodation in a one-bedroom apartment, two-bedroom apartment, a two-bedroom chalet or a two-bedroom superior chalet

Key features: a restaurant, swimming pool, playground area, boating, sailing, a games room, mini golf, and access to a jetty

Hole in the Wall Resort

Coffee Bay, Eastern Cape

Surrounded by vast stretches of unspoilt coastline, Hole in the Wall Resort offers some of the most picturesque scenery in South Africa. The chalets are dotted atop a cliff with serene ocean views and privacy. This remote location on the Wild Coast will put a sparkle in your eye and a song in your heart!

Accommodation: two-sleeper, four-sleeper and six-sleeper self-catering chalets

Key features: swimming pool, braai areas, wellness spa, restaurant, bar, children’s play room, hiking, birdwatching, nature walks, and fishing

Mount Sheba Rainforest Hotel and Resort

Near Pilgrim’s Rest, Mpumalanga

Mount Sheba Rainforest Hotel and Resort is located on the Panorama Route just 22 kilometres from Pilgrim’s Rest. It is ideal for a tranquil getaway tucked away in a lush indigenous rainforest which is also home to the rare samango monkey, as well as the Knysna turaco and purple-crested turaco. Spend your days hiking in the forest and enjoying some birdwatching before heading to one of the restaurants for a delicious meal and drinks before bed.

Accommodation: self-catering 4-sleeper and 6-sleeper chalets, 4-sleeper family suites with patios, 2-sleeper King suites with either a private patio or a balcony, and a 3-bedroom pet-friendly house

Key features: swimming pool, tennis, spa, laundry service, two restaurants, hiking trails through the forest, birdwatching, flyfishing, free Wi-Fi, conferencing and events facilities

So no more complaining about the tiresome traffic, heavy workload, and lack of sleep ─ with these recharge options, you now have the tools to kick-start the next six months. Simply pick a resort and let the rest and relaxation begin!

Feature image: Umngazi Hotel & Spa

This blog was originally written by Karli Dürr and updated by Nanje Lourens in April 2024.

Also Read:

10 Glamping Getaways across SA

Luxury All-Inclusive Stays across South Africa

Natural Hot Springs in South Africa