The heat is on! Feb in South Africa is considered the hottest month of the year… and so keeping cool is a priority. While some people look forward to the warm weather and sunshine, the heat can sometimes be too much to bear. It’s never too late to book that cool-down vacay while the weather is still warm. If you’re looking to escape the heat and cool off, there are plenty of top local destinations and activities to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled getaway inland, the best way to beat the heat is by taking advantage of air conditioning, pools, and other cool-down activities. Here’s a few refreshing staycation slay spots that bring the ultra-cool vibes when the weather continues to sizzle.
Air Conditioning and Swimming Pools
Take advantage of the air conditioning! Whether you’re staying in a hotel or resort, making sure the property has air conditioning is the x-factor to staying cooler than cool. La Montagne on the KZN North Coast boasts modern, fully equipped, and air-conditioned apartments – so even if you get too hot at the nearby beach, lazing by the pool, or end up sweaty after a fun activity (like squash, cycling, or fishing) coming back to the air-conditioned unit will be like a dream come true.
Beach is not your vibe? Then, travel inland and stay at the Manyane Resort in the Pilanesberg Game Reserve (close to Sun City). This resort brings bush-vibes with thatched roof chalets that all have air-conditioning (yay!) and a private patio to catch the bush breeze (double yay!). With a children’s playground, walk-in aviary, and centrally situated swimming pool (for those quick dips or long swims), you’re sure to keep cool in more ways than one. There’s also self-drive or guided game drives to get those chilly goosebumps from up-close-and-personal animal encounters.
When it comes to cooling off and relaxing, nothing beats a poolside chill. Here’s two favourite resorts with the best pool experiences: Bushman’s Nek (Drakensberg) and Magalies Park (Hartbeespoort). Both come complete with comfortable lounge chairs, umbrellas, and easy access to your favourite cocktail or cold drink while lounging by the pool. Don’t forget to take advantage of the poolside service for meals and snacks too.
Beach and Braai
‘Life’s a Beach’ because beach vacations offer the perfect opportunity to swim in the ocean, relax on the sand, and take in the beautiful scenery. South Africa has some of the best beaches in the world – from the KZN North Coast to the Western Cape. Among these beach havens, find warm or cool waters, sandy beaches, and plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and other water sports. Many beach resorts also have large swimming pools and air-conditioned rooms, making it easy to stay cool even on the hottest days.
What about enjoying a beach picnic? Whether it’s only you and boo, just your crew or your whole family too – beach picnics sound simple but are totally fun. Pack a light lunch, finger food or your favourite takeout with some cold drinks, and a big umbrella to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with the people you love the most. The sun, the surf and sand can relax you and provide the ultimate cool factor. What about our favourite past-time? BRAAI! Many beach resorts offer grill and picnic areas for guests to use, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the beautiful ocean views. SORTED!
Hermanus Beach Club ticks all these boxes. It’s a beach home-away-from-home – with 2 and 3-bedroom units AND each unit has their own private brick-built braai. It’s perfect for that family holiday or girls/guys trip you have been itching to go on. Staying close to the beach guarantees an ocean breeze to keep you cool whoever you choose to chill with on vacay.
Want the Braai but not the beach? Then, keep braai-ing while the suns still out for longer when you stay at Kwa Maritane in Pilanesberg. Here, all the units come with an outdoor grill and there’s tons to do on the resort – including tennis, swimming pools (one even features a water slide) and a children’s playground. Sun City is a 10-minute drive away to add to the cool-down fun. At Kwa Maritane, book a 1-bedroom chalet if you’re going with your lover or bestie, or book a 2-bedroom Chalet if you’re taking the family or planning a gals/guys-only trip. There’s also a 2-bedroom Superior Chalet to add that extra bit of luxury to your cool-down getaway.
Water Sports + Selfie Spots
When the weather peaks we all urgently MUST.FIND.WATER… to drink, shower, dip into or splash out! One of the best ways to beat the heat on a beach, lake, dam or riverside vacation is by getting stuck into all the water sports available. From jet skiing and parasailing to windsurfing and boat/barge cruises, there are plenty of ways to cool off and have fun. Think outside the box: you can even find a boat rental spot (at some places), allowing you to explore the coastline and discover hidden coves, private rock pools, and untouched beaches.
Club Mykonos Langebaan has everything you need to cool down in Grecian style. Apart from the poolside bar and awesome sea views, it has a private jetty, a wellness spa and water skiing nearby. Wanna get the blood pumping before cooling down? Try the awesome activities like adventure golf, squash, Kid’s Club and Jacuzzi. There’s also a climbing wall, netball, volleyball, a Fitness Centre and more!
A vacation isn’t complete without capturing memories and selfies, and there are plenty of great spots to take the perfect photo at all these resorts. But Club Mykonos specifically has tons of scenic lookout points by the harbour, beautiful gardens and beach hot spots – perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy snaps. You can also try taking a selfie while enjoying water sports such as kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding for a unique angle. Two of the most popular snapshot selfie spots is right on the beach, where the blue water meets the shore or snap a selfie with the Greek-style architecture in the background where you can #GreeceInSA or #EpicShot loading…!
Sodwana Bay Lodge Dive & Fishing Resort on the Elephant Coast is also a hot spot for selfies and water sports. The lush green landscape with easy access to the beach makes it an ideal cooling spot for that extra chill. Try out water skiing, paddle boards, snorkelling or scuba diving. Chill in the beach breeze or take a dip in the swimming pool or ocean. With access to nearby game drives, this resort is a favourite for a little bit of everything that you’ll need to beat the heat in a big way!
Best Berg Holidays
If you’re ESCAPING the coastal heat, travelling to the Berg is the best way to keep things feeling crispy cool. From hiking and biking to golfing and river/lake activities, there is plenty to keep you cool and entertained. Many mountain resorts also feature swimming pools, as well as air-conditioned rooms and shaded breezy common areas, making it easy to stay cool even at high elevations, when you’re (literally) closer to the sun.
One of South Africa’s most popular and best-loved country hotel retreats is The Drakensberg Sun Resort. It is the most relaxing destination for family holidays, working remotely or a romantic break. Spend your time hiking, horse riding, fishing, and on the tennis courts – and then chill out relaxing poolside or at the eco-friendly spa (surrounded by breathtaking landscapes). What about going canoeing at the private lake which joins the two: hot activity + cool down factor = Win-win!
If you’re a nature lover, stay at CastleBurn in Underberg where the brisk mountain air can keep the heat at bay, and there’s tons to do when you wanna up the excitement. Fishermen and families love this vacation destination with numerous onsite facilities including trout dams, a swimming pool, tennis, hiking, horse riding, sailing and boating.
No matter what type of vacation you’re looking for, there are plenty of options when it comes to travelling to cool off and escape the heat. Plan your next trip today and beat the heat while taking advantage of all the chill spots on offer. These top local destinations are the answers you’re looking for to help you cool off while the temperature rages.
Don’t let the heat stop you from exploring and experiencing new places!
Happy travelling!
Flexi Club 