Happy New Year and hello to 2024! As we step into this new year, there’s no better time to prioritise YOUR well-being. Any questions you may have on taking a self-care holiday…? TRAVEL IS THE ANSWER, and we have all the info you need. Imagine a journey that doesn’t just transport you to a destination but elevates your overall health and rejuvenates your spirit!!! We believe in the transformative power of travel. Trotting the globe is awesome, but you don’t have to go so far because there are countless stunning locations right here in South Africa when it comes to vacations with self-care in the spotlight. Join us in exploring the fusion of travel and wellness, where each destination beckons with promises of tranquillity, self-care, and rejuvenation.
Revitalise Your New Year: Wellness and Travel Escapes
In a world that constantly demands our attention, it’s crucial to carve out a moment for self-reconnection. A diverse selection of resorts offers an ideal haven for those seeking to blend travel with wellness, promising a rejuvenating start to the year. Because when you’re aligned, your goals, wants, and happiness follow suit.
But self-care is different for different people, and figuring out what best suits your wellness needs is key to a fulfilling experience. Of course, we’re throwing travel in the mix as the perfect answer. It’s an opportunity to let the travel bug be your self-care fix for 2024. From serene spa getaways to immersive nature-based experiences and more, each destination is tailored to cater to your wellness needs. Let’s look at why this is so important for your next chapter.
Self-care Trips & Tips to Savour
Here are a few things to consider as you start planning your self-care retreat:
Ever thought of SOLO travel? Solo travel sparks transformation! It’s a game-changer for your mind, body, and soul—boosting confidence, sparking self-discovery, and delivering mental clarity and physical perks. Travelling ace-out can be your ticket to personal growth and deep self-reflection, and it can have positive lasting effects depending on your destination and how you embrace every experience.
Ever asked yourself ‘What do I want?’ Self-questioning like this can help you get to the core of what will truly help you get healthier and once you know what it is, your road to ongoing happiness becomes more of a possibility, even when a few bumps on the road sneak up on you. It’s not just about asking yourself where you want to travel to – but it can be about all the slices of life’s decisions, big and small.
Are you getting enough rest? When you sleep, your body functions to balance out hormones, and psychologically, you’re able to manage your experiences in a healthier way – so a sleeping holiday may sound weird, but it’s perfectly good for you – especially when you’re sleeping and waking up in pure luxury, right?
Do you try to spend time in nature regularly and take on new adventures? Apart from the obvious benefits for your heart, walks or hikes in nature are an easy option: in the park, on the beach, or on a nearby nature trail. And adventure? Well, c’mon – apart from the endorphins and adrenaline kick some activities may bring, taking on a new adventure no matter how small, can get your vitality soaring so that you not only see the personal growth in yourself but also FEEL it from the inside out. Jim Robbins, in his article, Ecopsychology: How Immersion in Nature Benefits Your Health, says that “a growing body of research points to the beneficial effects that exposure to the natural world has on health, reducing stress and promoting healing.” We like the sound of that!
Have you ever been on a spa retreat? Sounds like something only people in a movie do, but a Spa Retreat is a real thing, because of the benefits you feel long after you’re off the treatment table. We’re gonna hit you with a doozy of benefits because we’re in love with the fact that spa treatments bring a bucketload of benefits: improve sleep, reduce stress, decrease anxiety, boost confidence and self-esteem, detoxify your skin, lift your overall mood, reduce muscle tension, strengthen immunity, improve overall health, increase circulation, promote relaxation and can also reduce headaches.
Ever kept a journal or travel journal? While it may come across as a bit old-school, the truth is: it’s far from that. It’s freshly written pages telling YOU about YOUR best vibe so that you can keep doing the good stuff and dodge the downers. A travel journal is a powerhouse of reassurance and inspo –write down your thoughts, memories that surface, and interesting info you pick up on your journey. Travel journals help record the trip in a fun way, especially if you include pics and stick in items you find along the way. Relive the thrills, challenges, and joyous moments long after you’re checked-out – this means the memories are locked in to share with family and friends or for you to reflect on for your next (travel) chapter. When doubt or stress hits, flipping through your journal rekindles that travel buzz, sparking electrifying emotions and restoring your emotional balance.
Let’s look at top spots to travel to where you can get your self-care ignition turning and rev up towards better days…
Solo Travel
Ready to take the world by storm? Solo travel isn’t just a trip – it’s a personal masterpiece waiting to happen! It’s the passport to your own adventure, where you set the rules, write your story, and discover a side of yourself that only exploration can reveal. Ditch the crowd, embrace the solo groove, and find out why these trips aren’t just about the destination, they’re about the thrilling journey within! It’s the ultimate me-time fix: YOUR rules, YOUR choices, and always putting YOU first.
Where to stay
The Palace – Solo adventurers can revel in the vibrant beach culture and bustling city life, finding comfort in the rhythm of the Indian Ocean. Explore the city’s rich heritage, indulge in water sports, or simply unwind on the stunning beaches, experiencing a perfect blend of adventure and peace. The resort has two restaurants Pesto & the Sun Lounge, an onsite La Vita Spa, pool and is right on Durban’s Golden Mile.
Riviera Suites – Here, the majestic Table Mountain meets the buzzing cityscape right on Sea Point. Discover the city’s eclectic vibe, immerse yourself in cultural hotspots, and relish the freedom to explore picturesque landscapes, combining urban exploration with breathtaking natural beauty. You can chill at the resort enjoying the pool, chow down at the Jooma Coffee Shop, and take in a spa spoil onsite at the La Vita Spa or wander through the Mother City with easy access to everything from this resort HQ.
Bantry Bay – For solo travellers seeking tranquillity amid stunning landscapes, our fully-equipped apartments offer ocean views and a serene leisure deck above the waves, making them an ideal sanctuary for self-care. Embrace luxury in these rock-facing accommodations while relishing nature’s beauty. Dine at local restaurants or enjoy cultural evenings in Sea Point. Experience the best of cosmopolitan Cape Town at Bantry Bay and cherish your solo escape.
Spa Rejuvenation
Pamper your senses and indulge in self-care with our curated selection of spa spots. Picture yourself in a haven of relaxation, enveloped in luxurious treatments designed to rejuvenate your body and mind. Our resorts provide the perfect backdrop for unwinding and recharging amidst breathtaking surroundings. Get your favourite spa treatments or pick which ones best suit your self-care needs:
- A full body massage eases muscle tension, reduces stress, improves circulation, boosts flexibility, aids sleep, and may enhance the immune system.
- Hot stone massages use heated stones to relax muscles, ease tension, improve circulation, and enhance overall relaxation.
- Foot massages alleviate stress, boost circulation, relieve pain, aid relaxation, and may contribute to overall well-being through targeted pressure points.
- Head massages provide relaxation, stress relief, better blood circulation, and potential relief from headaches, neck, and shoulder tension by targeting specific pressure points, promoting well-being.
Where to stay
La Côte d’Azur – Immerse yourself in a spa retreat overlooking the azure coastline. Let the soothing sound of waves complement rejuvenating treatments, offering a blissful escape that harmonises seaside tranquillity with revitalising spa experiences. Whether you travel with your family and make it a family retreat including the kids (La Vita Spas have kids treatments too), go on a couples spa spoil to recharge and reconnect through self-care, or a solo vacay for some important ‘me-time’, this resort is ideally placed with everything you need turn #SpaDay into #SpaRetreat!
Mount Sierra – A spa haven amidst the city’s vibrant energy and stunning landscapes. Unwind in a sanctuary where majestic views meet indulgent spa therapies, creating a serene ambience for ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. Imagine this: a dip in the heated pool, after a hand and foot or full body massage at the spa, snacks on the way back from the coffee shop and a nap in absolute luxury accommodations! Mount Sierra is your Mother City spa spot of choice.
Fairways Gold Crown Resort – Escape to the serene Drakensberg Gardens complex in KwaZulu-Natal, boasting a pool, barbecue, and its very own blissful spa centre – unwind with a drink at the bar, enjoy the awesome accommodations, dip in the pool or enjoy one spa spoil after another. Embrace leisurely adventures like bike rentals, tennis, table tennis, and top-notch golfing in this vibrant locale.
Get Back to Nature or Adventure
Get set to turbocharge your self-care game through nature’s chill vibes and adrenaline-fueled escapades! Dive into our nature-packed experiences—where serene landscapes hit refresh on your mood and adventure sparks creativity. Mother Nature’s cure? Fresh air, lush views, and a sprinkle of earthy atmosphere that’ll rejuvenate your spirit. Adventure? It’s like a superhero for your soul, zapping routine with excitement and dishing out confidence like candy. Shift gears to holiday mode—get ready for a holistic, self-care trip that’ll level up your health game, making travel the ultimate elixir for your body and soul! If adventure is your self-care mission, there are tons of places to choose from for the best natural thrills to get the adrenaline pumping and the endorphins raging. All resorts have comfy accommodations, with onsite facilities and activities to keep the adventures rolling.
Where to stay
Qwantani – Tranquil lakeside views and invigorating outdoor activities blend seamlessly here! Nurture your soul and invigorate your body with adventures on the Sterkfontein Dam. Go horse riding, take on hikes, or play tennis and other sporty games at the resort. This resort is pet-friendly, so everyone’s invited for the adventure awesomeness – including furry family members.
Magalies Park – This is a haven nestled amid picturesque landscapes, where relaxation meets adventure in the best way possible. Revitalise your mind and spirit with sporty activities on tennis and padel courts, play bowls and adventure golf. Or take a hike on awesome trails nearby, swing into a game of golf on the pristine golf course right on the resort, plus a paintball arena, barge cruises, mountain bike trails, and a waterpark for the kids to ensure you’re in the adventure zone. With tons of safari parks and Harties Dam within reach, you’ll be spoilt for choice and your adventure holiday will be a hit. Before or after the adventure, dip into heated pools or grab a treatment at the onsite La Vita Spa.
Mabalingwe Nature Reserve – Stay on an expansive 9,500-hectare landscape inviting solo adventurers, couples, and families to immerse themselves in the authentic South African Bushveld. Embrace the abundant birdlife, indigenous flora, and diverse wildlife. The resort caters to all, fostering shared experiences for families and offering tranquil escapes for all seeking a deeper connection with nature. Trips here will definitely be a stop on the road to better health, self-care and wellness.
Bushman’s Nek – Majestic mountains and unspoiled landscapes set the scene for a thrilling retreat, fuelling the spirit of adventure and fostering a deep connection with nature. Get your adventure on and feel like a new and improved you with adventure golf, archery, fly fishing, horse riding, mountain bike trails, paintball, pony rides, tennis, squash, table tennis, tractor rides, a climbing wall, swimming pools and water slides. And when the time comes, take a dip in heated pools, and grab a luxury spa spoil at the onsite wellness spa.
Mtunzini Forest Lodge – A coastal retreat nestled in a serene dune forest bordering the Zululand coast, this location embraces a birdwatcher’s haven, home to a myriad of bird species, notably the rare Palm Nut Vulture. Set against the backdrop of Raphia Palms, the lodge features pristine beaches accessed via a charming wooden bridge over the Siyayi River. Explore the area’s natural wonders and wildlife via an intricate network of trails, offering residents an immersive experience in nature’s embrace. This is an absolute gem for avid fishermen, as well as for nature and bird enthusiasts alike – offering a secure and untainted sanctuary to indulge in their passions amidst unspoiled beauty.
MORE NATURE ADVENTURE OPTIONS
Knysna River Club – While it’s the only one on this nature/adventure list that doesn’t have an onsite restaurant, it’s the perfect place to embrace the enchantment of Knysna with a nice balance of peace and adventure. It is a gateway to nature’s wonders where lush forests meet sparkling waters, crafting an idyllic haven that rejuvenates both body and mind – and then, you choose your adventure based on your preferences. This is where you can spring from one adventure to another and feel more alive than ever before with canoeing, sailing, surfing, hiking, skydiving and adventure golf. Nearby find even more thrills, from Tsitsikamma Forest and Treetop Tours, diving, Paquita Wreck and Thesen’s Jetty to Knysna Elephant Park, Monkey Land, Birds of Eden, Wild Oats Farmers Market, and tons more.
Do Nothing – Carefree on the Coast
Welcome to your beachside bliss, where time drifts away like the tide. In a world that’s all about go-go-go, sometimes the real flex is kicking back and doing absolutely nada. Finding the ultimate chill-out zone is key. Picture this: you, lounging without a care, soaking up those ‘just be’ vibes. Grab a book – dive into a literary escape that matches the serene scenes around you. And guess what? Our coastal hideaways? They’re a whole mood. The rhythm of waves serenading the shore and salty breezes high-fiving your face – it’s pure seaside therapy. Whether it’s the golden sands of the Indian Ocean or the rugged Atlantic coastline, it’s all about dropping the stress and dialling up the tranquillity.
You can chill and do nothing at any resort, but those with a sweet spot with more to savour when it comes to a laid-back chilled atmosphere can be found in many places, so here’s our pick of resorts for the best self-care beach vibes setting the perfect tone to kick off your 2024 on a wellness high.
Where to stay
Kowie River Chalets – This is where serene riverside meets ocean setting, providing the ultimate escape. Picture yourself lounging by the water’s edge, immersed in a soothing atmosphere that invites complete relaxation. Feel the stress melt away as you breathe in the calming sea breeze and relish the peaceful surroundings, where the lush coastal greenery meets the sandy shore. Comfortable 3-bedroom chalets fitted with everything you need means you never have to leave the chalet, but when you do, the beach is a stone’s throw away and the swimming pool is perfect to lounge beside for a nap, with a good book, or between dips.
Sunshine Bay Beach Resort – Bask in coastal bliss at the heart of Jeffreys Bay. Embrace the proximity to the stunning main beach, renowned for fishing, world-class surfing, and a bounty of seashells waiting to be discovered. There’s nothing that gives you that carefree coastal feeling quite like looking for shells on the beach, right?! Dive into leisure with an onsite sun-kissed swimming pool. Explore a plethora of activities in the surrounding area: indulge in shopping, engage in tennis, squash, or golf, relish gym facilities, and savour delectable dining experiences at nearby restaurants and bars. For adventure seekers, horse riding beckons a short drive away, while the majestic Addo Elephant Park is just over an hour’s road trip away for a day visit. For a closer wildlife encounter, the Lombardini Game Reserve is less than 10 minutes away, promising unforgettable experiences amidst nature’s wonders.
Breakers – Where you get to surrender to the allure of the coast’s charm and enjoy the gentle rhythm of the waves and golden sands as they beckon you to unwind. This is the ideal location for solo trips, boys- or girls-only trips, couples getaways or family holidays. This destination ensures you’re in the coastal fun zone where you can choose to do nothing and bliss out on the beach, by the swimming pool or in your luxurious room. If you’ve rested enough and want a bit of a thrill but everyone wants something different, you’re in the prime location, as the resort town of Umhlanga has everything you need from the Umhlanga promenade and multiple shopping malls for a shop ‘til you drop session, to exciting nature hikes and activities like microlight flights, horse rides and more.
So, pack your bags and let our resorts be your launchpad to a year of self-care and adventure! It’s time to say yes to rejuvenation, merging travel with wellness for an epic 2024. Whatever your self-care mode is, TRAVEL is the answer and there’s no excuse for not making YOURSELF the priority this year! Experience the transformative magic at our stunning South African resorts and make 2024 the feel-good year from the inside out. Here’s to a year filled with relaxation, adventure, and holistic self-care—your ultimate escape awaits!
“Travel is not just a journey; it’s a quest for self-discovery, a path towards inner peace, and a gateway to holistic well-being.” – Unknown
Flexi Club 