Public holiday happiness

2020 is well underway and although the festive season seems like a distant memory, those of us that are lucky enough to have Saturdays and Sundays off can still look forward to amazing long weekends. Fortunately, this year, several public holidays are ideally placed to create a bunch of long weekends. Take advantage of this opportunity to plan ahead for your holiday trip with family and friends. For our valued Club members, 2020 is definitely the year to Look Ahead and Book Ahead.

3 Days of March Madness (20 March – 22 March)

There are a few good reasons to get away from work or home over this weekend (Do you ever need a reason to get away?) Taking an extra day off makes this a perfect weekend getaway. 😉 Autumn is an incredible time of year to go on holiday in our beautiful country and most families will probably focus on going away over the Easter long weekend. So, expect this week to be peaceful and unhurried at whatever destination you fancy, just what you need!

4 Days of Easter Awesomeness (10 April – 13 April)

Next, we have the most popular long weekend of them all. This magical 4-day break doesn’t require any leave! To avoid the hustle and bustle, we recommend you consider taking the road less traveled – visit those spots that are just too far away for you to reach over normal weekends. Enjoy the bliss of a scenic road trip on the way to somewhere special. 😊

5 Days of Freedom (27 April – 1 May)

For those of us who can’t get away over Easter, consider planning a trip for the Freedom Day weekend. The quieter roads and cooler weather may just be the tonic you need to relax and refresh. Take a drive down the coast, or venture inland to any one of our amazing resorts. We look forward to welcoming you with open arms and ensuring your long weekend is a memorable one. Pleasant weather, beautiful setting and friendly, professional staff – the perfect recipe for a getaway filled with relaxation.

4 Days of Wintery June (13 June – 16 June)

A delightful weekend away will provide that much needed break from work life. Whether you’re looking for pristine hiking trails, 4 days of golf, or a relaxing time with the family, Bush and Berg resorts are the perfect place to visit this winter. Embrace your wanderlust – grab the kids and make the most of this Youth Day’s celebrations.

3 Days of Amazing August (8 August – 10 August)

For a late winter break, taking only one day’s leave gives you a cool 4 days to travel. The bush is always great in August as the foliage and vegetation is short enough for exciting game viewing and the nights aren’t as cold as they could be. Cost times can also be had at our city and seaside retreats.

4 Days of Stunning September (24 September – 27 September)

Keeping the good times going, we’d suggest staying somewhere local for this 4-day long weekend. Try out a nearby destination so your break doesn’t become too hectic. With the weather warming up, why not visit one of our beachfront resorts, sit pool-side or fish one of our well-stocked dams.

5 Days of Delightful December (16 December – 20 December)

The Day of Reconciliation gives us another magical week for fun, sun and adventure. Avoid the pressure to ‘see everyone’ when the December holidays arrive by visiting one of our resorts nearer to your family and friends.

4 Days of Crazy Christmas (24 December – 27 December)

Last, but not least, we have the Christmas holiday 😊 consider taking a few days off and using this longer break to go somewhere you haven’t been before – a great way to spoil yourself and your family as you round off a year that has been awesome thanks to very fortuitous public holidays and some great accommodation too.

We hope this guide helps you to plan your 2020 holidays. Please travel safely, have an amazing time and don’t forget to share your images of your travels with us on social media.

Best kid-friendly resorts SA

If you’re after a incredible family holiday or you want to go somewhere your children (or the children of people you usually travel with) will be kept very busy, then this blog definitely is for you! We’ve searched far and wide to find some of the most kid-friendly resorts in South Africa which are so great that everyone will have a magical time. Maybe you’ll even rediscover your inner child! 😊

These resorts are very child-friendly and they have tonnes of kiddies activities on offer to keep the little ones busy all day long – so you can relax unless you are having too much fun yourself! An added bonus is kiddies will also be ready (and keen) for bed at the end of the day after running around so much. So… here’s our list of places that are great for family fun at any time of the year.

Midlands Saddle & Trout – Midland, Kwazulu-Natal
The list of fun stuff to do at Midlands is endless. From horse riding, adventure golf, tractor rides, activities with Fred, to swimming or just rolling around in the grass, the kids will be entertained for hours on end. To add to the variety, going down to the dam and fishing with dad or having a braai or picnic is entertainment on its own. Most of these activities can be done as a family or the kids can enjoy on their own whilst the adults can go to the onsite spa or relax at the restaurant. There is so much to discover and explore at this beautiful serene property that one has consider this as a tick off on their travel bucket list for 2020.

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Wild Coast Sun – Port Edward, Eastern Cape
If going to the coast is your thing, head down to Wild Coast Sun to enjoy their Wild Waves Water Park which is one of the best children’s attractions in South Africa 😊 In this warm part of the world, kiddies get to enjoy long, sunny days spent floating along the lazy river or going on the fun high-speed slides. Other great activities are water sports (on the Mtamvuna River nearby), cosmic bowling (surrounded by glow-in-the-dark décor), an amazing arcade and the list goes on. We think this resort is great because it allows you to get away from the city AND your kids don’t have to miss out on having fun.

Magalies Park – Hartbeespoort, North West
Head to beautiful Hartbeespoort to discover one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets – Magalies Park. Here, lucky guests get to enjoy the resort’s wonderful splash zone, heated swimming pools, Jacuzzis, amazing staff and take part in canoeing or go on fun barge cruises along the river. If that wasn’t enough there’s also adventure golf, a trampoline, paintball, tennis, great daily entertainment in the amazing Fred First Kid’s Club and much more (PHEW, we need to take a breath!!). Plus, all of this takes place on a lush golfing and nature estate which has great views of nearby mountains and the impressive river – heaven on earth!

Bushman’s Nek Berg & Trout Resort – Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal
There’s something special for little kiddies about running around in the mountains. Maybe it’s the fresh air and relaxing atmosphere that gets them going or it could be the unique things that they can only enjoy when they are there that gets them excited. Well, Bushman’s Nek Berg & Trout Resort offers tonnes for children to do (all in the beautiful Underberg surroundings) including horse riding, swimming in a rock-hewn pool, taking part in quizzes and competitions, trout fishing and more! This resort must be one of the most peaceful places for adults to unwind too 😉

Sun City Resort – Rustenburg, North West
As its slogan goes, this amazing resort is “A world within a city.” With so much for the little ones to enjoy, like a giant Finders Keepers activity, a forest decorated with lights, the world-famous Valley of the Waves, an impressive arcade, crocodile farm, and a huge maze among its amazing attractions, kiddies are in for a fun-filled time. Great nearby game farms, golf courses, shopping and an impressive Hall of Fame in the resort give adults plenty to enjoy too (which they will have time to, thanks to very busy kiddies 😉

La Côte d’Azur – Margate, KwaZulu-Natal
Maybe the most popular family holiday of all is a trip to the beach and La Côte d’Azur is one of the best destinations in South Africa, especially for children. It has stunning sea views, games that kids can play on the Blue Flag beach in front of the resort, an entertainment programme that seems to never end, a beautiful heated swimming pool and loads more! What’s also great about staying at La Côte d’Azur is that the nearby attractions are amazing. The Lake Eland Game Reserve, for example, can’t be missed (it has the longest zip line tour in Africa and a coffee shop with unbeatable views 😊). Spend some restful days lounging around the resort’s pool while you watch a throng of happy kiddies swamping the great entertainment team, just the way holidays should be 😉

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We hope you try out some of these great resorts where you can enjoy a great balance between fun and relaxing. After all, happy kiddies make for happy parents – so going to these family-friendly destinations is a win-win for everyone!

Have enjoyable travels and please remember to share your holiday photos or stories with us on social media – seeing them is the highlight of our work week!

What’s new in your New Year’s resolutions?

We did it, we made it to 2020! Can you believe it? Besides some of the expected family, home and work planning that usually occupies our minds in this period, it’s also New Year’s resolution-making time! New year, new you… right? Well, how about new travel too?

The great thing about a spanking new year is that it’s a chance for each of us to recommit ourselves to being and doing a little better than the year before. New Year’s resolutions are often challenging because they require serious personal introspections and reflections, followed by real action.
But fear not, we’d like to ease some of that pressure with a resolution item that we know you want and need: new travel!

As you get into gear for 2020 and set your sights on amazing personal and professional milestones, here are some of Flexi Club’s finest properties to help you visualise new travel as part of your renewed MO.

Midlands Saddle & Trout – A Country Escape

For a relaxing country escape, look no further than Midlands Saddle & Trout – where comfort and convenience are the order of the day. Besides the well-appointed accommodation, you’ll also enjoy the best cuisine and get access to a remarkable wellness spa, perfect for couples or friends needing a quick January booster before settling into the expected routines of a new year. Midlands is ideal for those looking to try something new: canopy tours, candle dipping, horse riding and a lot more will keep you entertained throughout your stay.

Bushman’s Nek – The Best of the Berg

Bushman’s Nek Berg and Trout Resort, situated in the picture-perfect foothills of the Southern Drakensberg, offers accommodation in a selection of luxury hotel rooms, exquisite self-catering apartments and rustic log cabins. Enhance your holiday with delectable cuisine at the onsite restaurant, indulge in one or more specialised wellness spa treatments, go horse riding or try some paintball. There are loads of entertainment facilities and activities fit for the whole family. Choose Bushman’s, captivate your imagination and quench your thirst for the ultimate outdoor adventure.

Knysna River Club – Explore the Garden Route

Shady trees and well-tended gardens surround Knysna River Club, a resort that offers security, privacy and comfort for guests looking to unwind. This is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking to explore the famous Garden Route. The chalets, situated just metres away from the lagoon, have spectacular views. Make your holiday trip an active one with walks or bicycle rides to the Thesen Islands or do a family walkabout in the town of Knysna. You can also visit the Knysna Heads to take fun family snaps. What’s more, your fine dining needs will be fully catered for by the fabulous staff at The Terrace Restaurant, the lovely onsite restaurant.

Hole in the Wall – Coastal Bliss

Situated in Coffee Bay and surrounded by vast stretches of unspoiled coastline, Hole in the Wall offers some of the most picturesque scenery in South Africa. This Wild Coast gem has ideal accommodation for those wanting to get away from the stresses of modern-day city life. Its remoteness lends itself to excellent birdwatching, walking and hiking trails, and fishing. The beach is located directly in front of the resort. Here, you’ll be free to enjoy the spoils of relaxing in a coastal holiday haven.

Lake View Cabanas – Wildin’ Out

Travel to St. Lucia in the heart of the Zulu Kingdom and stay at Lake View Cabanas, where affordable self-catering accommodation awaits you. Located close to the estuary and serving as the perfect setting for fun activities for outdoor-lovers, this is a prime location to enjoy a memorable KZN North Coast holiday. Nearby, you can ‘wild out’ by opting for a unique wildlife experience; choose from Bhangazi Horse Safaris, Croc and Hippo Tours, Turtle Tour Safaris, Fishing, Whale Watching, Bird Tours or Hluhluwe–Umfolozi Game Drives.

Mount Sierra – Sun and the City

Mount Sierra is where it’s at in the Mother City, with a beautiful backdrop of Table Mountain. You’ll find stunning, fully-equipped self-catering apartments that offer style and comfort. From here, you can explore the city’s best and most vibrant tourist spots. Do some shopping at the V&A Waterfront, visit one of the trendy Camps Bay beaches, stroll along the Sea Point Promenade and take in the sights at Lions Head and Signal Hill. All this and so much more is yours when you choose Mount Sierra for your next sunny city holiday.

What are you waiting for? Go ahead and kick off 2020 with a special treat for you and the most important people in your life. You deserve to embrace new travel and to make this a Ja-no-worry kind of month. 😉

Don’t forget: La Vita Spas offer the best in luxury pamper treatments, including specialised body and beauty packages. And by joining First Loyalty Plus, the spoils don’t have to come to an end because with SA’s best all-round loyalty programme, you get access to loads of discounts for a range of amazing lifestyle benefits.

Share some of your New Year’s resolutions with us on social media using #MagicalMemories.

Holiday tips for perfect summer trips

It’s December, baby! And we know you worked tirelessly throughout the year to save up for a fabulous Flexi Club festive break. To keep the excitement and the holiday countdown going, we’ve got awesome tips to ensure unforgettable getaways for you and your loved ones this sunny season.

These vacay essentials will have you prepped and ready to make the most of your summer. From fun games to health and safety tips, we’ve got you covered!

Family travel games

Those long journeys to your holiday destination can be gruelling. Travel games are a great way to add a little more cheer (and patience) to your trip. They help create a pleasant atmosphere for everyone and bring your family and friends closer together. We guarantee you won’t be hearing: “Are we there yet?” from any of your fellow travellers with these games. 😉

The Memory Game: for the under-18s

Test memory and those good ol’ listening skills in this game. Add a little extra competitiveness with a small financial incentive for the last memory maestro standing (or sitting, in this case).
How to play: Kick off the game with the following phrase: “I’m going on a family trip and I’m bringing…”. Each person adds an item to the list with their own phrase. Each time someone gets something wrong, they get kicked out of the game.
The aim of the game: To remember the accumulating list as accurately as possible. The last player takes all!

20 Questions: for all ages

For families needing a little more understanding and appreciation for each other, this game will help you get to know one another better.

Pre-trip preparation: Get everyone who’ll be travelling with you to write questions down on pieces of paper (make sure you have at least 20). Collect all the questions and put them in a little bag, box or container.

How to play: During the trip, circulate the questions and let each person pick a question to answer. You’ll be surprised how much can be revealed in this game.

The aim of the game: To strengthen bonds and learn new information about each other.

Sometimes I Wonder Why…: for the adults

This game is for mature travellers, like a group of friends or couples who are road tripping together. It’s meant to be deeper than the usual car games, because each traveller gets a chance to confess the things they often wonder about.

How to play: Take turns opening up about which of the world’s or life’s mysteries boggle your mind the most. Use the phrase “Sometimes I wonder why…” to make your confessions.

The aim of the game: This game exposes what people often muse about and can help people relate to each other regarding their fears, anxieties and internal conflicts.

Packing tips

We all know that feeling of being well on your way to your holiday destination, then realising that you forgot an essential item. To avoid having to turn around, do without your must-haves or purchase new ones, make sure you’ve checked for these before you depart:

All chargers (including your power banks)
Your medical aid card/s & a first-aid kit – in case of medical emergencies
One or two warm clothing items – just in case the weather takes an unexpected turn on one or more of your days away.

Safety tips

We never want to think of something going wrong while we’re on holiday, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. We suggest you email recent copies of your IDs (and any other important documents) and full details of your holiday accommodation (physical address, contact numbers, etc.), so that in the case of an emergency, your friends and family can assist you in any way necessary.

Don’t forget to plan and cater for kids’ car seats, neck pillows and more, where applicable. Work out comfortable, convenient and safer seating arrangements for all ages.

Health, body & beauty tips

First things first: sunscreen! With the weather heating up more each week, don’t take any chances. Always protect your and your loved ones’ skin.

Pack moisturisers, creams and body oils (e.g. coconut oil) that double up as disinfectants, burn treatments, soothing ointments etc.

Ladies, opt for multi-purpose make-up to save packing space in your toiletry bag. Cream blush, dual eye & lip liner and a statement lipstick (e.g. red) – for a general pop of colour – will suffice.

Don’t forget to pack and wear flip flops in the bathroom and shower areas. Protect your feet as much as you can.

Improvise. Adapt. Overcome

Sometimes a sudden change in pre-scheduled holiday activities or bad weather can throw a spanner in the works. Don’t despair. Make sure to take along some back-up family entertainment, such as board games, to keep the family busy. For the avid readers and writers, take along a journal or some books. If push comes to shove, a few movies or series saved on a USB stick can save the day. If you want to avoid the telly altogether, cook and braai together as a family for a bit of culinary fun.

Remember: With First Loyalty Plus, you get access to a series of amazing lifestyle benefits, including holidays, meals, movies, shopping, spa deals and so much more. Simply visit www.firstloyaltyplus.co.za to learn more and join.

Share your funniest road trip stories with us on social media using #MagicalMemories.

Happy holidays!

A magical year in focus

As we approach the end of the year, we’d like to take a moment to look back and reflect on some of the most magical moments in 2019. A plenitude of property news, updates, features and launches have enabled us to elevate the Flexi Club property portfolio whilst also helping you – our treasured guests and club members – create unforgettable memories during your holiday breaks.

THE 2019 OVERVIEW

Achievements

In collaboration with Peach Piché and Fresh Eyes, the launch of the XO Academy reshaped overall customer experience across the board. Our XO Academy is aimed at turning all our staff into GEMS, Guest Experience Managers. By completing rigorous XO Training, many of our staff members got to celebrate with an XO certificate, gown and qualification.

We are exceptionally proud that we got to drive more XO service excellence throughout the year. With dedicated staff members who are trained and willing to assist you no matter what your holiday needs are, you are set for one-of-a-kind holiday experiences – time and time again.

Our memory-makers

We value the relationship we enjoy with guests and club members on social media. From our online feedback, we can safely assert that many visitors have experienced only the finest hospitality during their holiday stays this year. Here are some of our favourite holiday pictures, shared on our various social media platforms. We never want to stop delivering on our promise: helping you create magical and lasting memories all the time.

IMAGE 3.png — Guest/Club member images from social media

Member reviews

The reviews of our guests and club members mean the world to us. This year, it was awesome to see that our properties are delivering on the expectations of our holidaymakers. These reviews prove that we are determined to make sure that every trip you make to our properties across the country are unforgettable ones, from the moment you check-in at reception to the very last moments before you depart to return home. Great reviews mean happy guests, and happy guests are our passion.

IMAGE 4.png — Guest/Club member images from social media

Our experience started with Magaliespark, then to Midlands Saddle & Trout, La Montagne and now Bushman’s Nek. We totally fell in love with it, beautiful accommodation, amazing staff, breath-taking views. We were left in awe of the amazing experiences.
-Natasha Grobbelaar

We recently visited Selborne Golf Estate, Hotel & Spa; what a lovely place. The staff wre friendly, helpful and professional. We had a wonderful stay, definitely coming back!
-Phiwokuhle Mfusi

I booked for my parents and they had a fantastic week away. I had to experience it myself!
What an absolutely refreshing retreat!
-Phindille Ntuli

Guest/Club member images from social media

New acquisitions

The Group purchased the uShaka sales outlet a few months ago, and extensive renovations have been underway to turn it into one of our most valuable high-profile outlets. With uShaka as part of our portfolio, even more family fun and holiday adventure can be enjoyed on your next getaway to Kwazulu-Natal’s Hibiscus Coast.

Ground-breaking renovations

This year, we spared no expense in our multi-property refurbishment and upgrade project. La Montagne, Riviera Suites, Mount Sierra and Bushman’s Nek all received some of the most expansive renovations – which have taken these properties to a whole new level of luxury. Some of our properties now boast new swimming pools, trendy coffee shops, state-of-the-art conference rooms, revamped pool decks and then some.

IMAGE 7.png — Mount Sierra & Riviera Suites – refurbishments

In case you missed it

Vaczone has been replaced by First Loyalty PLUS. In this awesome rewards programme, you can get up to 50% off on: Holidays, Meals, Movies, Shopping, Spa Treatments, Cruises, Activities, Flights, Car Hire and more. Not already a member? Sign up now and enjoy fantastic deals, discounts and special offers. For more information and to join, visit www.firstloyaltyplus.co.za. Loads of mega rewards await you and are all yours to reap!

All in all, it has been a rewarding year and we can’t wait to see what 2020 will bring. We thank you for your loyal support; keep choosing Flexi Club for your ultimate holiday experiences.

Share your favourite 2019 holiday memories with us on social media using #MagicalMemories.