Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
5 local places perfect for getting some shut-eye
IN A COUNTRY ranked as one of the most miserable countries when it comes to mental state, raising awareness of sleep health is as important as one’s mental state.
With sleep tourism also being part of the wellness travel trend, finding the perfect spots to get the best quality of sleep is imperative.
The best places to rest are secluded, offering the soothing sounds of nature to fall asleep to. Getting the best quality of sleep for a weekend or even one night could be as simple as exploring a nearby small town at your leisure.
So if you’re looking to feel rejuvenated, here are places to stay for a good night’s rest.
Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal
You will find the quaint farm town, Underberg beneath the uKhahlambaDrakensberg mountain range.
The quiet town is perfect for those looking for a mountain retreat to escape from the city. There is the uMzimkhulu River close by to go fishing, swimming, canoeing and tubing or go for hikes at Himeville Nature Reserve and the Swamp Nature Reserve and explore rock art sites.
The most important part of this trip is your sleep, so consider a stay at Birches Cottage & the Willows Garden Room with a river close by for R900 a night for two people.
Dullstroom, Mpumalanga
Dullstroom in the Mpumalanga Highlands is inviting. The small town is situated halfway to the Kruger National Park.
Located at an altitude of 2100m above sea level, it is the highest village in South Africa, which makes it a popular training spot in summer for top European athletes.
Dullstroom is also perfect for outdoor activities as its crystal-clear dams
are perfect for trout fishing. If you are more of a golfer, then you can enjoy the Ernie Els-designed championship golf course.
There are also plenty of cultural experiences to enjoy such as delicious restaurants and coffee shops, but consider a stay at Sleep@84 close to Dullstroom Bird of Prey & Rehabilitation Centre for R882 a night for two people.
Muldersdrift, Gauteng
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Johannesburg, then explore Muldersdrift. The quaint town lies at the crossing of the Crocodile
River, on an old wagon route between Pretoria and Potchefstroom.
It has a handful of nurseries and smallholdings that have attracted a community of potters, artists, homesteaders and brewers and it’s also close to Wonder Cave, which is part of the Cradle of Humankind.
Consider resting at Natures Haven. A stay at the apartment starts from R931 a night for two people.
Prince Albert, Western Cape
Prince Albert lies inland on the southern edge of the Great Karoo and the foot of the Swartberg.
Just outside town is access to the famous Swartberg Pass while in town are lei water channels, gardens of fig trees, Cape Dutch architecture and a mix of Karoo and Victorian buildings restored and functioning as restaurants, guest houses and little shops.
There are also olive and wine farms to visit, a weekend market, and big fair amount of charm and character. It’s also the perfect mountain retreat, which will leave you feeling like you’ve travelled back in time.
Casa Milorca is the perfect smalltown hideout to rest at starting from R770 a night for two people.
Cintsa, Eastern Cape
Dense tropical forests and the ocean meet on the Wild Coast making it the perfect place to rest. Much of the territory is untouched making it a beautiful haven to escape to.
The charming village of Cintsa is about 30 minutes outside East London and straddles the Chintsa River.
Enjoy the verdant indigenous forest, the tranquil lagoon, and the river as it runs into the Indian Ocean.
The holiday homes in Cintsa along the river banks are perfect for a peaceful getaway that makes you feel like you’re in paradise.
Enjoy a night’s rest at Schafli Manor Wild Coast with ocean views starting from R948 a night for two people.