Choose Your Next Getaway
Three Ways To Unplug Completely
by
Elvida Sydney
· August 10, 2026 · 4 min read

Berg

Nestled in the heart of the Drakensberg, Cathedral Peak Hotel is steeped in over 85 years of heritage and tradition, with some guests coming here for 50 years and history on the walls that gives you a real feel for the reason behind all that they do. The unspoilt and unequivocally gorgeous surroundings keep drawing new people, and what you see outside is truly fabulous, especially the spectacular view of the peaks you’re greeted with on the walk to your room.
The hotel is full board, so all you have to do is arrive for your meals, with a fabulous buffet breakfast of cereals, hot porridge, pastries, and all the hot breakfast options, plus buffet-style dinners with starters, mains, and desserts galore. Outside, Cathedral Peak offers a wide variety of activities for young and old, from horse riding and quad biking to guided hikes ranging from 1 hour 30 minutes to the full 10-hour mountain hike. The pools are also there for those who just want to relax, while couples are catered for with private spaces to chill and the adults-only Harry’s Bar. For families, there are indoor and outdoor play areas, and daily activities are planned to keep the kids happy and busy. It’s a place that truly has it all.
https://www.cathedralpeak.co.za
Beach

Located on one of the few select beaches in the country that enjoy Blue Flag status, Pumula Beach Hotel’s guests are spoilt for choice with various on-site facilities and those right on Pumula’s doorstep. Enjoy never-ending golden beaches, rock pools, surfing, excellent fishing opportunities, the annual sardine run, dolphin or whale watching, awesome kiddies’ entertainment, or a great massage from the hotel spa, to name a few. If surf and sand aren’t quite your thing, enjoy the two swimming pools, one with a toddler paddling pool providing a safe, controlled environment where you can help your toddlers gain confidence.
Dine for dinner and breakfast in the lap of luxury in their dining room. Lunch is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the open sky terrace and its spectacular views of the majestic Indian Ocean. Joe’s Tavern is the watering hole for anyone wanting to catch their favourite sporting events; flat-screen TVs face you from every corner, and they offer a wide selection of local and imported beers. If you want to enjoy every bit of the sun beside the pool, have cocktails and drinks at the Pool Bar! For female guests, The Ladies Bar is the perfect spot; it offers a more peaceful surrounding where you can enjoy a quiet cocktail or fine wine selected from their comprehensive menus.
From adventure sports to diving and more, Pumula Beach Hotel provides guests with a unique opportunity to discover the incredible Hibiscus Coast.
https://www.pumulabeachhotel.com
Bush

Tucked away in the riverine forest on the banks of the Msunduzi River within Manyoni Private Game Reserve, Rhino Sands Safari Camp offers a luxury safari escape that feels a world away from city life.
The intimate camp has just five spacious luxury tented suites that blend seamlessly into the surrounding bushveld, each featuring beautifully appointed interiors, private decks with plunge pools, and outdoor showers, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of the wild.
Guests can enjoy expertly guided game drives in Manyoni Private Game Reserve, home to the iconic Big Five. The reserve is known for its spectacular game viewing and strong conservation focus, with many hands-on conservation activities available for guests to participate in.
Food is an integral part of the Rhino Sands experience. Fresh, locally inspired cuisine is prepared with care and enjoyed in beautifully curated settings, from relaxed breakfasts in camp to elegant dinners under the African sky.
What truly sets Rhino Sands apart is its sense of exclusivity and connection to nature. The camp offers privacy, personalised service, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for local guests alongside year-round South African residents’ rates and deeper discounts for last-minute stays. For KZN residents looking to escape to the bush for a few unforgettable days, Rhino Sands Safari Camp is the perfect opportunity.
Written by
Elvida Sydney
As one of the in-house journalists, Elvida's unique voice and love for writing shine through in every article she works on.
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