BIG FIVE & BEACH BLISS

On arrival into Cape Town, you will be met and taken to the 21 Nettleton, your luxury abode for the next three nights. Here you can enjoy the 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain, 12 Apostles range and Lion’s Head from the flower-filled terrace of your suite or the green gardens by the pool before taking the cable car up to explore the iconic flat-topped mountain.

Walk hand in hand around the City Bowl, starting in the historic and pedestrianised Company Gardens or in the fragrant Malay Quarter, Bo Kaap, to really get a sense of Cape Town’s cultural heritage. If you’d prefer to spend your days on the beach, head to Clifton Beach, just below your hotel, or for a bit of wildlife spotting, make your way along the Cape Peninsula to False Bay to see African penguins and breaching southern right whales.

In the evenings you’ll be able to sample some of the finest cuisine and freshest of seafood - we highly recommend dining in the restored Old Biscuit Mill silo, either at the Test Kitchen, one of the world’s best restaurants, or at the Pot Luck Club, the coolest place to be in the city.

Today, you’ll swap the surroundings of white beaches and misty mountains for the rod-straight vineyards and Cape Dutch architecture of the glorious Cape Winelands. You’ll be driven to Franschhoek, where you’ll stay at the romantic and intimate wine estate, La Petite Ferme. Overlooking a trout-filled lake and the valley’s quaint town, you can pass the time leisurely sipping on chilled Chardonnays and smooth Merlots as you take in the stunning views from the plunge pool.

Pop into a wine estate’s art gallery to see beautiful works by acclaimed local artists or stroll around the charming streets of Franschhoek, starting at the top of Huguenot Road to see the Huguenot Monument. This is also where you can board the Wine Tram, a hop-on hop-off tour that offers a great way to see several estates and join in many tastings in one day.

Catching a short flight to Nelspruit, you will be whisked off to the northern corner of the exclusive Sabi Sands Game Reserve, where your safari adventure awaits you at Nottens Bush Camp. You can depart on two game drives a day with an experienced ranger in search of the notorious Big Five or join a walking safari to discover the smaller hidden treasures of the region.

The morning and afternoon safaris can be broken up by lazy hours spent in the cooling swimming pool or at the Nature Spa. In the evening, grab a cocktail or glass of wine and head to the wooden deck area to watch elephants and other herds drink at the waterhole. When the sun sets, share a romantic moment by the fire before dining on delicious fare by candlelight. 

Leaving South Africa behind, it’s time for some Indian Ocean beach bliss. Nestled in 20 acres of sub-tropical gardens but right on the sandy shores of Turtle Bay, the Oberoi Mauritius is a five-star hotel perfect for spending a few days flopping between the palm-fringed beaches and the exclusive, honey-coloured spa pavilions. Relax together with a couple's massage, have a personal butler set up a ‘bubbles and bliss’ experience in your room, or, if you can still remember them, renew your vows at the private cove, followed by a sunset photoshoot and a secluded dinner on the beach.

You can stretch your legs along the miles of sand, get your PADI open water certificate and go scuba diving to the area’s untouched coral reefs, or take part in a wide range of water sports, from glass-bottomed boat rides and Hobie Cat sailing to sea kayaking and pedalo boating.

If the idea of going home is stressing you out, let the wellness instructor help you with a breathing exercise, tailored to expand the lungs and increase oxygen intake, or with a  hatha yoga session. For the inner artist, consider a painting or sculpture class or a visit to the nearby art gallery, and for those interested in learning a skill to take home with them, book the cooking class led by the hotel’s master chefs.