Beat the Heat
The heat is on! Feb in South Africa is considered the hottest month of the year… and so keeping cool is a priority. While some people look forward to the warm weather and sunshine, the heat can sometimes be too much to bear. It’s never too late to book that cool-down vacay while the weather is still warm. If you're looking to escape the heat and cool off, there are plenty of top local destinations and activities to choose from.
Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled getaway inland, the best ways to beat the heat is by taking advantage of air conditioning, pools, and other cool-down activities. Here’s a few refreshing staycation slay spots that bring the ultra-cool vibes when the weather continues to sizzle.
Air Conditioning and Swimming Pools
Take advantage of the air conditioning! Whether you're staying in a hotel or resort, making sure the property has air conditioning is the x-factor to staying cooler than cool. La Montagne, on the KZN North Coast, boasts modern, fully equipped and air-conditioned apartments – so even if you get too hot at the nearby beach, lazing by the pool or end up sweaty after a fun activity (like squash, cycling or fishing) coming back to the air-conditioned unit will be like a dream come true.
When it comes to cooling off and relaxing, nothing beats a poolside chill. Here’s two favourite resorts with the best pool experiences: Bushman’s Nek (Drakensberg) and Magalies Park (Hartbeespoort). Both come complete with comfortable lounge chairs, umbrellas, and easy access to your favourite cocktail or cold drink while lounging by the pool. Don’t forget to take advantage of the poolside service for meals and snacks too.
Magalies Park also has many air-conditioned chalets, villas and the cutest “hotel” rooms perfectly suited for 2. With an onsite water park, barge cruises on the Hartbeespoort Dam and even heated-pool options for those night-time dips, this resort brings the cool-down factor with full force. There’s also a wellness spa, paintball activity, golf course & more at the resort to heat up before you find your perfect cool spot.
Beach and Braai
‘Life’s a Beach’ because beach vacations offer the perfect opportunity to swim in the ocean, relax on the sand, and take in the beautiful scenery. South Africa has some of the best beaches in the world - from the KZN North Coast to the Western Cape. Among these beach havens, find warm or cool waters, sandy beaches, and plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and other water sports. Many beach resorts also have large swimming pools and air-conditioned rooms, making it easy to stay cool even on the hottest days.
What about enjoying a beach picnic? Whether it’s only you and boo, just your crew or your whole family too - beach picnics sound simple but are totally fun. Pack a light lunch, finger food or your favourite takeout with some cold drinks, and a big umbrella to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with the people you love the most. The sun, surf and sand can relax you and provide the ultimate cool factor. What about our favourite past-time? BRAAI! Many beach resorts offer grill and picnic areas for guests to use, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the beautiful ocean views. SORTED!
Chaka’s Rock Chalets, in Ballito, ticks all these boxes. It’s home-away-from-home self-catering accommodation that has comfortable main rooms, spacious living areas and private patios with braai facilities. It’s perfect for that family holiday or girl’s/guy’s trip you’ve been itching to go on. Staying close to the beach guarantees an ocean breeze to keep you cool whoever you choose to chill with on vacay.
Want the Braai but not the beach? Then, keep braai-ing while the sun’s still out for longer when you stay at Qwantani in the Free State. Here, the chalets come with an outdoor grill and there’s tons to do on the resort – including swimming pools, adventure golf, board games, daily entertainment, horse rides, Kid’s entertainment programme, canoeing, fishing and so much more to keep the heat at bay.
Water Sports + Selfie Spots
When the weather peaks we all urgently MUST.FIND.WATER… to drink, shower, dip into or splash out! One of the best ways to beat the heat on a beach, lake, dam or riverside vacation is by getting stuck into all the water sports available. From jet skiing and parasailing to windsurfing and boat/barge cruises, there are plenty of ways to cool off and have fun. Think outside the box: you can even find a boat rental spot (at some places), allowing you to explore the coastline and discover hidden coves, private rock pools, and untouched beaches.
Club Mykonos Langebaan has everything you need to cool down in Grecian style. Apart from the poolside bar and awesome sea views, it has a private jetty, a wellness spa and water skiing nearby. Wanna get the blood pumping before cooling down? Try awesome activities like adventure golf, squash, Kid’s Club and Jacuzzi. There’s also a climbing wall, netball, volleyball, a Fitness Centre and more!
A vacation isn't complete without capturing memories and selfies, and there are plenty of great spots to take the perfect photo at all these resorts. But Club Mykonos specifically has tons of scenic lookout points by the harbour, beautiful gardens and beach hot spots - perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy snaps. You can also try taking a selfie while enjoying water sports such as kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding for a unique angle. Two of the most popular snapshot selfie spots is right on the beach, where the blue water meets the shore or snap a selfie with the Greek-style architecture in the background where you can #GreeceInSA or #EpicShot loading…!
Lake View Cabanas, in St Lucia, is also a hot spot for selfies and water sports. The lush green landscape with many beaches nearby make it an ideal cooling spot for that extra chill. At the resort, enjoy the sauna, games room and playground - chill in the beach breeze or take a dip in the ocean or the resort’s swimming pool. Try out water skiing, paddle boards, snorkelling or scuba diving nearby. With access to nearby game drives, this resort is a favourite for a little bit of everything that you’ll need to beat the heat in a big way! There’s also the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the St Lucia estuary & Cape Vidal that brings a host of fun cool-off activities to experience.
Best Berg Holidays
If you're ESCAPING the coastal heat, travelling to the Berg is the best way to keep things feeling crispy cool. From hiking and biking to golfing and river/lake activities, there is plenty to keep you cool and entertained. Many mountain resorts also feature swimming pools, as well as air-conditioned rooms and shaded breezy common areas, making it easy to stay cool even at high elevations, when you’re (literally) closer to the sun.
One of South Africa's most popular and best-loved Berg retreats is Bushman’s Nek. It is the most relaxing destination for family holidays, group stay or a romantic break. Spend your time at the stunning swimming pools, water slides or wellness spa. Enjoy fly fishing, hiking or horse riding to get the blood pumping and then chill at the restaurant, sauna & Jacuzzi or picnic spots. There’s also adventure golf, paintball, bicycle hire, volleyball, tractor rides, a climbing wall & much more. Even in the hottest months of the year, the evening and night-time temperatures (in the Berg) drop - which means you get a super cool peaceful sleep before the next day’s adventures. Now you can see why we love the Berg, right?
No matter what type of vacation you're looking for, there are plenty of options when it comes to travelling to cool off and escape the heat. Plan your next trip today and beat the heat while taking advantage of all the chill spots on offer. These top local destinations are the answers you’re looking for to help you cool off while the temperature rages.
Don't let the heat stop you from exploring and experiencing new places!
Happy travelling!