Summer spots

Celebrate summer with some resort-style getaways, hidden gems and some off-the-beaten-track offerings.

By Megan Nathan Premier Hotels

Western Cape

The beauty of the Western Cape makes it a travellers dream as evidenced by the many top-class accommodation options, restaurants and activities in and around the region.

Premier Resort, The Moorings, Knysna

Situated on just over four hectares of pristine natural beauty on the banks of the famous Knysna lagoon, this resort is the perfect spot to indulge and explore the Garden Route with your family this summer. Surrounded by indigenous forest and situated on the banks of the Knysna Lagoon, the setting is serene, and the views are glorious, yet you’re only three kilometres from the town centre.

Attractions and activities include fishing, golfing, boating, swimming, mountain biking, hiking, and bird watching. For adventure seekers there is paragliding and the world’s highest bungee jump, all located close by. Back at the resort, enjoy direct private access to the lagoon, a large outdoor pool, on-site restaurant and bar, and kids club playground.

Wilgewandel Holiday Farm

Self-catering and bed & breakfast accommodation, complete with comfortable rooms and en-suite bathrooms. At the a la carte restaurant, guests can enjoy some of the local cuisines while looking out over the farm dam and the beautiful surrounding mountains.

Attractions and activities include camel rides, ziplining, mini golf, donkey-cart rides, animal feeding, target shooting, tractor trails, adventure trails, pedal cars, rowing boats, trampolines, an obstacle course and a curio shop.

BELOW Premier Resorts, The Moorings Knysna

KwaZulu-Natal

A perfect tropical destination that lends itself to every outdoor pursuit.

Premier Resort, Cutty Sark, Scottburgh

The resort, situated on the beachfront, is set amidst 14 acres of beautifully manicured grounds, unspoilt indigenous vegetation and 180-degree sea views, with the grassy embankments leading to golden sandy beaches.

Attractions and activities include the Aliwal Shoal, Crocworld, Scottburgh Beach, TC Robertson Nature Reserve, a golf club, and scuba diving at Aliwal Shoal. Premier Resorts, Sani Pass, Drakensberg

Nestled at the foot of the Sani Pass and on the banks of the Mkomazana River with comfortable rooms offering breathtaking views of the Drakensberg.

Attractions and activities include a spa, sparkling pools, golfing, fishing, horse-riding, hiking, mountain bike trails and 4X4 excursions.

Limpopo

Famous for its tropical fruits (avos, mangoes and bananas), Tzaneen has fantastic weather and many noteworthy attractions, including the Debengeni Waterfall, an ABOVE Premier Resorts, Cutty Sark

indigenous forest, and a Rain Queen (Modjadjiskloof).

Kings Walden Garden Manor, Tzaneen

Apart from the luxurious accommodation, the misty, breathtaking mountain views at Kings Walden are legendary, as are the magnificent gardens and century-old heritage home.

Attractions and activities include the historic Haenertsburg village and a cycle through the forests to view the tea plantations and fruit-laden trees.

Northern Cape

Kimberley has plenty of attractions for the family to enjoy, from the historical Diamond Route, monuments, museums and churches to nature reserves, the Kimberley Golf Club, the Jasper Solar Farm, Kamfers Dam, the Big Hole, the Nooitgedacht Glacial Pavements, and the Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre. So whether it’s a historical journey through time or leisure experiences that you seek, Kimberly will tick all your boxes.

Road Lodge, Kimberley

Located next to the Flamingo Casino entertainment and leisure destination, the air-conditioned rooms accommodate up to three people sharing, and each room has an ensuite bathroom.

Attractions and activities include Kamfers Dam, where flocks of flamingos make their home, and the famous Big Hole. The lodge also has a range of casinos, restaurants and bars.

Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape has it all, including a glorious diversity that extends across landscapes, from the desert of the Great Karoo to the pounding waves of the Wild Coast.

The Edge Mountain Retreat, Hogsback

Hogsback is all about the beauty of nature, with its daily visitors like Cape parrots, Samango monkeys and Knysna Loeries. Families are sure to enjoy the thrill of lodging in the self-catering chalets perched on the precipice of the Hogsback plateau, surrounded by dramatic views and unspoiled indigenous Afromontane forest with fascinating swirling mists and cloud formations.

Attractions and activities include a ABOVE Premier Resorts, Sani Pass

serene walk in the Labyrinth, similar in design to the one in the Chartres Cathedral in France; local homegrown produce and local crafts at the Under the Oaks Market; and brave the extreme mountain sports on offer.

Premier Resort, Mpongo Game Reserve, East London

Mpongo offers accommodation in four lodges and a single villa. The resort has a delightful dining room, communal lounge with fireplace, a pool and a lapa. Home to elephant, lion, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, numerous antelope and 225 bird species, Mpongo Private Game Reserve offers a comfortable stay for families and awe-inspiring game

viewing experiences on more than 3 500 hectares of conservation land.

Attractions and activities include openvehicle game drives and guided walks by experienced game rangers.

Gauteng

Maropeng Boutique Hotel

Located just a fi ve-minute walk from Maropeng and a 10-minute drive from the Sterkfontein Caves, it off ers air-conditioned rooms with a classy African theme, each with its own delightful patio and splendid views.

Attractions and activities include the Cradle of Humankind and Sterkfontein Caves.

Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga off ers magnifi cent scenery, fauna and fl ora, and the fascinating remnants of the 1870 gold rush era.

Premier Hotel, The Winkler, White River

The Winkler off ers 87 beautiful rooms and suites, which act as the perfect base to explore the rich African landscape with the family.

Attractions and activities include God’s Window, the Kruger National Park, Rocky’s Drift and Mbombela. ABOVE Premier Resorts, Mpongo Private Game Reserve BELOW Premier Hotel, The Winkler

Bellevue Chardonnay 2019

This is a rich, full bodied, barrel fermented chardonnay. On the nose and palate you will find a citrus character of orange peel and rubygrape. Enjoy a lingering finish wrapped in butterscotch and biscuit inspired by fermentation in French oak barrels.

Food pairing: Serve with white meat dishes and seafood.

Ramnasgras Cinsault 2020

It possesses great fruit of the red spectrum, earthiness and some lovely spice. The palate is delicious in its transparency of fruit flavours, fair acid grip and gentle tannins.

Food pairing: Game always works well with the Ramnasgras, preferrably Springbok – slow roasted with a berry coulis and green salad with Parmasan.

Jordan Barrel Fermented Chardonnay

A variety of chardonnay clones planted on different slopes, harvested at different ripening levels and all slopes, harvested at different ripening levels and all of it fermented and matured in French oak barrels. These practices help to achieve natural balance and allows for different textural components which is belnded to achieve finesse and complexity. Bold is belnded to achieve finesse and complexity. Bold and graceful with fragrances of lemon biscuit and overripe oranges.

Food pairing: Pairs well with roast chicken, rich pork dishes or on its own.

Rickety Bridge Blanc de Blancs NV

Lively, fine mousse. Bright and zesty citrus aromas tinged with brioche nuances. Refreshing flavours of green apple and limestone on the palate. The delightful flavours combine seamlessly with classic richness and finely balanced acidity.

Food pairing: Delightful on its own or for special occasions paired with salmon, prawns, sushi, oysters, crayfish or steamed fish.

Boland Cellar Cappupino Ccinotage

Displays layers of dark prune, plum and ripe blueberry flavours, with a prominent toasted French oak finish, reminiscent of Mocha Java ground coffee. Due to the careful extraction of Pinotage fruit flavours, the oak is well integrated and delivers a wine with a delightfully smooth and lingering finish.

Food pairing: This unique expressive wine is ideally paired with barbequed mats such as lamb chops, boerewors sausage and beef kebabs.

La Motte 2017 Syrah

This wine contains a natural fruitiness that includes pear and mulberry. One of the vineyard blocks well exposed to shade, yields black pepper spice, clearly noticeable on the palate. Wood flavours are well integrated and the palate has a creamy texture.

Food pairing: The full-bodied character of the 2017 La Motte Syrah harmonises perfectly with rich, flavourful dishes, grilled foods (including grilled vegetables), game dishes, grilled foods (including grilled vegetables), game dishes (particularly those incorporating stewed fruit and sweet aromatic spice components), peppercorn-crusted steaks and barbecued meat in a sticky, sweet sauce.

Upland Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

This is a unique wine, most unusual due to the absence of sulphites and any animal products, a vegan wine that is un-fined.

This wine has an intense character and is deep ruby in colour. The nose is redolent with flavours of rich red fruits, with background hints of forest floor aromas. Complex flavours emerge as the wine breathes. of forest floor aromas. Complex flavours emerge as the wine breathes. Rich vanillas round off the taste. The wine has a full mouth-feel, firm ripe tannins and a long, dry finish.

Food pairing: Robust meats, venison, game, cheese. (The wine just Robust meats, venison, game, cheese. (The wine just screams for a steak.)

Roodeberg Classic Red Blend Classic Red Blend

This famous red blend shows aromatic layers of fresh red fruit, cassis and dark fruit with an undertone of spices red fruit, cassis and dark fruit with an undertone of spices and dark chocolate. The palate is elegant and soft with and dark chocolate. The palate is elegant and soft with nuances of cedary oak and dark plums, ends off with an nuances of cedary oak and dark plums, ends off with an elegant silky tannins. elegant silky tannins. Food pairing: Food pairing: Enjoy on its own or as an accompaniment to roast, grilled and barbequed red meat and chicken to roast, grilled and barbequed red meat and chicken dishes. dishes.

Meerendal Merlot 2020

The wine has a dark red colour and shows an abundance of red and dark fruit such as cherries, raspberries, plumbs and an red and dark fruit such as cherries, raspberries, plumbs and an undertone of tomato leaf and dark chocolate. The elegant tannins undertone of tomato leaf and dark chocolate. The elegant tannins of the wine are supported by the use of 20% new oak.

Food pairing: The ideal wine for any tomato-based dishes, steaks, charcuterie and cheese boards.

Raka Sauvignon Blanc 2021

Pale straw colour with a lavish bouquet of grapefruit, kumquat, granadilla and a touch of gooseberries. These characters follow through to the palate complemented by mineral tones true to the decomposed sandstone in which the Sauvignon Blanc is cultivated. Crisp green apple finish.

Food pairing: Served well chilled, this wine is well suited to any seafood and cold meats. Also delightful on its own! delightful on its own!

Bellevue Pinotage 2017

This is a rich concentrated wine with perfumed fragrances of raspberry, maraschino cherry, ripe plum and cedar wood. The nose and palate is supported by dense, fine-grained tannins that ends in a long, clean, lingering mouthfeel.

Food pairing: Serve with red meat dishes.

Slanghoek Pinotage 2019

This wine is medium-bodied with delicate spices and oak nuances on the nose followed by inviting black cherry and ripe strawberry flavours on the palate. Displays smooth tannins and a well-rounded, fruity aftertaste.

Food pairing: Hearty dishes like ratatouille, bobotie or Cape Malay style curries pair very well with this juicy wine. If you are more adventurous, try pairing this wine with slow roasted, pulled duck with plum siracha sauce or roasted Springbok shanks with dates.

KWV Cabernet Sauvignon 2020

This vibrant Cabernet Sauvignon exudes aromas of ripe plums and blueberries with hints of cigar box, mint, herbs and cedary oak. The wellbalanced tannin structure ensures good length and a lasting finish.

Food pairing: Enjoy this wine on its own or serve with grilled meats, casserole dishes or barbeques.

La Motte 2019 Chardonnay

This wine has a straw colour and is slightly riper than other vintages. Fruity nectarine and citrus blossoms on the nose, with hints of cashew and lees are the only evidence of wood maturation. A juicy and polished entry, medium full with lots of citrus and juicy peach on the palate. Lively length with good freshness for a wood-matured wine.

Food pairing: A classic option with creamy cheese and egg dishes such as quiche and soufflé, it is also a beautiful partner to subtle spice and curries. With its creamy undertones and elegant character, it makes for a classic combination with seafood – from the luxurious choices of caviar, snails, crayfish and pâté to the simplicity of mussels.

Val Du Charron Four white legs Four white legs

This wine is a pale gold in colour with a soft green tint. Ripe supple peach and apricot welcomes you on the Ripe supple peach and apricot welcomes you on the nose, nuances of lime and a hint of sweet caramel on nose, nuances of lime and a hint of sweet caramel on the palette. A medium bodied wine with good mid palate the palette. A medium bodied wine with good mid palate width, a fresh acidity and lingering dry finish. width, a fresh acidity and lingering dry finish. Food pairing: Serve with Thai green curry, lobster thermidor and kingklip.

Food pairing:

thermidor and kingklip.

Rickety Bridge Brut Rose NV

An appealing light salmony pink with a delicate expression on the nose of citrus notes and hints of red berries. On the palate crisp freshness combines seamlessly with classic richness and finishes with finesse. Fine continuous mousse kisses the palate and lifts the wine to a long elegant finish.

Food paring: Serve with oysters, seared salmon and sushi, or with desserts such as berry pavlova.

Meerendal Sauvignon Sauvignon Blanc 2021 Blanc 2021

A crisp and zesty wine that displays multiple layers of tropical fruit such as pineapple, gooseberries, guavas tropical fruit such as pineapple, gooseberries, guavas and green notes like lemon grass, green fig, asparagus and green notes like lemon grass, green fig, asparagus with a distinct note of salinity and minerality. with a distinct note of salinity and minerality. Food pairing: Food pairing: The ideal wine for fresh oysters with lemon juice, a touch of chillies, fresh green salads and lemon juice, a touch of chillies, fresh green salads and seafood dishes. seafood dishes.

Raka Biography Shiraz 2018

Deep ruby garnet. Spicy nose with black-pepper and dark berry fruit. Black forest cake on the palate with a red berry finish and elegant spice. Fine and grainy tannins on the aftertaste.

Food pairing: Best served with beef stew or pie, mutton, kidney, liver or tripe, young cheddar, steak, braised steak with pepper sauce, pizza with meaty toppings, bacon and smoked salami.

Boland Cellar One Formation Chenin Blanc

This crisp, fresh and intensely flavoured wine expresses layers of lime and tropical fruit, together with green melons and pears. The extended lees contact delivers a rich creamy element, providing a full structure and complexity with a lingering finish. The result is a balanced wine with elegance, fruit structure and freshness.

Food pairing: Ideally paired with poultry and seafood dishes.

KWV Sauvignon Blanc 2021

This elegant and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc shows aromas of passion fruit, lime and guava. The easydrinking palate is soft, fleshy and juicy with hints of asparagus and a chalky minerality. The wine is balanced and has a seamless finish.

Food pairing: Enjoy this wine on its own or with seafood including sushi, white meat dishes or a variety of cheeses. It is best served chilled.

Slanghoek Chardonnay 2021 Chardonnay 2021

This wine has delicate oak nuances on the nose followed by fresh citrus and crisp apple flavours on followed by fresh citrus and crisp apple flavours on palate. Full-bodied with a complex and fruity finish. palate. Full-bodied with a complex and fruity finish. Food pairing: Food pairing: Enjoy with a lovely creamy pasta like fettuccine Alfredo or carbonara. It will also pair well with fettuccine Alfredo or carbonara. It will also pair well with fish dishes like grilled sole topped with lemon butter. fish dishes like grilled sole topped with lemon butter.

uniWines DaschBosch

This wine rewards with shades of lemon and straw in the glass and evokes an earthy character of wet stone, hints of ripe citrus and spice on the nose. A multi-layered wine with substantial complexity spilling over to the palate with riveting fruit concentration and ending in a long, silky finish.

Food pairing: Perfect with creamy chicken and seafood dishes.

Val Du Charron Black Countess

From dark and seductive origins comes a perfumed, curvaceous yet elegant wine with hints of red berries. Velvety tannins and sweet cranberry and cherry flavours create a richness to this first date wine with a lingering aftertaste where the red fruit aromas dominate and the oak creates a basis for the fruit to express itself.

Food pairing: Serve with well-aged beef, game and chocolate rich desserts.

Jordan The Long Fuse Cabernet Sauvignon

Progressive techniques such as overhead fermenters, pump-overs and gravity flow allow for the extraction of fully developed flavours and soft ripe tannins without compensating the tension and elegance captured from the various cabernet slopes. Here especially, the climate plays a significant role to allow great fruit expression and classic essences of cedar, brambles and toasted tobacco.

Food pairing: Pairs well with lamb, roast beef or on its own next to the fire.