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View from the quiet bridge at Sabi River Sun Resort ... waiting for sunrise!
The year started off as if there wasn't a moment of chill time in December and it's mind boggling to think that we are already creeping to the midway mark of 2016. I knew it was going to happen, so I made one simple resolution ... mini breaks! If I was to hop onto the hamster wheel of 2016, I was promising myself times to get off and escape the buzz of my career and the intensity of Johannesburg.
In my plan, was time to get away with people who need the break too, making a weekend away with my mom and ideal promise to keep to myself. I love road tripping, just far enough to feel as though I wouldn't want to drive back for a few days. Mpumalanga is that perfect distance. It is also close to the Kruger National Park and many other activities for families, couples or the solitary escape.
On the note of families, I was treated to that well deserved weekend away at the Tsogo Sun Sabi River Sun Resort, soon after the newly renovated resort was complete. We sampled a little bit of everything to do there ... starting with a massage!!
Eden Spa is a tranquil addition to the resort offering
I don't know about you, but an escape from the world should always include time out for your body to unwind to the max. My diary is filled with things for me to do for myself, but a massage is never one of them. It's a timed gift that I was most grateful for at the tranquil Eden Spa, at the resort.
While you're unwinding, the resort is ideal for kids to safely explore and be entertained. It's filled with games and activities, which are far away enough for the silence of the spa to be absorbed.
When it comes to comfort, the rooms are quiet, comfy and have that welcome silence even though their are families and kids buzzing around the whole resort.
Food is another reason for me to want to escape from my life for a few days and I was most pleasantly satisfied for every meal. You see, I eat super clean. That means I don't eat anything processed or with added sugar and it's usually a touch impossible for me to eat out. It is always a pleasant surprise when there's a buffet with more than enough for me to indulge and thoroughly enjoy. That goes for everyone in the family, breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Filled with activities at the resort, Hazyview is also buzzing with other exciting things to do, which are all a short drive away. We had the most amazing day at two not to be missed trips just outside of Sabi River Sun.
A rare experience to be up close and personal with elephants who are truly well cared for and loved
A few meters out of the resort is Elephant Whispers, for a rare experience indeed. Although some people may not agree with this opportunity to touch and explore the majestic elephant, I was most taken aback by how much love and care everyone has for these elephants. I truly believe that animals are instinctive and if they didn't feel the love and protection they have at the sanctuary, they would have responded completely differently to us humans. For the kids and the adults alike, I know this experience touched my heart and also gave me the opportunity to find a whole new world of respect for both our beautiful elephants and the people of the world who were born to touch the lives of an animal as powerful as this one.
The afternoon carried on with one of my favourite South African destinations ... heading into the Kruger National Park with Elephant Herd Tours and Safaris. Some experiences can't be put into words and doing a safari drive is one of them. I haven't been on one since I was a kid, despite driving through the Kruger in our own vehicle as an adult. There is something about the game drive experience that gives a whole different perspective on our national park.
I doubt this experience would have been as breathtaking with the windows rolled up in a car!
The amount of wildlife we saw was incredible and because the resort is only about 20 minutes away, we stayed for as long as possible, watching the sun set as we drove out.
The experiences just keep coming, from watching the hippos at the end of the resort, playing golf, having sundowners, swimming, volleyball and even the real holiday fun of bingo by the pool. There truly is something for everyone at this welcoming, relaxed and hospitable city escape.
For more info on Sabi River Sun Resort and Tsogo Sun[/html]
