The scientists tell us that even a holiday as short as 24 hours can boost your mood, so we did the – ahem – hard work and found a few new day trip spots that are close to home…
The restaurant at La Petite Ferme – views for dayyyys
And it gets better, according to researchers who studied 974 holiday-makers from The Netherlands, the simple act of planning a vacay makes people happier. And the good news is, it doesn’t have to be long either. “Most people have a better life perspective and are more motivated to achieve their goals after a vacation, even if it is 24-hour timeout,” psychologist and stress expert Francine Lederer told ABC News. Ready for a 24-hour mini holiday? WH recommends…
The pool deck from La Petite Ferme’s Vineyard suites
La Petite Ferme in Franschhoek
Head past The Huguenot Monument and onto the pass and you’ll find La Petite Ferme. Yes, it’s a wine estate, but it has also just overhauled its five vineyard suites. Set against the Franschhoek mountains with incredible views of the valley, the newly contemporary suites boast striking vineyard-cloaked views, their own private plunge pools and just the right amount of indoor and outdoor luxury to want to enjoy both for the entire day.
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Smartly, every moment for pause in the suites – whether the bed, bath or poolside chaise – lines up with a view. If you’re holing up at La Petite Ferme alone, the summer menu at the restaurant dishes up a seasonal feast. We recommend the slow-roasted lamb, which is the eatery’s signature, accompanied by a bottle of one of the estate’s reds. A ravishing combination.
Lush pathways lead to the eco suites at The Peech
The Peech in Melrose
One of Joburg’s favourite bolt holes, The Peech is set to open 16 new luxury eco suites. A few years back, owner James Peech bought the property adjacent to his existing hotel and work began on expanding his original offering.
What has always been much-loved of The Peech is its urban oasis feel. Its modern, glass-fronted suites are hidden in lush old Joburg gardens, linked by pathways. With the addition of the new eco suites, you can expect textured luxury, streaming natural light and enough nature in the city to set your soul at ease.
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Just the right level of mindful peace and quiet to make it feel like you’ve had a mini break, when you’ve never actually left your post code? Genius.
The chic deluxe suite at The Onyx
The Onyx in Cape Town
It doesn’t sound like a newly converted mixed use building on the Foreshore would be playing host to Cape Town’s coolest hotel apartments, but this is just the case at The Onyx – Newmark Hotels’ sleek new 102-room property.
With one- and two-bedroom options, all set for self-catering, it’s a contemporary winner. Add to the slick monochrome room décor is a fourth-floor deck with an indoor and outdoor pool, a spa (the much-loved Sanctuary Spa has taken the space) and a great-looking bar.
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Downstairs, you’ll find MRKT, the hotel’s raw-wood accessorised breakfast eatery, complete with baristas and a harvest table. The hotel is a hop, skip and a jump to the CBD and The Waterfront, but the views of Table Mountain from the pool deck mean you don’t really have to leave the urban good times.
What are you waiting for? Give that mood a buzz. And take note of all of 2019’s long weekends and public holidays… These all hit the mark dead-on!
