With Mother’s Day around the corner, plans should already be underway on your end to do something special for her, other than getting flowers or a gift basket from NetFlorist. Check out these 16 great places for some creative ideas.
- Birds of Eden and Monkeyland, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route
Take a walk on the wild side and spend the day bonding with your mother while surrounded by cute primates and colour feathered friends at Birds of Eden and Monkeyland. They are respectively the largest free flight bird sanctuary and largest free-roaming primate sanctuary in the world, and both have fantastic on-site restaurants! Find out more.
- Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route
The Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary is perfect for adventurous moms who love wildlife and support conservation. View the beautiful variety of wild cats like lions, tigers, pumas, and a jaguar. Other wildlife can also be seen on-site, such as springbok, zebra, wild dogs, and even snakes! Families with children of all ages should check out the adjacent Plett Puzzle Park. Find out more!
- Ravenna Mountain Retreat, Montagu, Western Cape
I absolutely adore Ravenna Mountain Retreat. It offers a laid back atmosphere and provides plenty of on-site activities. If you have kids, they’ll love feeding the chickens and will delight in interacting with the friendly pets who visit the chalets throughout the day. The manageress is incredibly warm, the chalets are charming, and star gazing is out of this world! Find out more.
- Rouge Day Spa, Kenilworth, Cape Town, Western Cape
Ladies love Rouge Day Spa in Kenilworth, and there’s a good reason why! From pamper packages and movie nights, to manicures, massages, and a variety of teas, your mom (and you) will definitely leave here floating on cloud nine. Find out more.
- Temenos Accommodation, McGregor, Western Cape
Whisk your mom away for a weekend stay at Temenos Accommodation in McGregor. Apart from being truly gorgeous, it’s the perfect place for holistic moms who enjoy nature. With mediation spaces throughout the large property, yoga classes, body therapies, delicious food served at Tebaldi’s Restaurant, and cosy chalets, you’ll fall in love with this magical sanctuary. Find out more.
- Wine and Chocolate Pairing at Spier, Stellenbosch, Western Cape
Though wine and cheese is certainly nice, wine and chocolate remain the ultimate indulgence! So head to Spier in Stellenbosch to enjoy a tasty afternoon treat. Spier is also perfect for families with younger children, as they offer grape juice tastings.
- One and Only, Cape Town, Western Cape
The One & Only Hotel is a name associated with class, distinction, and the finer pleasures of life. Bring your mother here for a morning High Tea before visiting the renowned Reubens restaurant for a sophisticated lunch. Find out more.
- The Oyster Box, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
High tea is the ultimate choice for ladies of distinction and The Oyster Box not only delivers a fine selection of tea choices, but also provides beautiful ocean views and a sophisticated setting. Why not make a weekend of it and stay over! Find out more.
- Rambling Rose, Hillcrest, KwaZulu-Natal
The Rambling Rose offers a quaint country-styled stay. The self-catering accommodation is picturesque and close to PheZulu Cultural Village and Valley of 1000 hills. Find out more.
- Balloon Safari, Gauteng
A Bill Harrop “Original” Balloon Safari will definitely give you a sky-high perspective of wildlife viewing, and the Magaliesberg. Sip on champagne and enjoy the eccentric adventure before returning to the ground and enjoying a breakfast feast. It’s recommended to set aside 4 – 5 hours for this experience and bring along a camera. Find out more.
- Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, Emmarentia, Gauteng
If you’re after something a bit more secluded, visit the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens at Emmarentia Dam and picnic on the lawns of the Shakespeare or Rose Garden. Take a walk through the scented Herb Garden or forest, and stop off at the nursery so you can purchase a beautiful pot plant for your mom.
- Protea Hotel Stay, Bloemfontein, Free State
The 4-star Protea Hotel in Bloemfontein is the ideal place to treat mom to a weekend of pampering, complete with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The classy ambience, coupled with plenty of great amenities will provide the perfect setting for a bonding weekend. Find out more.
- Sun City, North West
Sun City is a fantastic Mother’s Day spot. It offers horse-riding, a casino, movies, restaurants, an adventure park, live music, and even 2 golf courses. There are also numerous accommodations near to Sun City if you’re hoping to enjoy a weekend break with mum that won’t break the bank (though we do have a handy guide on how to do Sun City for less).
- Valley Harvest, Port Elizabeth
With almost everything you can think of for the health-conscious foodie mum, the Valley Harvest is a definite win on Mother’s Day! The Mother’s Day Buffet on 11 May will have a variety of farm fresh veggies, different types of meats, and a selection of desserts. Find out more.
- Magoebaskloof Hotel, Limpopo
Magoebaskloof Hotel is nestled within the mountains, surrounded by trees, and provides outstanding panoramic views along with plenty of attractions on-site. Hike, bike, and sunbathe if you stay over, or just head to the restaurant for brunch and savour the stunning cuisines. Find out more.
- Forest Creek Lodge, Dullstroom, Mpumalanga
With a waterfall hike, horse-riding, fine-dining restaurant, forest picnics, and cosy cottages in the woods, any mother would be delighted with a stay at Forest Creek Lodge, where she’ll be treated like a queen with 24-hour room service! Bring the whole family for a weekend of fun or, if a stay is out of the question, let mom indulge in a day visit to their spa! Find out more.
Whatever you end up doing for your mom on Mother’s Day, ensure you let her know she is loved and appreciated!
Main image credited to Tetra Pak (Flickr)
