Top year-end breaks to try
2012-10-09 10:23
You may have noticed subtle hints that the end of the year is creeping closer…
Despite your best efforts, that end-of-year knackered effect is undeniable. In the spirit of finding your second wind as we wind our way down to the festive season, check out these top hotels according to bookings and inquiries made via GoTravel24.
Top hotels booked
Bucking the trend is not advised when it comes something as specific as holiday accommodation. Value for money and customer satisfaction are usually the reasons why a particular establishment is popular and booked over and over again. Check out this list and get to planning...
Cape Town Hollow - A luxury hotel in Cape Town that is within walking distance of the popular V&A Waterfront and close to all the city centre's best restaurants and bars.
Protea Hotel Knysna - Set on the Knysna Quays Waterfront with the lagoon at your doorstep. Facing the warm Indian Ocean through the Knysna Heads, the hotel offers a tranquil stay in spacious rooms overlooking the magical Knysna lagoon, historical train station and the Knysna town.

Protea Hotel President -This 4-star hotel in Cape Town's Bantry Bay area is luxurious yet affordable with the unusual resort in the city feel. Based at the start of the city’s Platinum Mile, you’re 30kms from Cape Town International Airport, 5km from Cape Town station and central Cape Town and mere minutes from famous beaches.
Protea Hotel Fire n Ice! Cape Town - Certainly one of Cape Town’s most popular hotels. Located at the foot of Table Mountain, accommodation is about 25kms from the Cape Town International Airport and within walking distance to many of the city's top attractions, popular sites and restaurants or nightclubs.

Casa Rex Mozambique - The Sol Resorts flagship hotel Casa Rex now offers travellers a sublime stopover in Vilankulo. Expect sea views from private balconies and ADSL wireless internet throughout the Casa Rex Lodge. The Bazaruto Archipelago is made up of several tropical islands, providing ideal water sports conditions such as sea fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling.
Local end-of-year breaks holidays deal alerts
To make things even more useful, we’ve added a round-up of travel packages valid for the festive season – it's one step closer to avoiding any last minute chaos or having your holiday ruined because everything is booked out or overpriced...
Umbhaba Lodge - Hazyview, Mpumalanga - Special from R3 328 per person sharing for 2 nights.
Umbhaba Lodge lies on a hillside overlooking the Sabie Valley, on the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment. This luxurious four-star lodge is picture-perfect for leisure breakaways. Lodge facilities include an a la carte restaurant, the safari-style Burn Out Bar and a quiet lounge. A crystal-clear rock pool amid sprawling lawns is a glorious invitation in the heat of a Lowveld day. Activities at Umbhaba Lodge include day and night safaris, helicopter excursions, hot air ballooning, fishing, hiking and horse riding. Enjoy a leisurely drive or slight detour through the artistic towns of Dullstroom or White River before relaxing into the peaceful surrounds of Umbhaba Lodge, in Hazyview. The tranquility at Umbhaba, along with the seclusion of the bushveld, is the ideal departure point for excursions in to the Kruger National Park, the majestic Blyde River Canyon, God's Window and Bourke's Luck Pot Holes.
African Pride Crystal Towers - Century City, Cape Town - Special from R3 499 per person sharing for 2 nights
The magnificent African pride Crystal Towers Hotel and Spa has a modern design which meets timeless sophistication and luxury. Located in the heart of the Century City urban hub, African pride Crystal Towers Hotel and Spa is settled beside a palm-lined canal, and boasts views that stretch out towards the majesty of Table Mountain. Centrally located in the heart of the Century City urban hub, African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa is settled beside a palm-lined canal, and boasts views that stretch out towards the majesty of Table Mountain. Situated a mere 15 minutes from the airport, city centre, V&A Waterfront and the start of the luscious Cape Winelands. African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa offers guests complimentary daily shuttles to and from the V&A Waterfront, Table Mountain, Camps Bay, Clifton Beaches.
Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa 5 Star Winelands - From R4570 per person sharing

Set in the culinary capital of the Cape, the town of Franschhoek lies below the towering Franschhoek Mountains, With picturesque vineyards a stone's throw away, the elegant, sophisticated charm of Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa is the perfect setting to explore the Cape wine route. Sixty-three en-suite, large, elegant bedrooms and suites, capture the essence of charm and sophistication. Meeting facilities, three restaurants, including the Le Verger outdoor dining venue and the on site spa, make this hotel the most unique property in the winelands.
Hilton Sandton - Sandton, Johannesburg - Special from R2 539 per person sharing for 2 nights
Set amongst landscaped gardens, the Hilton Sandton hotel is conveniently located in Sandton, to the north of Johannesburg. With easy access to great shopping, this Sandton hotel is the ideal base for guests who are in town for a good time. Relax in a stylish, spacious guest room with fresh, contemporary decor. Look out onto the garden or city skyline while you stay connected with high-speed internet access. Upgrade to an elegant suite to enjoy access to the sleek Executive Lounge and separate living, dining and work areas. Swim in the sunlight, in the only outdoor hotel garden and pool in Sandton or work out in the fitness center, fully equipped with cardio machines and weights equipment. Practice your serve on the floodlit asphalt tennis court. Savor the taste of contemporary international cuisine in the Tradewinds restaurant as you enjoy beautiful garden views.
The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa - Camps Bay, Cape Town - Special from R3 974 per person sharing for 2 nights
At a place where the earth, sea and sky meet, life begins. Here lies the luxurious Twelve Apostles, poised on the Atlantic edge and flanked by the majestic Table Mountain and her Twelve Apostles. The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa is barely ten minutes from the bustling heart of Cape Town and its historic tourist attractions - Table Mountain cable way, V&A Waterfront and Cape Town Castle. This intimate five star, stunning hotel prides itself on exceptional hospitality coupled with a relaxing and splendid infrastructure; making an unforgettable experience as unique as its haven-like setting. Luxurious guest rooms, deluxe suites and a presidential suite make up this stunning hotel with a breath-taking pool garden magically perched above the ocean and the glorious Azure Restaurant offering endless seductive sea-views.
The Oyster Box - Umhlanga Rocks, Durban - Special from R4 159 per person sharing for 2 nights

The uniquely and ideally located Oyster Box Hotel and Spa is nestled on Umhlanga's picturesque beachfront. The breathtaking views make it the perfect venue for romantic honeymoon. A place to have a truly memorable special occasion.
Elephant Hills Resort - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe - Special from R3 974 per person sharing for 2 nights
This majestic resort in Victoria Falls has a truly natural setting where wildlife roams the 18-hole Gary Player designed golf course situated alongside the Zambezi River. Exciting recreational activities to suit every kind of traveller can be found at Elephant Hills Resort and in the surroundings.
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Family Holiday photo: shutterstock.com