FOR THE SOUL: TRANQUIL BEACH ESCAPES

Thonga Beach Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal
Tucked within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Thonga offers remote luxury on a pristine stretch of coastline. Expect eco-conscious villas, snorkelling with turtles, and evenings with wine under the stars. It’s best visited in late winter (Aug–Sept) when marine life is active and temperatures are milder.

Noetzie, Garden Route
For a fairy-tale setting without the crowds, the historic castles of Noetzie offer a romantic, otherworldly break. Secluded and selfcatered, it’s perfect for introspective couples who appreciate privacy and architecture with soul.

Zanzibar, Tanzania
International, but with direct access from Joburg, Zanzibar offers an ideal mid-year getaway. Think spice markets, dhow cruises and private resorts like Zuri Zanzibar, which blend barefoot luxury with cultural immersion.

FOR THE WILD: RESTORATIVE BUSH BREAKS

Marataba Safari Lodge, Limpopo
Located in a private section of Marakele National Park, Marataba fuses conservation and design. Suites overlook the Waterberg mountains, and experiences range from riverside picnics to photography drives. Madikwe Hills, North West Province.

This malaria-free reserve is ideal for families or groups. Villas come with private decks and plunge pools, while the Big Five roam freely across dramatic red-soil terrain.

Serra Cafema, Namibia
One of Africa’s most remote lodges, this desert-edge retreat on the Kunene River borders Angola. Best for those seeking true escape and silence, its location is best accessed via charter flight, making it ideal for high-season (June–Aug) minimalists.

FOR THE SENSES: CULTURALLY RICH CITY STAYS

Cape Town, Western Cape
Constantly reinventing itself, Cape Town offers world-class dining (FYN, Belly of the Beast), gallery-hopping in Woodstock, and designled stays at the Labotessa or Gorgeous George. May is shoulder season, offering fewer crowds and a golden autumnal light.

Istanbul, Türkiye
East meets West in the most evocative ways here. Direct flights from SA make this city highly accessible, while stays at the Four Seasons Sultanahmet or Soho House Istanbul elevate the experience. Best visited in late spring (May–June).

Lisbon, Portugal
Effortlessly charming, Lisbon offers pastel buildings, Fado music and exceptional cuisine—ideal for South Africans seeking old-world European energy without the overwhelm. Boutique hotels like The Lumiares or Verride Palácio deliver intimacy and style.

Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique
Fly in from Joburg and find yourself kite-surfing in turquoise lagoons or diving coral reefs. Best in May–July, before winds pick up, and ideal for couples or groups wanting movement and beauty.

Lake Como, Italy
It’s hard to top Como for lakeside grandeur. Charter a wooden boat from Bellagio, cycle from Varenna, or simply unwind at Il Sereno. A May visit means mild weather and fewer tourists.

New York City, USA
For the urban soul needing energy, few cities do a reset like New York. Rooftop season begins in May, Central Park is in bloom, and gallery districts buzz post-winter. Stay at the Crosby Street Hotel or Aman New York for unmatched luxury.

FINAL WORD

The idea of ‘The Great Reset’ doesn’t have to mean retreating from the world—sometimes it means choosing places that reflect who you are becoming. Whether quiet or kinetic, each of these destinations offers more than a passport stamp. They offer perspective, pause, and the perfect reset.