Aerial view of Cape Town, South Africa on a sunny afternoon. Photo taken from a helicopter during air tour of Cape Town

The rise of staycations is fuel for the ‘experience’ economy and has given room for innovative getaways that do not expose guests to the virus.

With COVID-19 rampant and many South Africans enjoying the comfort of their homes, from the kitchen to the couch seemed to be the most scenic route. So, comes the rise of domestic tourism and staycations. According to a study by Booking.com, 53% of travellers want to take shorter holidays in 2021 than in 2019 and are less likely to travel further from their homes.

Staying indoors not only gave us the opportunity to appreciate the little things, but also a time to plot and plan some adventures. Whilst feverishly organising our pantries, baking banana loaves and turning our kitchens into dine-in experiences, our lists of ‘things to do’ post-pandemic felt almost impossible.

“From ‘wanderlust’ to ‘wandermust’, the innate human desire to travel has not been dampened. We’re excited about the creativity and the consumers’ need to explore domestic travel and experiences,” comments Angus Spurr, General Manager at Park Inn by Radisson Newlands.

With the third wave looming, we’ve listed a few staycation gems to get you out somewhere close but still away from home to make it feel like a sweet escape.

Park Inn by Radisson Newlands
Nestled in a hidden nook in Newlands, this gem boasts comfortable accommodation and an acclaimed menu by Chef Chevonne Morris. The Live Inn restaurant unleashes tastes and flavours both savoury and sweet.

We know lockdown has been hard on many, so make an experience out of it by enjoying the full staycation package which includes accommodation, breakfast, two tickets to Kirstenbosch Gardens or a wine tasting for two at Constantia Glen, and discount voucher to use in their Live Inn Restaurant

Bookings: 021 822 6500 | www.parkinn.com

Kruger Shalati – The Train Lodge
Dubbed an express entryway to freedom, guests will be drawn into an elevated personal sanctuary aboard a first-of-its-kind Kruger Shalati train as a gateway to Kruger National Park. Stationed on the highway of the historic Selati Bridge above the Sabie River, take in the breath-taking beauty of the natural splendours that is reminiscent of African excellence.

Bookings: 013 591 6000 | reservations@krugershalati.com

Castle in Clarens

Experience the magic of this self-catering guesthouse, Rapunzel’s Tower will have your entire castle at your disposal. Guests will be spoilt with picturesque views from Mount Horeb and the twinkling stars of Clarens valley.

Bookings: 082 772 7412 | wimpievans@internet-sa.co.za

TiPi Bush Camp
Camp in comfort among the tranquillity of the African bush, another self-catering option based on the American Indian TiPi style tents. Each TiPi is secluded with its own beautiful panoramic views over a valley teeming the game.

Bookings: Rob – Cell: 082 821 9944/ Belinda – Cell: 083 951 0008 | info@tipibushcamp.com

The second hospitality trend on the rise targets the ‘experience economy’, as opposed to instant gratification from a trip to the mall, they are fuelled by and constantly seek new experiences to broaden their frame of reference, see a few picks below:

Franschoek Wine Tram

Discover the beauty of the Franschoek Valley with this hop on, hop off at several of your line’s stops. There are eight hop-on hop-off tours giving passengers a variety of wines, views and experiences to enjoy!

Contact: 021 300 0338 / info@winetram.co.za

Lindt Chocolatier Workshop
Whether it’s a virtual online workshop or studio workshop, patrons get to enjoy a masterclass for any of the chocolate classics such as truffles and cupcakes or macarons and fondant. An absolute treat for the sweet tooth, with winter specials comprising of the Lindt Chocolate Soufflé.

Bookings: 021 831 0360 | cptstudio@lindt.com

Airbnb Cooking Experiences
What better way to virtually travel by booking an online class via Airbnb Experiences, take your taste buds on an adventure to different parts of the world. Cook Columbian empanadas and arepas today and Mexican street tacos the next! There is a class for all tastes and ages.

Bookings: https://www.airbnb.co.za/s/experiences/online

“COVID-19 has pushed the creative boundaries within the travel and tourism sector and we are certainly excited for the steady recovery and hosting locals for a short stay or dine-out experience,” concludes Spurr.