The hospitality sector is taking note of extended families using their holiday to spend quality time together, writes Michelle Colman.
1.Room combinations of all types
Machangulo Beach Lodge’s villas are ideal for large and extended families. “The villas can take any combination of guests and we always challenge agents to catch us out,” says Co-owner Chris Nolte. There are two villa types for families - two-bedroomed and four-bedroomed. The two-bedroomed units offer inter-leading rooms under one roof. The Beach Villas have four separate en-suite rooms connected by wooden walkways. All villas have private lounge, pool, deck and bar.
2.Five-bedroom villas at Zimbali
At the Fairmont Zimbali Resort, Marketing & Communications Manager Joanne Crow recommends two spacious five-bedroom villas for multigenerational families. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, queen-size bed and satellite television. Other facilities include a fully equipped kitchen and scullery, dining room, a lounge with fireplace and separate television lounge with a large-screen television. The entertainment area on the ground floor extends on to a large wooden deck with splash pool, outdoor lounge and braai facilities. The villas have their own entrances, two-vehicle garages and additional parking for up to four cars. Guests enjoy full access to the facilities at the resort, which include nine food and beverage outlets, a spa, a state-of-the-art fitness centre and the fully supervised Y-Univers Kids’ Club.
3.Accommodation on wheels
For mobile family accommodation, Bobo Campers offers a six-berth motorhome with three double beds. Tim Bouwers, MD, say this works well for families with two teenagers who don’t want to share beds, giving each child his/her own space.
The vehicles come with cutlery, crockery, bedding and towels. Stored away inside lockers are six camping chairs and a table. Three-point safety belts are installed and baby seats can be ordered. Young kids can play on the front table with their iPads, puzzles and colouring books while mom and dad enjoy the scenery. USB charge points are provided.
The motorhomes feature air-conditioners, electric windows, cruise control, radio/CD/MP3, automatic transmission and power steering. They rent from R1 780 (€110) per day depending on rental length, and demand is at its peak in the European summer in July and August. They can be collected from Bobo premises in Johannesburg and Cape Town, or the Windhoek depot, with transfers and collections organised from major airports. Bobo will recommend and book campsites on the travellers’ selected routing.
4.Manor house in the Manyeleti
With its four suites sleeping eight, Tintswalo Manor House, is an excellent multigenerational venue. The property is five minutes from the main Safari Lodge in the Tintswalo concession in the Manyeleti Reserve on the border of the Kruger National Park. One of the suites is joined to a smaller room with another two beds, making an overall complement of 10.
Positioned on a river bank and fronted by a waterhole, this is not a self-catering facility, but comes with the luxury of a private chef and butler, as well as a private guide, tracker and game-viewing vehicle. The manor also has a spacious open-plan lounge, veranda, outdoor bar and swimming pool. The large garden is fenced off for safety.
5.Family suites at Tau Game Lodge
In the Madikwe Game Reserve, Tau Game Lodge has a few options for family groups. There’s a family suite consisting of two semi-inter-leading rooms with a shared lounge area, accommodating two adults and three young children. This chalet also has a safe garden area for kids to play in. In addition, a second family unit of similar design accommodates two adults and two children. “We have six deluxe chalets which are suitable for two adults with either two children under 12 years or two adults and a teenage child,” says Renate Oostmeijer, GM at the lodge’s Johannesburg office.
6.Fancourt four
Fancourt Hotel offers four luxurious room and suite types that cater for multi-generational families. The Classic Room, which is 32 square metres, with two twin beds or one king size bed, features shared or private balconies. Inter-leading rooms are available, making it simple for parents, grandparents and children to have privacy but also come together during their stay. In the larger 40 square metres Luxury Room, beds can be arranged for the most convenient family set up.
The one-bedroom suite is 70 square metres and includes a separate living area, private balcony or patio. In the winter a suite with a fireplace can be requested. At 86 square metres, the two-bedroom suite has a separate lounge with fireplace and dining area. A full en-suite bathroom leads off each bedroom.
7.Rooms with views
Gondwana Game Reserve provides accommodation for families in three- and four-bedroom Bush and Fynbos private villas. All have awe-inspiring views and include fully stocked kitchens, en-suite bedrooms and expansive decks. As self-catering units they are ideal for families and groups of friends who have a longer stay in mind and wish to use the game reserve as a base to explore the Garden Route.
