Our little black book is bursting with enchanting holiday resorts that are suitable for any special occasion that you are planning – maybe a milestone birthday, special anniversary, honeymoon or any other ultra-special red letter day in your personal calendar.

NGWENYA LODGE, MPUMALANGA

The Scene: Ngwenya Lodge is located on the banks of the Crocodile River, and offers exceptional views of one of the biggest and best-known wildlife sanctuaries in the world – the Kruger National Park. Ngwenya Lodge has three game-viewing hides along the river, which are popular spots for sighting an array of wildlife including the Big Five and are excellent spots for avid birders, due to the evergreen riverine environment.

The Sleep: Ngwenya Lodge has four types of chalets identified by their location. The River View Chalets overlook a scenic floodplain, which allows for magnificent views of an area where guests are often treated to unsurpassed game viewing opportunities. Dam and Bush view chalets are set back on the property and overlook tranquil dams or bush areas. The Syndicate units are larger and can accommodate up to 10 guests and offer great river views.

The Stay: To name just some of the many facilities and activities the resort has to offer; five swimming pools, tennis courts, a restaurant – with an incredible viewing deck over the river, and a bar. Facilities also include trampolines, jungle gyms, a games room, kiddie’s room, convenience shop, curio shop, beauty salon and laundrette on site. The Kruger National Park Crocodile Bridge Entrance Gate is a mere 9km away.

Occasion: Whether you’re a family looking to reconnect, a newlywed couple looking for intimacy and romance, or a group of friends ready to celebrate a special occasion, there is a space and a place for you at Ngwenya Lodge. This destination offers great facilities that are wonderful to celebrate any occasion – there are four game viewing hides and a main game viewing deck, which overlook the Crocodile River and Kruger National Park; six outdoor swimming pools, and an eighteen-hole mini golf course. Enjoy a delicious wood-fired oven pizza at Le Fera Restaurant and Bar which offers amazing views over the river. The authentic hospitality of the Ngwenya Lodge staff members and the down to earth lifestyle will make your stay one to remember.

MOUNT AMANZI, NORTH WEST PROVINCE

The Scene: Mount Amanzi is situated only a short drive from Johannesburg and Pretoria, this resort offers a relaxing and rejuvenating holiday experience.

The Sleep: Well-appointed accommodation is offered in neat face-brick chalets that are elegantly and comfortably furnished and fully equipped for self-catering.

The Stay: The resort provides all sorts of recreational facilities, which include three dams that draw extraordinary bird life, a large swimming pool, tennis, mini-golf, beach volleyball, fishing and hiking among many more. We highly recommend a couple’s massage at the wellness spa to simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere that Mount Amanzi’s ambience is all about.

Occasion: Memories are made here… This charming and tranquil resort offers breath-taking wedding facilities, with the Crocodile River and beautifully landscaped grounds that add to the picturesque scenery. Whether your dream wedding day is a picnic in Mount Amanzi’s beautiful natural surrounds or a tailor-made indoor wedding – Mount Amanzi has you covered. Established wedding packages are on offer and can be customised according to your heart’s desires and budget. Mount Amanzi’s wedding venue can accommodate up to 120 guests.

BAYWATER VILLAGE, WESTERN CAPE

The Scene: The resort is set amidst beautiful gardens on the shores of Swartvlei Lake, in the heart of the Garden Route. It is ideal for a fun-filled, activity-packed family holiday or an easy-going, peaceful getaway.

The Sleep: Baywater Village offers well-equipped self-catering chalets set in lovely gardens that abound with bird life.

The Stay: The resort property provides for numerous on site facilities which include a games room, playground, mini golf, volleyball, arts and crafts centre, a host of water-sport activities and a toddler room. Although the resort offers everything your heart may desire, the surrounding area also has many riches to offer.

Occasion: Whether you are celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday, proposal or any other important milestone, they all deserve an unforgettable setting. They also need to be as fool-proof as possible: you may be travelling with several generations of your family, which means different individuals with different interests. The Resort property provides for numerous recreational activities that cater to every taste, these activities include bicycle hire, a games room for adults and kids, swimming pool, mini golf, volleyball,  canoeing, paddle boats, speedboat cruises, and water tubing. Besides the excellent facilities that Baywater Village offers, the nearby Garden Route, which is a 300km stretch of diverse vegetation, as well as numerous lagoons and lakes dotted along the south-western coast of South Africa, provide plenty great reasons why you should visit Baywater Village to celebrate your special occasion.

MNARANI, KENYA

The Scene: Escape to a magical place where sunsets, sunrises and everything in-between are heartily celebrated. Mnarani is located on the cliffs of Kilifi overlooking the Indian Ocean and Kilifi Creek.

The Sleep: Comfort and uncluttered, simple style makes for excellent accommodation and the sweetest dreams.

The Stay: With its own private beach and onsite diving and water sports centres – Mnarani is truly an experience that has to be felt and absorbed. Activities include aerobics in the infinity pool, snorkelling, windsurfing, catamaran sailing, sunset cruises, outdoor chess, an onsite beauty spa and loads more. Buffet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as an A La Carte menu are available, and it is highly recommended to try a few of the cultural dishes served. A variety of cocktails and mocktails are available at the main bar, beach bar, infinity pool, and upper deck.

Occasion: Mnarani is the ultimate tropical destination for your family holiday, a well-deserved romantic getaway or an unforgettable honeymoon. It is the most amazing budget destination wedding venue! The beautiful, sheltered little beach offers great facilities that are wonderful to celebrate any occasion – there is windsurfing, onsite diving, sailing, exhilarating water-skiing and wakeboarding – or for the more relaxed individual you can simply enjoy a refreshing swim, or relax on a lounger under a thatched parasol.

These holiday destinations are sure to warm your heart and leave you with the wow factor. Memories are out there for making, so start planning your memorable occasion now!

Did this article inspire you to plan an upcoming special occasion? If so, then click here to go check out more Memorable Holidays for Special Occasions.