Being married and/or living together, doesn’t always mean that you’re “together” – let me elaborate further…when you get stuck in a routine, it’s so easy to take other people for granted, not just those you live with, but also friends and family. The first quarter of this year is already over and toward the end of it, I was conscious of the fact that my life felt off balance. I am sure many of you readers feel the same and for that reason, I would like to give you some inspiration to Getaway with Afristay.

I was aware that I was spending too much of time in one or two areas of my life at the expense of my time with my family as well as friends. Fortunately for myself and my family, we had a break for Easter and spent a few days in Dubai. This reminded me how much I love and enjoy travel.

As much as we love being at home, I can’t find enough words to share just how amazing it was to be away, away from home and our usual routine.  In the past year, we didn’t go on as many getaways as we usually did in the past. I think that in itself was much needed and missed.

It also reminded me how important it is to plan getaways every now and then.  It was incredible to disengage from the mundane and step into holiday mode, leaving behind any daily distractions and just being able to enjoy quality time, sight seeing together.  

A Getaway to me, is Therapeutic

As strange as this may sound, I realized that I missed my husband and my child. Even though I see them every single day of my life, there’s just something about being away, that is different…fantastically different of course. With no laptop, limited internet connection, no responsibilities, you become totally present.  This is my idea of quality time and I am in no way saying that you can’t have this at home – of course you can, but sometimes, like in this instance, going away, makes you realize or remember just how important it is and how you need to make more of an attempt to find that balance.

Previously, our plans would revolve around myself and my husband and we would choose “romantic” places for couples.  With Kayden in our lives, everything is about him, so we make decisions based on his comfort first and foremost, so of course, family friendly options.

It isn’t even a week since we returned from Dubai and I am already searching for our next getaway. This time a local place. Whilst its always lovely to go on international travel, I know that we have lots of local gems that are yet to be discovered and they won’t cost as much as international travel, making it easier to take time off from our routine more frequently.

I am not sure if Cape Town will be our next getaway but I can safely say that I’ll never get tired of going to Cape Town.  So there will be a next time and another and another…I just don’t know when.

Getaway with Afristay

However, what I do want to share, is that I came across African Elite Properties on the Afristay website and I am in love! I have to admit that we have never booked an apartment/villa before. We have always stayed at Hotels, Resorts, sometimes self catering chalets or similar. When I looked at these luxury apartments, I thought that they were excellent value!

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If you have a child, it seems more suitable with the facilities in each apartment/holiday home, which you don’t have in your average hotel.  e.g. a Kitchen – this is so useful when you have a child who is a fussy eater.  It’s also very useful if your child is still on the bottle, you have the facility to wash the bottles.  Having a lounge area is also more appealing than just a bed in a room, unless of course you booked a suite at a hotel.

Staying in an apartment would certainly be different to our usual choice of accommodation. I had to share this with you, just in case this type of accommodation appeals to you and/or if you’re planning to visit Cape Town in the near future.

If you think about it, not everybody gets to breakfast when you book at a hotel, or if you do, you have to wake up early to be ready for breakfast. When I am holiday, I want to wake up when I feel like, which is another reason that staying in an apartment appeals to me – you can eat when you want and you have a variety of choices to choose from.

Even though it’s self-catering, you don’t necessarily have to make your own food and can go out to eat as you please.  You also don’t have to end up paying the full price for a breakfast when you only end up eating a muffin and having some coffee.

If you’re planning to go to KZN, I came across this holiday home, 142 Sabuti in Ballito,  which sleeps up to 10 people, from as little as R5500 per night. Gorgeous views and an excellent price if you’re a bigger group of people – family of friends.

This one undoubtedly captivated my interest; 5 Puzzlebush, in Ballito as well. It’s a luxurious 4 bedroom, 9 sleeper home. It has a Jacuzzi and lots more, so click the link and see for yourself. If budget isn’t an issue and you’re a group of up to 9 people, then surely give this some consideration.

Looking at the Ballitoville Apartments, I have no doubt that I will enjoy this more than most of the hotels we’ve stayed at to date. I love the decor and the spaciousness. I may just enjoy it too much and not want to get out! From as little as R3500 per night for a 6 sleeper, why would you stay anywhere else!

Click on the link above for more details but have a look at some of the pics below for now…

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I’ve only mentioned these 4 accommodation options above, however, there is an enormous variety to choose from on the Afristay website. There are much cheaper options and much more expensive options.  From inland to the coast and also Victoria Falls,  from backpacker options to luxurious resorts, there is something for everyone, to suit every taste and pocket and all on one website.

Everyone is different, some people will enjoy a hotel and others will not. Similarly, some people prefer a bed and breakfast, whilst others won’t even think of it. Therefore, when choosing accommodation for your getaway, be sure to take preferences into consideration. You do not want to find yourself in a situation where you book a well intended peaceful getaway, only to find out that your travel companion/s don’t enjoy the same.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed and too busy to spend quality time with the special people in your life, consider booking a weekend away. Just to getaway, relax and totally enjoy each other’s company without any distractions. The benefits of doing so is certainly worth the effort.  You don’t necessarily have to plan a getaway because you were feeling stressed or tired, you can do it, just because!  Thanks to Afristay, I’ve discovered so many accommodation options, most of which I’ve never come across on other sites before.

Remember the long weekend at the end of this month – I searched using those dates and there are still many available options for you to choose from. So if you were or are planning a getaway for the long weekend or any other time, don’t hesitate, getaway with Afristay.

How have you been feeling this year? Do you feel like you need a break and have you tried staying at apartments? If so, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments below.

Disclaimer: This post was done in collaboration with Afristay. As always, my views and opinions are my own.