A luxurious mother-and-son trip to Southern Africa /

After several years of hiatus from South Africa, my mother announced she was coming back to spend a month with me. I took the opportunity to plan a luxurious mother-and-son road trip through Southern Africa, taking in five of my quintessential South African experiences.

Babylonstoren, Cape Winelands

Our dream trip started just 45 minutes from Cape Town, in a destination where the extraordinary is made possible and no dream is too small. Modeled on the early Cape Gardens that provided and once rejuvenated sailors, now 331 years later guests from all over the world travel to visit Babylonstoren.

This true Winelands’ Garden of Eden is a destination in every way and not just a stopover; there is a plethora of activities waiting to keep you blissfully busy. Our favorites were the Essential Oil Tour to fully appreciate the fragrant flora on the estate, the Sunset Mountain Drive to take in the fullness of the estate, and since Babylonstoren is a wine estate after all, the Cellar Tour, which includes tasting of a tasting of 10 wines and various side dishes.

The Fynbos Cottages are perhaps the crowning glory of farm accommodation; 1 mile away from all farm activities – and stocked with golf carts and bicycles to get around. A series of one and two bedroom cottages along an elevated ridge, flanked by Simonsberg in the background and the sprawling farm below. In addition, there is a private swimming pool with both a Jacuzzi and a cold pool. Back in the gardens, the hot spa is open to hotel guests or day trippers booking a spa treatment. It includes an indoor and outdoor pool, a sauna, a salt room and two vitality pools, an authentic marble hammam and a Rasul room.

Pure Sea Boutique Lodge, Walker Bay

Heading to the coast and in need of some ocean therapy, the brand new Pure Sea Boutiuq Ldoge was our next stop. Owners Annick and Bjorn migrated here from the other side of the world – primarily seeking the healing benefits of the ocean. Guests can join them in their daily cold water swim, after which the pool or hot showers are eagerly awaited.

The design is inspired by both biophilic – more than just a love of nature, it is a celebration of its healing potential – and wabi-sabi – a Japanese philosophy that revolves around the acceptance of imperfection and transience. The aesthetic encompasses asymmetry, roughness and simplicity.

From the guest house, the room paths meander like white veins through the fynbos, straight to the private beach. During your stay I recommend booking a beach picnic prepared by the staff, and a tasting with local winemaker Trevor of Lost Boy Wines.

Sala Beach House, Salt Rock

Moving to the country’s east coast – just 15 minutes from Durban’s King Shaka Airport, what is arguably the province’s most luxurious residence awaits. The newly opened Sala Beach House offers intimate service and breathtaking scenery – all directly above the beach.

The barefoot elegance begins in the tropical gardens and then moves into the generously spaced and softly styled common areas, before settling into the sanctuary of the bedrooms – from which to choose: pool rooms, suites and, if you wish, a luxurious villa . revisit as part of a group.

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The spa is undoubtedly worth a visit and quickly helped to quell any kind of travel fatigue. If you can tear yourself away from the quiet surroundings of the hotel, the beach is just steps away, including the famous hole in the wall. And since this is KwaZulu-Natal, enjoy the warm water – our stay included swimming every morning and evening.

Rovos rail

If the allure of rail travel appeals to you, then look no further than Rovos Rail in South Africa. Touted as one of the most luxurious trains in the world, Rovos offers routes across southern Africa with every minute a celebration of the luxury of days gone by. Our choice fell on the unforgettable five-day trip from Pretoria to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

The trip includes a full day on board and then two trips around Zimbabwe; first a drive through the Motopo National Park, and then a game drive in Hwange National Park – the largest protected area in the country.

When you enjoy the luxury of your cabin, the train offers several common areas. Continuing the theme of the converted wood-panelled sleeping cars, there is a 1920s dining car with teak pillars or a slightly more modern 1930s model with large windows. Finally, there are two lounge cars, a smoking lounge, a bar and an observation car with glass ends and an open balcony. Truly one of the most unique ways to experience the African continent.

Victoria Falls River Lodge

And then for one of the most wildly decadent stays, our grand finale was two nights on a private island on the Zambezi River – in a tree house. This is none other than the Victoria Falls River Lodge. The lodge is divided into a mainland camp and then a private island in the Zambezi itself.

The common lodge areas and then treehouses are all connected by raised walkways. These provide safety from the animals that roam freely below and provide a scenic vantage point from which to see the island. During our stay we safely observed elephants and hippos exploring the island beneath the walkways – both creatures swim to the isolated island – making your walk home a safari in itself.

Included in your stay are daily sunset cruises, safaris in Zambezi National Park and then wildlife spotting on the mainland or simply. Two of the treehouses have star beds, and here I drifted away every night, lulled to sleep by the bush’s wild soundtrack.