Three idyllic SA cities to visit during the school holidays

Langebaan, Western Cape

Capetonians have envious sea and mountain views, but where to go to escape the daily grind? Spoilt for choice with scenic hiking spots, forest regions, lagoons and beaches, it is only a matter of deciding what you're in the mood for.

Get some West Coast chill and head to Langebaan, just 120 km north of Cape Town and 20 km from the famed Saldanha Bay.

Vitality venues include The Farmhouse Hotel with views for days. Kids will enjoy the West Coast Fossil Park, lagoons and of course, the beaches.

Diamond Vitality rate for a long weekend in March: 2 adults, 2 children in a Garden Room, including bed and breakfast R3 686.80 (usually R5 672) Take the freestanding cottage for R6 513 (usually R10 020)

Diamond Discovery Vitality rate for a long weekend in March:

2 adults, 2 children in a Garden Room, including bed and breakfast: R3 686.80 (usually R5 672). Or take the freestanding cottage for R6 513 (usually R10 020).

Clarens, Free State

The breathtaking Maluti Mountains, Golden Gate Reserve and the quaint village of Clarens are a must-do for a relaxing short break away from Durban or Johannesburg. Spend days in chilled mountain air, with outdoor fun to be had, then enjoy comforting food at the village restaurants. For a longer break, drive on to Afriski in Lesotho for skiing and snowboarding adventures.

Check out several Vitality options, including Kiara Lodge, with a choice of apartment style or freestanding self-catering chalets.

Diamond Discovery Vitality rate for a long weekend in March:

2 adults and 2 children in a double room with patio R3 022.50 (usually R4 650) or upgrade to larger accommodation and longer stays on our site.

Dullstroom, Mpumalanga

The Scottish Highlands might come to mind while driving into Dullstroom, (also known as Emnothweni) with its rolling green hills and cool climate. As this is the highest town in South Africa, the landscape changes and the air is different, making this weekend getaway a retreat into a space of quiet downtime. Fishing, food and family fun are the order of the day, with a decadent treats like macadamia nut brittle and pancakes for when you feel like venturing out into the little town.

Check out Forest Creek Lodge & Spa in a gorge of the Steenkampsburg Mountains, set in a Private Nature reserve of the Mpumalanga escarpment.

Diamond Discovery Vitality rate for a long weekend in March:

For 2 adults, 2 children in a self-catering cottage R2 080.00 (usually R3 200)

What are you waiting for? Plan ahead and save with Vitality Travel and Discovery Bank.

• Rates are based on Diamond Vitality status and subject to availability and time of booking