Situated halfway between Port Elizabeth and Knysna, St Francis Bay offers a peaceful getaway in unspoilt surroundings.

This magnificent Tudor-style village is unique in that the architecture with its aesthetic uniformity blend harmoniously with the green of the indigenous heritage which surrounds it. Apart from the scenic beauty of the area, there is the Kromme River which winds its way down to an extensive canal system lined with charming white-walled homes with thatched roofs, offering residents and holiday makers alike an exotic marina lifestyle.

Another attraction are the golden beaches with ideal conditions for various water sports, or just to relax and get a great tan over the summer.

St Francis has a Mediterranean climate with generally mild temperatures ranging from 12C to 25C in winter and 15C to 28C in summer. Being a known tourist and holiday destination, there is a range of accommodation options on offer and something to suit everyone’s pocket, from guest houses, self-catering units and backpacking establishments to camping and caravan sites. So no matter your budget, this is the perfect place for a family holiday.

The region also boasts some amazing restaurants including Chokka Block Restaurant which is said to have the best seafood, steaks and harbour views. And then there is the famed Italian restaurant, situated in the Village Centre, Trattoria San Francesco, offering traditional Italian food and a warm ambience with sweeping views of the St. Francis Bay golf course.

The Ranch - perfect weekend getaway

What makes the perfect weekend getaway venue? You can get there quickly, comfort (5-star is even better), great facilities and a variety of fun things to do while you are there.

Protea Hotel The Ranch Resort is one such venue. Located 25km from Polokwane, it is easily accessible from both the N1 and the R101, just two and a half hours from Johannesburg.

Stay in one of the hundred deluxe rooms in the Hotel, or opt for the newly built 5-Star golf chalets, overlooking the golf course. These comprise two rooms either side of a living area, with a fully equipped kitchen, patio and braai facilities. Although situated away from the main hotel, residents have access to all facilities which include a stunning pool area with 4 swimming pools (two heated), a tennis court, fitness centre, steam room and a games room.

Basils Fine Dining Restaurant and the Butterfly Family Restaurant provide an alternative to self catering and the golf clubhouse, which is located close to the chalets, offers both breakfast and lunch.

The property is situated within 1000ha nature conservancy which makes the resort unique. The 12 hole Par 3 course takes about an hour and a half to play – leaving you plenty of time for other activities. Go for a game drive or horseback safari. But if you are looking for a once in a lifetime experience, The Ranch offers their famous “Walk with Lions”. where you walk “hand in tail” with these magnificent creatures that have been handreared on the property.

For more information, visit www.theranch.co.za

Arabella Hotel & Spa becomes SA's most affordable Top 5 Course

The classically elegant and luxurious Arabella Hotel & Spa has joined Africa’s largest and leading luxury hospitality brand, African Pride Hotels, and has just become the most affordable Top 5 golf course in the country.

Guests will now pay just R500 for a round of golf in high season, while the current winter rates until October 28 are R350 for 18 holes, excluding Saturdays. Nine holes cost R250 per person, or play 18 holes from 12 noon for the same price.

This is coupled with a special accommodation rate starting at R922 per person sharing, bed and breakfast.

Arabella is one only a handful of 5-star resorts in South Africa where golfers can literally roll out of their rooms onto a Top 5 golf course. The clubhouse is part of the hotel, and the 1st tee box is barely 50 metres away.

Embraced by the majestic Kogelberg Mountains and bordered b the Bot River Lagoon, the hotel delivers grandeur in design and style that pays homage to the rare beauty that surrounds it, while attentive and gracious service enhances the experience.

The 18 hole, Par 72 Peter Matkovich Championship Golf Course has earned respect from the world’s finest golfers and has consistently been ranked as one of the top 5 courses in South Africa. The 8th hole has been described as one of the most beautiful par 5’s in South Africa, and the 18th has been rated one of the finest finishing holes in the country.

Situated just over an hour's drive from Cape Town, on the outskirts of South Africa’s whale-watching capital, Hermanus, the hotel also has a first-class conference centre that can accommodate up to 400 people cinema style.

For more information call 028 284-0105 or visit www.africanpridehotels.com