30 wonderful South African holiday destinations you need to visit in 2016

Decorated in a Venda theme by famed artist Noria Mbasa and overlooking a valley framed by mountains. The drive up to the camp can only be done by 4×4 and you never seem to stop climbing, but once you reach this haven you’ll find yourself never wanting to leave.

The view at this stone cottage looks out onto unbroken veld; it’s just you and perhaps a few visiting cows.

It feels like you’re at the end of a cul-de-sac on this farm, and that the valley stretching before you is at your disposal. Fun owners and company, polo lessons and a laissez faire ambiance all make for a great stay.

These lovely tented camps overlooking the river seemed a world away from city stresses.

Trendy, fun decor fills the spaces at this B&B, where each room has its own character. A great base for exploring the town.

These cabins are a five minute walk into this thick forest and feel like a tree-house hideaway where you could sit for ages writing or listening to birdsong.

This small cottage is secreted away in a mountainside with nothing but yourself and birdsong for company.

Even the air here is calm, and within a few minutes of arriving you’ll feel yourself unwinding into relaxation.

Not really a place per say, but absolute bliss waking up to the still waters of the Vaal lapping the sides of your houseboat – which you can commandeer yourself after taking a brief skippers test.

I loved falling asleep to the sound of the river at this 5-star lodge, and then running a hot bath with the open forest at my elbow.

A foodie’s heaven, it’s owned by Yvonne Short, author of Kitchen Safari – and open plan retreat overlooking a scenic valley.

The masculine version of Yvonne’s house and just as well-decorated. Both were designed by architect Daniel van der Merwe.

Owners Denise and Rob’s creative, DIY approach can be found over everything they put their minds to on this farm. Camping also available.

My favourite – one day I will return with a group of friends to enjoy this boho loft-living!

It’s all soft comforts and friendliness here; owner Jayne is wonderful and pays such attention to detail.

A sprawling house near Southbroom, Rockshandy makes for the perfect upmarket group escape.

Surrounded by forest and ideal for winter, where you can light a fire and nestle into your log cabin with a cup of coffee. In summer months there are great hikes and rivers nearby to explore.

Right on the beach, this house is brilliant for friend get-togethers and has fantastic decor.

Ah, one can dream. This luxury house is perfectly decorated, and located overlooking the sea on KZN’s South Coast.

After a long 4×4 drive you reach this spot, high up on a vast plateau. It’s almost a lean-to, with stone walls and a corrugated iron roof resting on boulders that form the back wall, and if you like the idea of being completely off the grid in a place of unparalleled beauty that you don’t have to share with anyone, this spot is for you.

Owned by Sonja, a horse-lover, these cottages overlook Franschhoek from Chamonix Wine Farm. Each cottage is different, with an equestrian theme running throughout.

I was fortunate enough to stay at the Opstal Vlei Suite at De Hoop over my birthday this year. It was my first time in this area, and I was blown away by its diverse beauty. To top it all off, the staff surprised me with a song and cake!

Another place that is best enjoyed with a large group of friends. This unusually-designed house is huge, with wonderful artworks and living areas. It’s like a private hotel, with bedrooms dotted all over for friends to share.

I’d be back in a shot to enjoy a quiet weekend here if I could. It’s a simple farm cottage surrounded by olive trees, with a daybed on the verandah.

Disclosure: Must love penguins. This airy beach house overlooks Betty’s Bay, and you can take in the view while penguins and dassies suntan themselves on the lawn by your feet.

Camping here with the Orange River on your doorstep is incomparable.

These tree-houses make for the perfect romantic escape, with the added bonus of having a spa on site.

Arguably the best breakfast I’ve ever had at a B&B, and with cottages overlooking vineyards. What could be better?

The decor isn’t to my taste, but WHAT a location. At the end of a cobblestone driveway fringed by towering mountainside, right at the base of a waterfall… you step out of your door and almost literally into the stream running past your cottage. The waterfall forms a pool at the back of the house, perfect for swimming.

Suite 9 is private and cosy, a perfect retreat for a couple and well-furnished.