I'm adventurous by nature, so boredom is punishment. Instead of rest and relaxation when I am away, I like what travel writer AA Gill has dubbed "Unrest Holidays". These are getaways that decrease our stress by giving us stress of a different kind.
"Relaxation is breathing out. The good bit is taking a deep breath and jumping in," he writes.
I've jumped into hot air balloons to cure my fear of heights. I've gone on a road trip with strangers to snap me out of being socially awkward, and found fulfilment on trips that put me in strange and uncomfortable situations.
Instead of rejoicing when I was invited to Shangri-La Country Hotel in Limpopo, I wondered how I would keep boredom at bay at the secluded hotel sandwiched between Bela-Bela (Warmbaths) and Modimolle (Nylstroom).
There are parks, water resorts, petting zoos and walking trails a stone's throw away, so potential for adventure lured me to this place that punts R&R.
However, once my friend and I arrived, I had the desire to simply flop about the hotel, which has 49 en suite rooms. There were no weddings or events that weekend and with the exception of a few other guests, this secluded paradise was all ours.
Our room was rustic with modern amenities . After checking in, we walked up a sloping walkway surrounded by tropical trees and birds, and settled on a wooden deck above the hotel restaurant to watch the sun set over the Waterberg.
As night approached, the temperatures dropped and we went to the empty restaurant with a wood- burning fireplace and everything from seafood to pap and wors on the menu.
Later, as I was falling asleep, I promised myself to carry on relaxing. But my body clock woke me at 5am, so I went for a jog, breathing in the country freshness and exhaling the city stresses .
We abandoned our plans and spent the weekend reading by the pool, watching sunsets, and appreciating the time together .
- Boikanyo was a guest of Shangri-La Country Hotel
FACT FILE
The weekend cost R2400 for two.
From October 1, a standard room R575 pp, family room R575 pp and extra R175 per kid, presidential room R650pp.
Shangri-La Country Hotel, Eersbewoon Road, Modimolle. Call 014-718-1600, e-mail reservations@southofafrica.co.za or see www.southof africa.co.za
