Everyone deserves a treat after a jam-packed week from work. Pampering yourself with a two-day luxury weekend will help you boost your energy to make it through another week of a full schedule. Make it more special by choosing the perfect place for you that offers top-notch service, breathtaking scenery, and fine cuisine. Relax, enjoy and forget all your worries through the five-star weekend getaways below.
What preparations should you do prior to a luxury weekend?
Even though weekend getaways are relatively short compared to other planned trips, planning it well can make it a remarkable one. Preparations are needed to ensure that your five-star weekend will be worth it and not cause a headache that you might regret. So, here are some points you need to consider in planning for your trip.
1. Area Situation
Be well-informed on the areas you wish to spend your weekend. There are situations you need to take into account before choosing your venue for your luxury weekend getaways.
- Safety and Security. Check reliable websites for up-to-date information on the safety and security situation of a particular place. You can check the website of your country of origin. You may also visit websites of the UK Government, USA Department of State, or Australian Government for advice on your next travel.
- Health. Check if there are diseases you may encounter in the particular area. At the same time, inquire if you need any treatment or vaccine before entering the said place.
- Weather. Check the weather forecast. Make sure your visit will be the best time or season to tour your target place.
2. Travel Documents
If needed, apply for International Passports and Visa. If you are going to the US or Canada, apply for Electronic System for Travel Authorization.
3. Schedule & Itinerary
To maximize your short luxury weekend, you may check out travel guides available online. Be sure to do it beforehand so you can choose well where and what to do, and not waste time or any aspect of your trip.
4. Budget or Finance
Make sure to check on your credit cards if they would work in other countries. Preparing some cash will surely help you in your trip as some areas do not accept credit cards as payment.
5. Weekend bag
For a weekend trip, a suitcase is too much, instead use a leather or canvas bag. Bring in the essentials for your trip that are suited to the type of trip you will have. For example, if you are off to the beach, do not forget to pack your swimsuits and sunblock. Do not bring too much apparel- bring wrinkle-resistant clothes and those that are not too thick.
>> Remember to bring a bath towel for drying yourself after a dip.
6. Advance Booking
To avoid any drawbacks on your trip, it is a must to book in advance your plane tickets and accommodations. If you are working on a budget, booking ahead of time can help you save additional costs, and at times, you can even get a discount.
Five Star Places
Some care less about the budget if we are talking about five-star weekend getaways. But for other people who are not that liquid in their finances, looking for a budget but offers luxurious accommodation is the way to go. Be free to choose the perfect place from the list we have prepared for you.
Royal Malewane, Mpumalanga, South Africa
Royal Malewane offers a one-of-kind safari experience with the help of the most skilled guiding team in Africa. It is located inside Thornybush Private Game Reserve in Greater Kruger National Park-the finest park in Africa. You can have the experience of being up close with The Big Five (lion, leopard, black rhino, elephant, and buffalo) in Royal Malewane. They also offer other activities like bird watching, horse riding, and hot air ballooning. To relax, you can go to the hotel’s spa and get a massage or treatments using local products. They also have an on-site restaurant that serves delicious meals and a comfortable lounge.
Highlights:
- Walking trails
- Private Safaris
- Game drives
- Birding safaris
- Bushwalks
- Specialist photographic safaris
Travel Budget: $4,353-$16,555/night
Pros:
- free parking
- free wi-fi
- free airport transportation
- free breakfast
- incomparable safari experience
- exemplary staff and service
Cons:
- the most expensive one on this list (but if you look at the experience, it’s worth every penny)
Tip: bring with you a bug repellant, sunscreen, hats, layers of clothing (during colder seasons)
Hotel Paracas, Paracas, Peru
Hotel Paracas is a five-star hotel built on the ruins of the August 2007 earthquake, located in a coastal desert, 4 hours away from Lima. It is a two-story bungalow designed by Bernardo Fort-Brescia. It is part of The Luxury Collection, a chain of luxury hotels in Peru owned by Libertador Hotels, Resorts & Spas. The hotel has two pool and a private beach. They also have private jets you can ride to see the Nazca desert geoglyphs. Spa services can also be availed where you can experience different types of massages and facial treatments to help you rejuvenate. There are three restaurants on-site offering different cuisines- Italian, seafood, and Peruvian food.
Highlights:
- Nazca desert geoglyphs
- Islas Ballestas
- Viñas de Oro Distillery
- Ballestas Restaurant (Peruvian food)
- Trattoria (Italian Restaurant)
- Chalana Restaurant (Seafoods)
Travel Budget: $349-$539/night
Pros:
- world-class service
- great food options
- free wi-fi
- complimentary parking
- the design of the hotel gives you more privacy
Cons:
- limited activities
- pets are not allowed
- swimming in the sea is not recommended (strong current, filled with jellyfish)
- strange smell in the morning (months of January-March) due to sea creatures attracted by the warm sea current.
Tip: For a short trip (a day or two), book the Garden View
Sunrise Tee Pee, Texas, USA
Glamping at Sunrise Tee Pee is the best place for those who wish to spend the weekend peacefully with nature with a bit of adventure. You will hike through pretty challenging terrain to reach the Tee Pee. It is a serene place above the lake. The area is not populated, which gives you room to relax more for a short while. They also have amenities like a BBQ grill, kitchen, coffee maker, heater, towels, bed, linen, running water, canoe, life vest, and shower.
Highlights:
- Bird watching
- Kayaking
- Wildlife observing
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Swimming
Budget: $129/night
Pros:
- cheap accommodation
- open all year-round
- variety of activities
Cons: you need to be somewhat fit to go to this place
Tip: do not forget to bring personal items and food
Conclusion
Five-star weekend getaways have proven to be effective in “escaping reality”, even for a few days. Having that peace away from stress in the city will power you up for the coming days ahead. Whether you’re on a budget or willing to spend much, options for places are endless. Heal your body, mind, and spirit! Do not hold back any longer. Go and plan that trip!