You don’t have to pack your passport to experience a peaceful retreat from the city: Thaba Eco Hotel is surrounded by Johannesburg’s Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, with its dramatic quartzite ridges. Take a guided eco-walk through the reserve and spot wildebeest, zebra and kudu. Everything in the resort’s been designed with nature in mind – from waterwise landscaping to water and electricity usage inside. To this end, it also employs a full-time environmental manager. TOP TIP: Book your kids for the Kids’ Survival Day, where they’ll learn essential skills for survival, including finding water and food, building a shelter and making a fire. CONTACT: www.thabahotel.co.za