Honeymoons are all about starting your married life on a happy note with a feeling of togetherness. The Midlands is the perfect peaceful location to spend those special first few days of your marriage without the distractions of everyday life.

These days, weddings are definitely not what they used to be – large gatherings that sometimes include many guests that the happy couple don’t even know! Instead, because so many families are spread across the world, they tend to be smaller and far more intimate affairs – times when families can reconnect and the two families that will now be joined together via marriage can spend time getting to know one another.

Because international (and even local) travel is expensive and time consuming, a marriage is always the very best excuse for everyone to gather. That makes a smaller wedding spread over a weekend at a resort like Granny Mouse the perfect time to make and renew family bonds.

For couples who cannot get away for the big day, a honeymoon is even more important.

Many of us can’t afford an expense international getaway which is why honeymoons within South Africa are becoming more and more popular. For locals, they’re more cost effective and less time consuming. For those who are living abroad and coming ‘home’ to tie the knot, the exchange rate means you can afford more luxuries.

The Midlands, in particular, is the perfect destination with is exquisite scenery, plenty of outdoor activities and quaint little shops and restaurants. If you’re planning an autumn or winter wedding, then there’s nothing more romantic than cuddling up in front of a warm log fire. It’s well within driving distance from Durban and Johannesburg and yet will make you feel like you’re in another world.

Sean Granger, general manager at Granny Mouse Country House & Spa, suggests staying at a few different hotels within the Midlands area: “By doing this, you will be able to enjoy all the great attributes that each hotel and location has to offer. It’ll also make you feel like your honeymoon is longer than it actually is as you’re being able to look back on two to three completely different experiences.”

For more information on your Midlands honeymoon, contact Sean Granger on +27(0)33 234 4071.

As we move into the long and golden days of late summer, it is easy to forget that winter is not very far away…. Most of us get sucked into the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to plan ahead.

Make this year different and book ahead for an unbelievable winter getaway. It is during the chillier months that the Midlands is a real wonderland. As the leaves begin to colour and fall, we begin to look forward to mystical, beautiful landscapes as the mists descend on the many lakes and ponds and the beautiful star studded skies look down on us.

There’s nothing more romantic than cuddling before a log fire and enjoying a good wine or even a locally made sherry or honey mead.

From May, Granny Mouse is offering an Unbelievable Winter Wonder which will allow you a quick and simple breakaway to let your hair down as you enjoy our crisp fresh mountain air and an opportunity to visit quaint shops and cafes or even pull on your hiking boots.

R5 000 will enable a couple to spend two nights in one of our garden or deluxe rooms and enjoy a hearty breakfast on waking.

In addition, each couple can look forward to a 30 minute back and neck treatment at our spa and a Belgian chocolate gift pack on arrival. We’re including a wine and cookie pairing for each of our visitors and will wave each couple on their way with a case of wine on departure.

Book early to avoid disappointment. Our special offer covers a minimum two-night stay and you also have the choice of upgrading to a deluxe suite for an extra once off payment of R1 500 or staying a little longer at R1 350 per person sharing per night.