When I got the email inviting me to Mpumalanga to stay at the newly refurbished Malaga Hotel, it took me about three seconds to reply “yes please”. Okay, make that two. I mean, I didn’t need that much time to figure out that I could do with a weekend away with gorgeous surrounds, and where I could be as busy or as idle as I wanted.

I’ve been to the Waterval Boven area a few times, and it’s a really pretty location. Malaga is about 20km from the town of Waterval Boven, on the banks of the Elands River, and about a three-hour drive from Joburg (useful tip: there’s a Vida Coffee shop and some great biltong at the Shell Garage on the way, in Middelberg).

Malaga can either be used as a stopover for trips to the Kruger Park or elsewhere in Mpumalanga, but with a resort-type feel and facilities, plus excursions and activities in the area, it’s a great destination on its own. You won’t find fancy frills and unaffordable rates here, and it’s a place that’s accessible, rather than aspirational.

I loved this personal welcome letter, with my blog’s logo on it

Malaga is awesome for kids and parents. For starters, it’s in a malaria-free area, and there are spacious and comfortable family suites. The gardens are huge (amazing for hide and seek, and bird spotting), and there’s a pool, loungers, jungle gym and hammocks. Food is fresh, simple and tasty with lots of options for fussier eaters.

What did we get up to? Well, I read 3/4 of my new book, had an afternoon nap (newsworthy in itself), ran, ate and visited Ou Kaapsehoop. We also went on a rock climbing excursion, where my five-year-old son took to it like a mountain goat. He absolutely loved it, and I think this might be the start of more visits to the area.

As for me, while I didn’t soar a rockface, I’m still on a high from some country air, time with my little dude, and a place that begged for relaxation and being disconnected in the best way.