South Africans are leading the world in recognising travel as a mental health booster. According to a global survey by Flight Centre, 83% of South Africans say travel is important to their mental wellbeing, higher than in any other country surveyed. And unlike the days of rushing through itineraries, South African travellers are embracing slower, softer escapes that are all about rest, reflection, and reconnection.
In a city that rarely slows down, here’s how to tap into the slow travel movement without going far.
Prioritise sleep-centric stays in the city
More of us are choosing hotels not for their rooftop bars or Insta-worthy pools, but for their ability to deliver deep, uninterrupted rest. In Joburg, some of the city’s best hotels are leaning into this need for stillness:
Sanctuary Mandela
Once Nelson Mandela’s home, this boutique hotel in Houghton blends heritage with tranquillity. The rooms at Sanctuary Mandela are cocoon-like, with warm design details that encourage downtime. The gardens and pool area offer pockets of silence, while the restaurant, Insights, serves soulful food that nourishes as much as it delights. Staying here feels like tapping into a deeper sense of peace, perfect if you want to sleep well and wake inspired.
Sandton Sun and Towers
If you want great sleep without leaving Joburg, Sandton Sun and Towers deliver. The spacious rooms come with blackout curtains and plush bedding. With 24-hour service, an elegant restaurant, and a spa, you can mix work, play, and rest in one spot. Midweek stays are especially blissful, quieter, calmer, and just the recharge you need.
Take a midweek mini-break in the Cradle
For those who want stillness without the hassle of long-distance travel, the Cradle of Humankind is your go-to sanctuary. Just 30 minutes from Joburg, these spots offer nature, silence, and soul-soothing stays.
FARMHOUSE58
If you’re chasing deep rest, FARMHOUSE58 in the Cradle of Humankind should be on your list. This serene retreat is designed for slowing down, think minimalist rooms with earthy tones, blackout curtains, and zero clutter to overstimulate a tired mind. The estate’s natural surroundings add to the calm, with birdsong and stillness replacing city noise. Evenings are slow and screen-free, encouraging early nights and uninterrupted sleep. Pair that with mindful meals, guided nature walks, and yoga sessions, and you’ll leave not only well-rested, but properly reset.
Cradle Valley Guesthouse
Tucked away near Muldersdrift, Cradle Valley is made for midweek mini-breaks that actually feel like a holiday. The rooms overlook peaceful gardens and a quiet dam, so evenings end with the sound of frogs and crickets instead of traffic. Big, comfy beds, fresh country air, and no rush in sight make it a dream spot for Joburgers looking to trade the city buzz for restorative sleep.
The stats say it all: 86% of South Africans want slower, more restful travel in 2025, prioritising slower, more restful getaways. For Joburgers, that opens up the chance to savour the art of stillness. Instead of racing through jam-packed itineraries, it’s about choosing one incredible stay and truly enjoying it.
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