Kiara Lodge, near Clarens

Kiara Lodge sits on the R712 in the Dihlabeng district of the Free State, at the foot of the Maluti Mountains. The R712 is the road that runs to Golden Gate Highlands National Park, which is roughly 5 to 8 minutes' drive away. Clarens village is about 14 to 15 minutes away, so this is a resort near Clarens rather than in the town. Bookings are sold through Beekman Holidays, where Kiara Lodge is listed as an official rental partner.

The lodge offers 13 unit types. They run from a Double Room with Patio to a Five-Bedroom Farmhouse that sleeps 10 adults, which LekkeSlaap describes as a historic farmhouse. Most units are self-catering. The Double Room and the Family Suite are not. Wheelchair-accessible Luxury and Family Studios are available. Maluti Melt, the on-site restaurant and bar, and a convenience store are also on the property.

What sets Kiara apart is how much there is to do without leaving the grounds. There is a dam with fishing and pedal boats, a waterslide, a splash pad, a games room, padel courts and a heated indoor pool complex. Body Bliss Day Spa is on site too. Hiking trails, the gym, Putt 'n Play, table tennis and tennis are covered by an Access Pass. It costs R100, or is free with direct online bookings. Leap Adventures runs paintball, quad-biking, rock climbing and a gorge swing through the lodge.