By Prashirwin Naidu
Weekend escapes are the perfect remedy for rest, recharge and to indulge in good food. This one came with a little extra romance. Hand in hand with my co-pilot and partner in crime, Jessyca Primo, we set off like a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde. Thanks to Mercedes-Benz, we did it in style, behind the wheel of the fiery chilli-red CLE 300 with a crème-coloured interior. Sleek, sexy, and charming, it was a true head-turner.
The Drive
The road to Warmbaths Forever Resort – in Bela-Bela, the Waterberg district in
Limpopo, was lined with mellow tunes, the open highway, and friendly traffic officers, well, at least from me. Driving a car worth R 1.7 million, doesn’t exactly go unnoticed. Behind the wheel, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged hybrid purred with effortless power, halving our expected travel time to Bela-Bela. Our first stop that Friday evening was Spur.
Jessyca went adventurous with snails and garlic bread, while I stuck to a double-patty chicken burger. We shared an apple-kiwi cooler, refreshing and sweet, the perfect welcome drink to kickstart our getaway. Returning to Warmbaths Resort stirred deep nostalgia. The last time I’d been here, I was just five years old, brought along by my late uncle Morgan. Returning here felt like I was honouring his memory.
The Town’s History
Bela-Bela, known as “Warmbaths” until 2002, is more than just another resort town. Its story bubbles up like its legendary hot springs. The Tswana people first discovered the steaming waters, naming it Bela-Bela, “the pot that boils.” The springs gush at around 52 °C, releasing 22 000 litres per hour of mineral-rich water believed to have healing powers. Over the centuries, it evolved from farmland into a British holiday retreat, before reclaiming its proud name in 2002, a tribute to the town’s vibrant heart. Jessyca and I slipped into our swimsuits and dashed for the pools. The crisp evening air contrasted beautifully with the toasty water. We laughed, floated, and soaked in pure joy — though stepping out into the night chill was a challenge of its own.
Accommodation
Our one-bedroom chalet was cosy, with modern touches, though the bed had clearly seen better days. By morning, I felt the ache of its sagging frame. Still, at R4 000 for the weekend, including access to the Hydro pools, it was good value.
Saturday began with coffee and chicken mayo toasties, flimsy but serviceable, before we drifted back into the Hydro. Here, the real magic unfolded. The pools’ warm embrace felt luxurious, almost like joining an exclusive club of relaxation. One pool, designed for arthritis sufferers, was blisteringly hot. I barely managed ten minutes, while Jess, who adores warm water, lingered in bliss. Cold water? Out of the question for her.
Food
Later, we indulged our sweet tooth with waffles and ice cream at Spur, washed down with another round of that kiwi cooler, our newfound guilty pleasure. Dinner was a simple yet satisfying feast from Checkers: a full chicken, rice, veggies, sauces, salad, and my nostalgic favourite, animal biscuits. We rounded off the night with tea, laughter, and long conversations before returning once more to the Hydro’s soothing waters.
Trips like these are more than escapes. They’re about reconnecting, laughing, and
creating memories that last far longer than the weekend. With Jessyca by my side, even the simplest adventure became unforgettable. By Sunday, as we bid farewell to Warmbaths Resort, we drove away lighter in spirit, our bond stronger than before. Because sometimes, the sweetest luxury isn’t the car, the food, or even the destination; it’s simply the time spent together.
