The school holidays are over, yet many moms return from the family break feeling anything but refreshed – in fact, they’re more tired than before. For them, the family getaway wasn’t a rest; it was just a relocation of their daily responsibilities. From cooking meals in self-catering units to tidying up after sandy feet and wet towels, moms sometimes find themselves working harder on holiday than they do at home.
Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts, admits it’s something he only truly recognised after watching both his mother and his wife during family holidays. “I realised that while everyone else was relaxing, they were still ‘on duty’. That’s when it hit me: if we want the women in our lives to have a proper break, it must be intentional. You must plan for mom to rest, and it starts with where you choose to have your holiday,” says Lamont.
Lamont shares some additional tips to make sure mom enjoys her holiday as much as everyone else:
1. Include all costs in your budget
When saving for a holiday, remember to budget for the extras that turn it into a true escape, like dining out, spa treatments, or choosing a resort with all-inclusive options. First Group properties like La Montagne and Magalies Park offer all of these so that no one has to lift a finger unless they choose to.
2. Book serviced accommodation
Skip the family cleaning roster and choose accommodation that is fully serviced. All of First Group’s properties offer daily housekeeping, so there’s no need for anyone to make beds, do dishes, or wash floors during your stay.
3. Choose resorts with onsite dining
Even if it’s just a few meals, having access to an on-site restaurant gives mom a chance to skip the kitchen. All First Group Resorts feature onsite eateries, allowing for relaxed, no-prep meals the whole family can enjoy.
4. Share the load
And for those meals you are catering for, opt for simple, hassle-free ones. So, dad, roll out the skottel or opt for cereals and yoghurt for breakfast, fire up the braai for dinner and get the family involved with a rotating chores schedule. Assign simple, age-appropriate tasks to kids and share responsibilities equally. After all, a holiday should be a break for everyone, not just some.
5. Give her ‘me time’
Let mom sleep in or have an afternoon siesta, read her book, or disappear for a few hours without interruption or guilt. Resorts like Mount Sierra offer scenic spots that make “me time” truly restorative – think serene gardens, mountain views, peaceful lounges, and spa treatments designed to recharge both body and mind. Whether it’s solo walks, a quiet coffee, or a pamper session, these small windows of solitude are an opportunity for moms to have some time-out and to leave them feeling like they have truly had a holiday.
“Rest isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for everyone. And after all that moms do, they deserve a break that truly feels like one, filled with magical, lasting memories for the whole family,” Lamont concludes.