SALM TEAM 
For South Africans, the beach isn’t just a destination, it’s an age-old way to holiday. It’s where we breathe, bond, and bask. From sunrise jogs along Durban’s promenade to sunset braais in Jeffreys Bay, the ocean is woven into who we are. But what happens when we trade that familiar salt air for snowflakes?
As it turns out, the same sense of adventure, family bonding, and joy that comes from a seaside holiday can be found halfway across the world on the slopes of the Alps or in Japan’s snow-dusted villages. Imagine the thrill of seeing real snow!
From Flip-Flops to Snowboots
Imagine swapping the warmth of the Indian Ocean for the crisp bite of mountain air. Instead of watching waves roll in, you’re standing at the top of a pristine ski slope, snowflakes glinting in the sunlight, and laughter echoing from families below. The energy is familiar – that shared excitement of trying something new, in a beautiful landscape having pure, unfiltered fun.
On the beach, you might be perfecting your paddleboard technique or snorkelling among bright schools of fish. In the mountains, you’re learning to glide across snow, your cheeks flushed from the cold and the thrill of discovery. Different climates, same adrenaline. And who knew learning to ski could be as hilarious as trying to stand up on a surfboard for the first time? The triumphs, big or small, are just as sweet!
There’s a beautiful symmetry between these worlds. Both are places where time slows down, where families reconnect without screens or schedules, and where laughter becomes the day’s soundtrack.
The Allure of the Alps
For many, the idea of a ski holiday feels like a far cry from our sunny shores, but the mountains have their own magic. The French Alps, in particular, offer a perfect introduction to snow holidays. Resorts like Club Med Alpe d’Huez, perched high above the valley and bathed in sunshine, bring together breathtaking scenery, world-class skiing, and that unmistakable sense of camaraderie that South Africans know so well.
At this all-inclusive Resort, you can ski by day, soak in a heated outdoor pool by dusk, and dine with family as snowflakes fall outside. For non-skiers, there’s yoga with a mountain view, snowshoeing through alpine forests, or simply the joy of sipping hot chocolate beside a roaring fire. It’s a different kind of cozy, but just as lekker as a fireside braai – same kind of easy-going togetherness that we find on a beach holiday, only the dress code involves more layers and fewer flip-flops.
The best part? Everything is taken care of. All-inclusive resorts make mountain life effortless with their all-inclusive concept. Ski passes, lessons, dining, kids’ activities, and après-ski entertainment are all wrapped into one seamless experience so you can simply arrive, settle in, and start making memories.
When the Waves Call You Back
Of course, for some, nothing beats the call of the ocean and South Africans are spoilt for choice when it comes to idyllic beach escapes. A short flight away lie the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, where destinations like Mauritius, the Maldives, and the Seychelles capture the same carefree spirit in a more tropical setting. On the shores of Mauritius, family fun blends with relaxed island elegance. In the Maldives, overwater villas offer couples the ultimate barefoot luxury, while Seychelles brings a wilder, more eco-conscious experience surrounded by lush jungle and coral reefs.
Each destination reflects what travellers love most, connection, adventure, and the chance to simply be together. Whether it’s building sandcastles or snowmen, snorkelling or skiing, these moments become the stories families tell for years to come.
Two Worlds, One Spirit
For South Africans who thrive on outdoor living, both settings speak the same language. One of freedom, discovery, and shared joy. The beach may be our first love, but in the snow, we find a new kind of wonder, one that warms the heart in entirely different ways. One destination offers salt on your skin and sunsets over the sea; the other, crisp air, glowing fires, and stars that shimmer over snow.
So, whether you’re waxing your surfboard or strapping on your skis, remember this: adventure doesn’t depend on the weather. It’s a state of mind and the spirit of play that binds us together, wherever in the world we may roam.
Which adventure will you choose next?
