4 simple tips for making the most of a multigenerational getaway
Going on holiday with parents and grandparents is nothing new to many South Africans. Ours is a culture that has always embraced close family ties, shared spaces and the idea that raising children, celebrating milestones and spending time together is a collective experience rather than an individual one. While multigenerational travel has long been second nature locally, it is now also gaining traction globally, contributing to renewed interest in this style of travel at home.
And it is easy to see why. As life becomes busier and more fragmented, uninterrupted time with loved ones is increasingly hard to come by.
“Luxury is so often measured by the high-quality goods we own: cars, homes, watches or shoes,” says Onwaba Gonyora, Director at Brahman Hills. “But for busy parents, the ultimate luxury is something far less tangible: precious time with their children and ageing parents.” She adds that Brahman Hills has seen this trend firsthand, with its three- and four-sleeper villas often booked out by families looking to slow down and reconnect.
Multigenerational travel also highlights the different roles each generation plays within a family. Parents often carry the responsibilities, while grandparents can bring patience, perspective and a little indulgence. For children, that combination of support, attention and belonging is not always possible in shorter day visits.
And the value is not only felt by the youngest family members. Even as adults, spending time with your own parents in a more relaxed setting can feel deeply grounding, offering a rare chance to reconnect outside the routines and pressures of everyday life.
Gonyora adds that when several generations are sharing one self-contained space, a rewarding getaway often depends on being intentional about how that time is spent. “Bringing different generations together under one roof requires thought and deliberateness. Routines differ, as do energy levels, interests and expectations, and not everyone will imagine the ideal break in quite the same way,” she explains.
Gonyora offers four simple ways to make the most of a multigenerational getaway:
1. Choose accommodation that gives everyone their own space:
Self-contained villas with en suite bathrooms make a real difference, as small irritations can quietly add up. Things like kids leaving clothes or wet towels on the floor, or no hot water left, can quietly take the shine off the trip. Grandparents getting up in the middle of the night should also not have to worry about waking anyone. That’s why having separate spaces, such as individual bathrooms, keeps things comfortable and avoids unnecessary tension.
2. Let everyone move at their own pace: Not everyone wants the same kind of day. Kids might need an afternoon nap, while grandparents may prefer a slow morning and a later start. Giving family members the freedom to follow their own rhythm, without coordinating everything, makes the time together feel easier.
3. Keep shared time simple: Your holiday does not need to be overplanned. Sometimes, a scenic walk around the property, a board game or family time in the jacuzzi ends up meaning more than any formal activity. These are the moments that bring everyone together naturally.
4. Make space for our different selves: Time away allows people to step into different versions of themselves. Parents can take a step back. Grandparents can be more present and playful. Children benefit from that shift in attention and energy. It creates a more balanced, relaxed dynamic for everyone.
Gonyora says that Brahman Hills is designed with exactly this kind of trip in mind. “For families seeking the rare luxury of uninterrupted time together, Brahman Hills offers a sanctuary of serenity, where comfort, privacy and connection come together naturally, making it easier for every generation to feel at home,” she concludes.
Visit https://www.brahmanhills.co.za to book your next multigenerational getaway.
