“Friends are vitamins for a hopeful soul and medicine for a broken heart.” — Steve Maraboli, Author and Award-Winning Philanthropist.
Muffled laughter during late-night chats, a shoulder to lean on during tough times, the thrill of a shared adventure – that’s the magic of friendship. It’s about those people who just ‘get you’, no explanations needed. Whether you’re celebrating successes or finding solace, true friends are there for the highs, the lows, and all the moments in between. They’re the family we choose, the ones who help us make lemonade when life hands us lemons and makes us smile while we’re doing it.
However, despite the untold benefits of close friendships, life’s busyness can often keep us from enjoying enough quality time with our besties. That’s why Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts encourages people to take some time out to focus on nurturing these vital relationships. He believes planning a special girlfriends’ getaway or a guys’ adventure trip is a great way to do this: “Dedicated time with friends offers a perfect opportunity for you and your circle to reconnect, have fun and rejuvenate as you hit the road together,” he says.
Lamont shares Four Compelling Reasons why a Break with Friends is Worth Considering:
1. Creating Lasting Memories: A friends’ getaway offers a unique opportunity to escape the daily grind and simply experience quality time with your mates, enjoying each other’s company. Whether it’s hiking, spa treatments, golfing, touring wine farms, a weekend retreat in the mountains or an adventurous road trip, the stories you create and the laughter you share will become lasting, magical memories to reminisce about for years to come. Cherished memories that will strengthen your bonds even further.
2. Enhancing Mental and Emotional: Well-being studies show that friendship is a cornerstone of our mental and emotional health. Spending focused time with friends can reduce stress, increase happiness, and provide a sense of belonging. Engaging in activities you enjoy together fosters a positive outlook and creates a sense of well-being.
3. Rekindling Spontaneity: It’s easy to become set in our ways due to daily routines. However, a break with friends can revive your sense of adventure. Spur-of-the-moment decisions, exploring unfamiliar places or enjoying carefree moments remind us of the importance of living in the now and embracing new opportunities. There’s something incredibly liberating about trying new things. It encourages everyone to step out of their comfort zone and rediscover the joy of adventure.”
4. Nurturing Your Support Network: Friends are often our greatest supporters and sounding boards. A getaway provides the perfect, unrushed setting to catch up, share stories and perspectives, and offer mutual support, away from distractions. This reinforces the trust and understanding that are vital to strong friendships, allowing for both heartfelt conversations and lighthearted fun.
“Dedicated friend time is a powerful way to invest in these important relationships that are so essential in our lives,” notes Lamont. “So why not start planning your getaway?” First Group offers a host of top-class resorts, self-catering accommodations and hotels in a variety of locations across South Africa. “From the beach to the mountains or somewhere in between, there is something to suit every group’s preferences and budget. So, make 2024 the year to spend time reconnecting, making memories, and celebrating your friendships,” he concludes.
Visit www.firstgroup-sa.co.za for more information.