Valentine’s Day may deem February the month of love, but in reality, there are no rules when it comes to romantic travelling.
If you’re not one to buckle under the pressure of Saint Valentine on the 14th, why not treat your partner to a romantic local destination over one of the long weekends? Or better yet, plan an intimate trip during winter, when the crowds are scarce, and the prices won’t make your heart race for all the wrong reasons.
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Interested in planning ahead? Sharmila Ragunanan, Marketing Manager of Dream Hotels & Resorts, offers up a few of her favourite local spots great for him and her, anytime of the year.
Long weekend in the wilderness
Where: Finfoot Lake Reserve, North West Province
Finfoot Lake Reserve is everything you could imagine in a romantic weekend, or week-long break. Close to Johannesburg (a 90-minutes’ drive), that much needed peace and quiet with your sweetheart is within easy reach.
Try something fun, like a canoe trip or a Segway safari, or relax on a sunset barge cruise. Their Pay 2, Stay 3 offer runs until 19 March 2020, which includes breakfast, dinner and two activities.
Contact: 012 277 8900 or [email protected]
Couple’s coastal retreat
Where: The Blue Marlin Hotel, Scottburgh, KwaZulu Natal
The iconic Blue Marlin Hotel has opened its doors to many returning couples over the years, looking to refuel on sun and sand.
It’s a great place to visit any time of the year, but if you are tempted to go for Valentine’s Day, their special runs from 14-16 February this year. Starting from R1950 per room, the offer includes breakfast, dinner and wine on arrival.
Contact: 039 978 3361 or [email protected]
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Dinner à deux
Where: Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa, Western Cape
Le Franschhoek Hotel and Spa sits quiet and unassuming, surrounded by magnificent mountain vistas.
They are currently running a 2-night Pamper Package for couples until 21 March 2020; but if you’d simply like to treat your loved one to lunch or dinner, their on-site Le Verger restaurant will quickly catch your eye, with its glass conservatory-style design immersing diners in the atmosphere of the Cape Winelands.
Contact: 021 876 8900 or [email protected]
Lakeside loving
Where: Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa, KwaZulu-Natal
Why not spend a night or two together at the lake this year? The intimate lakeside setting at Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa is ideal for couples who want to end each day with a sunset cruise, followed by pre-dinner cocktails near the outdoor boma fireplace.
For stays until 19 March 2020, guests can enjoy three nights and only pay for two. Rates include dinner and breakfast daily.
Contact: 035 572 1020 or [email protected]
Happiness in the Highveld
Where: Mount Savannah Game Reserve, Cradle of Humankind, Gauteng
Couples seeking an unrushed, informal holiday can also breakaway at Mount Savannah. The lodge is self-catering and situated on a malaria-free reserve, less than 45 minutes’ drive from central Gauteng and Pretoria within the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site.
Here, relaxing around the central campfire area, while watching (and listening!) for wildlife is one of the most effortlessly romantic ways to spend the evening.
Contact: 0861 010 347 or [email protected]
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Nights underneath the stars
Where: Tala Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal
Tala Game Reserve is just the place for a short, affordable getaway with a loved one. Located in Camperdown, the reserve is an easy drive from Pietermaritzburg and Durban.
For those who want to plan something special for Valentine’s Day specifically, the property is hosting a jazz night under the stars. The cost is R150 per person with picnic baskets available for pre-order. If you stay on 14 or 15 February rates are R1480 per room, per night inclusive of breakfast.
Contact: 031 781 8000 or [email protected]
Mountains and magic
Where: Little Switzerland Resort, Bergville, KwaZulu Natal
Little Switzerland is an Alpine-style resort that captures all the warmth and charm a couple could ever want in an intimate retreat.
Quietly nestled at the foot of the Northern Drakensberg, stand-out features include cozy wooden cottages, hearty Sunday carveries, indoor log fires and a stable filled with ponies. The resort also recently became one of the few pet-friendly accommodation options in the area; which means beloved fur babies don’t need to be left behind on holiday.
Contact: 036 438 2500 or [email protected]
*All rates and offers quoted are subject to terms and conditions.
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By Chelsey Hale
