Unusual romantic getaways
Valentine’s Day goes one of two ways, either over the top declarations of love and devotion complete with heart-shaped everything and fluffy bears, or it’s a dinner date with the rest of the world in an overcrowded restaurant with more tables than you can get sardines in a tin, not exactly romantic.
This Valentine’s Day make a night or weekend of it, turn it into a road trip and book yourself into one of these unusual romantic getaways far away from the commercial Valentine’s madness.
Sweet nothings: Naries Namakwa Retreat – Northern Cape
Cost per night: From R1 910 p/p/p/n includes dinner, bed and breakfast
Why you should go: The barren plains of the North Western interior may not seem like your typical romantic getaway spot, but that’s exactly the drawcard here – sweet, sweet isolation. Aside from wild-flower season, there’s absolutely nothing except the spectacularly desolate scenery to distract you from quality time with your loved one.
Unusual feature: Definitely go for Namakwa Mountain Suites. They’re beautifully built, entirely from thatch, and they provide the most inspiring views of the Namakwaland below.
Best car to get you there: Something to sooth the tricky Cape-Namibia leg of the journey – the new Audi Q3.
Cash to splash: Tintswalo Atlantic – Western Cape
Cost per night: From R6 565 p/night
Why you should go: Built into the foot of Chapman’s Peak with the Atlantic ocean waves lapping against the shore, this is accommodation like no other. The Tintswalo Atlantic has been the survivor of two fires and risen from the ashes like a phoenix every time. World-class suites, matched with bespoke service makes it worth the price. Book in winter to watch whales frolicking from the privacy of your suite.
Unusual feature: It’s in the Table Mountain National Park, your neighbours are the flora and fauna, the Atlantic ocean lulls you to sleep each night.
Best car to get you there: You’ll want something to enjoy Chapman’s Peak Drive with, the Audi A1 is the perfect companion to beat the bends.
Me Tarzan, you Jane: Tsala Treetop Lodge – Garden Route
Cost per night: From R14 150 for 2
Why you should go: When you were a child I bet you dreamed of staying in the world’s best treehouse – a suite at Tsala Treetop Lodge is that treehouse! Cantilevered on stilts, adjoined by elevated walkways, not only are they an architectural marvel; they’re fitted with every modern luxury convenience imaginable.
Unusual feature: Soak away the afternoon in your private infinity pool, lulled by soothing birdsong. This is Idyllic bliss only an enchanted forest can deliver.
Best car to get you there: No trip up the Garden Route would be complete without something that excels at open-road cruising, like the Citroen C5 Aircross.
Snuggle buddies – Africamps at Gowan Valley, Natal Midlands
Cost per night: From R1 340 per night
Why you should go: Easily accessible from Johannesburg and Durban, the luxurious AfriCamps tented camps in the heart of the Midlands Meander offer everything those who love camping and enjoy creature comforts will want for a romantic getaway. Surrounded by rolling green hills, Nguni cattle and a mighty river this is glamping at its finest.
Unusual feature: The self-catering units are perfect for couples who want to enjoy a break with the youngest members of their family, each unit has bunk beds.
Best car to get you there: Leave the big city behind in no uncertain terms with something truly fun to drive, the Suzuki Swift Sport.
African love: Basotho Hotel, Emoya – Free State
Cost per night: From R1200 per night for two, Honeymoon suite R1 900
Why you should go: This unlikely game reserve on the outskirts of Bloemfontein boasts a range of pretty, Basotho-inspired en-suite accommodation and – thanks to the rolling veld, wide-open skies and unforgettable sunsets – has all the romantic charm for a perfect surprise Valentine’s getaway. Indulge in a game drive or a couples spa experience.
Unusual feature: Visit the Emoya ‘shabeen’ or ‘shanty town’ in the safe environment of the game reserve. Enjoy a Zamalek as Nyala and Giraffe saunter by the stone veranda provides a uniquely South African experience.
Best car to get you there: For unsurpassed luxury travel through the Free State interior you’ll want the locally built and proudly South African BMW X3.
Love me true: The Herb Cottage – Limpopo
Cost per night: From R1 190 per night for two
Why you should go: A little slice of heaven awaits at this rustic avocado and herb farm in the indigenous Limpopo forest. Opt for the Herb Cottage accommodation and you and your sweetheart get a fireplace and pool, just perfect for watching the monkeys and bushbuck from an idyllic terrace.
Unusual feature: For real isolation the solar-powered bush camp on the plateau of the forest is a must. With its own bath-with-a-view you can bird-spot to your heart’s content. Most importantly, cell phones definitely don’t work down there.
Best car to get you there: This hideaway deserves an equally stealthy and environmentally friendly car – the Jaguar iPace.
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