Great places to stay for Valentine’s Day
Clinton Moodley and Shingai Darangwa picked out a few romantic destinations to make the occasion special
Enjoy a romantic getaway just an hour outside Cape Town in log-themed cabins surrounded by nature.
At KolKol Mountain Lodge, couples can enjoy the privacy of their cabins, while taking in the views around them.
Travellers can book fun activities like scenic flights and waterskiing and visit nearby wine farms.
Contact 076 913 6014.
KwaZulu-Natal
Hidden in the Midlands, Granny Mouse Country House & Spa is just the place you and your loved one should visit. An hour-and-a-half ’s drive from Durban, Granny Mouse offers a world-class spa, fine dining and an impressive service record.
Granny Mouse was recently awarded the Affordable Luxury Hotel of the Year Award for KZN by The Luxury Travel Guide.
Call 033 2344071.
Mpumalanga
Summerfields Rose Retreat and Spa is the ideal location for a relaxed and isolated getaway. Summerfields showcases the best of its beauty with its riverside rooms with outdoor showers and a restaurant which is set by the Sabie River.
Here, you can see hippos bathe at dusk. This 100-hectare farm also has a pool, open-air spa area and each room has a private deck and bath overlooking the forest. Contact 013 737 6500.
Gauteng
it’S the couples’ paradise you wouldn’t expect in Johannesburg. Landscaped gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and beautifully elegant rooms (with balconies) give this hotel that something special.
One reviewer on Tripadvisor appropriately noted, “It is impossible to believe that such a beautiful place is in the heart of the city”. Contact 011 853 2400 and 011 483 3037/8.
Magaliesberg
The ideal place where one’s every whim will be catered for by a dedicated team who knows how to pamper guests. During February, this popular upmarket establishment is offering visitors special get-away deals for those who want to taste a slice of romantic paradise.
The Bluebilled Firefinched Valentine’s two-night package, which is valid throughout February – includes dinner, bed, a full English breakfast and a romantic surprise. This popular retreat will be creating the mood for romantic couples during this period with the emphasis being on good food, romance and relaxation.
The package also includes tea and coffee and bottled water, a daily newspaper delivered to the room every morning and access to hotel facilities such as the well-equipped gym, outdoor pool, tennis courts, paddle boats on the river, nature reserve, walking trails and the bird sanctuary.
Standard rooms are R3 910, Luxury rooms R4 170 per person and Superior rooms R4 430 per person for two nights and this includes dinner, bed and breakfast.
There is no charge for children up to the age of 6, but children between the ages of 7 and 12 will be charged R2 140 for two nights and an adult single rate for children aged 13 and older. Terms and conditions apply. Go to the website www.valleylodge.co.za or contact 014 577 1301/5.
North West
The charm of the Maropeng Boutique Hotel is not only based on the hotel itself, but its exceptional surrounds.
There’s the Magaliesberg mountain range which is in full view, there’s the historically significant Sterkfontein Caves which also form part of this Cradle of Humankind zone nearby and the outstanding Maropeng Welcome Centre which is within walking distance of the hotel.
The rooms here have a patio which overlooks the area’s magnificent scenery and the restaurant area has a lovely pool deck for a quiet, relaxing time with your other half. Contact 014 577 9100.
Limpopo
Few things can compete with a modern, African-themed lodge in the middle of the wild. The Mohlabetsi Safari Lodge in Limpopo offers just that. The traditional round huts are deceptively spacious and luxurious and offer an authentic African experience for you and your partner.
The Tranquility Lapa offers tranquil relaxation through a variety of massages. Dinner by the camp fire and game drives where you can view the Big Five adds that extra something special to this experience. Contact 082 503 8863.
Northern Cape