We recently asked readers for new and unique ideas for romantic getaways. Below are some of the best options.
1. Vindoux Guest Farm in Tulbagh
“Vindoux, in the Western Cape, has four treehouse rooms, including one honeymoon room. There are also self-catering cottages that are pet friendly. I actually stayed in the honeymoon tree house, with my boyfriend as a birthday getaway. All meals are served on your balcony with views of the animals roaming, such as zebra and springbok. With heaters for those winter days, a spa bath and no TV, this is perfect for a romantic getaway. Costs are roughly from R1 700 per night, depending on season and room type. The guest house also has a day spa available for spa treatments (the massages are great!) with a gym on site, swimming pool and sauna. There is also a deli where you can order wine or snacks if you wish. Everything you need is on site. It has a ‘home away from home’ feel, with extra romantic touches.”
Megan Leonard, assistant tour consultant for Fairfield Tours.
2. Diamant Estate in Paarl
“Diamant Estate in the Western Cape is a very secure area with lovely views of the Winelands, including Cape Town. Lovely homemade breakfast with special touches. A nice tub with heated flooring makes for the perfect winter getaway! Very cosy and romantic. Very relaxing and you definitely need two nights there. I loved every moment at Diamant Estate and will sure go back!”
Megan Leonard, assistant tour consultant for Fairfield Tours.
3. African Violet in Noordhoek
“African Violet in Cape Town has a terrace suite/honeymoon suite that accommodates two people for R1 350 per night. The suite is a spacious luxury self-catering apartment with panoramic, uninterrupted views of the Atlantic horizon seen from the lounge, bedroom, bathroom and outdoor deck area. This apartment facilitates indoor-outdoor living. The private infinity pool is surrounded by a balau timber deck and day bed. The open-plan living and dining room features a gas and pebble fireplace and large flat-screen TV. The bedroom has a king bed (or two single beds) with cotton percale linen, a feature headboard and ambient lighting. The slate floor bathroom has a walk-in shower and a Jacuzzi bath with sea views. Pool towels provided. Full DStv bouquet and WiFi.”
Pascale Melissen, senior consultant at Abang Africa Travel
4. Lethabo Estate in Lanseria
“Lethabo Estate near Johannesburg specialises in the art of romance and exclusive getaways. Here couples and newlyweds can relax and unwind as well as spend quality time with each other. Drift away together on a cloud of romance ignited by scattered rose petals, a warm fireplace during winter, candles, romantic music, beautiful fine cuisine and all the ingredients to make your stay perfect and one to remember. The Willow Tree Hideaway Suite is R8 500 per couple for two nights, including spa treatment.”
Pascale Melissen, senior consultant at Abang Africa Travel
5. Hermanus retreat
“Creation Vineyard is ideal for a late lunch. Canapé tasting with wine at R145 – eight mini portions of the main course menu in a delightful (casual) setting with extremely knowledgeable sommeliers, followed by a walk to see the whales in Hermanus and an overnight stay at the Arabella Hotel and Spa with a rain forest treatment for couples in the morning. A perfect romantic weekend.”
David Thomas, group executive sales for Marriott International.
6. Luxury Cave in the Drakensberg
“Stay in a romantic and secluded luxury cave at Antbear Drakensberg Lodge. The luxury cave has been created under a huge rock and comes with a Jacuzzi spa bath and lounge with fireplace. It’s warm and cosy and the king-size double bed is heaven. On arrival, there is even a bottle of bubbly waiting on ice below the Bushman rock art on the wall. The bathroom is a separate cave and the shower is even rocked in. The interior finishes and furnishings of the cave are all wooden handmade works of art and are themselves a reason to stay here. Glass doors open on to a wooden deck with hammock chairs and a spectacular view of the Drakensberg Mountains. There is an option for private dining, where a table is set up on the deck of your cave and you dine by candlelight under the stars. And if she does not say yes to you in this romantic atmosphere, she just is not going to say it.”
Andrew Attwood, owner of Antbear Lodge.
