Clients who are tired of the tried and tested will enjoy these unusual Valentine’s getaways.
For South African getaways, Liz Budge, Manager of XL Oceanair Travel, recommends the exclusive Timamoon Lodge close to the Kruger Park and Blyde River Canyon. “The suites are Moroccan and Zanzibar styled, romantic and secluded, with large fireplaces and private pools that overlook the valley. Akademie Street Boutique Hotel in Franschhoek is also a great option for wine lovers.”
Rachael Penaluna, Business Manager at Sure Maritime Travel, said cruising was a good option for clients looking for a new experience. “MSC Cruises now has a wider range of cabin categories, allowing for a luxury experience that is a lot more cost-effective than your usual romantic getaway. It is also a holiday that can easily be done in three days. This makes it a great option for clients who are low on money in February but are still looking to travel.”
Constance Tsarabanjina Madagascar, was recommended as a top regional experience for clients looking for privacy in a pristine natural environment. Kirsty Mayson, a Johannesburg-based Travel Counsellor, said: “This destination is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Clients fly to Nosy Be, then take a ten-minute car ride to the beach, where they will depart on an hour-long speedboat ride to the private island. They are accommodated in Robinson Crusoe-like beach villas and enjoy fine dining on the beach. It takes about two hours to walk around the island and the only available WiFi is in the bar area, so clients can really unplug and unwind.”
According to Budge, the southern Maldives offers another unique island experience. “It’s picturesque, usually half the cost of other Maldives locations and offers accommodation on private islands, or on small boats that sail around the islands.”
She added that other unique regional getaways could be found in Vamizi Island, Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique; Greystone Lodge, Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania; North Island or Silhouette Island, Seychelles; Lake Malawi; Mafia Island in Zanzibar; luxury camps in the Namib Desert; and Summerfield Boutique Hotel, in Swaziland’s botanical gardens.
