So you are feeling the pressure before Valentine’s Day and your partner is dropping hints left and right about how you need to up your game in the romance department or else you will be sleeping on the couch for the next year. Rather than the proverbial, last minute thoughtless gift – that could land you in even more hot water – here are 10 options for affordable romantic escapes that won’t break the bank.
Hermanus Guest House – Hermanus
Hermanus Guest House provides bed and breakfast accommodation where you can experience comfort and tranquility, with magnificent views of the bay. A variety of suites provide the setting for the perfect romantic getaway, with a myriad of activities within the area that you can enjoy together.
Rates start from R240 (Corner yard suite) to R590 (Victorian suite) per person sharing.
Cliffhanger Cottage – Knysna
A dream destination for honeymooners, couples and nature lovers, Cliffhanger Cottages are located along the Rheenendal road, with the peace of the unspoilt country surrounding. There are three luxurious self-catering timber chalets perched on the edge of a steep drop into a forested valley with sweeping, unspoilt views of the Outeniqua Mountains.
Rates:
Hedge Cottage ((Bedsit) at R480 per unit (sleeps 2)
Cliffedge Cottage at R780 per unit (sleeps 2)
Cliffhanger Cottage at R780 per unit (sleeps 2)
Auberge Rozendal Wine Farm – Stellenbosch
Auberge Rozendal situated at the gateway to the Jonkershoek Valley in Stellenbosch. With 16 en-suite guest rooms on offer, the rooms are situated amongst the vineyards, with majestic mountain views of the Stellenbosch and Simonsberg mountains providing an environment of beauty, romance and tranquillity.
Rates from R338 per person sharing for a Family room (sleeps 4) to R675 per person sharing for a Twin or Double room (sleeps 2)
La Boheme B&B – Plettenberg Bay
Centrally situated in Plettenberg Bay, La Boheme offers accommodation which combines a rustic ambiance with simple luxury. Couples can enjoy facilities such as a Jacuzzi, steam room, a fireplace in the lounge, Internet access, DStv and complimentary tea and coffee-making facilities in the rooms. There are sea and garden views, en-suite bathrooms and each room also has a fridge to keep those sundowners chilled.
Rates from R475 to R525 per person sharing.
Jacob’s Creek Lodge – Tzaneen
Surrounded by 1300 hectares of magnificent bushveld, Jacob’s Creek Lodge offers guests an unforgettable retreat by uniquely combining the ruggedness of nature with comfort and luxury and is idyllically located on the banks of the Lower Kudu’s River in the beautiful Mooketsi Valley. The lodge can comfortably accommodate up to 32 guests and offers self-catering units and stilted tents.
Rates:
Stilted tent at R150 per person sharing (sleeps 10)
Self Catering unit at R370 per person sharing (sleeps 5)
Luxury unit at R400 per person sharing (sleeps 4)
Matlapa Lodge – Magaliesburg
Matlapa Lodge is situated in Magaliesburg with the most beautiful natural surroundings on 60 hectares of pure countryside. Enjoy a magnificent view and the most beautiful sunsets. The thatched roofs and stone masonry add to the natural earth-like charm. The accommodation consists of en-suite thatched chalets with old-fashioned baths, an outside shower and wooden decks. They are furnished with antique beds and cupboards that complete the romantic picture.
Rates from R350 to R400 per person sharing.
Penwarn Country Lodge – Underberg
This country retreat, located in the southern Drakensberg, just outside Underberg, lies in a beautiful valley traversed by two rivers, where zebra, wildebeest and antelope roam free across the plains, while the blue heights of the Drakensberg rise up to the west. The lodge offers full-board and bed and breakfast accommodation, as well as a number of outdoor activities. The farm lies in a Penwarn is also a dream destination for fly-fishermen and horse riders, a haven for nature-lovers, and an opportunity for a romantic getaway.
Rates:
Log cabin (sleeps 4) at R250 per person sharing
Kudu self-catering (sleeps 2) at R400 per person sharing
Ndabusche lodge (sleeps 2) at R900 per person sharing
Manor Guest House – Lydenburg
This guest house has a warm, relaxed feel with intimate spaces such as the cozy pub and lounge, swimming pool and garden. Manor Guest House offers a variety of accommodation options. All the rooms are en-suite with separate garden entrances, with four comfortable double rooms, eight deluxe double rooms, one executive suite and two luxury suites. The country town of Lydenburg on the escarpment at the start of the Panorama Route has much to offer including trout fishing, birdwatching, nature reserves and hiking.
Rates from R290 to R400 per person sharing.
Clarens Rooiland – Clarens
Nestled in the foothills of the Maluti mountains in the Free State, Rooiland boast magnificent views of the sandstone mountains surrounding Clarens. Situated in a lush garden, it offers two separate cottages for romantic couples; Rooiland Bergsig which sleeps four to six guests and Rooiland Tuinsig which sleeps two to four guests. The self-catering cottages are within walking distance of all shops, galleries, restaurants, and many more attractions.
Rates from R250 per person sharing for Garden View (sleeps 4) and R300 per person sharing for Mountain View (sleeps 6).
Duiwelkloof Lodge – Baviaanskloof
Duiwekloof is an exquisite destination in the Baviaanskloof. The magnificent lodge with stone finishes, low impact roof and driftwood supports make for a beautiful structure which enhances the unique surroundings. The lodge consists of 4 self catering units, a large covered lounge and entertainment area. The natural swimming pool is supplied by water piped from the mountain. There is no electricity on the farm. Lights, warm water, stoves and fridges are gas driven.
Rates:
Camping at R200 per site (x4)
Fish Eagle at R700 per unit (sleeps 2)
Bateleur at R700 per unit (sleeps 4)
Blou Duiker Cottage at R750 per unit (sleeps 6)
Also See: Weekend getaways for couples specials
