Many people claim to hate Valentine’s Day. The bright pink and red is tacky, the cards and poems are corny, and it’s all just an elaborate scam to make you spend money.
Doesn’t that seem like a huge over-reaction to a day that’s only meant to be about celebrating love? If you’re planning something special with your partner in KwaZulu Natal this Valentine’s Day, here are a few specials to think about.
1. Valentine’s Day Concert at the Botanic Gardens
Ard Matthews and the Durban City Orchestra will be performing in these beautiful natural surroundings in the Old Mutual Music at the Lake. The concert starts at 6pm, and tickets are R100 pre-bought, R130 at the door. Kids are welcome (R50 for 8-12 year olds) and can be entertained in the KidZone with fun and games.
You can buy tickets here.
2. Harvey’s Restaurant
Rated the most romantic restaurant in Durban, Harvey’s is offering a six-course menu for R295 a person. When you find out that they’ve hosted the likes of Prince Harry, Desmond Tutu, and Madiba (probably not at the same time though), it doesn’t seem so expensive.
You can book a table on 031 312 5706
3. Sunset Cruise (Allen Gardiner)
This floating restaurant makes it very easy to charm your partner. You can choose between a morning cruise with a full American breakfast, a midday lunch, or a champagne sunset cruise.
You can find the booking details here.
4. Hartford House
Hartford House feels much further away than it actually is: nestled in the Midlands, it’s only 90 minutes from Durban International Airport. They will be offering a 5-course set menu, at R900 per couple. Because of their commitment to local, seasonal food, the menu isn’t confirmed yet: but there will be options for vegetarian guests. There’s also a beautiful Wellness Centre if you need some pampering before dinner.
Call tel 033-263-2713
5. Fleur de Lis Valentine’s Day Special
Before spending the night at Coastlands Hotel, you and your partner both get a full-body massage, backscrub, a candlelight lavender spa bath, and a glass of (non-alcoholic) bubbly. It costs R1 700 per couple.
You can find out more here.
6. Grill Room at Oyster Box
This is the epitome of a fine-dining experience. Make sure you don’t eat all day so that you’re starving for the 7-course menu! There will also be live entertainment from resident musician Wallace Nock, and the evening will cost R590 per person.
Book here or by calling 031 514 5000
7. Penwarn Country Lodge
This charming lodge is offering a fantastic special on Valentine’s weekend (15 to 17 February). You’ll have a sunset horse ride on Friday, a romantic dinner (with wine) on Saturday night, and a champagne breakfast under the Oaks on Sunday. Sounds like heaven? Well then, heaven costs R1 500 per couple per night.
Call 033-7011-368
8. Green Food Studio
This restaurant is inside the 44 Boulevard Hotel, and has specials that include accommodation. If you only want a meal though, there’s a 3 course meal with themed desserts for R700 per couple. You’ll be entertained by live classical music, and they’ll also give you a free mystery gift for the ladies.
You can find out more here, or book a table on tel 032-947-1660
9. Heaven on Earth Spa
This spa is directly across from Essenwood Park, and offers a number of Valentine’s Day specials. The “Oh So Heavenly Treat” is a real bargain at R899 per couple, which covers a welcome drink, a plethora of beauty and de-stressing treatments, and tea and cake to finish.
You can find out more here.
10. Cathedral Peak Hotel
This beautiful hotel is offering a hugely discounted rate for stays of three days or more during the month of February. Your fee of R 2010 gets you breakfast, dinner, a bottle of bubbly on arrival, a picnic lunch for two, and as much golf as you can handle.
Find out more here.
Looking for more romantic eating ideas in Durban? Here’s a list of 5 romantic restaurants in the city.
