With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s time to check out the romantic specials – valid for the month of February – being offered at some top South African hotels and lodges.
In Mpumalanga, located on 800 hectares of peaceful countryside, Walkersons Hotel & Spa, an exclusive 5-star, 27-room boutique hotel near Dullstroom is ideal for exclusive weekend breaks, weddings or business conferences and of course Valentine’s. Along with the surrounding pristine scenery and fly-fishing in Dullstroom’s famous trout dams its delicious cuisine is one of its biggest attractions – The Flying Scotsman and Terrace Restaurants cater for both guests and day visitors. Walkersons Hotel & Spa invites you and your valentine to a romantic Valentine’s weekend with a great 35% discount for a two- night stay – Friday 12 and Saturday 13 February 2021. Enjoy a special Valentine’s menu, a romantic turndown in your room and a small gift to celebrate Valentine’s. The 35% discount for a two-night’s booking is valid throughout the month of February (but without all the ‘romantic trimmings’). Bookings – [email protected] or 013 253 7000. www.walkersons.co.za
In KwaZulu-Natal, celebrate love with a weekend getaway at Thanda Safari. Meaning ‘love’ in isiZulu Thanda Safari, a Big Five game reserve in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu Natal is the perfect place where couples can experience the bush, the Big Five, romantic turn downs, Valentine sundowner (non-alcoholic) cocktails, romantic meals and on Saturday 13 February, a special Valentine’s event in the bush – Romance with a capital R! Thanda’s Valentine’s Weekend of Romance Package from R6 500 per person sharing for a two-night (Friday and Saturday) stay at Thanda Tented Camp includes two night’s accommodation at the luxurious Thanda Tented Camp (spacious safari-style tents with private viewing deck and en-suite bathroom), four game drives with expert guide and tracker, all meals and selected local beverages. Not included is the conservation levy of R200 per person per stay, gratuities and all items of a personal nature. Rates for nine bush suites at Thanda Safari Lodge and five suites at the luxurious Villa iZulu are available on request. Terms and conditions apply. There’s always something special at Thanda Safari – a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World and a multiple winners of The World’s Leading Luxury Lodge award – most recently at the World Travel Awards for World’s Leading Luxury Private Villa 2020 (Villa iZulu) and World’s Leading Safari Lodge 2020 (Thanda Safari). Thanda Safari – [email protected], +27 (0) 32 586 0149, www.thandasafari.co.za
Emdoneni Lodge – a privately owned, multi-award winning 3-star lodge with an abundance of wildlife and natural vegetation situated on a small game farm in Hluhluwe, close to the Hluhluwe/ iMfolozi Game Reserve, offers exclusive, authentic and unforgettable African safaris. Its accommodation, designed to give a ‘taste’ of Africa with just the right amount of luxury, has a choice of four options – standard or deluxe chalets; African-style rondavels, and – perfect for couples wanting to celebrate Valentine’s in style – the Windfall Cottage. Bring your Valentine partner and enjoy the magical and romantic Emdoneni Lodge’s Valentine’s Package which includes one overnight stay, dinner, breakfast, guided sundowner walk, a cat tour, a spa voucher and a goodie bag! With “Okuhle esikwenzayo Kwanele” (Zulu for Only our BEST is enough) as its motto, a Valentine’s stay at Emdoneni Lodge will be a memorable experience. Bookings: (+27) 35 562 7000/7001, [email protected], www.emdonenilodge.com
In the Western Cape at the 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa, situated on Thesen Islands, Knysna and housed in what was once an old power station and one of the country’s most unusual hotels – an ideal place to spend a romantic Valentine’s weekend. It offers luxury and standard hotel rooms, self-catering and semi-self-catering suites and a romantic honeymoon suite. Its exceptional facilities include the elegant Island Café restaurant and the cosy Gastro Pub (currently closed until 15 February), the Turbine Spa which offers a wide range of body and beauty treatments and the Turbine Water Club which offers various water-based activities. The Turbine’s specials for Valentine’s Day – the Accommodation/Spa/Island Café One-Night Special – Saturday 13 February at R2 850 per room – and the Two-Night Special – Friday 12 February and Saturday 13 February at R5 190 per room – include Bed and Breakfast, a 45min Couples back, neck and shoulder massage at Turbine Spa and a romantic turndown platter. And to please your Valentine further you can Give the Gift of Love – a beautifully wrapped 50% discount voucher; and there’s a 60min Feel Fabulous Spa Package – a chocolate foot scrub, destress massage and a complimentary BABOR gift – at only R399 per person – valid to 28 February 2021. T’s & C’s apply. Booking is essential. To book call Reservations on 044 302 5746 or email [email protected] and for further information visit www.turbinehotel.co.za
The superior De Hoop Collection in the Hoop Nature Reserve, one of the Western Cape’s largest and most beautiful nature sanctuaries offers not only world-class whale-watching, accommodation options designed to suit all budgets and outdoor activities in abundance, but also a great Valentine’s Day special. You are invited to spend the Valentine’s Day weekend with your valentine at De Hoop in a suite for two nights, enjoy romantic dinners at The Fig Tree Restaurant and breakfasts on the verandah watching the birds on the vlei at only R3 720 per couple (R1 860 per person per night) on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis, a complimentary bird walk is included. T’s & C’s apply. Booking is essential – phone 021-422 4522 or email [email protected], www.dehoopcollection.com De Hoop Collection is a member of Cape Country Routes.
The elegant award-winning Eendracht Hotel & Apartments situated in the heart of the oldest part of Stellenbosch. Its Valentine’s Day Package – a One Night Stay for Two – offers an Adventure Shop Boschendal e-bike tour for two on Saturday morning, a ‘welcome’ mocktail on arrival at Eendracht, breakfast and a three-course lunch for two at Senobia’s on Sunday – R2 495 per couple. This package is only available for overnight Saturday 13 February – enquire for a special rate to stay a second night. T&C’s apply. Eendracht and Adventure Shop are members of Cape Country Routes. Enquiries: Tel: +27 21 883 8843, Email: [email protected], www.eendracht-hotel.com
And from Cape Country Routes, a leading group of owner-operated and managed accommodation and activity establishments with a collection of more than 20 privately owned hotels, lodges and guest houses, unusual places and attractions and activities and tours on the scenic and historic routes of the Cape:
The Cape Country Routes property Agulhas Country Lodge is a paradise found at the southernmost tip of Africa in L’Agulhas. Its elevated position offers guests remarkable sea views from nearly every vantage point. With its eight en-suite rooms, all with sea-view balconies, a bar with an enclosed balcony also with stunning views of the sea and its décor of antique wood and fireplaces Agulhas Country Lodge’s romantic ambience is perfect for Valentine’s – a day dedicated to romance. For a romantic Valentine’s getaway at Agulhas Country Lodge there is a 50% discount for a honeymoon suite for two people for two nights on 12, 13, 14 February – R625 per person per night – includes a full breakfast. T’s & C’s apply. Enquiries: [email protected] www.capecountryroutes.com
The 4-star Cape Country Routes’ property De Zeekoe Guest Farm surrounded by the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains and situated just 7 kms outside Oudtshoorn in the Garden Route’s Klein Karoo has a unique charm – and with the huge variety of extraordinary activities available in the area it is an ideal destination for a visit or a stay over. Surprise your loved one/significant other with a romantic getaway – guests have a choice of various accommodation types – from stylish rooms at the main house to luxurious private self-catering cottages with own pool. De Zeekoe has great rates for the Valentine’s Weekend (12 to 14 February 2021), from R700 per person per night for the Cottages and R650 per person per night for rooms in the Main House – rates includes breakfast. T’s & C’s apply. Enquiries: [email protected], www.capecountryroutes.com
If you and your significant other are keen to do something completely different for Valentine’s, then consider Cape Country Routes’ award-winning shark cage diving and viewing company in Kleinbaai, Western Cape, Marine Dynamics’ fabulous 40% discount Valentine offer. Explore the world-famous Dyer Island ecosystem and stand a chance to see sharks, whales, dolphins, seals and penguins. An onboard marine biologist will educate you as you get up close and personal with the magnificent marine wildlife. A free visit to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary – a project of the owner- established Dyer Island Conservation Trust – is included. There is no better and healthier way to celebrate love, romance and Valentine’s than outside and on the sea! Contact Marine Dynamics to book your Valentine’s spot – 082 380 3405, [email protected], www.marinedynamics.co.za
For a romantic Valentine’s Weekend with a difference head to the Cape Country Routes’ charming 3-star New Holme Country House – a working sheep and game farm situated in the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve, one of two nature reserves of the newly branded Khoisan Karoo Conservancy and experience the best traditional Karoo cuisine, sunset and night drives, the birds of the Karoo, Koi history, etchings and the ‘Shy Five’ night drive where you can see aardvark, aardwolf, black-footed cat, porcupine and bat-eared fox. A special Valentine’s rate of R1 500 per person for two nights includes New Holme’s signature three-course buffet and breakfast daily, plus a complimentary Night drive to see the Shy 5 and to do some stargazing. Guests are assured of friendly personal service and an easy and relaxed atmosphere at this ‘home away from home’. T’s & C’s apply. Enquiries: [email protected] www.capecountryroutes.com
Also, part of the Cape Country Routes Collection is the luxury game lodge Wildehondekloof Private Game Reserve, situated 40km from Oudtshoorn, the Ostrich Capital of the World. With its nine luxurious bedrooms, all en-suite and air-conditioned with stunning views of the mountain and river and various activities and things to do – guided game drives, diverse birdlife and other small animals, hiking trails, swimming, mountain biking and exploring the beautiful countryside – this is the perfect spot to celebrate the Valentines’ Day weekend. Rates for a Single-Night Package (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) start from R1 500 per person per night – and there’s a special Valentine’s treat of a free picnic basket for each couple staying over. There are other packages available that include game drives. T’s & C’s apply. Booking is essential. Enquiries: [email protected], www.capecountryroutes.com
And from Cape Summer Villas Boutique Collection – a privately-owned hotel group with a boutique collection of nine exclusive properties in the Western Cape along the Cape Coast to Plettenberg Bay. Well-positioned properties, catering to the discerning guest with luxury amenities have been carefully selected to showcase their surroundings and feature tastefully decorated interiors, the finest linen and 5-star service:
If you’re looking for a luxurious Valentine’s experience, then Cape Summer Villas’ Sky Villa Boutique Hotel offering world-leading luxury accommodation in Plettenberg Bay is the place to be! Perched on a hilltop with breath-taking views of the ocean, the mountains and the lagoon this luxurious 5-star boutique hotel is known for its warm hospitality, cutting-edge design and lush indigenous gardens. For a premium Valentine’s celebration- of- love book Sky Villa’s Perfect Date Package – R4 200 per couple – includes two nights stay, a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine (non-alcoholic) and fruit basket on arrival, breakfast, a private dinner on the terrace plus a 60min Thai Oil massage – courtesy of Royal Thai Plett. Subject to availability. T’s & C’s apply. Booking is essential. Contact: +27 87 550 2967, [email protected], www.capesummervillas.co.za
The Cape Summer Villa Collection’s distinctive Spanish Farm Guest Lodge in Somerset West with a peaceful ambience and typical warm South African hospitality it is a special slice of paradise. It offers luxury air-conditioned Guesthouse bedrooms and self-catering Villas with lush indigenous gardens, stunning scenery and panoramic views of False Bay and the surrounding mountains. Escape the city for a Valentine’s getaway with your loved one – take advantage of Spanish Farm’s Romantic Escape package – two nights at the Spanish Farm Guest Lodge – from R3 400 for standard guesthouse room to R5 900 for Honeymoon Villa – this package includes breakfast, a complimentary bottle of (non-alcoholic) wine/bubbly and a 60min Thai massage for two from Thai Sabai and is valid for the month of February. Spanish Farm Guest Lodge is the recipient of the HotelsCombined’s 2020 Recognition of Excellence Award in recognition for consistently achieving the highest standards of customer satisfaction worldwide. T’s &C’s apply. Contact: +27 21 852 7352, [email protected], www.capesummervillas.co.za
The elegantly furnished, self-catering apartments at The Den Apartments by Cape Summer Villas in Stellenbosch are fitted with only the finest in fixtures, appliances and linen and feature interior design by Clara’s Interiors, a communal rooftop deck with pool, a braai area and views of the nearby mountain range. Centrally situated it is close to many of Stellenbosch’s top restaurants, and with easy access to all roads through the Winelands, it is perfect for tourists, holidaymakers and those wanting a romantic hideaway for Valentine’s. Enjoy The Den Apartments by Cape Summer Villas Romantic Hideaway Special with your loved one – a two-night stay at R3 000 for a Studio apartment which includes a cheese board with a complimentary bottle of wine/bubbly (non-alcoholic) and an hour-long in-room Massage for two. This offer is valid for the month of February. Contact: +27 66 297 4358, [email protected], www.capesummervillas.co.za
Please note: In keeping with protocols regarding the Coronavirus, all these properties are adhering to stringent health and safety cleaning protocols – the safety of their guests and staff being of the highest priority.
Picture: Facebook/Spanish Fram Guest Lodge
