With Valentine’s Day just around the corner it’s time to check out the fabulous Valentine’s specials* being offered at top South African hotels around the country – and to check in for that extra-special Valentine’s weekend with your extra-special someone! *valid for the entire month of February
From KwaZulu-Natal:
… the 4-star Brahman Hills Hotel, Cottages & Spa situated in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is a destination of choice for weddings, conferences and idyllic country escapes. It offers both hotel and self-catering accommodation, and the new Springholm Cottages just 4.5km from the hotel; and its extensive facilities include two restaurants – 89 on Copper and Brahman Café – a coffee bar Cappuccino, two unique chapels, conference/eventing venues and a state-of-the-art Spa – open seven days a week from 8:00 to 18:00. So, if you want some Valentine’s pampering there’s no better place to find it than at the serene and tranquil sanctuary of the Brahman Hills Spa. The romantic ‘Couple’s Pamper’ Stayover Package – perfect for Valentine’s – at R5 920 per couple sharing in a hotel room includes: two nights’ accommodation in a hotel room including breakfast; a detox fresh juice and snack on arrival at the spa for your treatment; four spa treatments – body scrub, mineral bath, back-of-body relaxing massage and a choice of a pedicure OR a head massage OR a foot and calf massage; and a picnic basket and bottles of bubbles per couple. Bookings: 033 266 6965, [email protected], www.brahmanhills.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 the Windfall Cottage, ideal for honeymooners or couples wanting to celebrate Valentine’s in style. Bring your partner and enjoy the magical and romantic Valentine’s Package offer which includes one overnight stay, dinner, breakfast, a spa voucher, a guided sundowner walk, a cat tour and a goodie bag! With “Okuhle esikwenzayo Kwanele”, Zulu for “Only our BEST is enough” as its motto, a stay at Emdoneni Lodge is a memorable experience. Bookings: 035 562 7000/ 7001, [email protected], www.emdonenilodge.com
… Thanda Safari – a Big Five game reserve in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu Natal – offers an authentic South African wildlife experience with excellent game viewing all year round. Meaning ‘love’ in isiZulu, Thanda is the perfect place where couples can experience the bush, the Big Five, new adventures and romance! Thanda Tented Camp has 15 spacious colonial safari-style tents, all with a private viewing deck and en-suite canvas bathroom, while the Jabula (Happiness) Tent (just the thing for Valentine’s!) has a private splash pool, a separate lounge and larger deck area. In addition to the Tented Camp, there are also nine bush suites at Thanda Safari Lodge and five suites at the luxurious Villa iZulu. Take advantage of Thanda Safari’s SADC special rates – 40% off listed rates – available throughout February (for dates still available) and book now for your romantic Valentine’s weekend! A two-night stay at Thanda Tented Camp (or at the Lodge) for a couple includes champagne and chocolate in the room on arrival and a romantic turndown. Thanda Tented Camp rates are R2 995 per person sharing per night, include tented accommodation, two game drives per day with professional guide and tracker, all meals and selected local beverages (soft drinks, house wines, local spirits and beers), minibar and Wifi in public areas; the Jabula Tent rate starts from R3 672 per adult sharing per night, and the Lodge is R5 601. Terms and conditions apply. There’s always something special at Thanda Safari – a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World and multiple winner of The World’s Leading Luxury Lodge. Thanda Safari – [email protected], 032 586 0149, www.thandasafari.co.za
From the Cape:
… and if you are looking for a luxurious Valentine’s experience then Cape Summer Villas’ Sky Villa Boutique Hotel, a world-leading luxury destination perched on a hilltop overlooking Plettenberg Bay is the place to be! For a premium Valentine’s celebration- of- love Dinner, celebrity treatment and world-class service, book Sky Villa’s romantic dinner package now. R1 150 per couple – for a five-course dinner in the restaurant, plus a complimentary bottle of MCC on arrival, fresh oysters, a gift and live music throughout the night. And – there’s more – one lucky couple will get to win a one-night stay in Sky Villa’s exclusive honeymoon suite. Sky Villa Boutique Hotel delivers on opulence, striking design and offers five-star facilities with warm hospitality that ensures a wholly unique experience. Booking is essential and a deposit is required. Bookings: 087 550 2967, [email protected], http://www.skyvilla.co.za/ Instagram and FB: @skyvillaplett
… the 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa, once an old power station, now one of the most unusual hotels in the country is situated on Thesen Islands in Knysna. Its accommodation comprises luxury hotel rooms, standard rooms, a honeymoon suite, a self-catering suite and a semi-self-catering suite. It also has the Island Café Restaurant, the cosy Gastro Pub and the Turbine Water Club – which offers various water-based activities; and there’s The Turbine Spa which offers a wide range of body and beauty treatments. The Turbine has two fabulous Valentine’s Specials on offer – an inclusive Romantic Breakaway valid from Friday 14 February (Valentine’s Day) through to Sunday 16 February 2020 – the One-Night Bed and Breakfast package at R4 490 and the Two-Night’s Bed and Breakfast at R 7 000. Both packages include one three-course dinner for two (set menu with a choice of main), and one 30 minutes Couple’s Massage. For bookings call reservations on 044 302 5746 or email [email protected] and for further information visit www.turbinehotel.co.za
… the Cape Country Routes’ luxurious 4-star Arniston Spa Hotel is internationally known as one of the world’s great getaways. A leisurely two-hour drive from Cape Town on a road that meanders through the hills of the Overberg region, it is where you can relax, rejuvenate, enjoy excellent cuisine and celebrate a romantic Valentine’s weekend. Its luxurious en-suite rooms are elegantly fitted with the comforts of a world-class hotel and all have breathtaking sea views. For the Month of Love, you can indulge in an Arniston Spa Hotel Special, in collaboration with Arniston Ginkgo Spa – book a Three Night Stay for Two during February 2020 and you will receive a bottle of sparkling wine, a 20-minute sauna, plus a couple’s back, neck and shoulder massage for free. T’s & C’s apply. Bookings: [email protected] www.capecountryroutes.com
… a member of Cape Country Routes De Hoop Collection in the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape – one of the Cape’s last unspoiled gems – offers not only world-class whale-watching, luxury accommodation options designed to suit all budgets, outdoor activities in abundance, but also a great Valentine’s Day special. Spend the Valentine’s Day Weekend with your ‘valentine’ at De Hoop in a suite for two nights and enjoy …a romantic Valentine’s dinner on Friday night …a complimentary glass of bubbly …some great live music with your dinner on Saturday evening …and breakfasts on the verandah watching the birds on the vlei. R1 995 per person per night for a minimum two night stay on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis. T’s & C’s apply. Bookings: 021 422 4522, [email protected], www.dehoopcollection.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 the variety of extraordinary activities available in the area makes it the ideal destination for a visit, or a stay-over. Guests can choose between various accommodation types – from stylish rooms at the main house to luxurious private cottages with own pool. And with Valentine’s Day coming up De Zeekoe has a fabulous offer lined up. For all in-house guests on Friday 14 February 2020, a special romantic Valentine’s Dinner and music will be laid on. Take advantage of rates from R1 950 per person (Cottages); R1 850 pp (Main House Rooms) or R1 390 pp (B&B Deluxe Rooms). T’s & C’s apply. Bookings: [email protected], www.capecountryroutes.com
… Naries Namakwa Retreat in the Northern Cape, part of Cape Country Routes’ collection, is a privately owned 6 000ha farm dedicated to the conservation and sustainable living situated between Springbok and Kleinzee. A beautiful and romantic hideaway offers a truly exceptional experience along with spectacular scenery. Valentine’s Day is being celebrated at Naries throughout the month of February and, perfect for a romantic break away with tranquillity and privacy, are the three exotic Mountain Lodges and the recently renovated spacious and luxurious Manor House suites. Naries, known for its lavish picnics, has incorporated this top attraction into the Mountain Lodges/Manor House Suites Valentine’s Offer –the Manor House/ Mountain Lodge accommodation packages include Dinner, Bed and Breakfast – for February 2020 you can book a romantic picnic for two instead of dinner. The picnic basket will be packed full with Valentine’s goodies and you can choose a spot in the gardens, or at your own unit on the deck or patio, or at the spectacular viewing point, to enjoy your romantic picnic The Self-catering Cottages Valentine’s Offer – the fully equipped self-catering cottages do not include meals as part of the package – but for R600 per couple you can enjoy a Valentine’s picnic basket, brimful of goodies to share with your loved one, at your cottage, or at a romantic spot of your choice. Bookings are essential directly at [email protected]. You need to state clearly that you are booking the Valentine’s picnic as part of your accommodation package. T’s & C’s apply. Bookings: [email protected], www.capecountryroutes.com
… the super Cape Country Routes’ Supertubes Guest House located on the world-famous surfing beach of Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape, is just 30 meters from the beach. Its accommodation comprises beautifully styled, en-suite Luxury and Standard rooms, and self-catering apartments; and it offers a full breakfast buffet in its bright dining room, adjacent to the garden. Aside from surfing, there are plenty other activities including whale watching, surfing, fishing, horse-riding, Big Five game viewing, excursions and shopping. Book for Valentine’s Day – Friday 14 February 2020 – at Supertubes Guest House and you will receive a picnic basket packed with sparkling wine and snacks to enjoy on the beach free of charge! You will have to return the basket. T’s & C’s apply. Bookings: [email protected], www.capecountryroutes.com
… the luxurious Lofts Boutique Hotel, the latest addition to the Cape Country Routes’ collection of properties is set in the heart of the Knysna Lagoon on Thesen Island and offers a tranquil atmosphere and its own unique brand of homely hospitality. The 4-star graded hotel, on the edge of the lapping water of the Lagoon, has 18 rooms comprising exclusive lagoon suites, luxury loft rooms and self-catering units, overlooking the beautiful architecture of Thesen Harbour Town. A perfect setting where you can relax, unwind and enjoy some of the most iconic views of Knysna – and the Month of Love! Stay at The Lofts for three nights or more during February (Valentine’s) 2020, and you’ll receive a complimentary bottle of bubbly and fruit platter on arrival, a Couples massage at Le Spa Tranquille and a special turn-down on your last evening. Bookings are essential for The Lofts’ “Love” Special for Valentine’s month of love. T’s & C’s apply. Enquiries: [email protected], www.capecountryroutes.com
… also 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, mountain biking and exploring the beautiful countryside this is the perfect spot to celebrate Valentines’ Day. On offer for Valentine’s is a free picnic basket for each couple staying over. Rates for the Single Night Package – Dinner, Bed & Breakfast – start from R2 150 per person. There are other packages available that include game drives. Bookings are essential. T’s & C’s apply. Bookings: [email protected], www.capecountryroutes.com
… a Cape Country Routes recommended property, the Zuurberg Mountain Village in the Eastern Cape is a 150-year-old haven of historical delight situated high up on the Zuurberg Pass. This exclusive 4-star mountain-top hotel is a one hour, 20-minute drive from Port Elizabeth and offers nature, wildlife and tranquillity in the most majestic of African settings – and the greater Addo Elephant National Park is right on its doorstep. Guests are accommodated in Edwardian style luxury cottages or in the old original 1861 Manor House. Spot on for a Romantic Valentine’s Two-Nights Getaway! For R6 000 the Valentine’s Package for two people for two nights sharing includes two nights (candlelit) Dinner, Bed and Breakfast; two lunches (day one and two) from the Terrace menu; a 1-hour massage each, followed by 30 minutes each in the jet bath or sauna; and a bottle of bubbly awaiting you in your room on the first evening – (excluded are any additional meals, activities and beverages not specified). With its rich historical heritage, attentive staff and delicious country cuisine, you will experience true hospitality and memories at Zuurberg Mountain Village that will stay with you forever. T’s & C’s apply. Bookings: [email protected], www.capecountryroutes.com
…and in Mpumalanga:
… located on 800 hectares of peaceful countryside, Walkersons Hotel & Spa is an exclusive 5-star, 27-room boutique hotel near Dullstroom, ideal for exclusive weekend breaks and for weddings or business conferences. Along with the surrounding pristine scenery and fly-fishing in Dullstroom’s famous trout dams its delicious cuisine has long been one of its biggest attractions – The Flying Scotsman and Terrace Restaurants cater for both guests and day visitors. With Valentine’s Day for the first time in years falling over a weekend, Walkersons Hotel & Spa invites you and your loved one to enjoy a romantic Valentine’s weekend away from the hustle and bustle. Book for 14 and 15 February 2020 and you’ll receive a 30% discount, and you’ll also get a complimentary glass of bubbles with dinner (a special Valentine’s menu), a romantic turndown in your room and a small gift to celebrate the day. The 30% discount is valid throughout the month of February – for a two-nights booking – but without all the ‘romantic trimmings’. Bookings – [email protected] or 013 253 7000. www.walkersons.co.za
