“We’ve scouted the whole of South Africa and beyond and we’ve got the lowdown on the most romantic, interesting and tucked away honeymoon hideaways for you and your special someone to visit this Valentine’s Day.”

We’ve scouted the whole of South Africa and beyond and we’ve got the lowdown on the most romantic, interesting and tucked away honeymoon hideaways for you and your special someone to visit this Valentine’s Day.  These are our top finds of places that will bring on that loving mood and allow you to enjoy this month of love in style! Our picks are not only in Cape Town  but all over South Africa so have a look and be inspired, and start planning your romantic vacation now!

Tsala TreeTop Lodge, Garden Route

First on our list is the exclusive and five-star Tsala Treetop Lodge situated on the Garden Route.   Tucked away in the forest canopy you can select a private suite, hidden away from the rest of the world, which is decked out in utter opulence and luxury. Each suite comprises a sumptuous bedroom, an elegant sitting room with fireplace and a spacious bathroom fit for royalty.  And extending into the forest is your own private deck on which you can dine al fresco and enjoy a bottle of champagne in your own infinity pool, suspended under the stars!  Take a sunset cruise aboard a catamaran on the Knysna lagoon or a scenic flight over the Tsitsikamma forest to while away the time together.  How more romantic could you get?

Delaire Graff Estate, Stellenbosch

This beautiful estate is situated on the Helshoogte Mountain Pass linking the Cape’s two leading wine districts – Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.  It is well known for its fine dining and award-winning wines so if you can get the opportunity, why not try some of these wines at a wine tasting at the exclusive Wine Lounge? In summer, the lounge stays open till late and visitors get to enjoy live music and canapés.  All the lodges are roomy and have special touches like Jo Malone amenities and are decorated with art from owner, Lawrence Graff’s private art collection.  While you’re there why not take a romantic hot air balloon ride, just the two of you and view the Winelands from above?

Thanda Private Game Reserve, Kwa-Zulu Natal

Thanda means love in Zulu and as the name suggests is at the forefront of the pack, fast becoming one of South Africa’s most romantic safari destinations. This private reserve and lodge, which is situated in KZN, is also a member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World group. Whether you choose to stay at the main lodge or tented camp, both accommodations offer five star plush offerings in an idyllic setting.  What’s nice about this lodge is that they don’t sweat the small stuff, offering romantic turndowns, bush dinners and magical foam baths by candlelight.  You could view the Big Five by open Land rover or spend time catching up on your tan by your own private splash pool!  Be treated like a king in the land of the Kings: Zululand.

Atlantic Suites, Cape Town

Located in the seaside suburb of Camps Bay in Cape Town, this luxury boutique hotel offers five-star accommodation with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. There are only four spacious, sea-facing rooms, each with large King beds and en suite bathrooms with your own private Jacuzzi. Romance is the order of the day here, with private platters being served to your room and with Camps Bay beach being just ten minutes away, romantic strolls on the beach and midnight dinners are definitely options for your to-do list.

Bushman’s Kloof Nature Reserve,Cedarberg

Next is Bushman’s Kloof Nature Reserve, found at the foothills of the Cedarberg Mountains and a mere two hours from Cape Town.  This is the ideal wilderness getaway to escape and relax to.  Treat yourselves to some alone time at the Riverside Gazebo with relaxing spa treatments for the both of you or enjoy guided nature drives, spectacular wildflower trails or swim in natural pools and waterfalls on this Relais Châteaux property.  This Natural Heritage Site is also home to natural fauna and flora and many exceptional San rock art sites.   Or you could simply do nothing but inhale the scent and beauty of this reserve and succumb to the peace and quiet. Bliss!

Makweti Safari Lodge, Limpopo

Makweti Safari Lodge can be found in the Welgevonden Private Reserve, which is in the Waterberg area of the Limpopo Province and is a three hour drive from Joburg. The lodge has five suites which offer comfortable furnishings and top class amenities that create a romantic experience of note!  These include indoor and outdoor showers, Victorian bathtubs, log fires, private decks with plunge pools, and as the camp is unfenced this offers you a real safari experience in the bush with excellent game viewings. Why not spend some time with each other near a campfire under a starry night with only the bush as company?

Kurland Hotel, Plettenberg Bay

Kurland Luxury Hotel is located near the picturesque beach resort of Plettenberg Bay, which is the perfect setting for some country loving.  The hotel is located on a vast 700 hectare estate with sweepings views of the mountains and the white sandy beaches of Nature’s Valley. Kurland is well known for its great hospitality and this is evident in its service and offerings at the hotel.  Rooms are equipped with oversized beds, exquisite linens and even under floor heating.  Each superior suite even has its own private pool!  Why not watch the dolphins dance above the sea as you take a leisurely and romantic after dinner stroll on the beach and wait for the sun to set?  Kurland is even fast becoming known as a mecca for polo enthusiasts so if this is your thing, why not grab your clubs? Or you could even take a stroll around their historic rose gardens and breathe in the fragrance of this gorgeous estate.

Phantom Forest Eco Reserve, Knysna

The Phantom Forest Eco Reserve on the southern Cape coast of South Africa is nestled in the heart of the magnificent Garden Route in Knysna and was recently awarded the Africa’s Leading Green Hotel Award for 2010, by the World Travel Awards.  There are 14 tree suites for added privacy and exclusivity, where one can share in the gorgeous views and small game of the reserve.  Enjoy stunning international cuisine served in the Forest Boma or pamper yourselves in the relaxing Bubble Barrel at the spa.  A truly magical experience that neither of you will forget!

Watch this space for the launch of our exclusive Honeymoon Collection coming soon!