PERFECT GETAWAYS FOR VALENTINE'S 2024

Sweets for my sweet, Sugar for my honey,

and the perfect getaway for me and my Valentine

At these top-tier independent hotels:

In the Western Cape…

De Hoop Collection in the De Hoop Nature Reserve – one of the Western Cape’s largest and most beautiful nature reserves – 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. Love is in the air at De Hoop – spend Valentine’s with your loved one at De Hoop in a suite for two nights and enjoy romantic dinners at The Fig Tree Restaurant and breakfasts on the verandah watching the birds on the vlei at only R6 480 per couple per night (R3 240 per person per night) on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis and a complimentary bird walk is included. This special is valid for the month of February 2024. De Hoop Collection is a member of Cape Country Routes.

Ts & Cs apply. Booking is essential: 021 422 4522, res@dehoopcollection.co.za, www.dehoopcollection.com

Looking for that perfect romantic setting to celebrate Valentine’s Day? Blessed with the most breathtaking views of the Franschhoek valley and the surrounding mountains, the award winning La Petite Ferme – a romantic venue-of-note in Franschhoek – ticks all the boxes. With its luxurious accommodation options – the revamped Manor House Suites, the luxurious Vineyard Suites and the all-new Winery Suites, plus its award-winning restaurant with a team of creative chefs, La Petite Ferme is perfect for a romantic overnight stay getaway and a delicious Valentine’s dinner. Book your Valentine’s Day (Wednesday 14 February) Dinner NOW – La Petite Ferme’s L’Amour Enchanté (Enchanted Love) Menu: a three-course Dinner (R1 100 per person – excluding drinks) from 18:00 (last seating at 20:30) – and you and your Valentine date will enjoy a complimentary glass of La Petite Ferme wine and, together with La Petite Ferme’s friendly, professional service, a romantic and memorable Valentine’s experience. La Petite Ferme wishes you an exquisite Valentine’s culinary day at its restaurant – Bon appétit! Ts & Cs apply. Reservations: reception@lapetiteferme.co.za, lapetiteferme.co.za

The 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa situated on Thesen Islands, Knysna – one of the country’s most unusual hotels housed in what was once an old power station, offers luxury and standard hotel rooms, self-catering and semi-self-catering suites, a honeymoon suite, exceptional facilities – the elegant Island Café restaurant, the cosy Gastro Pub, the Turbine Spa. One-Night Special at R3 500 per room – valid for Valentine’s Day Tuesday 14 February only – includes breakfast and a 45min Couples back, neck and shoulder Massage. Pamper your SPECIAL person with the Spa Special – valid from 1 – 29 February 2024 – R699 per person – choose any 60 min relaxing Turbine Massage, plus a complimentary ‘Love Potion’ beverage. Ts & Cs apply. Booking is essential. To book call Reservations on 044 050 3500 or email reservations@turbinehotel.co.za and for further information visit turbinehotel.co.za

In Mpumalanga… whether you’re looking to celebrate your love or to escape from the hustle and bustle for a romantic getaway, Walkersons Hotel & Spa – that elegant, 5-star establishment, a haven of natural beauty located in the rolling hills of Mpumalanga Highlands near Dullstroom, a convenient two-hour drive from Johannesburg – is the perfect destination for Valentine’s 2024. Walkersons has been enchanting guests for years with its stunning surroundings, its delicious cuisine… this is where every meal becomes a memorable experience and its superior service. Surrounded by breathtaking views and luxurious ambience, you and your Valentine are invited to create unforgettable memories with Walkersons Valentine’s Special offer – valid from Friday 9 February to Sunday 18 February 2024:

Two-night stay at 25% off – Lakeside Suite: R11 350/Luxury Lakeside: R12 910 – the newly refurbished Luxury Lakeside suites have a modern country design, Morso wood-burning fireplaces, outdoor showers and private patios with stunning estate views
Special Valentine’s Day dinner at The Flying Scotsman with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine
60-minute couples spa treatment
Complimentary romantic turndown

Ts & Cs apply. Bookings: reservations@walkersons.co.za or 013 253 7000, www.walkersons.co.za

In the Eastern Cape’s Great Karoo… Samara Karoo Reserve, founded as a conservation journey on 67,000 acres of born-again wilderness in the heart stoppingly beautiful Great Karoo, is a reserve where every guest plays a role in safeguarding the landscape in perpetuity, yet its magic extends beyond its conservation importance. To immerse oneself in this soulful landscape of infinite horizons is to experience a recalibration of the frantic modern mindset, a deep reconnection with Nature and a heart-lifting vision of hope for the future. And Samara is undeniably romantic – there is no better place to appreciate the stillness of the Karoo than from its ‘star bed’ – a raised platform overlooking an amphitheatre of mountains. Samara offers this Valentine’s Day, a Romantic Retreat ‘under the stars’ – book a two-night stay at SADC rates during the period 09 – 16 February inclusive and enjoy a complimentary night in the star bed (valued at R5 500). Inclusions: luxury accommodation, twice-daily game drives, all meals, romantic turndown with sparkling wine and a private romantic dinner; exclusions: conservation contribution of R250 per person per night and all beverages and gratuities. Star bed subject to availability (first come, first served). Ts & Cs apply. To book contact 049-940 1111/066 225 0925 or reservations@samara.co.za; www.samara.co.za

In KwaZulu Natal… the 5-star Thanda Safari in KwaZulu-Natal, with its commitment to conservation, community upliftment and award-winning wildlife experiences and its name ’Thanda’ meaning love in isiZulu, is the appropriately, perfect place for couples wanting a romantic Valentine’s getaway in the African bush. For all romantic couples and valid for the full romantic month of February 2024, Thanda Safari’s Valentine’s Month Mid-Week Romance Package (Sunday – Thursday), includes:

two unforgettable nights at either Thanda Safari Lodge or Thanda Tented Camp with its choice of luxury tents
all game drives, meals and selected local beverages
a private boma dinner (Lodge only)
a complimentary bottle of Cap Classique
a 30-minute couple’s massage

Rates for Two-Night Package per couple: Thanda Safari Lodge (R26 380); Thanda Tented Camp (R15 020); Jabula Tent(R18 300). The Package excludes a conservation levy of R250 per person per stay, gratuities and all items of a personal nature. There’s always something special at Thanda Safari – a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World and a multiple award-winner – most recently at the 2023 World Travel Awards with Villa iZulu clinching the award in the South Africa’s Leading Luxury Private Villa category. Ts & Cs apply. Thanda Safari – reservations@thanda.co.za, +27 (0) 32 586 0149, www.thandasafari.co.za

And also at Cape Country Routes’ collection of privately owned hotels, lodges and guest houses, on the scenic and historic routes of the Cape…

Cape Country Routes’ hidden gem, the 4-star De Zeekoe Guest Farm – a stylish lucerne farm situated just 7 km outside Oudtshoorn, comes spectacular views, 168 bird species and not the “big 5” but the “shy 5”! It offers a varied choice of accommodation ranging from luxurious en-suite rooms at the main house to luxurious, private self-catering options, plus a host of activities that includes De Zeekoe’s popular Five Shy Meerkat tours and hiking, biking, swimming and, so much more. The perfect getaway for Valentine’s. Surprise your loved one with a romantic ‘Pre-Valentine’s Weekend’ from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 February 2024 – De Zeekoe is offering rates from R950 per person per night for luxury rooms in the Main House (include breakfast), plus a complimentary welcome drink on arrival, a cheese platter and free biking.

Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries:bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com

Gonana Collection’s premier eco-conscious Gonana Guesthouse located in the fishing village of Paternoster, with its luxury accommodation – six double rooms, one triple room and one studio, provides the perfect option for those seeking privacy for a romantic Valentine’s Gonana Collection’s romantic ‘Loved Up’ Special, starting from R2 350 per room per night for two, includes daily breakfast, solar-heated poolside lounging, direct access to Bekbaai Beach, complimentary WiFi and interruption-free stays, plus – in celebration of Valentine’s Day and valid from Friday 10 to Friday 17 February for couples at Gonana Guesthouse only – there is the addition of a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine to each room on check-in. Other accommodation comprises two pet-friendly self-catering houses, three Studios and the Coral Villa – all are, to all intents and purposes, off the grid and fully environmentally ethical. Ts & Cs apply.

Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com

Rev up the romance at Cape Country Routes’ 4-star Hippo Boutique Hotel, the ultimate urban oasis, smack in the heart of Cape Town’s buzzing Kloof Street precinct at the foot of Table Mountain. Book a ‘Two-Night Escape for Two’ and indulge in a couple’s massage, a romantic turn-down, a bottle of bubbly and artisanal chocolates. Greet the morning with views of the iconic Mother city, Table Mountain or Signal Hill and a breakfast voucher for a local foodie hotspot. This February spoil is valid for any night booked between 1 – 29 February 2024, from R3 750 per couple, per night. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, capecountryroutes.com

The 4-star Lily Pond Country Lodge – part of the Cape Country Routes collection – situated amongst large colourful lily ponds and indigenous forests near Natures Valley on the edge of the Tsitsikamma National park is a tranquil and hugely popular retreat of note. Spacious luxury suites and rooms dotted around the gardens overlook the ponds and gardens, while the private and superior honeymoon suite overlooks the forest. Perfect for your romantic Valentine’s tryst down by the Lily Pond! The honeymoon suite is available from 16 to 22 February 2024 for a ‘Post Valentine Special’ – two nights in the honeymoon suite (with the spa bath), inclusive of breakfast daily, a 4-course dinner inclusive on the night of arrival, a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and chocolates in room on arrival – package rate: R 8 110. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com

New to the Cape Country Routes collection, the eco-conscious Rogge Cloof Private Nature Reserve in the Roggeveld plateau of the Great Karoo region about 325 kms from Cape Town; blessed with magnificent clear skies and expansive plains this is where eco-living is a big ‘YES’. Its accommodation options within its Eco-Village include self-catering cottages, the cosy ‘ideal -for-couples’ Heike’s Cottage (originally the farm granary) and eight inclusive, fully catered luxurious, open plan Orion Suites. For those wanting to celebrate Valentine’s in eco-fashion take advantage of Rogge Cloof’s special offer – valid for the month of February and for the Orion Suites only – the ‘Stay 3 Pay 2 ‘Stay under the Stars’- this romantic getaway for two at R1 850 per person per night includes a free wine tasting (Rogge Cloof has its own vineyard and wines) and a romantic Valentine’s Dinner. Rogge Cloof Private Nature Reserve – home to the greatest heaven on Earth – this is where you will awaken your senses! Ts & Cs apply. Booking is essential. Enquiries:bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com

Cape Country Routes’ Supertubes Guest House – with the world-famous Jeffreys Bay surfing beach right on its doorstep and accommodation that includes standard and luxury rooms and two self-catering apartments – the ‘11 Pepper ’ with three en suite rooms, and the ‘Khaya Zinza’ with five, three with stunning sea views – plans to spoil its guests this Valentines’ with its super-duper Valentine’s Day Special. Free of charge with every room booked for Valentine’s Day Wednesday 14 February 2024 – a cheese platter for two and a bottle of sparkling wine. Aside from this fabulous Supertubes ‘Spoil’ and the surfing, of course, there are plenty other activities including whale watching, fishing, Big Five game viewing, excursions and shopping. Ts & Cs apply. Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, capecountryroutes.com

Part of the Cape Country Routes collection, the Wildehondekloof Private Game Reserve – a 4 000 hectare, off the grid, family-owned, privately-operated and malaria-free game reserve, just 40 minutes from Oudtshoorn the ostrich capital of the world is home to a luxury game lodge. There are nine en-suite, air-conditioned luxurious bedrooms with stunning views of the mountains and river, a host of activities and things to do – guided game drives, hiking, swimming, mountain biking and exploring the beautiful countryside with a variety of animals – most buck species including sables, cape mountain zebra, giraffe and wildebeest, and diverse birdlife. Create lasting romantic memories at Wildehondekloof – book the weekend before or after Valentines’ Day – Wednesday 14 February 2024 – rates for the Single-Night Package (Dinner, Bed and Breakfast) start from R2 500 per person per night, plus there’s a special Valentine’s treat of a free picnic basket for each couple staying over. This offer is valid for all bookings during February. Other packages that include game drives are available. Ts & Cs apply. Booking is essential. Enquiries:bookings@capecountryroutes.com, capecountryroutes.com

…and for something completely different – these Cape Country Routes Activities…

For those couples seeking adventure this Valentine’s – soaring though the air with the greatest of ease is possible at one of Cape Country Routes’ activity enterprises – Cape Canopy Tour. This award-winning Adventure Activity based in Grabouw offers you – with a system of cables and platforms high up in the mountains over 1 000m above sea level – the chance to experience, explore and enjoy one of the Cape’s most epic mountain-top zipline experiences …zipping past waterfalls, soaring through the air and taking in breathtaking views from a very different perspective – a Valentine’s to be remembered. WOW your sweetheart with a wild adventure in the mountains that’ll get both your hearts racing. A free video recording of your adventure will go to the first five couples that book this Valentine’s Special. Ts & Cs apply.

Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com

Cape Country Routes’ dynamic activity Marine Dynamics/Dyer Island Cruises’ – an award-winning shark cage diving and viewing company and boat-based whale watching in Kleinbaai, Western Cape is offering an excellent 40% discount valid for the full month of February 2024. There is no better or healthier way to celebrate love, romance and Valentine’s than outside and on the sea! With Marine Dynamics you get to see sharks, whales, dolphins, seals and penguins, and explore the world-famous Dyer Island ecosystem with an onboard marine biologist telling you all about the magnificent marine wildlife and enjoy a (free) visit to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary (a Dyer Island Conservation Trust project). Ts & Cs apply.

Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com

Bookings: Marine Dynamics: 082 380 3405, sharks@marinedynamicstravel.com,

www.marinedynamics.co.za; Dyer Island Cruises: (whale watching/marine big 5 trip): 082 801 8014, whales@marinedynamicstravel.com, www.dyerislandcruises.co.za

Weltevrede Wine Estate, one of Cape Country Routes’ activity options, is a family-owned (and family-friendly) award-winning wine estate near Bonnievale in the Robertson Valley. It offers various Estate ‘Experiences’ and tours from Sit Down Tastings, Create Your Own to the Captivated By…tours. Adding another ‘flavour’ to the Weltevrede Estate ‘experiences’ is its Kapokbos Restaurant, the ‘go-to’ restaurant in the Robertson Wine Valley area. For the romantic month of February 2024, Weltevrede is offering two specials – a 20% discount on the ‘Create You Own’ Cap Classique activity and a Book Two Pay One ‘Captivated by Cap Classique’ In Afrikaans ‘weltevrede’ means well satisfied … take advantage of Weltevrede’s fabulous Valentine’s offer and this is exactly what you will be! Ts & Cs apply.