Celebrate Valentines Month with Social Distancing in mind

For February, many South African hotels and resorts have exclusive specials to celebrate love. They are ready and waiting with all Covid-19 protocols in place to make your Valentine’s Day extra-special.

So, the question many people ask, is it safe to travel during a Pandemic?

It is possible but you still have to be cautious about where you visit and with who.

Here’s a reminder from Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels and Resorts on what you need to look out for when booking accommodation:

Check the terms and conditions

Given that we are still in the middle of a pandemic, the terms and conditions of booking travel during this time may look slightly different. Pay attention to the fine print and check details like the cancellation and indemnification policies so that you know what to expect should there be any regulation changes.

Check for COVID-19 compliance

Every destination must follow COVID-19 compliance rules as set out by the government. You should expect to see sanitisers at every entrance, no contact thermometers, and remember to wear your mask in areas outside of your room.

South African Hotels and Resorts to check out that have deals for you:

Valley Lodge (Magaliesburg)

The Maslow (Sandton)

The restaurant is opened and ready to serve you during Valentine’s weekend.

Safari Moon Lodge – South Africa’s newest luxury lodge (Kruger National Park)

Situated within the Hoedspruit Wildlife Estate, a stone’s throw away from the Greater Kruger National Park, Safari Moon is the perfect boutique base for guests as they explore the many nearby attractions the area has to offer, including the renowned Kruger National Park, the scenic Panorama Route, the Blyde River Canyon, the Maripskop Mountains and more.

Special rate:

Safari Moon is currently sharing the love with a Valentine’s Day special, where guests pay only R1 999 (two people sharing), instead of the usual R3 999 rate.

To further commemorate the occasion, Safari Moon will be treating guests to a complimentary bottle of bubbles.

Two nights minimum stay required, offer valid until the end of February.

Tau Game Lodge (Close to Pilanesberg National Park & Sun City)

Tau Game Lodge is in the magnificent Madikwe Reserve, where unpretentious five-star safari luxuries await. Imagine a safari game drive with sightings of the myriad game, including the Big Five, followed by sundowners in the bush before a magical dinner, listening to a lion’s roar and elephants trumpet…could it get more romantic and indulgent to celebrate romance?

Special rate:

The Tau Valentines 2021 package is R15,800 per couple and includes:

Accommodation for 2 nights in one of the 12 newly renovated Luxury Standard Chalets

• 3 meals per day
• 2 game drives per day
• Drinks and snacks on safari drives

This rate is exclusive of the following:

• Park Entrance fees of R180.00 per person (Subject to change)
• Tourism Levy of R10.00 per person per night (Subject to change)
• Bar, Mini Bar, Laundry and all other extras
• Rhino Conservation Levy of R165.00 per adult per night

To book this special package, please quote: TAU VALENTINE 2021

Tintswalo Lodges

Tintswalo Lodges have extended its 2-night Staycation deals for South African residents to offer up to 50% discount at its beach and bush lodges – now valid until 30 April 2021.

Located in idyllic, remote locations close to nature, each of Tintswalo’s small, luxury lodges offer privacy and exclusivity. Here the clean, fresh air affords the opportunity to escape, connect with nature and relax in a stress-free natural environment where there are no crowds.

The portfolio includes Tintswalo Atlantic and Tintswalo at Boulders Boutique Villa in Cape Town, as well as iconic safari destinations Tintswalo Safari Lodge in the greater Kruger region, and Tintswalo Lapalala and the new Tintswalo Family Camp at Welgevonden in the malaria-free Waterberg.

Special rate:

Tintswalo’s Staycation deals start from a 2-night stay for two at Tintswalo Boulders at a bed and breakfast rate of R4 030, or two nights for two at Tintswalo Atlantic, inclusive of breakfast, sunset canapés and cocktail of the day, at R9 950.

Safari deals start at R20 200 and include all meals and daily game drives for a 2-night stay for a family of four (including 2 children under the age of 16) at Tintswalo Lapalala in the Waterberg, or R19 996 for a 2-night safari for two adults at Tintswalo Safari Lodge. In the same Manyeleti Reserve, the exclusive-use Tintswalo Manor House is available at a special Staycation rate from R70 590 per 2-night stay for a group of 10 people, including all meals and safari activities. Great value-for-money options are also available from R50 000 for a 2-night stay for the take-over of the Tintswalo Family Camp at Welgevonden Game Reserve, accommodating 10 people on a full board basis with twice-daily game drives.

Reservations: Tel: +27 21 773 0900

Email: [email protected]

Akademie Street Boutique Hotel (Franschhoek)

Described as the epitome of a boutique hotel, the luxurious Akademie Street situated in the heart of Franschhoek is extending its discounted winter rates throughout the summer season as part of a South African Residents special offer until 28 February 2021.

Special rate:

Guests can stay in the boutique hotel’s signature cottages or suites, complete with airy interiors, underfloor heating, luxurious bedding, wood-burning stoves, characterful antiques, and countless one-of-a-kind features that has earned Akademie Street the title of World’s Best Boutique Hotel.

Offer includes:

• Akademie’s legendary breakfast, including home-roasted granola, freshly prepared smoothies, a myriad of local seasonal fruits and an extensive menu of hot dishes.
• Welcome bottle of champagne.
• Fully stocked complimentary mini bar.

For more information on Akademie Street Boutique Hotel, visit their website at www.aka.co.za or to make a booking, email [email protected] or contact +27 (0) 82 517 0405.

Vib Cape Town

Vïb Cape Town is welcoming guests with a dinner-bed-and-breakfast special offer that’s so incredible you’d be forgiven for thinking you were dreaming! The “Midsummer Night’s Vïb” lets you and your favourite person enjoy a glorious staycation that’s easy on the pocket and is geared to help you unwind.

Check in in the afternoon and relax on the guests-only rooftop pool deck with spectacular views of Green Point and beyond. Or, if you’re feeling more active, make use of the hotel’s private gym. Browse the contemporary art exhibition, Gathering, at the Jaffer Modern art gallery on the penultimate floor of the hotel. Or do it all! But taking in the summer sunset on the deck is a must!

Before heading down to dinner, guests will be treated to a mezze platter for two to start. This will be served up on the pool deck so that you can take in the panoramic views. Thereafter, you’ll head down to the on-site Eye Bar for a delicious evening meal. Dig into grilled queen prawns for two with a choice of chips, rice or panzenella salad along with a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage. The next morning, the two of you will enjoy Vïb Cape Town’s generous Continental breakfast in the same venue, before checking out mid-morning.

And all this, for only R1 300 in total – that’s a wallet-friendly R750 per person for dinner, bed, and breakfast! The “Midsummer Night’s Vïb” special offer was created to provide a desirable solution for a romantic Valentine’s Day getaway.

The “Midsummer Night’s Vïb” special offer is valid until 28 February 2021. T&Cs apply. Please quote “Midsummer Night’s Vïb” with your booking request. For reservations, contact [email protected].

De Hoop Collection (Cape Overberg)

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.

Special rate:

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]

Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa (Knysna)

Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa is 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.

Special rate:

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 

Eendracht Hotel & Apartments (Stellenbosch)

The elegant award-winning Eendracht Hotel & Apartments situated in the heart of the oldest part of Stellenbosch.

Special rate:

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.

Enquiries: Tel: +27 21 883 8843, Email: [email protected], www.eendracht-hotel.com

Agulhas Country Lodge (Cape Agulhas)

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.

Special rate:

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] 

De Zeekoe Guest Farm (Garden Route)

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 stayover.

Special rate:

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 your own pool.  De Zeekoe has great rates for 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]

New Holme Country House (Northern Cape)

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.

Special rate:

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.

T’s & C’s apply. Enquiries: [email protected]

Wildehondekloof Private Game Reserve (Oudtshoorn)

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. 

Special rate:

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]

Sky Villa Boutique Hotel (Plettenberg Bay)

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.

Special rate:

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

Spanish Farm (Cape Town)

Spanish Farm Guest Lodge in Somerset West with a peaceful ambience and typical warm South African hospitality 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.

Special rate:

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 guest house 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.

T’s &C’s apply. Contact: +27 21 852 7352,  [email protected], www.capesummervillas.co.za.

The Den (Stellenbosch)

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 are perfect for tourists, holidaymakers, and those wanting a romantic hideaway for Valentine’s.

Special rate:

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]

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

Walkersons Hotel & Spa (Dullstroom)

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.

Special rate:

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

Emdoneni Lodge (KwaZulu-Natal)

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.

Special rate:

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!

Bookings:  (+27) 35 562 7000/7001, [email protected], www.emdonenilodge.co.za

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!

Special rate:

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. [email protected], +27 (0) 32 586 0149, www.thandasafari.co.za