Romantic date ideas all across the country ahead of Valentine’s Day
The month of love is upon us and with it, the anticipation of Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s your first Valentine’s Day together or you’re looking for a fresh way to keep the flame burning, lovers everywhere are asking the same question: What are we doing for date night? Because we adore any reason to celebrate love, we’ve compiled a list of romantic things to do in each of South Africa’s major cities: Cape Town, Joburg, Pretoria and Durban.
Top date ideas for Valentine's Day in Joburg
Maslow Hotel, Sandton
Located minutes from Sandton City mall, Nelson Mandela Square and the Sandton Gautrain station, The Maslow hotel offers a unique getaway in the heart of Sandton’s financial district. Their luxurious Valentine’s Day package includes an overnight stay in one of the Maslow’s decked out rooms with a gorgeous bottle of wine upon arrival to kick off the celebrations. Additionally, the package includes a sumptuous three-course dinner at La Cuna Bistro, prepared by renowned Chef Ofentse Morake and his team.
Starting from R3685 per room per night, and also includes a signature Maslow Sandton buffet breakfast.
Call 010 226 4815 or email lacuna.bistro@suninternational.com to make a booking.
Eclipse at Hotel Sky, Sandton
Eclipse restaurant is one of the highlights of visiting Hotel Sky, Sandton. They’re all about creating unforgettable experiences through a fusion of Afro-chic style and culinary excellence. Furthermore, the floor-to-ceiling windows offer a stunning panoramic view of the city – it’s quite the backdrop.
Starting at R895 per person, their Valentine’s Day package includes a welcome drink on arrival, a delicious five-course meal that includes their signature Lovers’ Dessert Board, as well as a live jazz band for added ambiance.
Reservations must be made here.
The Fairway Hotel, Randburg
The Fairway Hotel is a luxurious establishment that not only boasts a world-class spa with extensive treatments, but also a top-notch golf course experience. Couples can choose from two Valentine’s Day packages:
Option 1: Valentine’s Day dinner – starting at R1590 per couple (R795 per person). Their delectable dinner includes a six-course tasting menu uniquely served with a cocktail pairing.
Option 2: Valentine’s Day stay-over experience – starting at R2350 for accommodation. This package includes a bottle of sparkling wine on arrival, a sweet platter and breakfast.
By all means, couples are encouraged to create an all-inclusive, third option: Dinner and accommodation.
Reservations can be made here.
Glenburn Lodge, Muldersdrift
For lovers who’d really like to get out of the city for Valentine’s Day, Glenburn Lodge is only 30km from Joburg. Also, it’s located in the Cradle of Humankind, which absolutely makes for a unique experience.
Their stay-over Valentine’s Day package starts at R2650 per couple and includes romantic accommodation, a gourmet themed dinner and breakfast.
Reservations can be made here.
Kloofzicht, Krugersdorp
Located on the foothills of the Zwartkop Mountains, also in the Cradle of Humankind, Kloofzicht is a lover’s paradise perfect for a daytime Valentine’s date. Their “Oh My Sweet Valentine” package starts at R3340 per couple and includes a 90-minute couples massage, followed by a 30-minute foot pampering, courtesy of Sole Soothers. Furthermore, it includes a Spa Cafe lunch andd yes, their legendary chocolate fondue is on the menu! That, as well as a take-home Valentine’s treat that they’ve asked us to keep a secret.
Reservations can be made here.
Top date ideas for Valentine's Day in Cape Town
De Grendel, Durbanville
De Grendel wine farm and restaurant is a popular destination on any given day. For Valentine’s Day, however, they’re taking things up a notch with their romantically indulgent dinner experience. Starting at R1450 per person, couples can experience a five-course food and wine paired menu. Besides theirs being award-winning wines, the location of their restaurant offers guests arguably one of the best views of Table Mountain.
For reservations, contact restaurant@degrendel.co.za. Space is limited.
The President Hotel, Bantry Bay
The President Hotel sets the stage for an enchanting evening at their Sunset Picnic and Open-Air Silent Cinema for only R390 per person. This includes a movie ticket – the movie airing is Leap Year – headphone rental, a lounger, a welcome drink and a picnic box filled with treats.
Book now by calling 021 434 8111 or contacting events@presidenthotel.co.za.
Galileo Open Air Cinema, Stellenbosch
Depending on the day, Galileo Open Air Cinema regularly changes location. Their Valentine’s Day viewing will take place at the particularly beautiful Nooitgedacht Wine Estate in Stellenbosch Tickets are R295 per person and include a movie – The Proposal – a welcome drink and chocolate, a backrest and a blanket.
Guests can’t bring alcohol (there is a fully stocked bar on the premises) but can bring their own picnic basket. Arrive early to enjoy the mini-market.
Tickets can be booked here.
Sunset Champagne Cruise, Waterfront
Doesn’t a sunset champagne cruise just sound like the perfect way to spend Valentine’s Day? Couples are offered a unique opportunity to experience a breathtaking sunset over the Atlantic Ocean with a Waterfront Sunset Champagne Cruise. Tickets start at R760 per person and include a 90-minute cruise aboard a luxury catamaran, a red rose and a perfectly chilled bottle of Prosecco.
Tickets are extremely limited but can be bought here.
Top date ideas for Valentine's Day in Pretoria
Kream, Brooklyn
A restaurant that always rises to the occasion, Kream Brooklyn has a special Valentine’s Day dinner planned for lovers in the capital city. Naturally, the restaurant will be decorated to complement the romantic occasion. A special three-course menu has been curated for the evening. Seats start at R750 per person and include a bottle of Boschendal bubbly.
Reservations can be made via email at admin@kream.co.za.
The Rock, Hazelwood
Regardless which of their three locations you visit, The Rock promises guests an exquisite dining experience. However, something about The Rock’s Hazelwood-based space really stands out for us. This Valentine’s Day, couples are invited to indulge in a three-course meal that starts at R690 per person and includes a glass of sparkling wine.
Call to make your reservation here: 010 447 9860.
Brasserie de Paris, Waterkloof
Located in the architecturally iconic Karl Jooste House, Brasserie de Paris offers a truly special culinary experience. In celebration of French cuisine and love, they’ve curated a special Valentine’s Day menu that comprises a sumptuous five-course dinner starting at R1690 per couple.
Reservations are limited and can be made here.
PRIVA, Waterkloof
Another Waterkloof favourite, PRIVA is quite the perfect place for a Valentine’s Day date. Boasting incredible views, PRIVA promises an intimate atmosphere, soundtracked by a live jazz band. Reservations start at R1400 per couple and include a three-course meal and a glass of bubbly per person.
Reservations can be made via info@priva.co.za.
Top date ideas for Valentine's Day in Durban
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, Midlands
We’re slipping in this option for lovers who want their Valentine’s Day celebrations to last – a proper getaway. Nestled in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is the perfect romantic getaway. Theirs is a luxuriously rustic experience quite literally surrounded by nature and, for the month of February, they’re running a special: Stay for three nights, pay for two. Reservations start at R2650 per person, per night and include accommodation, dinner and breakfast.
Contact cleopatramountainres@gmail.com for bookings or phone 0716877266.
The Royal Hotel, Durban
Located in Durban’s CBD, The Royal Hotel is known for their annual Valentine’s Day celebrations. Couples can enjoy a three-course meal with a wide variety of options to choose from, ranging from grill to seafood. However, what they’re really known for is their curries. Reservations are R550 per person and include a welcome drink, as well as entertainment by their resident DJ.
Reservations can be made by emailing: confer1@theroyal.co.za or by calling 031 333 6000.
The Grill Jichana, Durban
Located at the Southern Sun in Durban – just minutes from North Beach – The Grill Jichana is an exceptional steakhouse and, subsequently, a great place for a romantic Valentine’s Day date. Starting at R1100 per couple, their Valentine’s package includes a three-course dinner along with a welcome drink and red rose for the ladies.
Bookings can be made by calling 031 362 1300 or emailing sselangenimaharani.reservations@southernsun.com.
For more things to do, check out our constantly updated events calendar.
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