Romantic pods to escape to
It is said that couples who travel together, stay together. Escape reality for a day or two and invest in some quality time with that special someone during the month of love. South Africa has so many unique accommodation options on offer. While well-known hotels and guesthouses have their place, escaping to a secluded self-catering pod might just give your relationship the nudge it needs. In fact, it might just be your chance to rekindle your love for one other.
The Zenkaya, Pretoria
Located just outside of Pretoria, off the N4 highway, Rosemary Hill’s The Zenkaya is a one-bedroom capsule ideal for couples keen on a quick escape from the city. It’s a unique stay that has received much praise for its green design which integrates nature into guests’ every move. The Zenkaya comes with floor-to-ceiling glass panels and a 270° porch, blending the indoors with the outdoors. Additionally, it also has a wood-fired hot tub under the trees and a private outdoor shower that will certainly set the scene for romance.
A braai and fire pit outside and a kitchenette make for the perfect self-catering stay. Or, The Greenhouse Café (open Fridays through to Sundays) is a mere 300m away, where you can also enjoy a delightful breakfast, lunch and dinner, or order take-away pizzas.
P.S. Should you be too late to book The Zenkaya for Valentine’s Day, Rosemary Hill has many other accommodation options to choose from. Visit www.rosemaryhill.co.za for more information.
Cost: From R3600 per room per night for two people sharing, including breakfast.
The Pods @ Thaba eNtle
Bush lovers can escape to The Pods overlooking the Nel family’s private boutique game lodge, Thaba eNtle in Thabazimbi. Like most, these private, converted container pods come with wood-fired hot tubs, while also being fully solar operational and self-catering. Ultimately, it promises a memorable bush experience with sightings of Sable, Golden Onyx, King Wildebeest and more being some of the unique game roaming the farm. Furthermore, The Boma, the Tree Bar and various picnic and braai spots also add a special touch to the experience.
P.S. A minimum stay of two nights is applicable.
Cost: From R2650 per unit per night through www.lifetreecollection.africa
Valley Pod, Bonnievale
Image credit: Cabin Fever Cpt
Located in the Melozhori Game Reserve, this pod boasts luxurious finishes, a wood-fired hot tub, an indoor pizza oven and a massive, 14-metre hammock from which you can watch the beautiful night sky, or spot game grazing nearby. It’s the perfect mountain escape for couples keen on exploring the Bonnievale area, with room for only two. If beautiful scenery and impeccable views are your thing, this pod was made for you and your boo.
Cost: From R4250 per unit per night through www.lifetreecollection.africa
Glory Days Cabin, Tulbagh
Couples keen on connecting not only with each other, but also with nature would enjoy staying at Glory Days Cabin on the Oudekloof farm just outside of Tulbagh. The Oudekloof wine estate and mountain pass are both rich in history, having led early settlers over the Obiqua mountain into fertile terroir. Glory Days Cabin is the perfect off-the-grid, romantic retreat where you can explore a surreal, natural environment with fynbos, crystal clear rivers and fresh air on foot, bicycle or even horseback. They have various hiking trails available, and being a wine farm in a wine region, it’s any wine-loving couple’s dream destination, offering the perfect base to explore other stunning estates and vineyards from.
P.S. A minimum stay of two nights is applicable when booking over weekends.
Cost: From R1950 per unit per night through www.springsteencabins.com
AfriCamps at Gowan Valley, The Midlands
It’s not necessarily a pod, but AfriCamps at Gowan Valley is boutique glamping in the best way possible and definitely worth a mention for KZN dwellers looking for romantic pods to escape to. In fact, on booking.com the experience has been rated 9.4 as a two-person trip, which goes to show that it is couples’ paradise. The fully furnished tent comes with two separate bedrooms, one bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen, a small dining area, a microwave, a living room and a private outdoor wood-fired hot tub. There are also braai facilities and the Bosch Hoek Golf Club is a mere 10km away for couples who share an interest in golf.
Cost: From R2090 per unit per night through africamps.com.
Canvas Collective, Hemel-en-Aarde Valley
Canvas Collective Africa’s luxury glamping escape is one of the most perfect romantic pods to escape to. Situated in a beautiful pine forest on the 300 hectare family run Glen Oakes Farm, it is a mere two hours’ drive from Cape Town. The Hemel-en-Aarde wine region has become an increasingly popular location for a relaxing, heavenly getaway. In fact, it is widely regarded as one of the most exciting wine regions in the country, famed for some of South Africa’s best producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wine farms.
Their canvas tents offer the finest luxury, including a king-sized bed, Nespresso machine, off the grid generator power, a complimentary bar fridge and an en-suite bathroom (complete with modern showers and flushing toilets).
This includes a complimentary bottle of Moët & Chandon upon arrival, accommodation in the luxury tented camp, three daily gourmet meals, breakfast in bed on morning(s) of your choice, walking trails with a guide, Gnocchi-making with the chef and evening drinks by the fire.
P.S. Children over the age of five are welcome by special arrangement.
Cost: To celebrate the month of love, Canvas Collective Africa is offering an entire all-inclusive package for the entire month of February at R6320 per tent per night for 2 adults.
Book here.
Whether you opt for one of these romantic pods – either in the scenic Tulbagh valley, a romantic cabin in the bush or elsewhere – pack your S’mores and spend some quality time with your significant other this February.
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