Great Romantic spots for Valentine's Day

With Valentine's day just around the corner I thought I'd recommend these 10 Romantic Hideaways (in no particular order):

1. Atlantic Suites Camps Bay
2. Papyrus Lodge
3. Paternoster Dunes Guest House
4. Kennedy’s Beach Villa
5. Kanonkop House
6. Woodall Country House & Spa
7. Thonga Beach Lodge
8. Flycatcher Castle
9. Serenity Forest Eco Reserve
10. Jock Safari Lodge

Please bare in mind that this is a subjective list, not a definitive list – there are hundreds of romantic hotels, guest houses, apartments andvillas in South Africa. It is not my intention to offend other establishments, but rather to inspire travellers with the beauty of our country. I have tried to show of range of establishments from hotels and lodges to b&bs and self catering establishments, all suitable for couples looking for a little romance (so have not included villas that cater for large groups).

1. ATLANTIC SUITES CAMPS BAY (CAMPS BAY)

Luxury accommodation in Camps Bay with breathtaking sea views, a uniquely large rim-flow pool and exclusive hospitality in just four stylish, sea facing, luxury rooms with en-suite bathrooms featuring Jacuzzi Spa baths and separate showers.

2. PAPYRUS LODGE (STELLENBOSCH)

Set on a tranquil lake in the heart of the Cape Winelands, nestled in parklike gardens and lush vineyards Papyrus Lodge offers romantic and stylish woooden chalets built on stilts with private decks overhanging the water. Only connected with a small bridge to the land, you find yourself in your own private little world. Here you can unwind and relax on your private sunny deck, surrounded by water.

3. PATERNOSTER DUNES GUEST HOUSE (PATERNOSTER)

Situated on the beach in the quaint fishing village of Paternoster, Paternoster Dunes Guest House offers five individually decorated bedrooms. The three luxury ground floor sea facing rooms allow you to walk straight out to the beach from your private patio while the fourth sea facing room on the first floor has great views and direct access to the beach via its own staircase. The courtyard room has a patio from which you can view the sea as well direct access to the beach.

4. KENNEDY’S BEACH VILLA (HERMANUS)

Opulence, elegance and romance completely describes this magnificent 5 star accredited villa situated on the beach at Onrus, Hermanus. Views are spectacular with panoramas of mountain, river and sea enveloping this unique little piece of paradise with its own milkwood forest. This romantic retreat, customised to accommodate only two guests, has been lovingly decorated and furnished with the finest antiques and collectables from around the world.

5. KANONKOP HOUSE (KNYSNA)

Kanonkop House is a 5-star luxury guest house, set in an indigenous forest, with uninterrupted views of the Knysna Lagoon and Heads. Each of the five suites at Kanonkop House are individually furnished and provided with fully appointed private bathrooms.

6. WOODALL COUNTRY HOUSE & SPA (ADDO)

Woodall Country House and Spa is set amongst peaceful citrus, a mere 45 minutes from Port Elizabeth, and neighbour to the malaria-freeAddo Elephant National Park. Opening on to the fresh sight and scent of lush gardens, the rooms at Woodall are as seeped in luxury as they are in comfort. Some rooms reflect a bygone era of indulgent romance, some echo authentic colonial style, while the more modern suites boast an Afro-chic feel that blends traditional colours and styles with sophisticated contemporary flair.

7. THONGA BEACH LODGE (MABIBI)

Thonga Beach Lodge is a magical place of coastal forests, grasslands, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer superb snorkelling and unspoilt off-shore scuba diving, arguably the best in South Africa. Set above a private, sandy beach and nestled into magnificent coastal dune forest, Thonga Beach Lodge captures the essence of a luxury Robinson Crusoe hideaway. The spacious, thatched suites are hidden in the coastal dune forest and raised on wooden stilts to ensure no harm comes to the sensitive dune soils.

8. FLYCATCHER CASTLE (GRASKOP)

Flycatcher Castle is situated on the outskirts of Graskop towards God’s Window in Mpumalanga. The Castle, set in the style of a 17th century Italian castle, offers five suites which are all individually decorated and include breathtaking views as well as a magnificent bath set in an open plan style, ideal for couples wanting a romantic and enchanted experience.

9. SERENITY FOREST ECO RESERVE (MALELANE)

Serenity Forest Eco Reserve is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, 12km outside the town of Malelane, 19km from the famousKruger National Park. Serenity promotes the African culture through the awakening of all your senses with: unique African gourmet cuisine, the smell of giant forest trees, the soothing sound of the cascading water that flows through the lodge, the endless different shades of green that surround you and the Swazi Beehive style of architecture to complete the texture of your experience.

10. JOCK SAFARI LODGE (KRUGER NATIONAL PARK)

Jock Safari Lodge is one of the very first privately owned camps situated in the world famous Kruger National Park. Each air-conditioned luxury suite is set along the rivers, offering all the luxuries yet evoking the style and romance of the past. Each suite has a King-size bed surrounded by walk-in mosquito netting, a small lounge and romantic bathroom, and a private “Sala” (outdoor lounge) with its own plunge pool and outdoor shower that overlooks the river.