Romantic getaways | Plan the ideal break, even during a pandemic

The sound of laughter from the living room has simmered down, the smells of cooking rich foods and baking sweet treats have dissipated and the days of lazing in the sun have been replaced with looming deadlines, covering books and labelling stationary. This, coupled with the challenges of navigating Lockdown Level 3, is likely to have left many of us with the post-holiday blues.

According to Shaun Lamont, Managing Director of First Group Hotels, the best way to banish post-December, back-to-work and back-to-school blues is by planning your next getaway. The excitement of planning and counting down to your new adventure will energise you in the right way.

This one bedroom apartment in Clifton, Cape Town, boasts of natural light and has direct access to the beach. It is available to rent at R3 500 per day - click here to view.

He adds that Valentine’s Day presents the perfect opportunity to plan a romantic getaway, “With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, there is no better time for couples to celebrate one another, recoup and make new magical, lasting memories.”

And, planning the perfect romantic getaway has never been easier. Lamont offers 3 strategies to help you plan a super-safe, guilt-free, kid-free, sleep-late weekend away for two:

Be thoughtful

Thoughtfulness is possibly the most important element in creating lasting, magical memories with your better half.

This two bedroom, two bathroom apartment in Clifton, Cape Town, is available to rent at R7 500 per day - click here to view.

Consider what your partner enjoys doing best on holiday; is it lazing at the pool curled up with a book, hiking, cycling or perhaps even horse-back riding? Use those insights to find a suitable hotel or resort to visit. Then, look at booking a room or chalet with a beautiful view (there is nothing quite like a good view to spark the romance), a fireplace and arrange an in-room dining experience by candlelight. Don’t forget to switch off the morning alarms on your phones and close the block-out curtains.

Better safe than sorry

It goes without saying, we’re in the midst of a pandemic, but it is important to ensure that you choose accommodation that subscribes to industry best practice, that is accountable to an industry authority and has implemented stringent COVID-safety protocols. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Bush Haven is a lodge with a beautiful forest feeling and modern finishes. It offers four bedrooms, two bathrooms, an indoor braai area and open air boma. It is available to rent at R3 800 per day - click here to view.

Be smart

Booking a romantic getaway doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Trawl the internet for discounted offers - there are tons of places who have couple’s ‘specials’ (especially this time of year). Also, when booking online remember to book directly on the hotel’s website as this is often cheaper than going through an Online Travel Agent (OTA). And finally, if you have your heart set on a specific destination that doesn’t have any discounts available, consider booking off-peak, pay your deposit and then gift your Valentine with the promise of a weekend away later in the year.

This five bedroom, five bathroom home in Southbroom, KwaZulu-Natal, has a private beach, swimming pool and braai facilities. It is available to rent at R5 450 per day - click here to view.

 

“A surprise romantic getaway is the perfect way to show your partner how much they mean to you, so get planning, get booking and then make sure you live in the present and enjoy every minute making magical, lasting memories,” says Lamont.