Cape Town is an intrinsically romantic city on so many levels. It sets the stage for enchantment in infinite ways. So we’ve done all the hard work for you and picked the top five things in Cape Town that will put a smile on his or her face.
A Weekend at The Table Bay Hotel
Known for its numerous scenic delights, Cape Town has a lot to offer for romantics at heart, and booking a weekend at the Table Bay Hotel is one of the ways you can impress your partner this Valentine’s Day. What could be more romantic than waking up to the lulling sound and outstanding views of the Atlantic Ocean? The luxury hotel’s unique location at the V&A Waterfront also offers striking views of the magnificent Table Mountain and historical Robben Island, proving to be a worthwhile idyllic getaway.
A relaxing way to separate yourselves from the stress you left at home would be to kick off your visit at the Camelot Spa, located inside the hotel. Some of the spa’s facilities include steam rooms, and a hydrobath, with a range of massages and body treatments. Now that’s a good way to get in the mood for an amorous Valentine’s weekend.
Horse riding at Noordhoek Beach
There are many ways to experience the beauty of Cape Town beaches. You can dive in for a refreshing swim or simply take a long, leisurely stroll. You can also explore unique sceneries on horseback, bringing to life your horse-riding dreams in style.
If this sounds like something you would enjoy, the picturesque Noordhoek Beach is the perfect place for those relaxing horse rides on a sunny day through an expanse of powder-white sand. The soft dunes and the mesmerising blue waters of the sea against the backdrop of Chapman’s Peak create gorgeous views perfect for a romantic getaway.
Adults and experienced riders get the pleasure of riding for two hours. If you want to take your riding skills to the next level, there are riding schools in the area that will help you perfect your skill. The rides also offer bird watching opportunities, and a visit to the wreck of the Kakapo, which ran aground in 1900.
Apart from horse riding, the beach is also superb for surfing and flying kites.
Franschhoek wine tram
Do you, or your special person love wine? If your answer is yes, then the Franschhoek wine tram is the perfect Valentine’s Day experience for you. With five unique and specially designed tours to choose from, you can either start off with breathtaking mountain views, or picturesque rolling vineyards, followed by hop-on, hop-off stops at six to eight of South Africa’s oldest and best vineyards. It’s a safe way to enjoy wine without the worries of driving.
The trams can take up to 32 passengers, and are modeled after the original open-sided Brill Trams of circa that were in use in 1890. Also, you can enjoy the ride without worrying about polluting the environment, because the trams all utilise the latest bio-diesel technology to reduce hazardous emissions. If it’s rainy or windy, you can still complete the tour of your choice safely, thanks to transparent awnings that drop down on all side of the tram. The wine tram is an experience that will be long remembered, and you can purchase some bottles of your favorite vino to extend the memories of Valentine’s Day once you are back home.
Artjamming at the Waterfront
There’s a long list of things to do at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, which makes it one of the perfect places to spend Valentine’s Day with your loved one. If you’re looking for a fun activity, try to flex your artistic muscle with some artjamming, and you won’t regret it. Admit it, we all have that inner artist that we need to get in touch with now and then.
The shop is called Artjamming, and they provide everything you need. No skills are necessary, and skilled artists are on hand if you want inspiration or guidance. There’s no better time than the day of love to get messy and have fun with your other half in an uncommon way. Even if you’re not the most creative person, you’ll still enjoy grabbing some paint brushes, sponges, spray-paint, and unleashing your creativity on a blank canvas. Perhaps you will want to hang your Mona Lisa over the bed at home to remind you of the special Valentine’s experience.
Picnic at Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden
Sometimes something as simple as a picnic is the best way to focus on just the two of you. Apart from great company, delicious snacks, and wine, what makes a picnic enjoyable is the location. And while there are many picnic spots around, you won’t go wrong with Cape Town’s Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, where you can experience the beauty of nature at its best. One of the National Geographic’s top 10 picnic spots in the world, the garden is famed for its rolling lawns and more than 7, 000 plant species and indigenous plants.
Set at the foot of Table Mountain, the botanical garden spans 90 acres and is a hit with visitors looking for a relaxing day out in the fresh air in the midst of spectacular scenery. And depending on the date of your travel, you may be lucky enough to catch one of their open air, summer sunset concerts, which just oozes with romance.