Romantic Weekend Escapes From Cape Town

Who amongst us is not familiar with the plodding drone of domestic existence? We dreamt all our lives about meeting that “special someone,” only to end up squarely in the reality of bills, chores, parenting, and work stress. These facts of life sadly leave very little time for us to simply enjoy one another.

This article is not a fix it for relationships, though. It’s simply pointing you in the direction of a handful of very magical places where you can escape to rediscover one another. Take two days off – from everything – go away together…and see what happens next.

Here is a list of my top five most romantic getaways, in no particular order. This blog post lists the more offbeat romantic getaways which I have carefully curated to maximize price to quality ratio. Please contact me if you want to book any of these unforgettable romantic escapes.

Bathing with a view at Kol Kol

1. KolKol Mountain Lodge (Bot River) - First of all, if you want to experience KolKol, you must plan in advance – the six log cabins are fully booked up to a year in advance. Part of the appeal of KolKol lies in the story, so I’m going to share the cliff notes. Owner Rudi Oosthuyse was a Sports Science graduate who purchased a farm in the Overberg with several old pine trees. In a typical watershed moment, he just decided that he was going to use the trees to build several stylish log cabins. And so he did, just like that. With his own hands. So the cabins you stay in are handcrafted from the land upon which they reside. Seriously cool, if you ask me.

Now to the romance factor. Each cabin is fitted with a wood fired hot tub on a deck overlooking the Overberg Mountains with a nearby stream creating a quiet song. The interiors are rustic, yet well equipped, and the small scale design lends itself to getting cosy (if you know what I mean).

If you tire of luxuriating between the bath, the bed, and the hot tub (you probably won’t) – there is a beautiful waterfall walk on the farm, mountain biking, swimming, and nearby wine farms on offer.

Al fresco dining at Bartholomeus Klip

2. Bartholomeus Klip (Riebeeck Valley) - Everything about this luxury farm stay is just fabulous. Compared to the other getaways in this article, Bartholomeus Klip is on the higher end of the spectrum but well worth the price tag. Situated on a working farm in the Elandsberg Nature Reserve, one has the sense of being on a private safari surrounded by roaming plains game and wayward sheep - all part of the charm.

The rooms are designed impeccably without being fussy. The linens are crisp cotton, duvets are fluffy down, and the deep verandas invite lazy days in the afternoon sun. Award-winning chef Louise Gillet will delight you with simple yet incredibly delicious al fresco meals taken in the garden amidst a chorus of birdsong and bubbling water features. If you want a charming all inclusive getaway experience, Bartholomeus Klip is absolutely top notch.

Vineyard views at La Cotte

3. La Cotte Honeymoon Cottage (Franschhoek) – Located a relatively short drive from Cape Town, Franschhoek is an ideal getaway for overwrought urbanites. With its selection of top notch restaurants, classy boutiques, and unspeakably beautiful walks, the valley also offers plenty to do together (see my Franschhoek Like a Local article).

If you are making the jaunt to Franschhoek for a romantic interlude, I definitely recommend a stay at the newly renovated La Cotte Forest Cottage. Architect and designer Dominic Touwen applied his charming touch to create an intimate and homey feel that still oozes class. Whether you are enjoying a glass of vino by the large fireplace, a leisurely picnic under the oak trees, or lounging on the outdoor daybed after a swim in the private plunge pool, you will feel spoiled for seclusion and romance at La Cotte.

Candlelit dinner at Bushmanskloof

4. Bushmanskloof (Cederberg) - Bushmanskloof delivers lavishly on off grid luxury, and this iconic lodge even offers a generous 2 night 'Romantic Retreat' special. The lodge is situated amidst ancient Bushman paintings and clients can enjoy a guided walk to explore the history of the fascinating nomadic tribes indigenous to the area. There are glorious walks amidst the Cederberg Mountains and an award winning spa.

Of course the rooms are beautifully styled, but you might not even notice because the savvy staff will curate a romantic stay from start to finish. As part of the 2 day romantic retreat, you will be taken for a secluded candellit dinner, a picnic in the wild, and couples spa treatment. What more could you ask for?!

5. Cottage Pie (Scarborough) - Scarborough has to be one of the most magical villages on the planet. If you want a romantic escape just 45 minutes away from Cape Town city bowl, Scarborough delivers in spades. The beach is ideally positioned for watching the sun drop over Misty Cliffs, and there are ample walks along mountain paths.

Cottage Pie is an ideal getaway for two, with cosy sofas, shuttered windows that open to reveal a connection to surrounding ocean and mountains, and 100% linen bedding inviting lazy days at home. The cottage is rented on a self-catering basis, but I can organise beautiful meals delivered to your door with candlelight and romance included. Contact me to start planning!