So while everyone waited with bated breath to find out whether they would be able to buy champagne again… 2020 brides sat and waited to hear if they could finally have their dream day… and me? Well, all I wanted to know is if I could venture out of KZN for a much needed holiday.
And boom! My dreams came true and interprovincial travel is officially allowed – HOORAY!
While I might be yearning after Kruger National Park, most of you reading this are either hoping to go for a weekend away to celebrate your honeymoon or might be in the beginning stages of planning your honeymoon for 2021, either way, we have some amazing advice on top spots to visit in South Africa for your romantic getaway.
And where did we get this advice? From our amazing Instagram followers!
So if you would like some advice on where to go in SA, grab yourself a glass of wine and read on…
- Kol Kol Mountain Lodge in the Western Cape, suggested by @linz_gray
One google search later and I am in love… definitely planning a trip here sometime in the future!
According to their website,
“Kol Kol Mountain Lodge is rustic getaway offering luxurious accommodation on the Van der Stel Pass near Bot RiverVisitors to the Western Cape or the Overberg will find that this lodge offers a truly South African Experience. Just an hour from Cape Town and set in a tranquil and peaceful environment with sweeping views of the Babylonstoren Mountains, this self-catering accommodation offers the perfect breakaway for couples, family and friends of all ages. Relax in a private wood-fired hot tub while enjoying a glass of fine local wine. Curl up in front of the stone fireplace surrounded by the fynbos of the Cape Floral Kingdom. Join us at KolKol Mountain lodge and explore something out of the ordinary.”
Click here to check out their website. - Sea Shack in Paternoster, suggested by @chantelletellabrownie
OOF! This place looks AMAZING!
According to their website,
“Glamping at its finest.
Powered by solar and gas, Sea Shack is off the grid and a proud participant of Eco lodging. While this may mean a hairdryer free zone there are power points enough for cell phone and laptop charging. Free Wifi also makes for a perfect working hideaway should you need it. Each tiny wooden cabin is the vision and design of local artist Dianne Heesom-Green and themed to suit its name. Whether you have the pleasure of staying in Oyster or the delight of Dolphin this is sure to be the beginning of a special memory. Join us around the fire pit at night to cook and kuier.”
Click here to check out their website. - Stone Ridge Luxury Self Catering in St. Lucia, suggested by @its_me_christie
With the wetlands, the beach, and a short drive to Hluhluwe Game Reserve, St Lucia really has something for everyone. I love the “small town” vibes and the fact that you can sometimes see Hippos roaming the streets at night… so chilled
According to their website,
“Our Accommodation consists of fully equipped luxury Self-Catering Units ideal for that weekend getaway or long-term stay. The units feature a unique range of amenities including luxury kitchen appliances, comfortable bedrooms with single beds or double beds, relaxed lounge with satellite TV.”
Click here to check out their website. - Qambathi Mountain Lodge in the Drakensberg, suggested by @indigo_and_ivory_designs_
I have been dying to visit Qambathi and will often find myself dreaming of getaways while scrolling through their Instagram page.
According to their website,
“We are an owner-run adult-only 4-star boutique lodge and nature reserve nestled in the heart of Kamberg Valley, Drakensberg, part of the beautiful Midlands Meander.Qambathi has a magical atmosphere and it is a truly romantic setting surrounded by Drakensberg mountains and valleys. Excellent service supports the superb cuisine and is sure to turn any day into a fairytale experience. Great care has been taken to create unique and inspiring luxury accommodation, where you can sink into total comfort of meticulously designed rooms defined by a blend of nature’s colours and contemporary use of natural materials with luscious textures.”
Click here to check out their website. - Brahman Hills in the Midlands, suggested by @logophilelouise
I love a weekend away in the Midlands… there is something so magical about slow mornings drinking coffee and evenings in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine… a time to just relax and unwind.
According to their website,
“Need a break? Then we promise, a Midlands getaway is exactly what you want! Come and relax at Brahman Hills. Treat yourself to good food, great scenery, and personal service. Be entertained by all that the Midlands can provide and then kick back and unwind in style in our hotel or our self-catering cottages. With our affordable accommodation, you can stop dreaming and start planning your next country break.”
Click here to check out their website.
Now it is time for a few of our suggestions: - Kruger National Park, in Mpumalanga
Ah, my beloved KNP. While I frequently visited Kruger on family holidays growing up, my hubby visited it for the first time last year… and how happy was I when I realised he also loves it just as much as I do!
There is something so different about a “DIY game drive” that I thoroughly enjoy. You can take your own time to look for animals, packing padkos and stopping at the picnic stops along the way.
Kruger is also a “cheaper” option for those of you that would love to see the Big 5 but cannot afford any of the amazing private luxury lodges South Africa has on offer.
(yes, I know Hluhluwe is closer for the Durban folks, but Kruger is always top of my list!)
Click here to check out their website.
- Literally anywhere in Cape Town
You can never go wrong with a visit to Cape Town. I always feel as though I am overseas when I visit… it really is in a class of its own. A visit to the waterfront, a hike up Lion’s head, a cable car ride up table mountain and walking along a beach with penguins… there is just SO much to do.The last couple of times I visited Cape Town, I ended up finding a place to stay on Air BnB. I love staying in Bloubergstrand, and I will normally get an apartment with a Seaview so I can enjoy Table Mountain in all of its majestic beauty. - The Oyster Box, in Umhlanga
I love the Oyster Box. I always feel so faaaancy when I meet up with friends for drinks or dinner. While it can be on the more expensive side, a weekend away at the Oyster Box might be all that you need to celebrate your newlywed status… especially when we are not sure when international travel will reopen
According to their website,
“Standing majestically on Umhlanga’s beachfront just 15 minutes from the airport, overlooking the Indian Ocean and the iconic lighthouse, we are South Africa’s most cherished hotel and a national treasure.
Discover our timeless elegance and enjoy a multitude of dining options, including our famous curry feast and High Tea, and indulge in our award-winning spa amid tropical gardens.”
Click here to check out their website. - Bayete Zulu, in Northern KZN
Want a 5-star experience while you look for the Big 5? Look no further than Bayete Zulu!
According to their website,
“The magnificent 23 000 hectare Big 5 Manyoni Private Game Reserve, is situated just 33 km north of Hluhluwe, in Zululand, which is an easy three-hour drive from Durban’s King Shaka Airport and a six-hour drive from Johannesburg.
Bayete Zulu Lodges offer a range of affordable family-friendly, catered and self-catering accommodation. Sensational game viewing in open 4×4 vehicles with knowledgeable guides, coupled with warm hospitality and breathtaking views, makes Bayete Zulu the perfect place to relax and soak up the sights and sounds of the spectacular African bush.”
Click here to check out their website.
So, what do you think? Have I found a few hidden gems that are perfect for a romantic honeymoon getaway? I think, YES!
So what are you waiting for? Pour yourself another glass of wine, and book that trip, hunny!
And don’t forget to tag Hooray Weddings in your honeymoon, minimoon, romantic getaway pics so I can live vicariously through you!
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