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South Africa’s hotels and restaurants are jostling for prime position with splendid offers in a bid to woo lovebirds come Tuesday.
The Cradle of Humankind and its official visitors’ centre, Maropeng – situated about 50km northwest of Johannesburg – says it has attracted couples from around the world to spend a meaningful Valentine’s Day there. At this World Heritage Site, romantics can indulge in both aerial and underground pursuits by embarking on a breathtaking hot-air balloon ride and exploring the famous Sterkfontein Caves, among other fossil sites.
The hour-long balloon ride will see couples sipping fine Champagne while hovering gently over the treetops of the Magalies River Valley, or drifting majestically above the Magaliesberg to the faint call of birds or animals far beneath.
In addition, said Lindsay Marshall, curator of Maropeng, the venue was planning a mouth-watering Valentine’s Day dinner at the Maropeng Boutique Hotel. Its theme will be Love Yourselves as Humankind, depicting the awe-inspiring journey that humans have taken over millions of years “to get to who, where, what and how we are today”.
She added: “Guests can still book for the ride online. Unfortunately, hotel bookings are full. Helping your partner as you make your way through the caves is guaranteed to earn you some brownie points, so come and celebrate love and humankind.”
In its bid to make a memorable occasion of Valentine’s Day, the One&Only Hotel in Cape Town is offering lovebirds a range of specials, including spa treatments, a romantic dinner and spending the night luxuriating in one of its rooms.
Reuben Riffel, South Africa’s celebrity chef and restaurateur, has crafted a six-course tasting menu at R950 per person, with perfectly paired wines to warm the heart. His restaurants have also set up an exclusive table for R3 000 per couple, which includes a bottle of sparkling wine and a dozen red roses, in the heart of the loft. Couples can also enjoy a deluxe picnic in one of the designer daybeds and sip sunset cocktails by the pool featuring plush cushions, voile curtains and complete tranquillity for R6 500 per couple.
Meanwhile, florist markets, such as Johannesburg-based Multiflora, are providing a variety of flowers for individuals to pick and purchase. With some 600 flower growers on its books and some 400 florists and wholesalers, couples can purchase their flowers of choice for the occasion.
