Love is in the air, everywhere I look around … Yes, it’s the month of love and Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. But the pressure is mounting: Will she like roses or Ferrero Rocher? What should I buy my new boyfriend? Will he take me to a fancy French restaurant? Luckily LekkeSlaap is playing Cupid this year and we have just the thing to spice up your Valentine’s Day ─ 14 romantic picnic spots scattered all across the Western Cape. From beautiful beaches to wonderful wine farms, we have it all!

And why not pull out all the stops and pair your picnic with a romantic overnight stay? Yup, we’ve got you covered all the way!

Picnic on the beach

Just like the waves of the ocean, my heart is singing the song of endless, eternal, sadness, joy, and love ─ Debasish Mridha

Sandy toes, salty kisses and superb sunsets ─ this is what you and your loved one can expect from a romantic beach date in Cape Town. So, pack a picnic basket, grab a beach towel and head down to one of these beautiful bays:

Llandudno Beach, Cape Town

Llandudno Beach is a white, crescent-shaped beach that lies at the base of the steep slopes of the Twelve Apostles, surrounded by massive granite boulders. It’s very popular for romantic picnics and you will definitely be able to capture beautiful memories with this stunning background.

Clifton Beach, Cape Town

Clifton offers four lovely beaches and they are all ideal for sundowners and sunset views. The beaches are sheltered from the mighty South Easter, so you and your significant other could have a quiet picnic with Lion’s Head as a backdrop.

Picnic in a forest

Love is a canvas furnished by Nature and embroidered by imagination ─ Voltaire

If a picnic surrounded by giant pines, chirping birds and the tranquility that is Mother Nature is your idea of romance, take that special someone to a forest ─ who knows, you might even find Cupid hidden between the leaves!

Newlands Forest, Newlands

Newlands Forest is set on the slopes of Table Mountain and is a magical spot for a romantic picnic ─ just bring your own picnic basket.

☎ 021 422 1601

Tokai Forest, Tokai

Tokai Forest is a lovely natural forest in Tokai and a very popular picnic spot ─ ideal for dreamers on a lazy Valentine’s afternoon.

☎ 021 712 2337

Picnic on a wine farm

Love is like wine, it gets better with time ─ Unknown

Does a blanket on a green lawn surrounded by vineyards, a bottle of the best red and a laid-back farm atmosphere sound like fun? Then take your Valentine to one of these prestigious wine farms:

Rhebokskloof Wine Estate, Paarl

At Rhebokskloof Wine Estate you are surrounded by sprawling lawns, lovely lakes, willow trees and many hectares of vineyards. This is one of the most scenic wine farms in Paarl and on Valentine’s Day you and your dearest will be treated to a romantic picnic followed by an open-air movie under a ceiling of stars!

☎ 021 869 8386

Zorgvliet Wine Estate, Stellenbosch

This picturesque Stellenbosch wine farm boasts great picnic spots under shady oaks. At Zorgvliet, you and your better half will definitely fall in love with the surroundings and the delicious treats in their picnic baskets. You can even prolong your picnic-date by booking an overnight stay at Zorgvliet Wines Country Lodge to make this Valentine’s Day truly unforgettable! 

☎ 021 885 1399/2580

Boschendal Wine Estate, Franschhoek

Nestled in the valley between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, Boschendal offers an incredible picnic experience on expansive lawns in its spectacular gardens. On Valentine’s Day couples have a choice between three options: a three-course set menu at the Werf Restaurant, a less formal set menu at the Farm Shop and Deli and a lovely picnic at the Rhone picnic site. And after such a delectable feast you might not be in the mood to drive back to your life, so why not book an overnight stay at one of the beautiful suites at Boschendal?

☎ 021 870 4200 or reservations@boschendal.co.za

Cape Point Vineyards, Noordhoek

Cape Point Vineyards in Noordhoek has splendid picnic spots, surrounded by endless views of vineyards, mountains and the Atlantic Ocean. They offer a special Valentine’s Day picnic basket filled with delicious treats.

☎ 021 789 0900

Picnic on top of a mountain

Love is like a mountain, hard to climb, but once you get to the top the view is beautiful. ─ Daniel Monroe Tuttle

Endless views over the Mother City, a spectacular sunset and the magnificence of being on top of the world ─ does this sound romantic enough? Then you will definitely sweep your sweetheart of their feet by taking them to the top of one of these iconic giants:

Lion’s Head, Cape Town

Lion’s Head is one of the most romantic spots in the city where couples can watch the sun set and the moon rise over Robben Island, the Atlantic Seaboard and Blouberg. This view is paired best with a glass of bubbly, a few snacks and your favourite adventurer by your side.

Table Mountain, Cape Town

Magical Table Mountain is arguably the ultimate romantic spot on earth. It is one of the new  Seven Wonders of Nature and has loads of picnic spots and awesome viewpoints over Cape Town. You could go up the mountain via the cableway or, if you and your one and only are more adventurous, you could take one of the many trails up the mountain. Remember to pack some strawberries and champers!

And if the hike left your feet feeling frail, spoil yourself and your lovebug with a romantic couples massage and overnight stay at one of our heavenly hotels nearby!

Picnic in a garden

Love is a beautiful red rose given for no apparent reason ─ Unknown

Does your ideal romantic setting involve flowers, butterflies, squirrels and fresh fragrances that leave the smell of romance in the air? Then one of these idyllic gardens might be just the spot you’re looking for!

Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, Stellenbosch

This quaint Stellenbosch garden is filled with singing birds, a variety of flora, hopping squirrels and even a koi pond. This is a romantic setting for young and older couples, and it offers loads of hidden corners to have a private picnic. There’s also an excellent restaurant on the premises.

☎ 021 808 3025

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Newlands

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is set against the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and you will fall head over heels for the beauty of this gigantic garden. Fynbos surrounds the numerous picnic lawns close to streams and lovebirds will be spoiled with spectacular views.

☎ 021 799 8782

Picnic in a nature reserve

Love is like a river, never ending as it flows, but gets greater with time! ~ Unknown

If you and your soulmate love exploring, adventure and breathtaking views, a picnic in a nature reserve is a must!

Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, Paarl

Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve has a number of picnic spots near caves, waterfalls and reservoirs, which makes it the ideal place for date surrounded by Mother Nature.

☎ 021 872 3658

Silvermine Nature Reserve, Southern Peninsula

Silvermine Nature Reserve forms part of the Table Mountain National Park and includes a large reservoir, begging you to have a picnic along its beautiful banks. Bird watching, rock climbing and hiking are also popular and might be a fun way to spend the day with your honey. And if you’re not ready to head back home yet, book a lovely overnight stay at one of our numerous accommodation options in the area to make this Valentine’s Day an epic one!

☎ 021 789 2457

You’ve run out of excuses ─ simply pick a spot, pack or book a basket and be sure to dazzle your darling with a memorable picnic this Valentine’s Day!

Feature image: BigStock