If the gloomy weather is getting you down, then right about now you’re probably in need of a pick-me-up. So what better way to warm the cockles of your heart and banish the winter chill, than by enjoying some winter romance?

Daytime Dates:

• Animal lovers will love a trip to theses 15 Animal Sanctuaries around South Africa, or visit the Garden Route and see the Birds of Eden, or enjoy a sunrise cheetah walk at Tenikwa Awareness Centre
• Visit the Big 5, Small 5, or Slow 5 for a memorable experience

• Spend the day wooing your partner, before submerging in one of these 9 Hot Springs

• Hide out from the rain at one of these 7 Intriguing Museums in Johannesburg, or whisk your partner away on a Luxurious Train Ride

• Give your partner the gift of time by taking a Cooking Class together, or using one, or all, of these 8 Creative Ways to Say I Love You

Weekends Away:

• Experience the world from on-high at these decadent Treetop Lodges, or spend indulge in a weekend of pampering at one of these 5 Spa Stays in South Africa

• Check out these tips on how to plan the perfect Romantic Weekend Away for Him, or surprise him by booking a Luxurious Cave Stay in Limpopo or the Western Cape

• Cuddle up to your partner at these 7 Cosy Durban Getaways, 6 Cape Weekend Retreats, 5 Glitzy Johannesburg Stays, or these 5 Lavish Lodges in Limpopo

• There are 7 Romantic Retreats, 2 Hours from Cape Town that will cater to all you require for a weekend escape, as will these R-Rated Long Weekend Getaways around South Africa

Laidback Lunches:

• Food connoisseurs will love visiting these 10 Markets in Joburg, the Spice Route Destination in Paarl, or going on a Western Cape Wine & Food Pairing adventure

• Joburg is home to Great Coffee Shops and High Tea Spots as well as Bars and Beer Gardens, which offer an elegant setting for a late afternoon rendezvous

• Durban seems to have a Restaurant for Every Occasion, and there’s no better way to summon your inner Khaleesi or Khal when you choose to Dine with Dragons in the Drakensberg

• Light your own fire at these 20 top braai spots in the Western Cape

Picnic At:

• Spending the day at one of these 25 Picnic Spots in South Africa, or head to our 9 Botanical Gardens to make the most of those sunny winter days

• Rope the whole family in and find out why Spier is our favourite family-friendly wine farm in the Western Cape

Delightful Dinners:

• When in Cape Town, Dinner with a View is never amiss nor is popping in to the following Winter Ready Wine Estates

• Experience red velvet milkshakes, sushi, and steak at these Heart Happy Restaurants in Swellendam, or Wine, Dine and Recline at these romantic accommodations and restaurants in Stellenbosch

Let us know what romantic tips and tricks you employ to banish the winter blues!

Main image credited to WholeFoodMarket (Instagram)