It is well known that one of the best ways to keep your romance alive is through quality time. If you have tried the date night strategy, why not up your game with a romantic weekend away? With this list of weekend escapes for couples, you have no excuse! LekkeSlaap has hand-picked stays across the country that would suit any pocket and cost within the R1000 region for two.  

Life together is short and worth the effort of getting out and about with that special someone, so scroll down and seek a romantic stay that will make your partner feel adored. 

Wonder Farm Stay

Montagu

All five cottages at Wonder Farm stay are a good fit for a couple. The cottages sleep between two and eight guests, some are even pet-friendly. Go for a walk on the farm and in the eucalyptus forest, swim in the farm dam, or take a trip into town. 

Ons Huisie

McGregor

The only thing more quaint than the town of McGregor might be this beautiful whitewashed thatch cottage in town. Pets are welcome too and you can curl up in front of the fire, light the braai outside, or stroll along the town’s dusty roads. 

Komyntjie 2

Paternoster

Bring your special someone to this lovely one-bedroom cottage within walking distance of the beach in Paternoster. This West Coast town is not called South Africa’s Greece for no reason! Enjoy a braai or a dip in the communal pool whilst staying here, or book a table at one of Paternoster’s magnificent fine-dining establishments. 

Marina Views

Muizenberg

Each unit at this guesthouse on the Muizenberg Marina is equipped for self-catering and offers access to a private patio with braai facilities. Wake to a view of the canal, take a kayak or a pedal boat out on the water, and have a sundowner on the patio after a day traversing the Mother City.

Aha Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel

Simon’s Town

How does a waterside suite at one of South Africa’s most stunning harbours sound? Aha Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel is located in the touristy centre of South Africa’s naval village and the penguins at Boulder’s Beach, the Naval Museum and seaside restaurants are just a short stroll away.

Abalone Lodges

Knysna

Abalone Lodges offers accommodation in wooden suites just four kilometres from Leisure Isle Beach in Knysna. These charming wooden units have beautiful views of the estuary and Knysna Heads and are all equipped for a self-catering stay. Alternatively, you can enjoy a meal at many delightful restaurants in the vicinity. 

Soetdoring Selfsorg

Oudtshoorn

The two-sleeper cabins on this lovely, peaceful farm seven kilometres from Oudtshoorn are ideal for a couple’s getaway and are surrounded by nature and the Outeniqua Mountains. There is a fireplace in each self-catering cabin and a patio with its own braai facilities so you can sit outside and watch the birds flit over the dam. 

Brandrivier

Outside of Springbok

If quiet is what you’re after, or if you and your loved one love nature, Brandrivier offers three separate tents scattered amongst the koppies and quiver trees of the Namaqualand Region. Here you can marvel at the beautiful carpet of flowers in the springtime, enjoy your dinner under the stars, and be free of loadshedding, as Brandrivier is off-the-grid. 

Groendraai River Cottages

Vaalwater

Looking for a stay in the Waterberg? Groendraai River Cottages, outside of Vaalwater, boast three self-catering cottages which are equipped with luxuries such as a Nespresso coffee machine, air-conditioning, private braai facilities and wood-fired hot tubs. Enjoy a kayaking adventure on the river while you’re here!

Bush Hideaway

Thabazimbi

Clean, sleek accommodation in a beautiful Bushveld setting awaits you at Bush Hideaway. The two minimalist units on offer each boast a luxurious outdoor shower and braai facilities and guests can bring their hiking and biking gear to explore the area or book a treatment at the on-site spa. 

Eland Valley Resort

Underberg

How about a cosy wooden cabin in the majestic Drakensberg for just the two of you? Eland Valley Resort offers just that with the bonus of amazing river views from the balcony. Each of the log cabins sport braai facilities and you’ll have access to the communal swimming pool, scenic hiking routes and picnic spots along the sparkling river. 

Riverbed Africa

Lydenburg

Boho-glamping awaits at Riverbed Africa, a tented camp and guesthouse on the banks of the Spekboom River in the Mount Anderson Catchment Area. The light and bright glamping tent is ideal for a romantic getaway and offers its own braai facilities. Enjoy a riverside picnic, a spot of fly-fishing or a hike in this wild and beautiful landscape.

Casa Seaview

Warner Beach

This airy seafront apartment sleeps six guests, but is also an affordable option for two. Wake up to the waves crashing just outside your bedroom window on the soft sand of Warner Beach. The apartment has the perfect location for a sundowner and late afternoon strolls on the beach.

Hluhluwe Bush Camp Glamping Village

Hluhluwe

From tipi tents to adventure tents on decks, Hluhluwe Bush Camp offers a beautiful retreat in nature that is sure to remain a memorable couple’s experience. Each tent has a dedicated braai area and a private open-air bathroom. Apart from the rest that you’ll find here, the camp is also close to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Imfolozi Park for day trips.

Syringa Sands Mountain Cottage

Rankins Pass

At this cottage in the Sand River Mountains, you and your loved one can enjoy endless views and a remote, rugged location. The cottage is off-the-grid and operates on solar power. Venture into the mountains via the five-kilometre hiking trail to Rankin’s Beacon or follow the trail to the dam and remember to enjoy a sundowner on the porch when you return!

Riverman Cabin

Highlands Meander

Be lulled to sleep by a melodious choir of crickets and frogs when you pick one of the quaint stone cottages or self-catering cabins at Riverman Cabin. This farm in the Tonteldoos Valley is just a 3-hour drive from Johannesburg. Pet the donkeys that graze lazily, picnic next to the river, go for a hike and remember, your four-legged friend is welcome if you arrange this before arrival.

Magoebaskloof Getaway

Magoebaskloof

Log cabins in the forest at the edge of a dam … sound good? Magoebaskloof Getaway boasts six options for a romantic self-catering stay in Limpopo’s best-kept secret — the Magoebaskloof Region. Hike along the river in the forest and keep an eye out for Samango monkeys in the trees, or pack a picnic and relax next to one of the fly-fishing dams.

The Magical Teepee Experience

Hogsback

If you and your partner are a quirky, adventurous pair, try one of the tipis at The Magical Teepee Experience in the just-as-magical Hogsback Village. There are four large tents to choose from, each located on a deck at the edge of a garden with a chimenea fireplace that will ensure a cosy, romantic atmosphere. Pets are welcome too! 

L’auberge Country Hideaway

Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Escape Gqeberha for a countryside stay surrounded by indigenous forest. L’auberge Country Hideaway offers guest house accommodation in three beautiful rooms, each with its own bathroom, Netflix and deck. Relax next to the dam, chill at the communal lapa or book breakfast as an added treat. Remember, your pet can come along too!

Heartwood Homestead

Gonubie

How about some off-the-grid love? Heartwood Homestead twenty kilometres from East London offers eco-friendly accommodation in a beautiful little house with a view of the Gonubie River Valley. Come and relax with free-range chickens and milk cows roaming around. 

Don’t put off spoiling your special someone. With these affordable, romantic escapes there is no reason to delay your next couple’s stay.

Main image: Hluhluwe Bush Camp Glamping Village on LekkeSlaap.co.za