This is most definitely my favourite time of year – the sun is shining, the wind has dropped to a soft breeze, the frenetic Christmas season is behind us and love is in the air. It’s the idyllic month of February, and I can think of no better place to spend time with that special someone than on the Cape West Coast.
It’s very easy to romance the one you love this valentine’s month when you are surrounded by Mother Nature at her most beautiful and are spoiled for choice with so many special things to do and places to visit.
Take her away from it all
A night – or weekend – away from household chores is a romantic gesture every woman will appreciate and the West Coast offers some of the most romantic accommodation in the Cape, variety of accommodation types are available from camping to luxurious spaces to relax in.
If you are both lovers of the great outdoors and enjoy camping then there are two fantastic options:
The Beach Camp, Paternoster, on the Foodie Route, R27, 165 km from Cape Town
Set on the shoreline of the wild Atlantic Ocean in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, The Beach Camp offers a very unique camping option with pre-pitched comfortable bedded twin tents and A-frame tents kitted out with all the necessary camping gear would tempt even those who don’t enjoy camping. There is an equipped communal kitchen tent with all the necessary utensils for cooking over an open fire.
Where: R45
Coordinates: -32.818658, 17.855243
Contact: +27 (0)82 926 2267 | [email protected]
Thali Thali Game Lodge, Langebaan, on the Foodie Route, R27, 130 km from Cape Town
Situated near Langebaan and bordering the West Coast National Park, this pristine, privately owned game and fynbos reserve is home to abundant bird-and-wildlife and is ideally located as there is much to do and in the area.
The accommodation at Thali Thali was designed to create a unit incorporating the entertainment area with bar facilities and an open-air lapa. There are five large luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms, a patio and outdoor braai and basin. They are equipped with a double bed, wardrobe, fridge, toaster, microwave, kettle, hair dryer, linen, crockery and cutlery.
There are also three West Coast-style self-catering chalets and a big old farmhouse with 4 bedrooms which is separate from all the others and ideal for families and groups.
Open 7 days a week | Free entry
R250/person for 90 min Game Drive (Booking essential in high season)
R150/person for Archery Lesson (Booking essential in high season)
Distance from Cape Town: 116km
Where: R27
Contact: (c) +27 (0)82 372 8637 / +27 (0)83 275 2825 | [email protected] | www.thalithali.co.za
If you know your other half prefers less rustic accommodation,
there are many wonderful options all along the coast. These are two of my favourite:
Blue Bay Lodge, Saldahna Bay, on the Foodie Route, R27, 130 km from Cape Town
The elegantly gabled Blue Bay Lodge stands just metres above the wide-stretched beaches of Saldanha Bay, offering uninterrupted views out over the ocean. To take a romantic moonlight stroll on the beach you merely have to step out the front door.
The Lodge offers a variety of accommodation options to suit all needs, from B&B to self-catering and all rooms are en-suite. There are also 17 free-standing self-catering chalets if you prefer a little more privacy.
Where: Henry Wicht Avenue, Blouwaterbaai, Saldanha
Coordinates: -32.992517, 17.971359
Contact: +27 (0)22 714 1177/8/9 | [email protected]
Dinner for two
The only thing that beats a candlelit dinner for two is when that dinner is enjoyed in a slice of heaven against the backdrop of the moonlit Atlantic Ocean.
Beaches Restaurant, Yzerfontein on the Culture Route, R27, 97 km from Cape Town
Perfectly situated, Beaches offers stunning views over Yzerfontein’s beautiful 16 Mile Beach. Bright and airy with a beach house feel, it’s the perfect venue to tuck into fresh seafood or sip iced cocktails. Watch the sunset over the ocean and ease into a candle-lit evening. Specialising in seafood, they serve only fresh and locally sourced fare.
Where: R27
Coordinates: -33.343327, 18.161726
Contact: +27 (0)22 451 2200
Damhuis Beach Restaurant, Melkbosstrand on the Culture Route, R27, 40 km from Cape Town
If you cannot get away for a break, but want to get out of town then Damhuis is the perfect option.
Directly across the road from the beach, you can hear the waves crashing as you stare lovingly into each other’s eyes. Whether you sit indoors or out in the garden, this venue lends itself perfectly to all things romantic.
Where: 32 Beach Road, Melkbosstrand
Coordinates: -33.728629, 18.439835
Contact: +27 21 553 0093
The Noisy Oyster, Paternoster on the Foodie Route, R27, 160 km from Cape Town
For a really cosy evening, book a table in their beautiful court with fairy lights in the trees and quirky décor; make sure to get a table near the open fires if the evening is chilly. The setting dictates that seafood is prominent on the constantly changing menu but there are plenty of other choices, including vegetarian options.
Where: St Augustine Road, Paternoster
Coordinates: -32.811525, 17.895413
Contact: +27 (0)22 752-2196
A Sunset picnic on the beach
Grab your blanket and picnic basket packed with delicious goodies and head of to a quiet corner of the beach. Or enjoy a meal at one of the Eden on the Bay restaurants or sit on the lawn of Big Bay and feel the love as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean.
My personal choice of beaches would be: Yzerfontein, Tietiesbaai in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve, Langebaan and the rugged coves of Jacobsbaai. And if you don’t want to venture too far, then head for Blouberg beach is just 20km from Cape Town or the lawn at Eden on the Bay just a little further along. Not only will you witness a spectacular sunset, but it will be against the backdrop of Table Mountain.