February is the perfect time to press pause and lean into romance. Whether you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with a grand gesture or simply carving out space for quality time, a short getaway has a way of turning ordinary moments into lasting memories. Think unhurried breakfasts, scenic drives, candlelit dinners, and the quiet joy of discovering somewhere new together.
From mountain-framed small towns to vineyards, bushveld escapes and city indulgence, these destinations offer the kind of setting where romance feels natural, easy and memorable.
1. Clarens: The Jewel of the Free State
Nestled in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains, Clarens is often called the “Jewel of the Free State.” With its vibrant art scene, charming cafés and golden-hour mountain views, it is the sort of town that invites couples to slow down and reconnect. Spend the day browsing galleries, picking up handmade treasures or taking a scenic drive to the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, then return to town for a relaxed evening of good food and easy conversation. For a cosy base, Protea Hotel by Marriott Clarens places you right in the heart of it all, with sweeping views that make mornings and sunsets feel like part of the experience.
2. Atlantic Glamour in Camps Bay
Camps Bay is Cape Town romance at its most iconic, framed by the Twelve Apostles on one side and the Atlantic on the other. Palm-lined walks, sea air and a natural sense of celebration make this a favourite for couples who enjoy their getaways with a little energy and polish. The newly opened Morea House, Autograph Collection sits at the heart of Camps Bay, just steps from the beach. Start the day with sunrise yoga, followed by a scenic coastal walk or guided mountain hike, and end the evening at OMRI, enjoying modern Lebanese cuisine interpreted through South Africa’s coastal influences. For couples seeking a shared memory to take home, the guided cold-water immersion in the Atlantic offers a bracing, exhilarating experience that often becomes the weekend’s standout moment.
3. Bushveld Bliss in Polokwane
For couples looking to swap city noise for birdsong and wide-open space, Polokwane offers a bushveld escape with genuine atmosphere. Protea Hotel by Marriott Polokwane Ranch Resort is set across 1,000 hectares of Limpopo bushveld, creating a stay where nature and comfort come together with ease. Days can be spent on game viewing experiences, horseback riding and exploring the reserve, followed by lazy afternoons by the poolside lapa. As the sun sets, dinner at Basil’s Fine Dining Restaurant adds an elegant, romantic note to the bushveld setting.
4. A Taste of the Winelands
Franschhoek has long been one of South Africa’s most romantic destinations, celebrated for its mountain-framed beauty, exceptional food and world-class wine. The village is made for lingering, whether browsing galleries, booking a long lunch or moving slowly between tastings and sunset views. Protea Hotel by Marriott Franschhoek offers a character-rich base with a historic wing dating back to the 1880s, placing you close to the village’s celebrated culinary scene and more than 25 renowned wine estates. It is the kind of escape where romance feels effortless, shaped by the rhythm of the place and the pleasure of taking your time together.
5. Classic City Elegance in Sandton
If your idea of romance includes dressing up and making an evening of it, Sandton delivers a polished city escape with plenty of date-night appeal. Protea Hotel by Marriott Johannesburg Balalaika Sandton is an icon, set in lush gardens that feel like a quiet retreat from the city’s pace. For a memorable Valentine’s dinner, book a table at The Bull Run and savour the seven-course fine dining menu, a fitting finale to a romantic weekend defined by tradition, elegance and unhurried indulgence.
