Written by: Hennie Fisher
Looking for alternative ways to celebrate love this Valentine’s Day? Well, we’ve got some exciting suggestions that go well beyond the typical romantic dinner date.
Breakfast or Brunch for Valentine’s Day
Perhaps you want to have a humble, leisurely breakfast at one of the lovely lodges around Pretoria? Try the Kingfisher a la Carte Restaurant at Mongena in the Dinokeng Nature Reserve. Or, opt for the lovely coffee shop at Rietvlei Nature Reserve.
Of course, you can also head out to Kievits Kroon if you prefer something fancier. Think bubbly and fresh oysters at their Kingsley's Restaurant.
Dancing The Night Away
Like many cities all over the world, Pretoria also offers various dance studios. Some of them are formal with traditional Ballroom, such as Strictly Ballroom Dance Studios, while others, such as Jamfox Dance Studio, offer Hip Hop, K-Pop and modern dance. What better way to spend your evening than dancing the night away?
There’s no need to formally enroll with a dance studio or sign up for classes; most studios host social nights that are open to everyone. That includes both professional dancers and those who just enjoy dancing for the fun of it.
There are also many other venues, including restaurants like Die Dansvloer, that host ‘langarm’ evenings where people dress up and dance the night away. In fact, this year, they are hosting a Sokkie and two-step bootcamp on 28 February from 17:00 to 19:00, for those who’d like to brush up on their steps.
Website: jamfox.co.za, www.strictlyballroom.co.za
Hot Air Ballooning
If you plan to make the most of daylight on Valentine's Day, then what could be more romantic than reserving a hot air balloon trip for you and your Valentine? Most companies offer specific romantic trips that include refreshments while the balloon is being inflated and on your return. Bill Harrop’s Original Balloon Safaris operate in and around the Magalies River when you book their Valley Scenic Balloon Ride and it truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Website: www.hotairballooningsa.co.za, www.air-ventures.co.za, balloon.co.za
Down Memory Lane
If you don’t feel like scrambling to book a restaurant table, but rather just want to stay home in your PJs this Valentine's Day, how about taking a trip down memory lane? Do you have a box of old photographs (your own, or inherited from your mother or grandma)? How about spending a romantic Valentine’s night at home, preparing some delicious food, or ordering in, and sharing these memories with someone special? Tell them the backstories of the images, if you know them, or phone an aunt to find out who the people in the image are, where it was taken, and when.
With all the many advanced apps around these days, you may as well use the time to digitise the images for easier access, so you can share them with other family members and know they'll be around for years to come. You can try any of the following free apps: Google PhotoScan, Microsoft Lens, Adobe Scan, or Photomyne.
Picnic with The Original Delicious
Those who can remember Carlton Café Delicious in Menlo Park still think back fondly to the lovely meals they enjoyed when they were still open. The driving forces behind the Original Delicious, Rachel Botes and Louise de Beer, continue to offer some of the best hand-crafted cuisine around, and they’re ready to help you treat your Valentine to a special picnic.
Splurge out on some wine and chill it thoroughly, pack some crockery, glassware and a blanket, and head out to one of the many special parks we have in Pretoria – or just set up a picnic spot on your own lawn. What can be more delicious than a biltong and port macerated dried fig quiche, or slow-cooked leg of lamb, pear and rosemary pies with handmade pastry? Not to mention a grand finale with The Original Delicious’ deep dish baked milk tart!
Facebook: original.delicious
Instagram: original.delicious
Enjoy the Outdoors This Valentine’s Day
Not really buying into the Valentine’s Day hype, but still want to have a great day with that special someone? Pack some snacks, don your hiking boots and set out for day hiking in nature. There are countless wonderful hiking trails in and around Pretoria, including the Hennops Hiking Trail, which offers options like the Dassie, Zebra and Krokodilberg trails. Groenkloof Nature Reserve, Moreleta Nature Reserve, Faerie Glen Nature Reserve and Wonderboom Nature Reserve are some of the other hiking trails you could explore.
Spa Treatments for Couples
Camelot Spa at Central Square, Menlyn Maine is offering an exciting spa special for couples this Valentine's Day. You can also consider Camdeboo Day Spa (which has relocated to the Irene Dairy Farm temporarily while their premises are undergoing renovations).
Enjoy a massage and a glass of bubbles with your loved one, reconnect with your surrounds and just take in the joys of life and love worth celebrating.
Website: www.camelotspa.co.za, www.camdeboodayspa.co.za
Whether you choose to soar over the Magaliesberg in a hot air balloon, ‘sokkie’ the night away, or simply share a quiet picnic on your own lawn, Pretoria offers a wealth of ways beyond the typical dinner date to celebrate love. This Valentine’s Day, the best gift isn't necessarily a restaurant reservation, but time spent reconnecting.
