Instead of sending a card and flowers to your Valentine, why not rediscover the one you love in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands? A host of accommodation outlets on the Midlands Meander provide the most romantic settings for couples who wish to rekindle their romance.
- On Sycamore Ave offers a romantic tree house with mesmerising views of the Drakensberg
- The Swiss Manor House, shaded by giant oak and fir trees, epitomises country living.
- Set in indigenous and pine forests, The Bend offers tranquillity
- Barrett's Country House features a restaurant overlooking a gorge and waterfall, and secluded en suite rooms.
- Hawklee's intimate luxury suite with its own jacuzzi promises romantics a wonderful getaway.
The Midlands Meander provides visitors an opportunity to view, sample and buy a variety of unique goods ranging from pottery and furniture to cheeses, herbs, flowers and preserves.
Several resorts are offering special promotions for celebrating romance in the countryside.
- Lastingham, which boasts luxurious rooms and an exquisite Victorian/Edwardian dining room, is offering one night's accommodation on February 14 for R290 a person sharing. The offer includes a cocktail on arrival, a three-course meal and a hearty breakfast.
For two nights' accommodation on February 15 and 16, including one dinner and two breakfasts, the cost is R570 a person sharing.
- Another resort, Greenfields Manor House, built in 1893 and full of history, is offering a bed and breakfast rate of R785 a couple for two nights.
- The Gowan Valley Guest House, set in a picturesque valley overlooking the winding Mpofana River, also offers a romantic getaway for the nights of February 14, 15 and 16. Guests stay for only R150 a person a night, including bed and a full English breakfast.
- Apart from its accommodation facilities Woodridge Country Estate also has packaged Valentine's Day gifts for sale. Personal gift packs filled with elegant bath and beauty soaps can be selected and wrapped. And for the gourmet chef, an exclusive homemade selection of imported Italian products is on offer.
While in the area, visit the exciting new shop at Irish Mist Farm which stocks high quality cotton pyjamas and nightshirts as well as a variety of body and bath products.
- And if you fancy stretching out with your loved one under a sparkling sky, pack a picnic basket and head to Swissland Cheese, Woodridge Country Estate, iZulu Emhlabeni, Groundcover, Mother Goose, Midmar Nature Reserve or the Umgeni Valley Nature Reserve. The Wine Cellar and The Junction will prepare a delectable picnic basket for you by prior arrangement - each with something different and delectable.
For details, please contact the Midlands Meander Association at 033 330 8195 or go to www.midlandsmeander.co.za