When it comes to Valentine’s Day, iconic gifts like over-priced chocolate hearts, miniature teddy bears in mugs, and plastic roses have the potential to turn your V-Day into D-Day! Here are some far more smooch-scoring ideas for Valentine’s Day.
I – Ice-skating
Gliding on ice. Holding hands. Snuggling up for warmth. A post-skating foot massage. There are so many reasons why ice-skating is a V-day winner! Top 3 picks in South Africa: The Ice Station at GrandWest Casino in Cape Town; Galleria Ice Rink in Amanzimtoti; and Northgate Ice Arena in Johannesburg.
L – Lakes
Whether you’re enjoying a picnic at it, a walk around it, or a paddle on it, a lake, dam, pond, or river is a picture-perfect setting. Top 3 in Gauteng: Zoo Lake, Emmerentia Dam, and Hartbeespoort Dam.
O – Outdoors
If water features aren’t your thing, opt for other outdoor activities. You can do anything from hiking and horse riding, to stargazing and leisurely strolls through a botanical garden. Top 3 picks in the Western Cape: Stargazing in Sutherland, horse riding along Noordhoek beach, and hikes or ambles around Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens.
V – Vacation
Since Valentine’s Day falls on a Thursday, why not extend the celebration to when you can spend more quality time together? Take Friday off and whisk your lover away for a long weekend vacation. Top 3 picks in KwaZulu-Natal: Leopard Mountain in Hluhluwe, The Oyster Box in Umhlanga Rocks, and White Shores Guesthouse in Southbroom.
E – Entertainment
Yes, love should be celebrated every day, but how many people who say that actually make the effort every day? Make Valentine’s Day special with an entertaining evening out. There are plenty of shopping centres, theatres, restaurants, and other venues with exciting V-Day plans. Top 3 picks in South Africa: Montecasino in Johannesburg, Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga, and the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
Y – Yikes! factor
This is a cute “Yikes!” as in “I’m so surprised!” not “Aaaah! Get away from me!” An element of surprise shows that you’ve put extra effort and thought into your planning. And the rewards are plentiful! Surprises don’t have to be big or extravagant. There are some really easy ways to add a cute “Yikes!” factor. Make a treasure hunt, write original poetry, run a bubble bath with rose petals, or hide little notes around the house saying something like “SHMILY” (See How Much I Love You). Just watch any Hollywood chick flick and you’ll learn some great tips.
O – Overnight stay
If you can’t get away for a whole weekend, book an overnight stay. After a crushing day in the office, who has time to romanticise their home? Rather let the pros do that for you. Top 3 picks in the Free State: Mont D’Or Hotel, Spa and Conferencing in Clarens, Amanzi Safari Lodge in Brandfort, and Bloemstantia Guest House in Bloemfontein.
U – Unplug the TV
At the end of a starry-eyed day, nothing is more of a mood killer than turning on the TV. Rather unplug it and put a note on the screen saying, “Turn me on instead.”
What romantic ideas do you have for Valentine’s Day?
Images courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net
