While honeymoons are justifiable splurged upon, who has the time or money to disappear to a tropical island for a week or two of romantic revelry more than once in their lives?! More frequent “minimoons” are the latest trend in romantic getaways; short, secluded, affordable, closer-to-home vacations to celebrate engagements, anniversaries, milestones, or simply reconnect with your loved one.
These 4 minimoon getaways in the Cape are so affordable, you could probably try every one of them in a year!
Sunbird and Hoopoe Cottages
Head to McGregor in the Breede River Valley if you’re looking for a place where the hands on the clock seem to move backwards. This quaint 19th century village is situated along Route 62, roughly 2 hours from Cape Town, and popular pastimes include wine tasting, bird watching, walking, hiking, cycling, and scenic drives. The Cape Georgian style Sunbird and Hoopoe Cottages are surrounded by colourful hydrangeas and a rugged mountain backdrop. The smaller Sunbird Cottage is perfect for a romantic minimoon for two. Sandstone floors, Crete stone walls, and a charming fire-pot fireplace add to its intimate atmosphere. The bathroom has an open-plan free-standing double oval bath, but there is a screen for privacy.
Why we love it: From only R200pp, you won’t find a more affordable minimoon getaway. Use the extra cash for wine tasting in this “Valley of Wine and Roses”.
Beachcomber Cottage
Scarborough is a cocooned coastal village bordering the Cape Point Nature Reserve, only 50 minutes from Cape Town’s city centre; proving that you don’t have to travel far to find a secluded getaway. Beachcomber Cottage is a self-catering 2 bedroom retreat with reed ceilings, wooden floors, and a lovely outdoor entertaining area for that typical beach feel. Only 1 road stands between you and the ocean where you can surf, dive, fish, whale-watch, pick mussels (with a permit), or simply cuddle up and watch the sunset.
Why we love it: Who doesn’t love a heated outdoor shower?
La Galiniere Guest Cottages
Take a hint from the nation of lovers and channel your inner romantic in Franschhoek, our own little French corner of the Winelands. Surrounded by deep purple mountains and endless vineyards, La Galiniere Guest Cottages offers a choice of 3 stylish self-catering cottages. Self-catering doesn’t mean that you have to be in the kitchen on your romantic break. Franschhoek is South Africa’s culinary capital so there’s no shortage of gourmet restaurants. Alternatively, you can request breakfast and picnic baskets from your hosts at an additional fee.
Why we love it: Every booking receives a complimentary bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, made from grapes harvested on the farm.
Penguino Guesthouse, Hermanus
Hermanus is internationally renowned as one of the best whale watching spots in the world. Only 2 hours from Cape Town, it is a popular holiday spot that retains a cosy, small town feel. Whether you’re into hiking, pottering around the markets, picnics on the beach, or dining out; Hermanus has it all. Penguino Guesthouse offers a beautiful combination of stylish and relaxed accommodation only a stone’s throw from the famous cliff paths.
Why we love it: Thanks to the culinary skills of your host, Stefan, you can enjoy gourmet cuisine and wine tasting on site.
If you didn’t think a romantic getaway could be affordable, you now have 4 reasons to start planning your next minimoon in the Cape. How many minimoons would you like to take in a year?
