Shorter, closer to home, more affordable “minimoons” are a great way for couples to enjoy more frequent romantic getaways throughout the year. Here are 5 accommodations across KwaZulu-Natal that will steal your hearts and not your finances.

Mseni Lodge, Sodwana Bay

Mseni Lodge offers 3-star accommodation in rustic self-catering or B&B cabins tucked away amongst the unspoilt forests of Sodwana Bay. The lodge also has a swimming pool, a restaurant and bar overlooking the ocean, and internet connection – despite its rather remote setting.

We love: Direct access onto the uncrowded beach and a fully licenced dive charter.

Carter’s Lodge, Umhlanga

Carter’s Lodge is a 4-star lodge in Umhlanga where you can sip sundowners and watch the ships sail across the ocean. Only 800m from the beach and right across the road from La Lucia Mall, you can enjoy long strolls on the beach and dinners for 2. The air-conditioned en-suite rooms each have a private entrance onto the garden and/or pool area, so you can come and go as you please.

We love: Little touches like a welcome glass of sherry and a chocolate on your pillow.

Lions River Country Cottages, Natal Midlands

Lions River Country Cottages offers 4-star self-catering accommodation in the Natal Midlands countryside. The 1-bedroom Lavender Cottage is ideal for a couple’s getaway and comes complete with a Jetmaster fireplace, separate dining area, fully equipped kitchen, and a covered veranda with Weber braai.

We love: The wide open spaces and panoramic views! There’s no big city noise to distract you from your partner here.

Seasands Lodge & Conference Centre, St Lucia

Seasands Lodge & Conference Centre is a 4-star lodge in the tropical paradise of St Lucia, a coastal resort town in the iSimangaliso Wetlands World Heritage Site. Only 2 and a half hours from Durban, this non-malaria region offers a spectacular nature break in a wonderland of ecological diversity. Aside from accommodation, the lodge has a restaurant, executive lounge, and wooden deck bar overlooking the wetlands.

We love: The choice of self-catering, B&B, or Dinner B&B bookings.

Dolphin & Whale Africa Villa, Hibiscus Coast

The 4-star Dolphin & Whale Africa Villa is a self-catering, 1-bedroom villa in the seaside town of Trafalgar, with uninterrupted 180° views over the Indian Ocean. Large areas of Trafalgar are naturally wooded and the villa itself is surrounded by lush tropical growth and indigenous trees, so you’ll often spot bushbuck and blue duiker roaming around – when you aren’t eyeing out the whales and dolphins in the waves below.

We love: The villa is situated alongside San Lameer Golf Estate, close to the Blue Flag Trafalgar beach, and only a few minutes from Mpenjati Nature Reserve, Southbroom, and the Wild Coast Sun; so couples can enjoy a private retreat as well as the many attractions and activities that the Hibiscus Coast has to offer.

When it comes to minimoons, more is more! So if you’d like to enjoy more frequent romantic getaways, it’s best to opt for a short, affordable stay somewhere closer to home. We also have some fantastic recommendations for minimoons near Cape Town and Johannesburg!

How many minimoons would you like to take in a year?

Feature image by Mseni Lodge