Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. It’s a day to celebrate love, affirm feelings for friends and partners and if you wish, a day to spoil one another with special gifts.
Traditionally these gifts include things that make us feel warm and fuzzy like a bunch of bright red roses, a box of different flavoured chocolates or a cute teddy bear to remind that special someone of you when you are not there.
For those in need of a little inspiration around gifts that symbolise your affection, here are a few last-minute ideas for Valentine’s Day presents.
Foodie dates
We’ve all heard the saying that the way to the heart is through the stomach. However, there is more to dining out with loved ones than just enjoying a meal. A special dinner date is also an opportunity to devote a few hours to enjoy eye-contact with and get to know one another better without distractions. In the age of cell phones and social media, it is even more important to book out quality time to just talk face to face. And meal times also allow you to get to know each others’ likes, dislikes and loves around their least favourite or favourite foods and the stories behind them.
For a special date idea consider a novel culinary experience such as Dubai-style long brunches which have hit SA’s shores. Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront hosts a three-hour long brunch buffet and platter-style seasonal food and drink experience on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Head Chef Norman Heath comments that “Brunch should be all about enjoyment, good food and fun. Think bottomless drinks, an incredible menu, stunning views and captivating live music.” The hotel is also hosting romantic Valentine’s Day picnics or a six-course sit-down menu option on the day of live. Bookings are essential..
Something Novel
For the adventurous, a great idea for a last minute gift could be to enjoy something completely new together. Whether it be abseiling, river rafting or a morning hike a great aspect of trying something new together is getting to see how you and your date navigate new and unfamiliar experiences with one another. Great places to have these experiences include Acrobranch Melrose in Gauteng, or the majestically beautiful but sky-high Hartbeespoort Cableway experience that goes right up to the top of the Magaliesberg Mountains.
Something sensory
Many of us may associate spa days with being a romantic activity, reserved only for when you’re in a relationship. And while a couple’s massage is a great way to bond with your partner, spa treatments can be enjoyed by just about anyone.
Stefan Lourens, General Manager of Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre explains, “We offer a wide range of spa treatments at our hotel, which allows us to cater to the individual and joint preferences of our guests. Whether you’re looking to shower your partner or yourself with love this Valentine’s Day, a spa treatment is the way to go.” Have a little more time and money to spend? Consider booking a romantic overnight at the hotel for two. For just R3 300, you will receive a welcome drink upon arrival, a romantic turndown, a spa treatment and bed and breakfast for two.
Some time away from the hustle and bustle
A romantic escape away from the city is a wonderful way to celebrate love. If you can’t get away for Valentine’s Day itself, consider purchasing a voucher from a hotel such as Kruger Gate Hotel for the perfect romantic escape.
A hotel such as this one offers you and your partner or loved one a range of elegant accommodations, from deluxe to luxury rooms, comprising affordable family self-catering chalets suites to upmarket suites. To make it just a tad more romantic, opt for in-room private dining to feel extra spoiled.
If booking a vacation is not within your budget, not to worry there are a host of other spoils that you can enjoy as a couple. This includes a game drive for those popping into the area for the day. After your safari adventure, you could always pop into Kruger Gate Hotel for lunch at its stylish Pool Bar and Viewing Deck, which boasts uninterrupted views into the Kruger National Park and provides a peaceful respite after your safari travels.
If you are in the park for Valentine’s, you can opt for an African dining experience under a starry African sky. This private dining experience costs R650 per person.
Something simple and budget friendly
If a bigger gift or a night out isn’t within your budget, don’t worry an at-home spa treatment is a simple yet equally special gift to give to someone. And contrary to popular belief, it is surprisingly easy to create a spa-like atmosphere at home. Find a designated area in your home that you would like to use as the relaxation space. Bathrooms are popular, but you can also transform the corner of a bedroom or living room with a few simple additions. Prepare the space by making use of calming scents, sounds, sights and delights. Herbal teas and fruit-infused water are calming and refreshing. For a quick treatment, Lerato Tlhame, Spa Manager at Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre, Johannesburg, O.R. Tambo suggests wetting two hand towels, infusing them with a few drops of essential oils, and warming them in the microwave for 30 seconds. Place one on your neck and one over your eyes will provide instant relaxation.
Other budget-friendly gift ideas could include self-written poetry, old-school romantic playlists shared through a platform such as Spotify or even a homemade cupcake made with love.
However, you’re choosing to celebrate this Valentine’s Day make sure it’s an opportunity for connection, learning and shared experience with someone special.
