Romantic Escapes

Each and every one of the Tailored Ventures we offer appeals to romantics in some way or other. For some, a candlelit dinner for two could be your high point; for others, it may be just spending time together during an exhilarating game drive, a walk on the beach, or sitting side-by-side next to a roaring fireplace. Whatever your request, we will make it happen. With our strong industry relationships and “know-how”, we have the best properties at our fingertips and, with our little surprises along the way, it is guaranteed that you will feel thoroughly spoilt.

Romantic vacation options are endless in Africa! To inspire you, we have put together a list of locations that we absolutely love and recommend for your next romantic getaway. You can spend time at any one or more of these accommodation options. In fact, all five options work well in a combined itinerary.

CAPE TOWN – SOUTH AFRICA

The landscape of the Mother City has everyone mesmerized—and there is no better place from which to enjoy the view than Bantry Bay. Ellerman House is a boutique hotel with exceptional panoramic views. Its 13 rooms focus on elegance and luxury, providing intimacy and tranquility—even though the city is a stone’s throw away. Two privately staffed villas allow guests to experience hotel living with exclusive accommodation. Art is showcased throughout the house and in the stunning contemporary art gallery, which you can enjoy during your stay. The on-site restaurant is exceptional; in the summer you can dine outside on the terrace to the ambient crashing of the waves. A state-of-the-art spa offers an array of treatments. Why not book a couple’s treatment?

THE CAPE WINELANDS – SOUTH AFRICA

Delaire Graff Estate Lodges and Spa is located on Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch. The views over this mountain range are breathtaking. Only 45 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, this property is ideal to include in your itinerary. Yes, the winelands are incredibly popular for their wine tours, but so many activities are on offer as well, such as mountain biking, horse riding and hikes, making this an exciting location for the adventure traveler. The display of art pieces is what this property is so well known for, making this a wonderful inclusion in an itinerary already including Ellerman House in Cape Town. Delaire Graff Estate offers two exceptional dining options: Indochine and Delaire Graff Estate restaurant. Together with its winery and spa facilities, the property is very popular for day guests. This hotel offers an intimate experience in the winelands—one you will not easily forget!

BENGUERRA ARCHIPILEGO – MOZAMBIQUE

Imagine . . . arriving into Vilanculos airport and being whisked away on a 10-minute helicopter ride over turquoise waters—to your secluded beach retreat!

Benguerra Island is part of the Bazaruto Archipelago which lies just off the Mozambican coast. Surrounded by natural beauty, Azura Benguerra Island is a sophisticated beach option offering barefoot luxury, a very popular choice for honeymooners. With only 20 villas, this award-winning lodge is the epitome of privacy, luxury and romance. An array of activities is available here including snorkeling, island hopping, beach picnics, private dinners, deep-sea fishing and so much more. Azura Benguerra Island’s sister property, Azura Quilalea Private Island, is located further north, off the coast of Pemba, Mozambique; it is even more remote! We highly recommend including Azura Retreats in your next romantic getaway.

LIVINGSTONE VICTORIA FALLS – ZAMBIA

Imagine . . . sitting peacefully on the banks of the vast Zambezi River, just far enough away from the mighty Victoria Falls to escape the crowds, as you listen to the laughter of hippos and watch the sun go down.

In addition to superb accommodation, service and dining, Tongabezi offers an array of dining options including private lunches on an island, or on a dhow gently drifting down the river, or a candlelit dinner floating on a Sampan in the Zambezi―while every course is delivered to you by canoe. Other activities in the area will have appeal for the adventure traveler. These include microlight flights, visits to Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool (seasonal), Chobe day trips, train trips, and white river rafting. Easily accessible from Botswana or South Africa, this property makes an excellent tie-in with your Southern African itinerary. The spray of the falls in high season is really something to experience—and one you will want to tick off your bucket list.

OKOVANGO DELTA – BOTSWANA

The Okovango Delta is a natural phenomenon that attracts tourists from all over the world. We are spoilt for choice with an array of camps and lodges to suit all budgets and accommodation styles. I absolutely love the idea of a permanent tented camp. Do not let the word “tent” mislead you into thinking your experience will be inferior; the tents at &Beyond Nxabega Tented Camp are very luxurious, with all the bells and whistles you’d find in any suite in a lodge. Yes, it has running water, electricity, and ensuite bathrooms. The safari experience in the Nxabega region is phenomenal, with land-based game viewing and seasonal boating experiences available too. &Beyond has other lodges in Botswana, which allows you to combine them into a mind-blowing itinerary with an array of activities. The lodges offer an extremely private experience—no wonder honeymooners love to include them in their itineraries!