February in Durban is the month of love and Valentine’s Day is only days away. For some, the day is an opportunity to demonstrate to their loved ones just how much they love them by showering them with chocolate and roses. For others, it’s the chance to tell that ‘someone’ how they feel. Then there are those who dread the arrival of Valentine’s Day! #Durban
The non-believers normally loathe The Day because – frankly – they have no idea what to get their loved one that is not a repeat of the previous year; they have just survived the expensive month of January; and the first day of the ‘Month of Love’ has seen an increase in the petrol price!
No need to worry, there are plenty of inexpensive and creative things that can be done for Valentine’s Day in Durban. Here are some suggestions:
Cooking Classes
According to Health Voyager, taking a cooking class with one’s significant other has great benefits as learning and participating together strengthens and grows the relationship. Fun and affordable cooking classes in Durban include Cooking Cooks, The Fusion Cooking School, Taste Buds Cook Club and Gecko Culinary Adventures.
Casual Evening Dining
Take a trip to a new restaurant in the city of Durban and avoid the usual. After all, it is a special day and nothing is more exciting than trying out new things together. According to a study published by Arthur Aron, a Professor of Psychology at Stony Brook University in 1993, couples who spent time jointly doing new and exciting activities were more satisfied with their relationships.
Life Optimizer.org observes that trying new things can increase success in getting a job, connecting with people, appearing more interesting to people, being inspired and expanding one’s comfort zone. So start googling new restaurants and make bookings now!
Moses Mabhida Stadium Sky Car
No study is needed here. The Skycar at Moses Mabhida Stadium is a must-do on Valentine’s Day. Unlike some cities which have the advantage of being surrounded by mountains, Durban’s Moses Mabhida is the only place in the city that offers an uninterrupted 360-degree view of the city’s landscape. The best time of the day is in the late afternoon, the breath-taking view inspires romance; make sure to grab the last Skycar ride at 16:30.
Durban Ice Rink
Excuse the pun, but there is no better ice-breaker than ice skating with a love-interest. If neither knows how to skate, it can make for a fun experience and is sure to reveal your partners true self. Being able to fall face first on ice, or doing the splits on ice and leaving with wet trousers, these are all things to laugh about later.
Experienced ice skaters will know that there are health benefits to this activity – better balance, improved flexibility, cardio, stress relief, mental fitness etc. It’s the perfect win-win situation; get the exercise while on a date, perfect for fitness lovers.
Walk
Yes, it’s as simple as it sounds; walking has many benefits for the human body such as the strengthening of bones, improvement of mood, blood circulation, balance and co-ordination. Benefits for couples include getting some personal time together, engaging in conversation and exploring new places on foot.
Suggestions include the Umhlanga Trails, Umhlanga Pier, Burman Bush Nature Reserve, Paradise Valley Nature Reserve and Shongweni Dam.
Go For Sundowners
There is nothing that lets your hair down like sundowners after work. It’s a great way to release the day’s frustrations and catch up on your partner’s day. It’s a good excuse to get out of the house, be carefree and explore new alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages together. The moment may even involve reliving a couple’s first date together.
Places to try include S43 on Station Drive, Café Vigour at Suncoast, Taco Zulu on Florida Road, Republik in Durban North and Panorama Cocktail Bar at the Southern Sun Elangeni.
Bicycle riding on the Durban Promenade
Spend an afternoon cycling along the Durban Promenade on either rented bicycles or on your own bikes. This is a place to experience special moments with the ocean on one side Durban’s golden mile on the other. Buzzing with joggers, cyclists, strollers, surfers, canoeists and so much more – this is an environment that exudes health and wellbeing, both key ingredients for romance! Follow the cycling with an ice-cream, milkshake, light dinner or drinks from any establishment ranging from Suncoast in the north to uShaka Marine World on the south.
Picnic Lunch
Wake up early in the morning, before work, pack a picnic basket with fresh fruits such as berries, mangoes, figs, peaches or opt for romance-sparking oysters accompanied with spicy tobacco sauce. If budget is an issue, make heart-shaped sandwiches, use interesting fillings, and just don’t forget the sweet treats like the chocolate dipped strawberries or that old favourite, Ferrero Rocher chocolates.
Head off to the Botanical Gardens, make your way to the beach, consider the SUNdeck at Suncoast or even the rooftop of your apartment, if the landlord allows!
For Valentine’s Day, Suncoast has some amazing offers from Café Vigour, Havana Grill and Jeera Restaurant. You could catch the latest blockbuster movie along with a meal at one of these fine establishments. All in all, there are plenty of romantic things to do in Durban; it just takes some creative thinking. Oh, and don’t forget the Valentine’s Day card, it is Valentine’s Day after all.
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