Armed with this nifty guide, there are finally no more excuses for a soggy Valentine’s. Whip out your notebooks, open your browsers, and get cracking on the most epic Valentine’s of your life!
1. Flights of Fancy For A Romantic Picnic
Why not spoil your Valentine with a sumptuous, romantic picnic!? The Beach – Botanic gardens, A picturesque park – you name it, Durban has it all. You can prepare it yourself or contact www.dialapicnic.co.za for a basket, or even a full setup, they also offer scenic flips to get you started for your romantic experience! Call Caryn Pearson on 082 790 6611 for arrangements.
Gift Experience South Africa Also sells packages that will take you and your Valentine up to the Inanda Cliff for a picnic overlooking the dam – now if that’s not just spectacularly romantic I don’t know what is! You can buy online at www.giftexperience.co.za.
JNC Helicopters at Virginia airport offer a similar package to Inanda for just R3950 for up to 3 passengers. Add the picnic basket option For only R380. Hangar 1 Virginia Airfield,
031 563 9513 email: flightops@choppers.co.za
Great picnic spots in Durban & Surrounds:
Eastmoor Crescent Beach – La Lucia
Beach at The Promenade – Glenashley
Durban Botanic Gardens
Jamieson Park
Inanda Cliff – Helicopter Flight
Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, Yellowwood Park. Tel: 031-469-2807
Paradise Valley Nature Reserve, Pinetown. Tel: 031-7023-443
New Germany Nature Reserve. Tel: 031-262-8239
Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, Kloof Gorge. Tel: 031-764-3515
Nkutu Nature Reserve, Valley Drive, Kloof Gorge. Tel: 031-764-3515
Shongweni Nature Reserve, Shongweni. Tel: 031-769-1283
Tala Game Reserve, Eston. Tel: 031-7811-045
Pietermaritzburg Botanical Garden. Tel: 033-344-2207
Music Revival Concerts in gardens, Pietermaritzburg. Tel: 033-342-3051
Midmar Dam, near Howick. Tel: 033-330-2067
Queen Elizabeth National Park, Pietermaritzburg. Tel: 033-845-1999
Karkloof Falls Nature Reserve, just beyond Howick. Tel: 033-330-2752
Albert Falls Dam Reserve, Umgeni Valley. Tel: 033-569-1202
2. Send Roses! (And gifts, of course!)
Whether you’re in the Valentine’s mood or not, sending flowers and gifts is always a special treat! Treat your Valentine by sending him/her a big, beautiful bunch of flowers and perhaps a gift or two! The statement is especially bold if it’s sent to your Valentine’s workplace – who doesn’t love to show off a bit?!
Where to shop?
Woolworths offers a massive range of pre-arranged flowers, and you can include your gift of choice too! Delivery is swift, although a little less romantic than the competition… Shop Online at Woolies Online.
In Motion Flowers has a wonderful array of flowers and gifts, and they are Durban based too! In Motion Flowers also offer indulgent Champagnes and premium chocolates – Shop online and have it delivered to your Valentine! inmotionflowers.co.za
Teleflorist offers a large range of specialty arrangements, to suit any budget – Shop online here
Netflorist and Netjewel have become a huge success – and you can see why when you browse the selections available! Shop online at www.netflorist.co.za and www.netjewel.co.za
3. Let a girl shop ‘till she drops!
Yep! You simply cannot fail with a shopping voucher! Send it along with flowers as a gift, or surprise her at dinner!
Spree.co.za, Zando.co.za, Woolies & almost every other shop sells gift cards, which are loaded with the amount of credit you choose – so go on then son!
Shop for her yourself, if you dare – try Superbalist.com for a truly unique gift.
4. Jewellery – always a winner!
The Jewellery Design Company offers an online store, and delivers some impressively well priced diamond and tanzanite goodies – Be prepared to spend between R1,000.00 and R25.000.00 – it’s an all-round good deal site, with a great selection
If Diamonds and Tanzanite are a bit rich for your budget, or your Valentine isn’t that type of person, why not head on over to www.hellopretty.co.za where you’ll find a mind-blowing selection of handmade jewellery and sentimental, meaningful pieces.
www.deedesigns.co.za is a local jeweller, who specializes in tribute hearts – and you just cant find more meaningful than designing your very own!
5. Take a Romantic Break
Spoil your special someone with a romantic getaway for two, many hotels and lodges offer specials over this period.
Granny Mouse Country house is offering a luxurious and indulgent package for the whole month of February; the Valentines package offers a two night stay for a couple and includes a glass of Champagne of arrival, a bed and breakfast stay, with the option of breakfast in bed if you wish, a 5 course fine dining dinner, paired with spectacular wines, a couples full body Swedish Massage, a romantic rose petal turndown, and a delectable box of Belgian chocolates for you to enjoy! Room options range from Gardens rooms to the Deluxe suites, starting from R1 300 per person per night for a Garden room, this special is valid for the entire month of February, however booking is essential and subject to availability. Don’t. Contact Granny Mouse on 033 234 4071 or email reservations@grannymouse.co.za
Why not call around and see what you can find?!
6. Romantic dinner for two anyone?
KZN has no shortage of gorgeous dining venues, from beachfront bliss to country luxury – there’s so much on offer you’re bound to win this one!
Restaurants are running Valentines specials all over town, like the Cargo Hold – With it’s majestic tanks filled with sharks, they’re having a special with a standard, set plated dinner for just R395 per person. Alternatively you can opt to splash out on a “cupid’s admiral” platter for two which comes with crayfish, prawns, mussels, calamari, line fish and langoustines and is served with basmati rice, chips, lemon butter sauce, peri-peri and our captain’s sauce for R795.00
Dress code is smart casual with a fun red and white twist. There are two sittings – one at 5:30pm and one at 8.15pm pm on Friday, February 13th, Saturday, February 14th and Sunday, February 15th. Included in each of the evening’s festivities will be a live band performing from 5:30pm to 10pm. Booking is essential – so be sure to phone the Cargo Hold restaurant on 031 328 8065
The Hilton is offering a Valentines Dinner Buffet at The Rainbow Terrace Restaurant, which includes a welcome drink and treat for every couple at R455 per person. Dinner starts at 18:30 and the doors close at 22:30 – dress smart6 for the occasion. Call 031 336 8232 to book your table.
You can also look into booking a table at Durban’s famous floating restaurant; La Vue (www.lavue.co.za) or Roma Revolving (031 337 6707)
Try: The Oysterbox Hotel; The Beverly Hills Hotel; Fairmont Zimbali & Endless Horizons too!
7. Lingerie – a must have!
Some sexy lingerie is just the thing to brighten the day, there are the Satin Candy stores situated at 72 Old Main Road, Kloof or 41 Adelaide Tambo Drive, Durban North, for the discerning undergarment shopper. These stores provides you with the opportunity of shopping in a tranquil, private garden setting with discreet individual service that offers various beautiful undergarments from bras up to cup size M as well as complimentary personal bra fitting. Satin Candy also supports “Bra’s for a Cause”- if you hand in your old bras, in turn, they will find them a good home! Also, they have an in-house seamstress who is able to customize and alter bras to ensure a great and unique fit
If you’re more into high street type fashion, you can always stop in at La Senza in Gateway or The Pavillion Shopping Centre
Troll the interwebs a bit and find a discreet online store too! Try www.lollipoplingerie.co.za and www.matildas.co.za for some really special themed lingerie!
8. Old Mutual Music At The Lake VALENTINES DAY CONCERT featuring KAHN [The Parlotones] and DURBAN CITY ORCHESTRA
Sat Feb 14 2015
Spoil your partner this Valentines Day! Join us at the first concert in the Old Mutual Music At The Lake 2015 series for some romance under the stars …
Main act: Kahn [from The Parlotones] & Durban City Orchestra
Support act: Majozi
Tickets Adults: pre-sold R130.00 / on-the-day R150.00
Tickets Kids: ages 8 – 12 R60.00 / under 8 free
All children are welcome at the KidZone for some extra fun and games.
Tickets available at: Webtickets or from the Information Office of the Durban Botanic Gardens
Gates open: 16h30 for pre-sold ticket holders / 17h00 for on-the-day ticket sales
Show starts: 19h00
Drinks, cooler boxes and picnic baskets are welcome. A variety of food and soft refreshments will be available for purchase.
9. Sky Adventures: hot air ballooning, gyrocopter flights, skydiving and paragliding
For the romantics, a hot air balloon flight is an absolute must. Gently float up into the sky, and gaze down at spectacular views, as you whisper sweet nothings to each other and drift among the clouds. Upon landing, you will also be treated to a champagne breakfast.
Depart from: Kamberg Valley
Duration: 60 min
For the adrenaline junkies, what better way to get your hearts fluttering, than by jumping out of a plane together? An unforgettable experience- you will jump with a qualified instructor, and enjoy the thrill of soaring through the sky.
For something a bit more unusual opt for a gyrocopter flight, or try paragliding off the grassy slopes of Bulwer Mountain.
Paragliding: price varies according to package.
Sky adventures also offer tailor made proposal and wedding packages on request.
Tel: 073-334-7911
Email: robyn@skyadventures.co.za
www.skyadventures.co.za
10. Moses Mabhida Stadium- the Big Swing
If you and your partner are feeling brave and are looking for an experience of a lifetime, this is just the thing for you! ‘The Big rush, big swing’ allows you to jump over the world cup football pitch, 106 meters above the ground, and swing out at 120 kph, in a massive 220 meter arc. Explore the Durban landmark from a totally different angle!
Tel: 031-312-9435
Website: bookings@bigrush.co.za
11. Sunset Cruise
Enjoy a 2 hour Valentine’s cruise around Durban aboard the Madevu SA
Time: 5:30pm for 6-8pm
Departure: Wilsons Wharf
Boat: Madevu SA
Menu: Cheese & Wine: Various cheeses, biscuits, pickles and a bottle of Porcupine Ridge or JC Le Roux
Dessert: Seasonal Fruit Platter with Strawberries & Cream
Price: R1000.00 Per Couple
Email: info @boathirebythesea.co.za
Phone: 072 336 0450
www.boathirebythesea.co.za
12. I Heart Market – Find that special gift!
Find a special gift for a little bit of money (not a lot)… So you’ll save your poor wallet or purs the pain of yet another gifting season!
Date: 7 February
Location: Moses Mabhida stadium
www.iheartmarket.blogspot.com
13. Book a Limo, Luxury Car or Uber Cab
Book a Limo and take a drive – to dinner – a party – anywhere!
Book a Luxury Car and enjoy the drive!
Book an Uber Cab and enjoy your evening, knowing you don’t have to drive yourself home!
Many limo hire companies offer scenic drives through Durban and surrounds too…
Try: Uber app – available in Google Playstore and Apple App Store
www.sunkablimousines.co.za
www.limopartie.co.za
www.avisluxurycollection.co.za
www.mtedgelimoservices.co.za
14. Pampered and relaxed spa day!
Book a wonderful day of special luxury and pampering, for just her, or both of you as a couple…
Impilo Spa at Hotel Izulu is offering a romantic couples treatment.
Enjoy a 1 hour Full body Swedish Massage each followed by a glass of bubbly and a 30 minute Spa bath at just R1000.00 per couple. Gift Vouchers are available from the Impilo Spa making the perfect Valentines Gift. For reservations please contact us on +27 (0) 32 9463444 or on impilospa@hotelizulu.com
15. The Oyster Box – Pulling out all the stops
No Valentine? No Problem!
VALENTINE’S SINGLES DINNER
If you’re ‘flying solo’ this Valentine’s Day but still want to enjoy the occasion and have some fun, why not round up a few friends (involved or unattached) and join the Oyster Box’s Valentine’s Dinner for singles. It’s a great chance to still get into the Valentine’s mood and meet new people. The magnificent Pearl Room is the venue for the three-course plated dinner that includes live entertainment and an MC for the evening.
Date: Friday 13 February
Time: 19h00 – 23h00
Venue: The Pearl Room
Price: R 590 per person
To make a booking contact restaurant reservations on +27 (0) 31 514 5018 or email us at restaurants@oysterbox.co.za
Treat your Valentine to this!
VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER
Always popular, Valentine’s Day at The Oyster Box is one of the hottest dates in town. Both The Grill Room and The Ocean Terrace Restaurants will be pulling out all the stops, with a selection of casual and fine-dining menus and live entertainment.
Date: Saturday 14 February
Time: 19h00 – 22h00
Venue: The Grill Room
Price: R 950 per person (6-course menu)
Venue: The Ocean Terrace
Price: R 750 per person (Buffet menu)
To make a booking contact restaurant reservations on +27 (0) 31 514 5018 or email us at restaurants@oysterbox.co.za
16. My Bloody Valentine – Zombie Run
They thought they had contained it…but the outbreak is back, and Durban is about to fall.
For the second time, the Zombie Outbreak Response Team will lead you in the country’s favourite fun-filled charity event. Zombie Run Durban is back and we hope you are ready for your very own My Bloody Valentine Zombie Run!
The race takes place at twilight on Valentines day. You can make it as romantic or gory as you please. There will be an amazing Zombie Con market and makeup artists so bring the whole family. Giba Gorge is a fantastic venue with place for the kids to play and Giba Cafe if brains don’t satisfy you
Buy tickets Here: www.quicket.co.za
17. Passenger Live in Durban – Valentines Eve
Passenger is an English folk singer-songwriter. His most successful single, “Let Her Go”, has topped the charts in many countries, including South Africa. The platinum album-selling artist was nominated for the Brit Award for British Single of the Year in 2014. Known for his mesmerizing live performances, catch him live for the first time ever in SA for three shows, brought to you by Seed Experiences.
Durban on Friday 13 February 2015 at Durban Botanic Gardens. Tickets on www.webtickets.com
18. The East Coast Radio, Kings and Queens of Comedy – Valentines eve
The Kings & Queens of Comedy is South Africa’s leading comedy brand and is set to take Durban by storm. For the second time on the Durban International Convention Centre stage, the royal court proudly presents The Kings and Queens of Comedy in association with East Coast Radio, on the eve of Valentine’s Day, 13th February 2015. Darren Maule will be the host as twelve of South Africa’s best comedians come together on stage for one night only
If a good laugh is what you are looking for, Durban ICC is the ultimate place to be! Make your Valentines weekend roll out on an hilarious high.
The Kings and Queens have readied their comical armour and sharpened their witty swords. The Royal Council of Laughter has declared all of Durban a comedy monarch, with some of South Africa’s brightest and funniest comedians set to take laughter and hilarity to the next level.
It’s all or nothing with every Big Comedy name on one bill from all across the Nation. With this side-splitting comedy line-up of local royals comprising of: Carvin Goldstone ,Chester Missing, Chris Forrest, Darren Maule, Dusty Rich, Donovan Goliath, Jailoshni Naidoo, Mark banks, Muthu Murugan, Nik Rabinowitz, Nina Hastie, Simmi Areff, Tracey Lee Oliver & Trevor Gumbi.
13 big names, 1 big night!
Come and celebrate this Valentines weekend with the Kings and Queens of comedy proudly hosted at Durban ICC, Friday 13th February 2015. The not-to-be-missed Kings and Queens of comedy, in association with East Coast Radio.
Bookings: Computicket
19. My Funny Valentine – Valentine’s eve and day!
Celebrate the month of love with a tenderly funny comedy show with a musical twist. Explore the humorous side of love through discussions on modern day dating as compared to the olden days and attempt to find the answer to the mystical question of what women want.
SA comedy giant Marc Lottering will be the highlight of the My Funny Valentine comedy show. The ever popular Lottering known for this blockbuster hit stage shows “Grootbek”, “From the Cape Flats with Love” and more recently “This is captain Lottering speaking” has also made numerous tv appearances over a career that has stretched over 2 decades and has appeared internationally with the biggest names in comedy.
Bookings: Computicket
Venue : Izulu Theatre – Sibaya Casino
20. KZN Philharmonic Orchestra Valentine’s Day Concert
The KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra welcomes romantics of all ages to the Durban City Hall for a Valentine’s Day Concert. Beautiful music from three centuries will warm hearts and spirits during this special event. The concert, conducted by Daniel Boico, will feature works by Tchaikovsky and Puccini. The orchestra and Boico are joined by the international violin superstar Suzanne Hou, who will perform The Butterfly Lovers’ Concerto by Chinese composers Chen Gang and He Zhanhao. The work, also titled “The Chinese Romeo and Juliet”, combines Western Classical style with traditional Chinese folk music to tell the beautiful and tragic ancient Chinese tale of two hearts in love that were never able to be together.
The second half of this concert features acclaimed artists Andrew Young (Saxophone), Loyiso Bala (voice), Amy Walton (jazz vocals), Linda Bukhosini (soprano), performing Romantic repertoire from across the centuries.
Bookings: Computicket
Venue: Durban City Hall
21. Butterflies are forever – Papillion Belle
The average butterfly only lives between a single day and 4 weeks, so Papillon Belle aim to immortalize these beautiful creatures in pendants and rings that can be handed down from generation to generation.
The result is a unique range of jewellery made from exotic butterfly wings set in sterling silver. You can choose to set the wing as a pendant in glass or acrylic Perspex or in a vintage inspired ring or charm covered by a glass dome. Some of the wings are magically iridescent and constantly change colour as they interact with light. In the pendants, both the front and back of the wing are visible and these are usually completely different.
All pieces are hand made in South Africa.
Shop Now: papillonbelle.com
22. Give him the most unique Valentines gift ever! – Woodwatches
http://www.woodwatches.com/
More than telling time…
Our style is guided by a deep appreciation for natural elements and modern design. Wood is not just a component of our watches, it is the main feature. The intricacy and multiplicity of the woods we utilize in our designs insure that each watch is as distinctive as the owner.
23. Deliver Unique Gifts!
www.giftlady.co.za
With specially selected Valentines gifts for him and her – a build a hamper option and a special same day delivery option you certainly can’t go wrong with this superb online service! You can even book diving, spa or boat cruise packages though The Gift Lady!
24. Matching Valentines T-shirts – Make that statement!
Juicebubble.co.za offers an interesting range of his and hers matching valentines tee’s.
It’s a must have for any couple with a sense of humour. They deliver for free for any orders over R300.00 – so go on then! Get that funky shirt!
Buy here
25. Get personal with a mug or plate or just about anything!
www.onlinegiftshop.co.za
Offers a huuuuuge range of products that you can personalize, and they will ship it right to your door!
26. Sumptuous Sleepwear – Anna-Louise Sleepwear
After finishing at Elizabeth Galloway Fashion Academy in Stellenbosch my dream was to become a designer, so I gained experience in retail, media and styling before focusing on my designer dream. While gaining experience with big retail companies and media houses, I saw how people’s lives were becoming faster, more demanding and leaving less time for luxury and relaxing. Anna-Louise was born for my love for sleepwear and the frustration over the lack of sophisticated product available in the market. Anna-Louise Sleepwear creates a calm in the evenings, a balance in the chaos of life that helps leave the stresses of your day behind. My vision was to create sleepwear without teddy bears, cartoon characters or corny sayings that anyone would be proud to wear all day, everyday.
Anna-Louise is a luxury sleepwear collection providing stylish and comfortable designs for both men and women. It’s a farewell to the big baggy old t-shirt and a welcome to stylish and beautiful sleepwear.
My Sleepwear collection is perfect for situations like breakfast with house guests, pre-wedding prep and for new mums in hospital.
Shop here and get it delivered to your door!
27. Instagram pics & your photos turned into art
With square prints, magnets, posters, canvass prints, phone covers, tablet cases, magnet calendars and reusable stickers you can really turn your memories into a part of your home!
Most companies offer courier to your door, and have impeccable service…
Order here from Sticky9
Order here from Printstagram
28. Need a night in? MyChef will help you with a romantic dinner!
MyChef.co.za has a sumptuous menu for you to choose from for delivery on the 13th Of Feb…
All you have to do is put it together and you can call it your very own cooking!
With meals called “I give you my heart”; “Love me Tender” and “Stick with Me” who can resist?
29. Get Crafty! You can make your own personalized mugs and plates…
Nothing says “I love you” more than something handmade – so stop by a craft shop and get yourself a “Marabu” porcelain painter pen or two, grab a plain white cup, mug or plate and write a love letter to your valentine on it! Easy Peasy and it is a permanent reminder of your love!
30. Donate to a charity in your Valentine’s name MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
If you’re all out of things to do for your picky valentine, you can make a donation to a charity that you know your valentine supports in their name, the charity will usually give the honouree a certificate thanking them for the donation in their honour, but it will exclude the amount – so you can look like a bigger spender, while doing some good in the world!
Visit GivenGain.com to make a donation in honour of a loved one to Cansa, you can also browse the site for other charities you’d like to support.
The post 30 Things To Do for Valentine’s Day in KZN appeared first on 5 Star Durban.