Timeless Africa Safaris are fortunate to partner with fantastic companies whose properties are located in some of the most unique destinations in Africa. The Red Carnation Hotel Collection SA is such a company whose South African properties are beautifully designed and exquisitely appointed. As an idea for a fantastic honeymoon itinerary, we thought we’d share with you the three properties within their collection that make for a special, romantic honeymoon.
We begin in Durban, South Africa’s tropical East-coast destination, a short 1 hour flight from Johannesburg. A place where beautiful beaches span many kilometres through urban as well as raw untouched landscapes.
The adventurous couples may even do the bridge swing from the top of the stadium, or alternatively ride up to the top in the cable car and get a unique 360-degree vista of Durban. Rest your head and unwind at the beautiful Oyster Box Hotel; undoubtedly Durban’s top luxury seaside hotel. The “place to be seen” by locals, the Oyster Box is conveniently located in Umhlanga, in the northern part of Durban, where it looks out onto and has direct access to the beautiful beach and warm Indian Ocean. Enjoy long walks along the beach promenade or on the soft sand with your feet in the warm Indian Ocean. The recently refurbished property still retains the charm of its 1947 heritage with grand open spaces and an old world sense of style. Relax at the hotel poolside overlooking the sea or treat yourself to an acclaimed spa treatment and dine at one of the delicious options in the hotel (including on the aforementioned famous Durban curry).
Then continue to the safari segment of your honeymoon. A comfortable road transfer from Durban to Phinda Private Game Reserve in Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal. Located in the greater St Lucia Wetland Park, this &Beyond-owned and managed game reserve is unique in that it contains seven individual ecosystems that shelter a vast array of animals and vegetation. See the Big Five as well as lesser-spotted species such as the elusive cheetah and the scarce black rhino. With its close proximity to the coastal town of Sodwana, lovers of the ocean can also partake in scuba diving, fishing and turtle watching at Phinda. Back to Durban for your flight to the “Mother City”, Cape Town.
In Cape Town, you will be delighted by the unique location of Red Carnation’s The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa. Flanked on the one side by Table Mountain and on the other by a range of mountains known as The Twelve Apostles. Located on a coastal road, just 15 minutes from the famed V&A Waterfront and the city centre, this superb hotel has all the modern amenities one could desire including Cape Town’s most lauded spa complex. Romantic activities are not in short supply in picturesque Cape Town. In fact, you’ll need a generously timed itinerary in order to take advantage of most. Taking the cablecar up to Table Mountain at sunset, romantic strolls along the seafront promenade or blue-flag beaches, cocktails and seafood lunches along Camps Bay’s famed strip, day trips to the Winelands and endless sightseeing will ensure extraordinary quality time together as a couple.
Just a scenic two-and-a-half hour drive northwest of Cape Town, nestled at the foothills of the Cederburg mountains, is a remote getaway unlike any other. Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat is a place of ancient and untamed beauty. This malaria and predator free haven is the perfect place for a couple to relax and rejuvenate. Wide open plains, ancient mystical rock formations, crystal clear waterfalls, and an abundance of flora and fauna are ready to be explored. Those seeking adventure can participate in outdoor activities including guided rock art walks, nature drives, mountain biking, hiking, rock climbing, canoeing, swimming in rock pools, fishing and archery. And those that seek peace and relaxation can take advantage of the unbelievable spa facilities on site, yoga, meditation or spend the day relaxing at one of four swimming pools whilst enjoying a reflexology treatment and gazing out over the beautiful vistas.
From sand and sea, to the bush and into the magical Cederberg region, honeymooners can look back and cherish this relaxing and adventure-filled itinerary for the rest of their lives.