Plan a surprise romantic weekend getaway [How, when, where + tips]

What says L-O-V-E better than a mini holiday with someone special? If you’re asking us, this is the ultimate way to profess your adoration for a partner. Taking your partner on a romantic weekend getaway solidifies that you know what your partner likes (and dislikes), confirms you want to experience new things with them, and shows them you want to spend time together.

Why we love a romantic weekend getaway

Imagine lounging together on a picturesque beach. Picture hiking up a beautiful mountain and picnicking along a fresh stream of water. Even waking up in a great hotel with a whole day ahead to eat, drink and relax is the perfect canvas to reconnect with the person you fell in love with.

It’s all about romance, igniting the excitement in your relationship and getting time away to be together (really together) again. 

Add a surprise on top of that and your trip is sure to be thrilling, entertaining and unforgettable. The ideal opportunity to get away from the ordinary and recharge your batteries.

So let’s walk you through the how, when and where of planning a romantic weekend getaway. 

How to plan your trip (without feeling overwhelmed)

Step 1: Choose your when

Selecting a date is your first must.

You can do this by checking your partner’s schedule. 

If you don’t want to let even the smallest detail slip about the romantic weekend getaway you’re planning, you could sneakily get intel from your partner about any upcoming plans, or ask their friends and colleagues. Depending on their job or the company they work for, you could always go straight to their boss to request time off for them.

If you don’t mind sharing JUST the dates with your partner then simply ask them directly about their schedule around the time you are planning the trip.

• Remember to consider seasonal activities and weather when choosing your dates. 

Step 2: Choose your where

We don’t doubt that you know your partner quite well. You’ll know what types of vacations they’ll enjoy. Start there when choosing where to go for a romantic weekend getaway. 

Here are some suggestions: 

Sandy KZN coastlines for the beach lovers and loungers 

If you and your partner love the idea of walking along dreamy beaches, swimming in the salty ocean and getting some sun, then KwaZulu-Natal is the place for you two sweethearts. 

Read our detailed blog post about KZN’s best beaches to find your ideal vacation spot! Book your stay at our Waterberg self-catering unit in Amanzimtoti for easy access to all the beaches along the Durban coastline, including one right at your doorstep. 

St. Lucia's wildlife and natural beauty for couples who like the wild side

Located in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa, St. Lucia is a beautiful and tranquil holiday destination with great weather and a number of activities to choose from.

Find out all about which animals you can spot in St Lucia, and what activities you can adventure on as a couple. Stay at the Bridge, our three-bedroom unit right in the heart of St. Lucia.

The sun-washed slopes and views of Mossel Bay for the outdoor adventurers

Who says romance has to be experienced indoors? An outdoorsy holiday can be romantic, too! Mossel Bay is the hot holiday spot for hikers, and thrill seekers. 

Find the best hiking spots in Mossel Bay. Or read our very helpful guide to road-tripping the Garden Route.  Book your romantic getaway at either our Vista Bonita unit or Elgin House unit for your Mossel Bay getaway. 

Step 3: Choose how to do the reveal

After you’ve planned out the trip details for your romantic weekend getaway, you can think about just how you'll let your partner in on the secret. 

Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to gift your someone special an experience – the experience being a whole weekend doing your favourite (or new) things together. But opening up a gift is fun, too. 

So, here are our ideas of how to make opening the gift an experience of its own! 

1. Dress as though you are on vacation already. For example, if you’re planning a beachy getaway, throw on a costume, a sun hat and flip-flops before that loved one gets home. 

2. Leave little clues throughout the house that lead to the end prize – a packed bag, a flight ticket, an itinerary, anything really!

3. Hand your partner a marked-up trip guide of the areas or activities you'll be seeing or doing on your romantic weekend getaway.

4. Invest in a camera and gift your partner this before your trip. Let them know that they can use it to capture memories while on the surprise trip! 

5. Gift them a new bag, backpack or luggage set.

When you’re going to reveal the surprise trip is another question. Do you want to be a bit risky and only reveal it on the day of the trip? Or let them know in advance so that you both can plan and prepare accordingly. You know your partner best and will know which option is best. 

Tips on how to keep it hush-hush

Keeping your trip a surprise is the most important aspect of planning a surprise! 

People make mistakes by not deleting their search history or keeping all of their internet tabs open. What is the best method to avoid this? Plan everything in Chrome's incognito window.

Also, be cautious about your secret coming out if you share a bank account or credit card with that person, and they often review the accounts.

What you might have forgotten

It might be rather daunting to organise a surprise trip all by yourself. You may be concerned that you may miss anything because you will most likely be organising your vacation on your own. Here are a few travel suggestions to keep in mind when planning your vacation.

• Flights
• Airport parking
• Transportation
• Comfortable travel items
• Sightseeing and activities

And with all of this, we believe you can plan the best damn surprise romantic weekend getaway that’s sure to blow your partner away.