Planning a romantic getaway or honeymoon can be a stressful experience. It’s that desire to get it all ‘just right’. Especially for perfectionists in the art of romance, finding a hotel room that strikes just the perfect romantic note, the pressure can be immense! In Southern Africa, however, the options for romance are endless. Perhaps it’s because you are not simply booking a room – you are booking an experience in incredible wilderness locations where the scenery itself is utterly romantic. What could be more idyllic than sundowners in the Namib Desert, wine tasting on a working vineyard or enjoying a lover’s breakfast next to a busy waterhole in a game reserve? We’ve put together a list of five of our most romantic hotel rooms that will simply blow you away and create the perfect setting for your romance to blossom.

1. Namibia: Wolwedans Boulders Camp

The number one USP at Wolwedans Boulders Camp is undeniably the location. Situated atop a rock plateau about 45 kilometres south of the main Wolwedans eco camp, Boulder’s Camp sits surrounded by huge, majestic granite boulders that overlook the great NamibRand Nature Reserve in all its glory. It is utterly private, with the capacity for only eight guests creating the most intimate bush experience possible. The camp has an open and airy feel, with the guest rooms mimicking safari tents. These safari-style bungalows are, however, far more opulent than their inspiration. Enjoy breakfast in the main tent and dinner under the stars next to the open fireplace.

Boulders Camp is located in the NamibRand Nature Reserve, a private reserve near Sossusvlei in Namibia. Bordering the Namib Desert, the reserve was established to protect the unique fauna and flora of the region. Today, guests will be able to experience this magically vast expanse while remaining ecologically sound.

Wolwedans Boulders Camp
Utterly private and romantic, Wolwedans Boulders Camp sits perched on granite boulders overlooking the NamibRand Desert

2. Cape Winelands: Majeka House

Majeka House, just 35 minutes from Cape Town in the heart of the Cape Winelands, has a variety of suites to choose from but by far our favourite are the pool suites. There are only two, and they tend to be booked up first. The suites are airy, spacious and designed with the latest contemporary décor trends in mind. The most appealing feature is the private plunge pool shared by only these two rooms. Majeka House is also home to the award winning and fabulous Makaron Restaurant. The chef at Makaron has perfected a delicate fusion between international and African cuisines.

The Stellenbosch and Cape Winelands area is one of the most culturally and culinary enriching regions in the country. Not to mention that the mountain backdrop makes it one of the most beautiful wine regions in the world. Wine estates clad most of the slopes and award winning fine wines abound.

Majeka House
The pool suites at Majeka House are sumptious and share their own private pool plunge pool

3. Kapama Game Reserve: Camp Jabulani

After a long day of safari in South Africa’s famous Kruger region, there is simply nothing better than returning to a lantern-lit camp and gathering around the boma fire to compare bush stories and boast about wildlife sightings. Camp Jabulani offers guests sublime safari serenity. Each of their six luxury suites is nestled on the banks of a semi-dry river bed, along which the animals pass by on a daily basis. Each room has been meticulously designed to provide superior levels of comfort. Envisage a large bath overlooking the river bed and the African bushveld, with a king-size four-poster bed, Victorian-era lounge, and a deck which opens onto a private plunge pool.

The Kapama Game Reserve in the Kruger region has the Big Five and is also known for its elephant-back safaris.

Camp Jabulani
The suites at Camp Jabulani take you back to a bygone era

4. Cape Winelands: Delaire Graff

The suites at the Delaire Graff Lodge & Spa in Stellenbosch are but the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what’s on offer at this luxurious property. The rooms are designed to provide an air of opulence – white linen, the latest designer furniture, spacious placement, kind-size beds and windows from floor-to-ceiling. The hotel has much more on offer for guests to enjoy, though, including the Delaire Graff Restaurant and Wine Estate. If it’s rest and relaxation you’re after, you will find a wide variety of treatments (and incredible views) at the spa or the gallery which showcases a fine contemporary African art collection.

Delaire Graff Lodge main bedroom
The lush suites at Delaire Graff have breathtaking views over the surrounding vineyards and mountains

5. Cape Town: Manna Bay

Manna Bay lies perched at the foot of Table Mountain with spectacular views over Cape Town. This boutique hotel is an exclusive option for lovers of all varieties and is decidedly small – with the capacity for only sixteen guests – and so has a very intimate atmosphere. There is only one luxury suite – The Versailles – and seven beautifully decorated guest suites. Luxury is key at Manna Bay with no expense spared. Each room has an extra-large, king-size bed and is a true feast for the eyes with all the latest design trends – we simply adore the individuality of the wallpaper in each bedroom! Whether you’re looking for a Parisian palace, a beach house or film noir atmosphere, Manna Bay has a room to wow your loved one.

Cape Town city centre is a hub of culture and cuisine. Visitors to Cape Town can explore the city’s renowned art galleries, dine at a wide selection of great restaurants and relax (or pose) on the trendy white sandy beaches in Camps Bay and Clifton.

Manna Bay Versaille suite
The Versailles suite at Manna Bay comes with its own private sitting and dressing room, as well as a private balcony overlooking the city

When it comes to wooing your loved one, the options in Southern Africa are endless, and these romantic hotel rooms are by no means a complete list but simply a starting point for your love-affair with South Africa to blossom. This part of the world is certainly a place for wining, dining and enjoying the more romantic side of life. Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or simply enjoy the culture of a sprawling metropolis, you will find it down south.