Festival 'A Taste of Belgium' to be held in Cape Town for the 15th time in November 2026

Romance doesn't necessarily have to be associated with luxury hotels or vineyard stays. Sometimes it lies in sleeping under the starry sky, waking up to the sound of birds, or spending an evening in a hot tub amidst the mountains.

These unique getaway options in the Western Cape allow couples to replace a conventional weekend with something more memorable, offering everything from secluded treehouses to natural hot springs.

Cederberg

The sandstone formations of Cederberg look impressive during the day, but at night, the starry sky captures attention. In the Kaagga Kameel Sanctuary, couples can choose between cave luxuries built into rock formations and open-air lodgings that allow sleeping under the stars. One can spend the day exploring the sanctuary and then return to watch the sun set behind the mountains. For couples who prefer stargazing over visiting a noisy restaurant, this is an unforgettable retreat.

Overberg, near Bonnievale

The Melozhori treehouse is located in a private reserve and is designed for two. It is equipped with a wood-fired hot tub, an outdoor shower, a fireplace, and a private terrace, as well as a pizza oven and barbecue for cooking together. Reserve tours offer opportunities to see wildlife, but there is no need to plan every moment. A slow morning followed by relaxation in the hot tub and dinner by the fire sounds like a perfect weekend.

Botrivier

Southern Yurts offers a different kind of country retreat with unique accommodation situated in a natural setting near Botrivier. The River Cabin features an A-shaped bedroom, a self-catering kitchen, an indoor fireplace, and an outdoor pizza oven. Additionally, there is a private wood-fired hot tub, and the surrounding forest enhances the feeling of seclusion. Guests can bring groceries, prepare a light dinner, and spend the evening relaxing in the hot tub. Sometimes, a quiet cabin and the absence of other plans are enough.

Citrusdal

Near Citrusdal, The Baths resort features naturally heated mineral springs surrounded by a mountain landscape. The spring water reaches approximately 43°C, feeding the resort's hot pools. Between dips, couples can walk along hiking trails, swim in cold pools, or simply enjoy nature. Accommodation ranges from self-catering modules to campsites, making this option suitable for various budgets. It is a simple retreat built around one very good reason to visit: time for shared relaxation.

Tulbagh

Vindoux Guest Farm and Spa, surrounded by orchards and countryside, offers treehouse accommodation for couples seeking something different in the Winelands. One can spend the day exploring Tulbagh's wineries or book a treatment at the on-site spa. Vindoux also offers romantic packages that include experiences such as couple's massages and sessions in a hot tub under the stars. Availability must be checked when booking. This is a country retreat with the added advantage of proximity to valley attractions.

Between Knysna and Sedgelfield

Teniqua Treetops offers elevated lodging made of wood and canvas, placing couples among the trees, with decks overlooking the surrounding forest. Some rooms feature outdoor baths or wood-fired hot tubs. One can spend the day exploring Garden Route or stay back to enjoy breakfast on the deck to the sound of birds. The accommodation is self-catering, so it is recommended to stock up on groceries before arriving and settle into a more relaxed style of vacation.

Whether it's a night under the stars, a secluded treehouse, or a soak in natural hot springs, the Western Cape offers numerous ways to make a couple's weekend special. No complex itinerary or extravagant hotel is required. Sometimes, an unusual place to stay, a small break from routine, and the freedom to enjoy each other's company is all that is needed.

Cape Town's renowned waterfront is preparing to capture a significant share of the global superyacht market as new projects at the V&A Waterfront strengthen the city's position as a luxury gateway to South Africa. Investments aimed at improving high-end hospitality facilities and modernizing marinas signal broader plans: to transform Cape Town from merely a transit point for wealthy international travelers into a launching pad for exploring Africa's scenic coastlines.

This vision was presented by V&A Waterfront CEO Graham Wood at the African Maritime Conference, where industry leaders discussed the region's growing potential as a superyacht destination. Measures supporting this goal include the new EDITION hotel, plans for superyacht facilities on Quay 7, and long-term proposals to convert the adjacent waterfront into a vibrant coastal district.

Cape Town possesses a natural advantage in luxury yacht tourism, as few locations combine an active port, impressive mountain landscapes, developed tourist infrastructure, and easy access to restaurants, hotels, and cultural attractions in one place. At the V&A Waterfront, visitors and yacht owners can step ashore and find themselves among the city's best offerings in entertainment and hospitality, set against the backdrop of Table Mountain.

The planned facilities on Quay 7 and the opening of the EDITION hotel are set to enhance this appeal, fostering a location where marine services and luxury leisure coexist. For the city, this opportunity extends beyond attracting impressive vessels to the harbor; it involves stimulating local spending by visitors, creating business opportunities, and supporting jobs in tourism and maritime sectors.

Research conducted by BOATPro and presented at the conference indicates market growth. In 2025, South Africa hosted 36 visiting superyachts over 24 meters long, compared to 14 such vessels in 2019. These yachts are also significantly larger than the global average: the average length of superyachts visiting South Africa in 2025 was 60 meters, while the global average approached 34 meters.

The V&A Waterfront marina is already among the top five regional marinas for accommodating superyachts, giving Cape Town a solid foundation for further development. The potential financial benefit is substantial: according to estimates presented in the source, a $50 million superyacht can generate between $105,000 and $330,000 in local spending during a two-week stay. These funds can be directed across a wide range of businesses—from marine engineering and yacht provisioning to accommodation, restaurants, transport, and specialized services.

Given that the V&A Waterfront attracts approximately 25 million visitors annually across its 123-hectare area, the existing tourist hub provides a well-established platform for expanding this high-yield market. Cape Town's ambitions extend beyond its own harbor. As the African Superyacht Working Group transitions into Superyacht Africa, the industry is working to create a more coordinated international offering for the region. The goal is to link the South African coast with Indian Ocean destinations, including Mauritius and the Seychelles, thereby opening up more opportunities for international yacht owners to explore the continent.

Instead of trying to replicate established cruise destinations in the Mediterranean or Caribbean, the region can offer something unique: dramatic coastlines, wildlife viewing opportunities, adventure tourism, and luxury hospitality. For Cape Town, the chance to become a gateway to these routes could help attract tourists who stay longer, spend more, and explore areas outside the city.

The Western Cape government and the City of Cape Town have also expressed support for developing the maritime economy. At the conference, Western Cape Premier Alan Windey and Cape Town City Committee member for Economic Growth, Alderman James Vos, emphasized the importance of attracting investment, improving the business climate, and removing regulatory barriers affecting the industry.