This is the time for romance and Gauteng has a number of delicious haunts where you can celebrate love in style. Whether you’re a sucker for good old schmaltz or you’re a die-hard cynic who refuses to buy into the Hallmark illusion, there are a number of sexy places in and around Gauteng to suit all types (and pockets).

The Great Outdoors – Valley Lodge

Less than an hour away from the heart of Gauteng is the beautiful Valley Lodge. It is synonymous with comfort and romance, and the new La Cigale Spa offers a comprehensive range of treatments designed to restore a sense of balance and wellbeing.

The intimate ambience of the refurbished Saunders Bar, comfort food at the traditional Sunday lunches (ideal for city-dwellers needing a scenic drive and lunch in the country) and soothing sounds of birds in their natural habitat (over 356 species recorded thus far) make for an ideal country escape in this unique setting on the private banks of the Magalies River.

The Die-Hard Romantic – De Hoek

Situated in the Magaliesberg, De Hoek or ‘The Stone House’ as it is also known, is a great place for the true romantic. Set in rolling rose gardens, this reconstructed farmhouse has twenty gorgeous suites to choose from.

The establishment is all about understated elegance with Oregon pine and stone blending with crystal and silver. A big draw card is the food – and five course dinners, crackling fireplaces and plump glasses of the Cape’s finest wines are the order of the day.

The Snazzy Sophisticate – The Westcliff

If you want a big spoil away from the kids, book gran and grandpa as babysitters and head off to The Westcliff for a big spoil. Here, at the ‘Pink Palace’, you can enjoy a decadent dinner at La Belle Terrasse restaurant as well as a champagne breakfast. For an extra treat book a spa treatment for two.

The Foodie-Lover – Forum Homini

Forum Homini in the Cradle of Humankind is a must for the foodie-lover with a sense of the dramatic. This eclectic property is all about art, architecture, environment and, of course, food. Your suite takes an interesting look at ‘cave chic’ with all the luxuries on tap and great views of the bushveld.

The big highlight is dinner with uber-chef Phillipe Wagenfurher at Roots restaurant. Phillipe creates his menus daily and marries the finest fresh cuisine with a wide selection of South Africa’s best wines. He’s also something of a character, so entertainment is free of charge.

The Offbeat Admirer – The Oxwagon Lodge

If you’re an offbeat kind of romantic, then why not book your spot at The Oxwagon Lodge near Hartbeespoort Dam? Here you’ll get to sleep in bona fide reconstructed oxwagons that boast (nogal) a double bed. The spot is known as a living museum and there are also nature trails in the area and a variety of watersports if you feel the need to get sweaty.

Dinner consists of a braai in the lapa (pap and meat supplied for a modest fee) and a romantic picnic under the fever trees is also an option. Whilst it might not be the height of romance, it certainly offers something a little different.

The Cheap Skate Date – Mountain Sanctuary Park

For the seriously unpretentious, Mountain Sanctuary Park is an excellent bet. Situated above the Grootfontein Valley in the Magaliesberg, this 1000 hectare private reserve is a great place for nature-lovers on a budget.

There are great hikes, rock pools, mountain bike trails, a lapa and swimming pool. All accommodation is self-catering and you definitely need to bring you own hairdryer.

Wacky Weekender – Gastehuys Jan Harmsgat

Head out of town to the mining town of Cullinan and book your overnight stay at Gastehuys Jan Harmsgat in Hospital Street just next to the Zau Spa. In true Jan Harmsgat style the place looks like somebody’s rather good acid trip with junkyard art all over the walls, concrete deities in the gardens and a sense of the eccentric dished up free of charge.

The brainchild of Jan Harms Vorster (he who created Jan Harmsgat se Agterplaas down the main drag), there are three rooms to choose from including the Fansy suite, the Lekka room and the Grand room. There’s also a garden cottage as an option.