10 top romantic gift ideas in Cape Town

Sweep your soul mate off their feet

Valentine's Day doesn't have to mean heart shaped boxes of chocolates and teddy bears. We've rounded up our pick of things to do and buy to make your Valentine's Day less cheesy and more cool.

1 – Make something
Nothing says 'I love you' like your time. Write a romantic poem to remind your partner how special they are, bake them a divine chocolate cake or add a wild berry twist to their bubbly with premium tipple Chambord Liqor Royale de France.

2 – KWV House of Brandy
Warm things up a little by treating your man to a guided tour of the largest brandy distilling cellar in the world. Explore the smells, tastes and textures of brandy and awaken the senses on this fascinating tour of 120 giant copper stills. You'll get to sample award winning brandy at the end of your tour.
Breede River Valley | +27 (0)23 342 0255

3 – A massage by candle light
For a sensual night in visit Cape Quarter's Wild Olive for a range of scented candles whose wax can be rubbed into the skin – perfect for a relaxing, candlelit massage. Soaps, shampoos and candles are available in vanilla and patchouli, lemon grass and grapefruit, florae or lavender.
Shop 10a | Ground Floor | Cape Quarter | De Waterkant

4 – Men deserve to be pampered, too
Mr. Cobbs is a step back in time to ornate barber's chairs and Victorian trimmings. Your blokes clean shaven, Valentine's dinner-ready look will include calamine and coconut face wash, sandalwood shaving soap, shave herbal cream applied by an expert barber at affordable prices.
Shop no. 279 | Upper Level | Victoria Wharf | V&A Waterfront | +27 (0)21 418 2427

5 - Diamonds are a girl's best friend
If the woman in your life likes a little sparkle then take note: Shimansky is one of the few South African jewellers to source, cut and polish their diamonds in-house and offer both tailor-made and patented designs. Read more about Shimansky's patented diamond cuts.
Top Floor | Clock Tower | V&A Waterfront |+27 (0)72 353 8977

6 – Learn a new sport together
Stand-up paddle surfing offers you and your guy the same challenge and workout as surfing but by moving over the waves in a standing position whilst using a paddle. Surfstore Africa offer two-hour surfing lessons and boards whilst paddles and wetsuits are available for rental. Read more about stand-up paddle surfing.
Nautilus Shopping Centre | Capricorn Beach |Sanderling Road | Muizenberg | +27 (0)21 788 5055

7 - Horseriding on Noordhoek Beach
Plan a dreamy escape from the city horse riding through the ocean spray at picturesque Noordhoek Beach. Three rides leave daily from Imhoff Equestrian centre between 09:00 and 20:00 and you can make a romantic day of it with dinner at the farms a la carte restaurant, craft shops, a visit to the snake park or a camel ride made for two.
Imhoff Farm | M65 | Close to Kommetjie |+27 (0)82 774 1191

8 – Dress to impress
Creative or arty boyfriends will love Hello Again's t-shirts, V-knecks, sweatshirts, cardigans and hoodies adorned with funky prints. Celebrate his hard work at the gym by rewarding him with a figure hugging t-shirt by local brand Fittees. Find his style at Hello Again.
219 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 426 0242

9 – A spontaneous getaway
Where the Indian Ocean thunders onto the rocky coast the Garden Routes luxurious Pexula Resort Hotel offers 78 suites, massages, private dinners for two by the log fire and an in-room refreshment
centre as well as golf, cricket, swimming, hiking, horse riding and champagne picnics.
Laggonview Drive | Eastern Head | Knysna |+27 (0)44 302 3410

10 – Cruising Chapman's Peak in a sporty little number
Slip into the two-seater paddle shift transmission of a rented Ferarri F430 Spider with your sexy soul mate and traverse Chapman's peak with the grace of a bird in a flash of sleek, red status. Read more about renting the Ferarri F430 from Status Luxury Vehicles.
Cape Town | +27 (0)21 510 0108

By Lisa Nevitt

For more romantic ideas be sure to read our Top romantic restaurants in Cape Town and our 10 top romantic things to do in Cape Town.

Keep up to date with our newsletter or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.