Twinkling Lantern

Seven Thrilling Anniversary Ideas For When You Are In South Africa

If you've ever wondered what to do for your anniversary, this one is for you! Seven top anniversary ideas - aimed at the South African Market, but ideas that could be also applied internationally.

For all those extremely busy or forgetful married men and women out there, this is one is for you. If you're anything like my husband and myself, you leave your anniversary celebration planning to the very last minute, either as a result of lack of ideas or just plain busyness. Here are seven different and dazzling anniversary ideas that may give you the incentive to a) Plan ahead and b) Do something amazing this year for your special anniversary celebration.

1. Visit one of South Africa's Top Spas

There are so many unique, exotic and spectacular spas in South Africa. Whether you decide to visit a dayspa or a destination spa, go online and research spas to find your preference. Perhaps you'd like to choose a spa with a theme. For instance, I recently came across a stunning Spa / Turkish Hammam that was very geared up for couples. It had a wonderfully intimate atmosphere with candles and fresh flowers and soft lighting, plus a private steam room for just the two of you as well as a soothing relaxation room with very comfortable couches and romantic decor. Choose your spa wisely and experience relaxation and romance for your special day.

Top Tip! Ask for a couple's room so that you can take your treatments together.

2. Visit a Romantic Game Lodge

South Africa is the ideal destination for your Game Lodge Getaways. Although my preference is the Sabi Sands Game Reserve in Mpumalanga where animals abound, all the provinces have top Game Lodges with Big Five viewing. I know of a stunning and intimate Game Lodge nestled in the heart of  the Sabi Sands that only caters for 12 people at a time. There is no electricity, so the lodge at night-time is like a magical fairyland all lit up with twinkling lanterns along the pathways and in your beautifully decorated bedroom and bathroom.

Another unique feature is that the guests take their meals together so every dinner time especially is like an interesting dinner party, coupled with candles and bottles of wine or gin and tonics to add to the festive ambiance. Plus the food is truly delicious and if you feel like it, you are also able to utilise their Bush Spa for a couples massage.

I would definitely recommend such a lodge for your romantic anniversary celebration. Again, hop on the internet to do your research, there are plenty of travel and destination websites to assist you in making your ideal choice.

Top Tip! Many of them have great winter specials at a fraction of the normal cost!

3. Fly through the air on a Hot Air Balloon!

Although I have never done this, I've always been very keen to try it out. Hot Air Ballooning... even the words sounds romantic, conjuring up images of soaring through the sky looking down on beautiful scenery. As something really different, I know of a company that offers a champagne breakfast before takeoff and then a "Spa in the Sky" experience whereby a massage therapist accompanies you and gives you and your partner a wonderful half an hour neck and shoulder massage while you're up in the air. This wouldn't be for everyone, but definitely something you and your partner would talk about for years to come.

Top Tip! Book a few months in advance and ask for a 10% discount on your early booking!

4. Get your adrenalin rush while Shark Diving!

If you and your spouse are adrenalin junkies – or perhaps if you need an injection of excitement into your lives, this one is for you! The Cape offers Shark Diving, so head on down to Cape Town for your scary - but safe I believe - shark experience. There are two options to choose from. You can either brave the deep blue sea with experienced diving companies, or you can opt for the tamer Aquarium option where daily shark dives are organised. I think I'd opt for the Aquarium experience as you're assured that the sharks get fed more often! In any event, google "Shark Diving" for more information or contact the Cape Town Aquarium.

Top Tip! Breathe in, breathe out...

5. Hike through the Winelands

Now this sounds like fun. This three or four day hiking trail through the beautiful Wellington valley in the Winelands of the Western Cape – 75 km from Cape Town, South Africa – takes you through indigenous fynbos, vineyards, orchards and olive groves. If you love the outdoors, wine tasting and you love to walk, this is a superb anniversary option for you!

Top Tip! Buy a Bird Book and explore the wonderful bird life while you're walking.

6. Hope on a Helicopter for a Sunset Ride!

There is definitely something exhilarating about helicopter rides, so it's bound to be a very exciting experience for you and your partner. I'd recommend a blindfolded ride to the helipad to heighten the surprise, a glass of chilled champagne on arrival and then 30 or 45 minutes of racing through the air taking in the beautiful South African landscape at sunset. Topped off with a romantic dinner at a scenic restaurant thereafter would round off the evening perfectly.

Top Tip! Don't drink the whole bottle of champagne before you take off – you don't want to have a queasy experience

7. Meander down the Orange River for a week

I know a friend who did this and it was one of the best and most memorable experiences of their lives. Along with 4 other couples and experienced river rafting guides, they set off down Orange River. This river originates in the Drakensberg mountains and meanders through a great part of South Africa to seek and meet the Atlantic Ocean at Oranjemund. The best part of this trip is the minimum exertion required...  you don't have to paddle like mad ever day; the river gently glides you down with her mostly, so you don't finish the trip needing another holiday. A great way for you and your partner to reconnect in beautiful surroundings.

Top Tip! Go with a few other friends to really enjoy your holiday and create memories for years to come.

About the Author

Written by Tricia Cook, Director of www.wellnessfinds.co.za - South Africa's premier online directory and online shopping mall and booking service for the Spa and Wellness Industry.

Reception decor ideas?

Beach wedding so it'll most likely be at one of the resort's open-air restaraunts. I was thinking paper lanterns if possible, maybe twinkle lights (kinda cheesy, even wrapped in tulle though), an array of cream colored candles for centerpieces instead of flowers (cheap). I don't know exactly what they're called but I was thinking about those paper things that go over candles, anyone know the name? They kinda look like paper bags. It's gonna be in Cancun so I can't bring too much stuff with me. Any ideas would be good.

The item you're thinking about is luminaria--very traditional in Hispanic countries so certainly appropriate if you're planning a destination wedding in Cancun. The thing to be aware of is how breezy it is near/on the ocean and candles blow out very easily in a draft. Consider LED tealights in your luminaria. They last for more than enough hours and you never have to worry about them blowing out or burning up anything. They're small, lighter than candles and pack easily. You put sand in the base of the luminaria bag to weight it down and put the LED candle in the sand. All you have to do is switch on the LED--easier than trying to light candles--and voila'! To add color and panache to the luminaria bags, buy scalloped scrapbook scissors and punches at a craft store to cut the edges of the bag. Cut vertical slits around the bag, about 3" down from the edge and spaced a few inches apart and thread pretty discount store ribbon through the slits to trim the bag. Tie the ribbon in a bow, being careful not to gather or bunch the paper bag. You could put 3 bags of different heights at each table as your centerpiece. You can get the bags very inexpensively by going on www.orientaltrading.com.

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