In today’s technology-obsessed world, I have learned to take full advantage of social media to showcase the world’s beauty to armchair travellers, but travel and travelling are so much more than just getting a perfect Instagram shot.
Travel is meant to be meaningful. It is meant to excite and inspire you, to rejuvenate and ground you, to educate and challenge you, and most importantly of all, it is meant to humble you.
As the most romantic day of the year arrives (18 days to be exact!) there is no better time than the present to begin brainstorming romantic Valentine’s Day trip ideas with your loved one. Although jewellery and flowers are amazing gifts, they are not the only way to treat your significant other on Valentine’s Day.
Travel, my dear friend, is the ultimate present. Now it’s no secret that travel is my first love, so I am skipping the flowers and chocolates to seek out romantic Namibian escapes and experiences instead. From cliché classics, stunning city hotels to off-the-beaten-track destinations, I have my sights set on some seriously seductive domestic destinations. Kicking it off with Journeys Namibia, a reputable management company that takes the strain off lodge owners by taking care of the day-to-day operations, my partner and I will be heading to Fish River Lodge.
It so happens that it is the only lodge situated directly on the Fish River Canyon, literally on the rim, giving me a fabulous opportunity to write a lot home about. Journeys Namibia also hold Grootberg, Hobatere, Auas and Shipwreck Lodges within their portfolio. As well as Hoada campsite.
I’ll let you guess which we’ll be visiting and you’ll know for sure next week. Having spent three romantic and magical days at Chobe Water Villas in 2019, we’ve decided to wrap it up by visiting the rest of the hotels and lodges by a proudly Namibian hospitality company, O&L leisure. Strand Hotel Swakopmund, Mokuti Etosha Lodge and Midgard Country Estate.
Excited much? Both Mowani Mountain Camp and Omaruru Game Lodge have been calling my name for the longest time, therefore I cannot wait to heed these calls and experience the respective magic of each property. Then there is a not-for-profit eco-tourism establishment that goes by the name of N/a’ankusê that we’ll be visiting. We’ll stay at the lodge in a chalet and have a number of activities planned, including a carnivore-feeding tour.
The last time I experienced a lion feeding, I almost went into pre-term labour from excitement and a young amount of fear. I look forward to the same level of excitement. All these out-of-town escapes and experiences will be topped with a staycation at the most contemporary boutique hotel in Windhoek which also happens to be an ultra-luxurious sanctuary.
None-other than The Olive Exclusive All-Suite Hotel, a personal favourite. Air Namibia is also coming to the party with Valentine’s Day flight deals to celebrate love and romance. We’ll be flying to the only Namibian town that has both a name and surname, Katima Mulilo, and will write about how you can ensure savings through Valentine’s Fay flight offer.
So yes, I will be putting together a list of romantic destinations and experiences. Places that are perfect for Valentine’s Day getaway and that are perfect for a romantic escape at any time of the year. Whether you take a loved one, your best friend or yourself for that matter, I am going to inspire your Wanderlust and highlight the fun of planning a future getaway. A romantic Valentine’s Day weekend getaway to be specific. Until next week.