Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and Cape Town has a wealth of shops, activities and locations to inspire the best romantic ideas for this annual celebration of love.

Cape Town’s spectacular sunsets provide the perfect romantic setting to any Valentine’s Day and can be enjoyed from a host of different locations.   Sunset cruises departing from the Waterfront are firm favourites as couples can enjoy breath-taking views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town skyline as the sun goes down.

Table Mountain itself is a perfect vantage point for watching the sun set over the Atlantic from the highest point in the city. At sea level, a favourite destination on Valentine’s Day is one of the beaches at Clifton. Here, all four beaches take on an aura of romance amidst a tableau of picnic blankets and candle light. Even a sunset drive around Chapman’s Peak can set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Flowers are a must for Valentine’s Day, and the Cape Town Adderley Street flower sellers been providing exquisite and colourful freshly cut bouquets for romantics for over a hundred years. For a uniquely romantic gesture, the Chart Farm in Wynberg is about 15 minutes from Cape Town city centre and grants visitors the opportunity to hand-pick roses, fresh apples, grapes and nectarines. Perfect for adding that personal touch or filling a picnic basket!

For the perfect Valentine’s gift there is plenty of inspiration on Cape Town’s Design Route. The route features Western Cape-based designers and design studios all of whom were featured at Cape Town’s annual Design Indaba Expo. It cuts across the Cape Town City Bowl, the Southern Peninsula and the Winelands with a range of items from custom created jewellery to handcrafted apparel and even cutting edge designer plush toys.  Alternatively, a couples spa treatment could be the perfect way to start your perfect Valentine’s Day or end an evening on the town in luxurious style.

With its breathtaking scenic locations, rich design culture and relaxed atmosphere; Cape Town is a premier romantic getaway location with a range intimate romantic restaurants and luxury hotel accommodation options to create your perfect Valentine’s Day.

The Taj Cape Town provides luxury accommodation in Cape Town and is home to the Bombay Brasserie and Mint Restaurant as well as the luxurious Jiva Spa.

Image courtesy of Paul Watson