Take a break before saying ‘I do’

For: sun-worshipping couples who need to de-stress

What could be more soothing to a tired body, mind, and soul than some vitamin-‘sea’? Replenish your energy and your motivation to add the finishing touches to your wedding planning with a couple of days (or weeks) spent lounging on the beach, tucking into succulent seafood, topping up your tan, and catching up on your reading.

Quick travel tip: Don’t forget the sunblock. While you’ll undoubtedly feel tempted to work on enhancing your natural ‘glow’ ahead of the big day, be careful not to take it too far. There’s a difference between a subtly sun-kissed complexion and a severely sunburnt bride or groom!

For: the couples who enjoy the finer things in life

Book a stay at a lavish guesthouse in Stellenbosch and you’ll both be able to rest, relax, and wine and dine to your heart’s content!

“While it’s definitely best-known for its luxurious offerings, Stellenbosch is actually a fantastic destination choice for all sorts of couples as it offers such an expansive ‘menu’ of things to do. Visitors will be able to revel in endless self-indulgence at their chosen hotel or guesthouse, plan laid-back picnics or wine tastings at local wine farms, dine by candlelight at 5-star restaurants, or get out and active on a hike, sight-seeing walk, or e-bike or Scootour!” says Sue Garrett, GM of Supply, Pricing and Marketing at the Flight Centre Travel Group.

Quick travel tip: Be on the lookout for creative, sensory food and wine pairing experiences. They’re extremely trendy in Stellenbosch at the moment, making it easy to bond, laugh, and indulge in a host of mouth-watering flavours with your one and only. Think fynbos-infused cupcake and wine pairings, biltong and wine pairings, and much more. Perhaps you’ll allow these flavours to inspire your chosen catering and wine selection on your special day? Or book for a revolutionary dining experience at Dusk Restaurant or any of the trendy wine bars in the town centre.

Too much noise and too much hustle and bustle since the wedding planning started? Escape to the serene silence of the bushveld in the Kruger National Park to re-organise your thoughts, re-focus your mind, and soak up some alone time with your soon-to-be spouse. You can opt to keep it simple with long, leisurely braais at sunset on the veranda and lazy lie-ins or throw in a dose of adventure with scenic nature walks, game drives, and helicopter rides.

Quick travel tip: Since you’re surrounded by so much breath-taking scenery, why not organise a pre-wedding photoshoot at sunset? There are plenty of professional photographers who specialise in bushveld photoshoots in the Kruger National Park and who’ll be more than happy to capture some unforgettable moments leading up to your union.

Avoid a bridal breakdown and replace it with a well-deserved break-away instead. Put the planning on hold, step away from the stress, and revel in the romance of it all as your wedding day edges closer. You’ve earned it.

Click here for more romantic holidays that will sweep your partner off their feet.