Romance is in the air and the world is filled with stunning destinations for the perfect romantic holiday getaway. Where will you go next for a lovers’ retreat?
An esteemed global panel of Travel Writers specializing in Romantic Destinations were challenged to identify the single most important ingredient for the ultimate Romantic Getaway. Things like mystery, beauty, and pampering all made the list, but the winner, in the end, was: PRIVACY.
One sure way of finding privacy is to veer a bit off the beaten track. Whoever dreams of getting stuck in traffic in a busy city on your romantic getaway? It’s hard to show your special someone how much you love them when you have road rage. Now think Romantic Forest Accommodation, think or feel any different?
23 kilometres outside of the beautiful coastal town of Knysna, lies the indigenous and ancient Goudveld Knysna Forest – part of 68 000 hectares of indigenous forest, a mosaic of forest, grasslands and fynbos, managed by SANParks as part of the Garden Route National Park. Imagine giant 900-year-old Yellowwood trees, ferns, streams, rivers, waterfalls, Knysna Loeries and so much more – picture perfect to make memories for a lifetime. The timeless beauty of the Knysna Forest is bound to seduce you and your partner. Because of its sheer size and remote location, you are guaranteed some very special, private and memorable moments in the Knysna Forest.
There are so many romantic and private activities that a couple can do together in the Knysna Forest. The Top 2 must be:
Picnic at Jubilee Creek – Jubilee Creek is an exquisite picnic area next to a forest creek deep in the Goudveld Knysna Forest. With picnic benches, barbeque facilities, bins, and toilets, this is a clean and simply breathtakingly beautiful area. Ideal for a secluded romantic picnic. There is also an hour-long walking trail that starts and ends at the picnic site, through the indigenous forest alongside the creek that leads past old gold-mine dug-outs to a small rock pool and waterfall. This is a must-visit spot to replenish heart and soul.
Hike Drupkelders – loosely translated into Dripping Cellars, are rock pools in the Knysna forest. Combine a 3.5km indigenous forest walk with a visit to magnificent rock pools in the Homtini River in the Knysna Forest. These massive rock pools offer deep, cola-colored waters to cool off in and even a waterfall to clamber up next to. Take a rucksack with a picnic and swimming gear. Due to the exclusivity of this gem (again delivering on the Privacy promise of the Knysna Forest), only 12 persons a day are allowed in and a Sanparks permit is required.
Romantic Forest Accommodation in Knysna
The beauty of a Romantic Getaway in the Knysna Forest is that it does not only deliver BIG on Privacy, but it also delivers on Mystery and Magic as well as Pampering. If you have romantic forest accommodation to match expectations, attractions, and mystery then you are in for a treat.
This is the place where world-renowned author Dalene Matthee got her inspiration from, to write acclaimed novels like “Circles in the Forest”. This is the place where the elusive and magical Knysna Elephant still roams freely. The place where you can find the magical Knysna Loerie (Turaco) – their primary wing flight feathers are bright red – a magical sight which can be seen when the bird is in flight. And the place where a very unique forest dweller, The Knysna Dwarf Chameleon, can be found. The Knysna Forest is truly a Magical Place that will capture any Romantic’s imagination and provide you with hours of entertainment and admiration.
People fall in love with the Knysna Forest, in part because it is so conducive to nourishing the human spirit.
The only Romance ingredient still missing for the ultimate Romantic Getaway in the Knysna Forest is: Pampering.
Nestled against the ancient Knysna Forest, you will find Forest Edge Nature Lovers’ Retreat, with authentic Woodcutter Cottages. This hidden gem is known for their amazing hospitality. There’s something so special about the staff. From the moment you arrive at Forest Edge, you are treated like family. Their cozy and well-maintained accommodation cottages are fully equipped and include things like a fireplace, hammock and outside shower. They also offer a full English Breakfast on their picturesque Lily Pond Deck and a romantic couple’s massage in front of your fireplace.
If you’re a nature lover, craving privacy and real connections, then The Knysna Forest must be one of the most romantic places on earth and should be on your romance travel bucket list. There are also a lot of things to do in Knysna and surrounds that will keep you on your toes.
