Think outside the (chocolate) box: creative ways to celebrate Valentine's Day in Gauteng

Say no to the classic dinner out and box of chocolates this Valentine's Day. We’ve put together ideas for fun and original activities that'll earn you major brownie points from that someone special

Go strawberry picking at Lakelands, Pretoria

About an hour’s drive from central Joburg, Lakelands Strawberry Farm is the perfect alternative to the classic sandwiches-and-crisps picnic. Instead of worrying that the food in your cooler box might have got a bit squished on your drive out, just pay a R20 picking fee and (once you’ve weighed and paid for them) enjoy your strawberries fresh from the ground.

Picking is available from Wednesday to Sunday, 9am to 3pm, but make sure that you call ahead to confirm the farm is open for picking, as strawberry activities are halted when there’s extreme weather.

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Get cookin’ with Wicked Food, Joburg

They say that cooking is love made visible, so there’s no better way to spend the feast of St Valentine than getting hot in the kitchen with your special someone.

Wicked Food Cooking School in Sunninghill is running two Romantic Valentine’s dinner classes (on 11 and 14 February) where you’ll get a chance to prepare an incredible six-course dinner and then enjoy it together. Expect oyster shooters, lamb cutlets, and chocolate pots, with welcome bubbly, and complimentary specialist wines – get ready to eat your heart out.

Get pampered at The Fairway Spa, Joburg

Is there anything more romantic than being steamed and smothered in mud with the love of your life?

Attached to Randpark Golf Club (though the spa is a strictly club-free zone), The Fairway Spa has an incredible menu of treatments and something special no matter your tastes – including sessions in the revitalising Arabian Rasul steam chamber where you relax in a detoxifying mud mask. Opt for one of the day packages, or if you’re feeling super loving, book one of the Fairway Stay Over Retreats – with a delicious full English breakfast included.

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This article was originally published in one of the Sunday Times Neighbourhood: Property and Lifestyle guides. Visit Yourneighbourhood.co.za, like YourNeighbourhoodZA on Facebook and follow YourHoodZA on Twitter.