As women, we’re fairly lucky that there’s an abundance of information out there to help our clueless guys plan a romantic weekend away. However, when the tables turn, there’s very little information out there on how to plan a weekend away for him. Keep reading to figure out how to surprise your man in the best of ways.

Bliss at Wolfkop Camping Village (C) TravelGround

  1. The Rugged Outdoor Lover

If your man is an outdoor fundi and is at ease hiking and roughing it, consider booking a campsite so he can sleep under the stars with you. I know, I know, bugs and creepy crawlies abound in nature, but even you will love a place like Wolfkop Camping Village.

They’ve taken a look at the rough and tumble aspects of camping, kept the fun, and added in luxury making it ideal for almost everyone. Plus, they provide the tents, bedding, and towels! With activities like mountain biking, canoe hire, swimming, hiking, and fishing, your outdoorsy man will be in his element and you can cheerfully wave at him from your hammock as he sets off on an adventure.

Wolfkop Camping Village main (C) TravelGround

Make it extra special: Prove to him you’re not afraid of a little dirt and join him on an exploration of the area. You could also pre-pack a picnic basket with items like beer, biltong, and boerewors that he can braai later.

Don Draper suave. By Christina Saint Marche (Flickr)

  1. Suave and Sophisticated

As a cultural lover, your man likely prefers the finer things in life. Mix things up from the normal business hotels he’s used to by booking a boutique hotel like Urban Chic Boutique Hotel. It will perfectly cater to your man’s refined taste with eclectic yet elegant bedrooms, ornate mahogany furniture, and Juliet Balconies with magnificent views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill.

Ensure you’ve got an itinerary planned which includes art galleries and museums, as well as making dinner reservation at a classy restaurant. If however, you know your man is longing for something a little simpler, order room service and spend your weekend on-site.

Urban chic bedroom (C) TravelGround

Make it extra special: Bring along that lingerie set he bought you. Ensure your first night’s dinner reservation includes a pre-ordered drink for him, of his favourite scotch, whiskey, or martini.

Sports gaming. By Sarah Joy (Flickr)

  1. The Gaming Guy

Tear your man away from his console, and head to an accommodation near Sun City, which just so happens to be an ideal day trip. With casinos, restaurants, the Valley of the Waves, golf courses, cinemas, and a weekend-only night club, there’s plenty to ensure you enjoy your time together.

If he’s not keen for that, then stay at your accommodation and break out the new board game you bought. You’ll have fun learning how to play together and he’ll appreciate you making an effort to game alongside him (regardless of the fact it’s low-tech).

Hi handsome gamer guy. By Danny Choo (Flickr)

Make it extra special: Mix naughty and nice board games, or dress up as the lead female character in his favourite game.

 Stormers fans at a game. By Deon Maritz (Creative Commons)

  1. The Sports Supporter

Not a weekend goes by that your man hasn’t had tickets to the latest game or watched it at home while braaing with friends. If you know you won’t be able to tear him away from the TV, surprise him by getting tickets to an upcoming match.

If that’s a bit too pricey, book yourself into a Guest House like House of Houses which has an on-site sports bar. He can enjoy beers and debating points with other sports fans, while you relax in the pool or Jacuzzi. Once the game is over head up to your room to celebrate the team’s good fortune, or console him over their loss.

An in-room en-suite at House of Houses (C) TravelGround

Make it extra special: Wear his team’s jersey. If you’ve got some extra cash to spare, buy sports memorabilia he’ll appreciate, be it a signed poster or ball from his favourite player.

Sushi at Urban chic (C) TravelGround

  1. Fun loving Foodie

If your man is a foodie, then head to Franschhoek, the foodie capital of the Western Cape, and book at one of the numerous estates in the area such as Brenaissance Wine Estate, which is known for its classic décor, beautiful setting, and luxurious rooms.

The on-site Café Blanc de Noir is renowned for simple but divine cuisines and there are many award winning restaurants in the area such as Jordan and Terroir. The wine estates are numerous, as are the variety of wines, and the Saturday market in Stellenbosch is always fun to browse.

Brenaissance Wine Estate bedroom (C) TravelGround

Make it extra special: Buy that bottle of wine or preserve that he cannot stop raving about (choose wisely though, as there’s likely to be several that he loves).

What else would you suggest including for a memorable weekend away with your man?

Main image credited to  Harsha K R (Flickr)