If you’re looking for a getaway that’s going to up the romance, look no further than the Western Cape.

But we’ll get to that. First – some context.

2018’s Best Boutique Hotel Awards have been announced, and 14 hotels from around the world took home top honours in a range of categories.

According to Business Insider, the hotels were judged on “all aspects of the guest experience covering six categories: dining and entertainment, design, facilities, location and, most importantly, staff service and overall emotional impact”.

You can see the full list here, but these are some of the hotels that caught our eye:

World’s Best Honeymoon Hideaway: Drake Bay Getaway Resort

Location: Drake Bay, Costa Rica
Rates starting at: R7 300

World’s Best Classic Elegance Hotel: Relais & Chateaux Hotel Heritage

Location: Bruges, Belgium
Rates starting at: R3 100

World’s Most Inspired Design Hotel: Hotel TwentySeven

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Rates starting at: R8 000

World’s Best Relaxation Retreat: Carpe Diem Exclusive Boutique Resort

Location: Santorini, Greece
Rates starting at: R5 600

And, a little closer to home, there’s this romantic gem.

World’s Most Romantic Retreat: Akademie Street

Location: Franschhoek, South Africa
Rates starting at: R4 800

Akademie Street is one of the most highly-rated luxury hotels in Franschhoek, nestled in the heart of wine country.

The hotel offers peace and quiet and luxe details such as private plunge pools and wood-fired hot tubs.

You can see where the romance comes in.

Akademie Street is designed to make guests feel like they’re in a home away from home, while still enjoying the luxury of a hotel.

Over on their website, we found this video with their story:

That’s baby-making quality right there, and it’s nice to know that there’s a top spot nearby for South Africans to enjoy.

[source:businessinsider]