Ah, romance. Nothing gets the heart fluttering like candlelight, flowers and the sound of sweet nothings. We love it so much we have a day dedicated to celebrating all the love in our lives – Valentine’s.

Valentine’s Day is one of those celebrations most people partake in, but not many people know its roots. There are three stories that the Catholic Church acknowledge.

One is that Roman Emperor Claudius II believed that young men made better soldiers than husbands, and thus outlawed the marriage of younger men. St. Valentine, a priest under that rule, is believed to have disagreed with the Emperor and performed these marriage ceremonies in secret.

Other legends purport that Valentine was imprisoned and fell in love with a young lady who was possibly his jailors daughter. In a last letter to her, he signed it “From your Valentine”. A term we still use today.

There are some theories that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February in order to observe either the death or burial of St. Valentine. Whilst others suggest that the 14th of February was chosen by the Catholic Church in order to ‘Christianise’ the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. During this ceremony the member of the Luperci, one of the orders of the Roman priests of the time, would meet in a sacred cave. This cave was believed to be where the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus were cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. During this sacred meeting, a dog and goat would be sacrificed, for purification and fertility respectively. Stripping the skin off the goat, dipping it in the sacrificial blood, they would then hit the streets and gently slap women and the crop fields with the goat hide. This is barbaric to us today, but women were anything but displeased with this ceremony. Following the slapping the single women would place their names in an urn, young men would then choose a name, and the couple would be together for a year.

Whilst the theories abound, the basis for St. Valentine’s Day is one of putting love first.

So yes, it’s a month for couples, friends and family to show each other love, but if we don’t self-love then we can’t give love. I know this sounds like a cliché, but one thing I’ve learnt in my time on this planet, is that we need to nurture ourselves before we can nurture anyone else.

This means, taking time for yourself to recharge, even if it’s 20 minutes a day. And yes, I can hear all of the “I just don’t have the time” excuses. You don’t need to neglect your friends or family, but taking a relaxing bath, sitting in your garden with a cup of coffee, or even just walking on grass can ground you, let yourself think, and get your head around whatever issues you may be facing.

Now, back to relationships – these can, and often are, tricky. Working, parenting, household admin and chores can make us tired and stressed out. It is imperative, if you want your relationship to survive, that you take time together.

For the ‘Month of Love’, Woodlands Spa is running not one, but TWO exclusive Valentine’s specials to provide couples everywhere with the chance to experience an unforgettable February.

Firstly, we have our signature half day Couple’s Connect Experience going for only R2300 per couple, save an incredible R300 and secondly on Monday to Wednesday book 2 x 90min full body massages for R1000! Yes, that is R500 off!

These are valid until the 28th of February 2019. T&C apply.

The month of love is not just for Couples! Why not bring your friends as well and take some time out to reconnect your friendship! After all, in different countries Valentines is celebrated differently, in Sweden it’s known as friendship day.

We need to love ourselves, fill our cups, and then spread that love. Whether you want to spoil your lover, your friends, or just yourself, we offer you an environment in which you are able to enjoy nature, sip on some bubbles (or fruit juice if that’s your preference), listen to the bubbling brook, and just unwind.

Be kind to yourself and to others,
Love, Tania