The Lifestyle

10 Valentine's Day ideas

Madinat Jumeirah

Here are the most unique luxury ideas that could make your Valentine's Day the most memorable in Dubai and beyond.

Words by Aneesha Rai in The Lifestyle · Feb 9th, 2017

01 Take A Road Trip To Oman

Six Senses Zighy Bay
Sense on the Edge dining at Zighy Bay

Lots of hotels both in Dubai and Oman are offering some delightful packages for Valentine's Day. If you're thinking of heading to Oman, consider taking a road trip to Musandam, Sultanate of Oman to Six Senses Zighy Bay

 Experience the enchanting Arabian Romance package, which includes an extraordinary two-night stay in a luxury villa with private pool and daily buffet breakfast. You’ll also get to enjoy a shared sunset cruise with sparkling home-grown date juice and canapés, a 50-minute signature couples treatment and one Destination Dining option. The package also gives the option to dine at Sense on the Edge – the award-winning mountain-top dining venue, 293 meters above sea level. It concludes with an unforgettable paragliding session for two guests which promises breath taking views that overlook the resort. 

 The Zighy Romance package focuses on integrated wellness, which allows its team of specialists to give guests a personalised programme for you and your loved one a chance to rejuvenate. The itinerary includes an Aphrodite bath, signature massage, facials and sparkling wine and chocolates for each couple. 

02 Dine Surrounded By A Private Aquarium

Nathan Outlaw
Nathan Outlaw at Mahara, Burj Al Arab

For those wishing to create the ultimate romantic setting for their loved one, Nathan Outlaw at Al Mahara in the Burj Al Arab is hosting a romantic dinner package which includes a private room for the perfect couple.  Upon entering the room, you will see a beautiful table covered in red rose petals with a private aquarium perfecting the romantic setting. 

Nathan Outlaw will offer an exquisite tasting menu with dishes prepared with his signature highly acclaimed cooking technique. Making for a truly magical evening, an aquarium diver is at your disposal to deliver the ultimate romantic message while a professional photographer captures the moment for you both. A beautiful bouquet will also be prepared for you to take back home, along with a 1 kg cake with an inscription of your choice. Costs AED 5,850 per couple including soft drinks and non-alcoholic beverages or AED 7,260 per couple including a sommelier's wine pairing.

03 A Luxe Tent By The Beach

Shimmers
Shimmers, Madinat Jumeirah

As far as romantic dinners on the beach go, the 'shimmers tent' organised by Madinat Jumeirah adds a gleam to your evening by offering a truly captivating setting and experience. Picture the perfect location on the Jumeirah shore, down by the water where a gentle acoustic guitar's strumming can be heard with the majestic silhouette of Burj Al Arab providing a stunning backdrop. The surreal surroundings complement the gourmet six-course menu perfectly, making for a seamless date night for you and your loved one. 

The experience costs AED 4,500 per couple - including the shimmers tent, six-course dinner, a bottle of premium rose bubbly and an invitation to enjoy a three-course dinner on your anniversary.

04 Take A Gondola Ride

Al Qasr
Al Qasr, Madinat Jumeirah

Sail over the slow streams of the Madinat Jumeirah waterways with your better half. Share breathtaking views, magical moments and delectable canapes on board your private Abra boat. 

Your cruise ends by the picturesque Al Qasr beach, where you'll find your own white tent and romantic dinner table ready with VIP service, soft music and the best views of the waves lapping against the shoreline with the majestic Burj Al Arab in the backdrop. A six-course masterclass will then be served, making this the perfect experience at a setting that's guaranteed to captivate. Costs AED 11,500 per couple including a luxury car transfer, Abra cruise, 6-course dinner and a bottle of rose pink bubbly.

05 Book A Cabana By The Sea

Al Marsa Lounge Burj Al Arab
Al Marsa Lounge Burj Al Arab

Al Marsa Lounge offers you the ultimate exclusivity to make it a valentine to remember. Relax in a private cabana at the shoreline looking at the breathtaking sea and Burj Al Arab in Jumeirah while enjoying a 4 course set menu of the finest cuisine with a bottle of sparkling bubbly.

 It doesn’t end there, the couple will receive an invitation for a one night stay in Jumeirah Beach Hotel as well as gifts and roses to conclude a memorable evening. It costs AED 14,000 per couple inclusive of one night stay voucher, limousine pickup, private cabana setting, 4 course set menu, bottle of bubbly, roses, gifts for him and her as well as a voucher for dinner for 2 at Latitude.

06 Unwind At A Spa

Spa at The Palace Downtown Dubai
Spa at The Palace Downtown Dubai

Keep it simple yet sophisticated this Valentine’s, and create cherished memories at the same time, with a soothing 60-minute couple’s spa session followed by a relaxing lunch featuring the best spa cuisine to be enjoyed in the exclusive setting of the Armani/Pool terrace in the Burj Khalifa. Add special access to the Armani/Terme facilities and relaxation spaces, plus a sweet souvenir to take home courtesy of Armani/Dolci for the perfect February 14th pairing. The experience costs AED 1,500 per couple.

Another option would be to visit The Palace in Downtown Dubai. You and your partner will indulge in calming treatments and signature massages at the hands of expert therapists with The Royal Treatment comprising of a 60-minute facial and 60-minute full body massage. Or for an equally relaxing treatment choose an aromatic oil and let the rest take care of itself with an 80 minute, head to toe massage. Whatever package you choose, the journey of luxury continues as you relax by the pool and refresh mind, body and soul in the hammam, steam room and Jacuzzi. Followed by a sparkling date juice, a chocolate-coated strawberry plate and cherished token from The Spa, it has all the makings of an unforgettable experience. It costs AED 1050 per person and AED 2100 per couple for The Royal Treatment including a 60 minute massage and 60 minute facial.

07 Board A Private Yacht

Step aboard your own luxury private yacht for the ultimate Valentine celebration set against the breathtaking Dubai skyline with the help of Athena at Dubai Marina Yacht Club. At the hands of your dedicated captain, you will enjoy a delicious three-course menu, unlimited house and soft beverages and a bottle of bubbly to raise a glass to togetherness between the 12th and 14th of February. It costs AED 7,500 per couple.

08 Spend It On A Golf Course

Address Montgomerie
Dine on the 18th hole bridge at The Address Montgomerie

Arrange a private dinner on the 18th hole bridge at The Address Montgomerie in Emirates Hills. Spend an evening in the company of your loved one, with nothing but sumptuous cuisine and the Dubai skyline for distraction. Dine in total privacy in a destination set against the rich green fairways and the glittering city beyond as you and your partner savour a carefully crafted menu with paired beverages served by a personal butler. It costs AED 1,699 per couple.

09 Get Onboard A Cruise Ship To Asia

Royal Carribean
Take a cruise around Asia with Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is offering cruise tours lasting three to 10 nights starting from this Valentine's Day. Get away in a romantic cruise from Singapore through Malaysia and Thailand onboard Mariner of the Seas, visiting the exotic Jurong Bird Park to see colourful toucans, pelicans, eagles and parrots, and discover the Malay culture and beliefs on a fascinating village and plantation visit. In bustling Kuala Lumpur, less than an hour from Port Klang, shop for everything from luxury designer goods to local handicrafts, explore enchanting Phi Phi Island by boat, discover exciting sea caves by canoe or go on an unforgettable nature trek with elephants near Phuket island. 

During “at sea” days, relax in style in newly appointed staterooms equipped with all the mod-cons and boasting exceptional views out to sea, creating your own romantic hideaway.

 Enjoy intimate fine-dining at the Chef’s Table alongside a wide range of excellent restaurants such as signature steakhouse, Chops Grille and Izumi for an authentic taste of Asia, or simply chill in the bar, lounge by the pool or enjoy a relaxing beauty treatment in the spa. Explore all the amazing activities the ship has to offer, from spectacular, West-End-style entertainment to adrenalin-charged sports. 

10 Indulge In A Staycation

Nikki Beach Resort
Nikki Beach Resort (Picture credits: The National)

If you prefer to stay within the city limits, check out an emerging new favourite beach resort spot in Dubai at Nikki Beach Resort.The Valentine’s Day package at the five-star luxury lifestyle resort, priced at AED 3,300++ per room, features a stay in the Luux Suite, and a selection of romantic amenities along the way including a specially curated Valentine’s menu at Café Nikki where couples can enjoy a three-course menu whilst overlooking the stunning views of the Arabian Gulf. If you love it so much, you can even buy a property here!

You could also escape the normality of your nine to five and whisk your loved one away for a truly memorable Valentine’s Day at the Waldorf Astoria on the Palm Jumeirah. Not only does the five- star property boast elegant suites with breath taking views, there is also an array of activities to enjoy. From gourmet dining, helicopter rides, spa retreats and more, couples can curate their very own unique itinerary with a personal concierge on hand to book activities during the stay including once in a lifetime opportunities such as a hot air balloon ride or a camel ride to a desert dinner for two.

You could also head to the Desert Palm Per Aquum and indulge in their Romantic Package starting from AED 1,900. It includes one night stay in a room, suite or villa, daily in-room set menu breakfast, romantic turn down set up with flowers, platters of chocolates & strawberries as well as  bottle of bubbly. It also includes a 'Destination Dining' experience for two.

Of course, if you're willing to pop the big question, then the Waldorf Astoria in Ras Al Khaimah offers the most unique experience we've ever seen.  It includes a picnic hamper in the desert prepared by the award winning chefs, a desert ride with an Arabian horse across the RAK sand dunes, a couple's spa treatment including a private sunken jacuzzi, a romantic ‘bath master’ experience where spa therapists create the ultimate relaxation in your very own bathroom, hair & make-up artists that can create a perfect look, a private dinner with bubbles in one of the lavish beachside cabanas, overnight accommodation in a luxury suite to include breakfast, AND (phew!) a trained Harris hawk that can deliver an engagement ring to your loved one! Prices for all of the above start from AED 20,000.

Al Wadi Resort
Al Wadi Resort

At The Ritz-Carlton Al Wadi Desert in Ras Al Khaimah, you can choose to indulge in their 'Desert Love' package which includes a private limousine transfer from Dubai / Abu Dhabi, VIP arrival experience including bottle of champagne, unlimited access to Experience Concierge services and activities, a romantic dinner for two in the iconic Safran Tower served by your private chef, an overnight in Sahari Tented Pool Villa, a 'Rainforest experience' for two at Al Wadi Spa, and a breakfast in the dunes arranged by your private butler. Rates are from AED 33,888 per night with private limo transfers Rate from AED 53,888 per night with private helicopter arrival.