There’s more to Valentine’s Day than simply celebrating love. From chocolates, soft toys, jewellery and roses to exotic romantic getaways, intimate dinners and lavish bespoke experiences, it’s a day meant for spoiling your partner silly and making him or her feel truly loved. However, there are ways to court Cupid without spending a fortune — a little creativity always goes a long way.
1 Let’s cook together
Rather than searching for a table for two at a fancy restaurant, look for quick and easy recipes on the internet and rustle up a delicious meal with your partner to dine in the privacy of your home. A cooking date at home is a fun way to connect and interact with your partner. Add fresh flowers and soft music to the mix to set the mood for a romantic dinner.
2 Be generous
Why not set aside those dinner plans this Valentine’s Day and donate your time to changing things for the better. Volunteer at the Al Noor Training centre for Children with Special Needs and make a difference in the life of a child. Individuals aged 16 and above can volunteer at Al Noor. While teachers normally place volunteers in classrooms, where their help is most needed, you can request to be placed in other departments — according to your skills. You can also support the organisation by purchasing handcrafted items and baked goodies from Smiles n’ Stuff, Al Noor’s store selling products made by its students.
3 Learn to cook
For a gift that goes on giving, buy him cooking class vouchers. Balance Café is running innovative cooking classes this month, where different world cuisines are given a healthy twist. Each class costs Dh250. Jones the Grocer will organise a couples-only cooking class on February 14. Priced at Dh395 per person, expert chefs will teach participants how to bake and serve barramundi. Classes will be held at its Khalidiyah outlet Abu Dhabi and at the Al Manara outlet in Dubai.
4 Gift of meditation
A meditation session is a good gift for the overworked executive, as it gives her the chance to calm her mind and focus on her relationships. “Heart Meditation is a powerful way to connect two people, allowing their love to flow and grow. Chanting the ‘ahhh’ sound while looking into your partner’s eyes strengthens and deepens your bond,” says Lawrence Michael Enderle, a Dubai-based sound therapist and energy healer. Enderle’s Gong Meditation sessions take place every Monday at 7pm at Balance Wellness Club, Oasis Centre.
5 Dance together
Focus on a different kind of shared experience by learning a new dance form. A couple’s dancing session not only gives you the opportunity to spend some time together, but it is a great stress buster and helps you stay fit. Dubai’s popular Familia de la Salsa, an academy for salsa and other dancing styles, runs classes and salsa nights all this month at The Club at various locations. A package of ten classes costs Dh300, each class is Dh40.
6 Eating out
Even if you can’t imagine Valentine’s Day without the obligatory restaurant dinner, you can do so if you plan in advance. Look for promotions and discount coupons on sites such as Cobone.com. Several restaurants are also offering good deals. St Tropez Bistro at Mall of the Emirates has teamed up with Harvey Nichols Dubai this Valentine’s Day with a set menu deal priced Dh595 per couple, inclusive of a gift from Harvey Nichols. Fuego, the Mexican restaurant at Souk Al Bahar, has a set menu priced at Dh499 per couple, inclusive of a bottle of grape or a pitcher of mixed Mexican beverage. Cucina at the JW Marriott Dubai has a special three course set menu with a welcome and soft beverages at Dh350 per couple.
7 Go for an abra ride
Think out of the box and cruise the waterways while declaring your love anew. Madinat Jumeirah puts a wooden abra at your disposal with traditional high tea served on board. Priced at Dh500 per couple and with only one sailing per day and a menu including bubbly, sandwiches, scones and designer cakes, it’s a great way to celebrate V-Day.
8 Plan a picnic
Set your own budget by skipping past the city’s restaurants. The gorgeous weather — and the fact that Valentine’s Day is on a Friday — is perfect for a picnic. Visit a convenience store and create your own picnic hamper or simply book one from Picnic Basket Middle East, which packs its hampers with sandwiches, salads and soups. Its Facebook page has the menu.
9 Go for a spa day
Spas are perfect for unwinding. Men, pamper your partner with a soothing manicure and pedicure or a rejuvenating full body massage this Valentine’s Day. Jasmine Spa at Grand Millennium Dubai Hotel, offers an exciting couple’s package for just Dh650. Enjoy a 50-minute aroma massage with your partner followed by a relaxing 10-minute flower bath. The offer is valid from February 13 to 15.
10 Healthy eats
Take a break from candy and give your partner something new. How about a healthy meal plan for a month? This will not only help her save time on chopping and grinding, but will also allow her achieve her weight-management goals. Simply Healthy Foods offers 20 per cent discount on all its weight loss meal packages to couples during the month of February and U’ve Got Meal is offering 25 per cent off its 20 and 24 day couple’s plans and 15 per cent off single plans.
11 Work out together
There are lots of activities that you can try with your partner to strengthen your bond. Hit the gym together to achieve your fitness goals as well as to spend some quality time together. “Being training partners allows you to dedicate time where you can train together, keep each other motivated and commit to a collaborative, healthy lifestyle,” says Mark Botha, Group Operations and Marketing Head, Fitness First Middle East. Agrees Caroline Leon, yoga and pilates instructor and managing director of A Life of Energy, as she points out: “Working out together works best when couples are at a similar fitness level.” Fitness First runs a special promotion this month. Join Fitness First in February and get an Adidas workout gear up to the value of Dh1500. The offer is valid until February 28, 2014.
12 Treasured moments
Dress up and go for a professional couples portrait shoot. The Studio Dubai offers couples a complimentary 30-minute shoot and a free high resolution image (worth Dh250). The offer is valid from February 14 to March 14. Barton Portraits has come up with an attractive offer for Valentine’s Day, which will include a romantic beach or park shoot in Dubai South for an individual or a couple and a 12x18 inch canvas for your wall. The regular price for the canvas is Dh1,250. While the total value for the package is Dh1,745, Barton Portraits will give it to you at just Dh495.
