'My top Valentine's Day vacation'

Gulf News spoke to some expatriates to know their hearts' top vacation spots; and almost everyone wanted to spend that special date near the beach.

"Where I would go would be the One&Only Royal Mirage Hotel on The Palm because it has a stunning view of Dubai. You're over the water and it's the most dreamy experience, something very natural going to the sea, something organic and original. That's my idea of a perfect Valentine," Victoria Borasio, a Dubai-based British actress, said.

"Outside the UAE, [I'd go] anywhere there's nature around me. I think I can go back to Bali. The people there were so welcoming and kind and hospitable. The food was delicious, the fish was so fresh. I had a beautiful experience," she added.

For Sri Lankan Amila Chandika, music and beautiful scenery make up for a romantic evening with his ladylove. "I think the Atlantis is a good area for me because it's a lovely place. You know, the Atlantis Hotel, on its right-hand side, the beach is a nice place especially in the evening around five to seven o'clock. I think my girlfriend and I can have some hot coffee there; and I'll bring my guitar," Chandika said.

Given a chance to go for a break, Chandika said he'd prefer to go back to his home country, still near the beach because for him "it's very relaxing there."

Also wanting to go back home for the ‘love month' is Pakistani expatriate Syed Mohammad Ashar to be with his fiancé. If his Valentine wish came true, "I'd take her to a [romantic place] in Pakistan—the Sea View in Karachi."

"My life partner is in India, but given a chance, I'd take her to Jumeirah Beach and have some romantic dinner there," Abdul Rahman, 26, an accountant, said. "But outside UAE, I think my top vacation spot for Valentines would be New Zealand which I visited two years ago. The place is fantastic for couples because it's quiet and the climate is good."

Elsewhere in the world, Paris, the City of Light, tops the list of Filipina expatriate Ellen Munez. "For me, it's still the most romantic place for lovers based on what I've seen on TV and the feature articles I've read about the place. Also, some of my friends have been there and their pictures showed nothing but love and romance."