Valentine’s Day travel: Romantic getaways from the UAE
Planning a short break with your Valentine? Varsha Jayaprasad puts together a list of five splendid destinations that are not too far away, have plenty to offer a couple in love and best of all don’t have quarantine protocols for those travelling from the UAE
Merry in Moscow
The Russian capital is your destination if you are in search of an unique experience with your Valentine. From a breath-taking skyline, and a rich variety of activities to it's overall ethereal natural beauty, the city defines opulence in every aspect. Just walk along the Moskva River to sample some of the spectacles the city has to offer. Escape the hassle of on arrival quarantine and start your romantic adventure as soon as you get there.
Start the day by taking a walk along the grand street of Moscow. Visit the famous Red Square and while there don’t forget to visit the St. Basil’s Cathedral. Dive into the history and revel at the sight of the remarkable cathedral. Experience a romantic sunset by the cathedral and watch the warm light reflecting off the cathedral’s remarkable spires.
Don’t forget to complete your travel using the Moscow metro while commuting through the city. Make sure to fulfill your romantic journey by visiting the beautiful and extravagant parks and streets the city has to offer. While travelling, make sure to try scrumptious Russian delights such as Pelmeni, Borscht and more.
Stay options: Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya, from Dh338. For more information, visit hilton.com or @ hiltonmoscow.
Bask in the luxury at the Ritz-Carlton, Moscow, from Dh2,199. For more information, visit marriott.com or @ ritzcarlton_moscow.
Phoenix International offers a four-day three-night package from February 12 to 15. Email connectwithus@phoenixinternational.me for details.
Flight time from the UAE: 5 hours and 40-minutes.
Travel through Tashkent
How about spending some relaxing and refreshing time in the city of stone in Central Asia? Head for a romantic vacay to Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Whether you wish to go sightseeing with your significant other and relish the beauty of tree-lined streets, flourishing fountains and pleasant parks or visit the old part of the city, there is plenty to do in this ancient place. Visit the religious complex Khasti Imam. Ride up the Tashkent Television Tower and experience the 12th tallest tower in the world. Make sure to also visit the Ugam-Chatkal national park and Chimgan Mountains; to take in the pure mountain air that is said to be infused with healthy minerals. If you have had your fill of historical sights, go for a romantic stroll in the Japanese gardens and explore the rich and traditional Uzbek architecture.
Stay options: Wyndham Tashkent Hotel has well decorated rooms from Dh425. For more information visit wyndhamhotels.com or @ wyndham_tashkent.
Courtyard by Marriott Tashkent boasts A-grade facilities and amenities from Dh242. For more information visit marriott.com or @ courtyardtashkent.
Phoenix International offers a four-day package. Email connectwithus@phoenixinternational.me for details.
Flight time from UAE: 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Georgian adventures
Treat yourself and your partner to a spectacular getaway to Tbilisi, the city in Eastern Georgia. Save yourself the time and skip the on-arrival quarantine. Tbilisi has wonders in store waiting for you and your loved one.
There are few better ways to soak in the luxury and soothe your body than by indulging in iconic sulfur baths at the Abanotubani district. Many are public baths for communal washing, but some offer private spa-style rooms that couples or friends can hire by the hour.
Spa treatment over, explore the Bridge market, a sprawling flea market, for some souvenirs or go on a hike or a stroll to get to know the city up, close and personal. A visit to the most popular viewpoint in Tbilisi, Narikala Fortress, is a must
For another romantic rendezvous there’s the Rike Park. To elevate the experience, take a walk along the bank of the Mtkvari and take in some of the city’s most iconic architecture at the same time.
Don't forget to try out Georgian cuisine while in Tbilisi, especially Khinkali (soup dumplings), khachapuri (cheesy bread), and eggplant rolled with walnut.
Stay options: Hotel Iveria Inn offers a comfortable and pleasurable stay, from Dh103. For more information, visit iveriainn.ge or @gudauri.inn.
For a luxurious stay, check out Amante Narikala by Tbilisi Luxury Boutique Hotels, from Dh165. For more information, visit amante.ge or @ amantenarikala.
Flight time from UAE: 3 hours and 35 minutes.
Sailing through Seychelles
Give your friends a dose of FOMO as you and your significant other splash around in the turquoise waters of Seychelles or soak in the sun at any of the archipelago state's pretty beaches.
While not soaking in the sun, sand and the scenery go cycling with your loved one or have a candle light dinner by clear waters to celebrate your love. For adventure seekers look forward to becoming friends with the tortoise on Curieuse Island, hiking up scenic trails, snorkelling and diving in fresh azure pools of water or go sky diving and have the salty air gust through Don’t forget to look into the historical significance of Seychelles and visit national parks, museums and market places.
Stay options: Kempinski Seychelles Resort, from Dh1,736. For more information, visit kempinski.com or @kempinski_seychelles.
Experience excellence and class at DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles - Allamanda Resort and Spa from Dh1,342. For more information, visit hilton.com or @ doubletree.
Flight time from UAE: 4 hours and 25 minutes.
Party with the Pharaohs
Travel back in time to the land of the pyramids and the pharaohs – Egypt – this Valentine’s season to have a culturally rich and exciting romantic getaway. From a dinner cruise on the Nile to a horse-drawn carriage ride in Zamalek, Cairo offers experiences that are straight out of a fairy tale.
If bothered by the crowds at Cairo's tourist attractions, then head to El Gouna. Few hours’ away from Cairo, El Gouna is a resort town that has spectacular landscape, azure waters and plenty of options for those wanting to fill their itinerary with loads of leisurely activities – great way to clock in some together time.
The Siwa Oasis is another destination for couples in love. A gorgeous place with its own unique culture, Siwa Oasis also has natural wonders to enjoy. A dip in the Cleopatra’s spring, for instance is highly recommended. Stay options: With upscale services and stellar views, Four Seasons Hotel Cairo at The First Residence offer an exquisite stay. From Dh751. For more information, visit fourseasons.com or @fourseasons.
Lavish and rejoice with luxury at JW Marriott Hotel Cairo. Enjoy the upscale hotel with international dining, pools, a golf course & a spa, plus a water park. From Dh751. For more information, visit marriott.com or @ jwmarriottcairo.
Flight time from the UAE: 3 hours and 31 minutes.