Hip hangouts: Valentine's Day special

Spice things up a little

The Thai Kitchen, Park Hyatt Dubai  

This busy and buzzing Thai restaurant is one of our favourite Dubai options thanks to its fresh food that leans towards hearty rural options and the romantic Creek-side, canopy-covered terrace. Spend Valentine's night there and enjoy a seven-course small plate menu - featuring Tiger prawn tempura, rich and hearty Beef massam curry, Duck breast with tamarind and spinach, Crab meat with chilli dressing and Sweet mango spring rolls. Our mouths are literally watering already.
From 7pm, February 14
Call 04 602 1234
Cost Dh590 per couple (food only)  

Dinner with Legends

Legends, Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club Deira  

This private club has a tranquil Creekside location, and its new steakhouse, Legends, takes full advantage of that, meaning it's one of our top picks for Valentine's Day romance. Book in here and you'll get a five-course menu that features dishes like the Oyster trio, Cucumber sorbet with avruga caviar, Paella, and fine Aussie rib eye, plus you'll enjoy unlimited sangria and be entertained by live flamenco dancers. You can either book on the terrace, in the autumnal coloured interior, or on the private ‘water table' in the middle of the pool.
From 7pm-midnight February 14
Call 04 295 6000
Cost Dh950 per couple or Dh1,800 per couple for the ‘water table'  

The ultimate indulgence

Majlis Al Bahar, Burj Al Arab 

If you really want to treat your loved one to a date that will wow, then try a private beachside dinner at the Burj Al Arab. Yep, it doesn't get any more luxe than this (well, unless you're able to fly them in with your private jet). Your own personal waiter and sommelier will serve you a four-course meal, and you'll then get to take home a bottle of Hermès perfume and cologne each (that's the present-buying sorted). Alternatively, you can book a table in the hotel's seafood restaurant, Al Mahara, enjoy a five-course meal and be treated to a diver holding up a special message to your loved one through the tank (that is pure proposal gold!).
Dinner service February 14
Call 04 301 7600
Cost Dh3,000 per couple for the beach dinner, Dh3,800 per couple for the Al Mahara dinner  

Dinner at Cipriani

Yas Yacht Club, Abu Dhabi

This classy, white-washed restaurant overlooks the Yas Marina and serves up fine Italian cuisine. On February 14 the mouth-watering four-course menu features a bubbly bellini, an Artichoke salad, Lobster ravioli (a dish that would defo feature in our ‘last dinner' meal), a Roast rack of lamb or Seared sea bass and a gooey White chocolate soufflé. Delish!
From 5pm-11.30pm, February 14
Call 02 657 5400
Cost Dh350 per person

Opulence at Okku

The Monarch, Sheikh Zayed Road 

We love Okku because it's a homegrown Dubai brand that has proven so strong it's going to be exported to London (a reversal of the usual situation) - so, head along and treat your partner to dinner there. On Valentine's Day they're offering a 15-course Omikase tasting menu, which features dishes like Tuna tartare, Sea bass and papaya maki and Fresh oysters with an Okku twist. You'll get a bottle of premium bubbles to wash it all down, and can arrange for a dozen red roses to be delivered to your door that morning.
From 7pm, February 14
Call 04 501 8777
Cost Dh1,600 per couple or Dh1,900 per couple with roses

A Balinese ritual

Mandara Spa, The Monarch, Sheikh Zayed Road 

Spend a full day at the spa with your partner and enjoy a skin-refreshing full body polish, a Balinese massage that uses long, relaxing strokes and a facial that cleanses deeply (and uses only natural ingredients).
When Throughout February
Call 04 501 8270
Cost Dh950 per couple

A couple's retreat day

Oasis Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road  

Get Zen with your partner with a 60-minute custom organic or Ayurveda spa therapy as well as a healthy meal at Balance café. You'll walk out feeling refreshed, restored and romantic.
When Throughout February
Call 04 384 7010
Cost Dh630 per couple (usual price Dh896)

Your own private cabana

Cabana, The Address Dubai Mall 

You simply can't go wrong with a candlelit dinner under the stars - so head down to this poolside spot for a four-course dinner with Burj Khalifa views, with professional tango dancers providing the entertainment. The menu features beauties like Slow-cooked beef ribs with Parisienne potatoes and truffle foam, Pan-seared Scottish salmon with jumbo shrimp and, an old favourite, Chocolate fondant.
From 6.30pm-11.30pm February 14
Call 04 438 8888
Cost Dh750 per couple with free flowing selected beverages, two glasses of bubbly and food; Dh1,800 per couple for a private cabana, free flowing premium beverages, a butler and food.