By Keith J Fernandez www.emirates247.com
Still haven’t figured out what you’re doing this Valentine’s Day? How typically Dubai!
But fret not. Inundated as we are with eleventh-hour requests, we’ve put together a list of romantic options for last-minute lovers like you. Even if money is no object, one warning remains: there’s really no more time left. So read through this list, take your pick and make a booking now.
Love is white
White out all the red this Valentine’s with Kempinski’s winter wonderland escape. The hotel major has rolled out a one-off deal at its Mall of Emirates property in Dubai that includes a private five-course dinner at Avalanche Café on the slopes of Ski Dubai and one night’s stay at the hotel.
The hotel promises to lay on plenty of flowers, chocolates and candlelight to set the mood. And for anyone looking to add an extra special touch, a personal advisor will help create a unique theme that recalls a special memory.
When we checked what it cost, the only room available was for the night of the 14th: a three-bedroom grand ski chalet bookable at a cool Dh45,000. Log on to kempinski.com
Spa and caviar
Those big spenders still reeling from the effects of the recession will want to check out The Address Dubai Marina’s Ultimate Valentine’s Package. The deal includes a premium suite, spa treatment for the lady, candlelit dinner by a private pool on the hotel’s 14th floor, a caviar breakfast, late checkout, butler service and limousine transfer.
The package runs through February 14 and is priced at Dh15,000. Book at theaddress.com.
Living the high life
For those of you itching for a taste of life in the world’s tallest building, the Armani Hotel’s Dh4,888 Valentine’s Day getaway promotion is one of the best-value deals in town.
With accommodation in an Armani Suite, the price tag includes breakfast, a bouquet from Armani/Fiori, a bottle of a bubbly, a tailor-made five-course Valentine’s dinner at Armani/Ristorante, and to elevate things a notch or two, a single complimentary access pass to At the Top, Burj Khalifa, the observatory deck of the world’s tallest building.
Best of all, the promotion runs through February 28.
High as the sky
Watch your relationship take off simply by taking her to dinner in the sky. Abu Dhabi charter company Royal Jet promises a memorable Valentine’s experience with a three-hour flight over Salalah, Muscat and Al Ain – in a luxury Gulfstream aircraft. And as you watch the sun set over Oman, you can ply her with chocolates, flowers, a gourmet dinner and some of the finest vintages.
Included in the Dh65,000 price are limousine transfers to Abu Dhabi Airport’s private VIP terminal. Bookings must be made before February 28th, while travel can be taken any time until the end of March. Further details at royaljetgroup.com
Rhodes to Romance
Tonight and tomorrow, celebrity chef Gary Rhodes is in residence at his Rhodes Twenty10 restaurant here in Dubai, serving up a special meal for those happy to spend the night in their own beds.
The restaurant bills itself as offering grills with a twist, with the emphasis on sharing. Dinner for two is priced at Dh900 per couple. Reserve at leroyalmeridien-dubai.com.
Say it with flowers
And if all you can afford are flowers (and at Dh150 for a 12-rose bouquet at Spinneys, they aren’t cheap either), you might be lucky after all.
A new survey for a London-based retailer says if you’re hoping for some bedroom action, say it with flowers.
British online flower delivery service Serenata Flowers asked more than 1,100 people if they would be more likely to sleep with someone who sent them flowers on Valentine’s. Men and women responded similarly, with 34 per cent of women and 36 per cent of men saying they would.
So there.
