Love boat
The glint of the setting sun on the water, the gentle wash of the current as you drift along the Corniche at sunset; nothing says romance quite like an evening cruise along Abu Dhabi’s waterfront while you sit, glass in hand, gazing into each other’s eyes. For Dhs1,000, Belevari Marine provides just this, as well as cruises around Abu Dhabi’s islands on their 42-ft yacht (Dhs2,400), complete with canapés and plenty of time for a dip in the crystal clear waters. Or, if you like the sound of your very own deserted island getaway, for Dhs1,000 they will drop you off on one of the local islands and pick you up again the following morning.
Contact Captain Berund Lens Van Rijn on 050 661 2176 for more information.
Under Dhs500
Dhafra’s cruising restaurant (02 673 2266) operates along the Corniche, daily, serving food and beverages from 8.30pm to 10.30pm for Dhs204 per person. They also operate sunset dhow trips for between 10-50 people. Or, if money’s tight, the abra rides at Qaryat Al Beri (next to the Shangri-La) are free – which is handy, given that money can’t buy you love.
Wild about you
The call of the wild, albeit with luxurious 5-star accommodation within easy reach, offers a dash of romance otherwise absent in the city. Sir Bani Yas Island resort, a nature reserve turned eco-hotel, offers a Valentine’s package which includes a two-night stay, a 90-minute spa treatment, a bottle of champagne and dinner at Samak for Dhs2,244. And if that’s not feral enough for you, guests can Dine by Design, whereby you organise your own island picnic, ranging from a private BBQ surrounded by Arabian oryx to an Italian meal in the mangrove bay (might want to bring a bug zapper!), or even a romantic beachside lunch.
Contact 02 801 5400 or visit www.desertislands.anantara.com for more information.
Under Dhs500
Feel the sand between your toes and dine on the beach at Le Meridien (Dhs215pp, plus 16%, 02 644 6666). But you don’t need a hotel to organise a wild romance – at this time of year, the weather is more than clement for a romantic desert picnic. All you need is a blanket, a bit of quiche and the spirit of adventure.
Sky high
If you’re feeling on top of the world, head over the Jebel Ali border – in a luxury limousine no less – for Dreamdays’ Exclusive Seaplane Flight Experience (from Dhs9,500 per person). Having presented your passport/ID card, a 40-minute sky tour of Dubai’s coastal area is your reward, and refreshments are served on board. Or you could opt for their Exclusive Balloon Flight Experience (from Dhs1,045 per person) and gently float across the desert with your significant other in a bubble (well, balloon) of love. Plus, you get your very own certificate from the captain.
Visit www.dreamdays.ae for more information.
Under Dhs1,000
The earth may not be moving, but at least you are. Al Fanar (02 674 2020) is Abu Dhabi’s only rotating restaurant (Dhs490 per person, plus 16%); not only that, but it stands at an ear-popping 31 floors high. Enjoy great views – well, there are 360 to choose from – and a set menu prepared by the two-Michelin-starred guest chef Jean Christopher Anansay is just the icing on the cake.
What’s the alternative?
For those who want to be pampered but not separated from their loved ones for even a millisecond, couples treatments offer an alternative to the usual dinner and a rose. The Herbal Compress treatment (Dhs400 for 60mins; Dhs600 for 90mins plus 16%) at Zen Spa (02 697 9333), Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi combines Eastern Massage techniques with herbal presses.
Elsewhere, the Anantara Spa (02 690 9000) at Emirates Palace offer their ‘Route to Ayudhaya’ (Dhs2,900 per couple, plus 16%), which includes a traditional tamarind Thai body massage, as well as a herbal compress massage and a facial.
Absolutely Free
Or if you’ve just had enough of the whole night, and are quite content to throw in the ‘love towel’, head down to Heroes at Crowne Plaza for their ‘Anti-Valentines Weekend’: three days of music and sport, daily, from 9pm.
Valentine’s deals
Get the most for your money this Valentine’s
Al Ain Rotana: A traditional Lebanese set menu at Min Zaman and five-course dinner at Trader Vics (both Dhs500 per couple, plus 16%) await couples, as does Moodz bar (Dhs100 pp, plus 16%), where the resident DJ will be hitting the decks. 03 754 5111
Al Diar Dana: There aren’t many times in life when you can devour heartshaped cakes (Dhs75, plus 16%) and pizzas (Dhs30, plus 16%). It’s not quite Lady and the Tramp (remember the spaghetti bit?), but a good excuse to tuck into quality ‘love pizza’ in the aid of romance. 02 645 6000
Al Diar Capital: The Palm Restaurant at Al Diar Capital Hotel goes down the Valentine buffet dinner route (Dhs250pp, plus 16%), offering a glass of house beverage per person, plus in-house entertainment. 02 678 7700
Al Raha Beach Hotel: It doesn’t just end with Valentines cakes at Café Mozart; Sevilla Restaurant (Dhs165pp, plus 16%) offer a Valentines buffet with music from Black Pearl Duo; Azur offer a five-course menu (Dhs250pp, plus 16%) with music from guitarist Louis, and finally dance the night away at Enigma’s ‘red and white’ themed Valentines party. 02 508 0555
Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi: Check out Indigo (Dhs230pp) for a four-course set menu, plus bubbly; Brauhaus for the more unusual buffet BBQ (Dhs230pp); Rosebuds for a Valentines buffet (Dhs190pp), and Rodeo Grill (Dhs310pp), Benihana (Dhs240pp) and Finz (Dhs310) for a five course menu with a glass of bubbly included. 02 644 3000
Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi: Check out The Wok and The Garden (both Dhs185pp, plus 16%) for a Valentine-themed Oriental menu and international menu, with bubbly provided upon arrival, live music and a rose for the lady. Then head to the roof for chill out tunes and more bubbles at Level Lounge. 02 616 6122
Danat Resort Jebel Dhanna: It doesn’t end with Valentines pastries and cakes at C-View; head to Zaitoun for a four-course set menu (Dhs300pp, plus 16%), including a bottle of house wine. 02 801 2222
Hilton Abu Dhabi: Bice and Jazz Bar offer special Valentines menus; but check out lunch and dinner at Vascos for something truly unique, where acclaimed Asian guest chef Sam Leong will be cooking something special. 02 692 4300
Le Meridien: Le Bistrot adds a Gallic touch to your romantic evening with a glass of sparkling wine and a rose for the lady accompanying a four-course French dinner (Dhs175pp, plus 16%). Alternatively, dine on the beach (Dhs215pp, plus 16%) whilst Brothers Three band serenade you, or visit Talay (Dhs175pp, plus 16%) for a four course Thai menu. 02 644 6666
Le Royal Meridien: As well as Al Fanar’s Michelinstarred guest chef Jean Christopher Anansay (Dhs490pp, plus 16%) setting taste buds alight; Valentines menus are also available at Amalfi (Dhs250pp, plus 16%, including a glass of sparkling wine) and the floating Shuja Yacht (Dhs350, plus 16%), where diners are serenaded by Cat Simioni. 02 674 2020
Millennium Hotel: Ahh, nothing says romance like a harpist. Check out Citrus Restaurant for a Valentines buffet (Dhs350 per couple) and some smooth music. Visit Sevilos for a four-course set menu (Dhs500 per couple) and the sounds of Italian guitarist Pino. Crystal Bar has a special oyster menu (Dhs500 per couple) and entertainment from Cristal Duo; and finally, Marrakesh boasts a set Moroccan menu as well as belly dancing and a live band. 02 626 2700
Oryx Hotel: A candle lit four-course ‘Love Menu’ at Horizon Restaurant (Dhs172pp, plus 16%) and a Valentine’s Feast Buffet (Dhs100pp, plus 16%) at West Side Coffee Shop. 02 681 0001
Shangri-La Hotel: Roses, chocolate and bubbly at Hoi An (Dhs300pp, plus 16%), a Valentines buffet at Sofra Bld (Dhs220, plus 16%) and a seafood feast at Pearls and Caviar (Dhs450, plus 16%) offer couples a romantic choice, but food from guest chef Alain Passard (three Michelin stars) at Bord Eau (Dhs550pp, plus 16%) is the real pull. 02 509 8888
Sheraton Abu Dhabi: As usual, La Mamma, El Sombrero, Bravo or Il Paradiso will be on form, with Flavours (Dhs185pp) offering a free glass of bubbly each for couples to wash down all the oysters and chocolate covered strawberries. 02 677 3333
