Looking to treat your special someone this Valentine’s Day 2024? On the day of all things romantic, ditch the flowers and chocolates in favour of some unique dates instead!
Valentine’s Day fever is almost upon us, and here’s your chance to impress your special someone with something special!
You know marketing is real when every 14 February sees sold-out flower shops, chocolatiers, jewellery shops and more. There is also the fact that annual occasions can get boring after a while, with couples running out of ideas that spark romance and gifts getting predictable.
Is there a solution? Out with the cliches, and in with something new.
This Valentine’s Day, tread the path less taken and pamper your special someone with the best gift of all – your effort! With ideas perfect for all wallets and personality types, rediscover romance in a new light this 2024.
The Fancy Kind Of Love
Escape to the skies
Who doesn’t love a picturesque sunrise or the myriad of colours in the sky during sunset? The experience only gets better from a different perspective, especially up in the skies on a hot air balloon ride. Just the two of you and a beautiful view. Talk about romance!
Not-so spontaneous getaways
In an increasingly hectic world with jobs and schedules to plan around, this one could get a little tricky. An easy way to navigate it is by keeping it in the country but, instead, picking an emirate you haven’t visited in a while. Ask your partner to save the date without revealing too much. And voila! You have a sweet surprise ready to go.
The taste of romance
Intoxication often makes the heart grow fonder, and grape/hops tastings often make for classy yet fun dates. And there are several places in the capital for the same, including La Cava (Rosewood Abu Dhabi), Jones the Grocer, Lexx (Grand Hya Abu Dhabi), and more to explore. Sample different varieties and you might be surprised at what you end up finding in common!
Relaxation for two
We could all use a massage. And there is something about the intimacy of sharing that bliss with your partner that just cannot be replicated. Book a couples’ spa day anywhere in Abu Dhabi and take advantage of some amazing V-Day discounts they might be running. Some places to consider are definitely Remede Spa (The St. Regis Abu Dhabi) and Sense Spa (Rosewood Abu Dhabi).
Go for that gig
You can’t be living in Abu Dhabi and not be attending concerts or stand-up gigs. With world-famous comedians like Kevin Bridges and Kevin Hart coming to Yas Island, or concerts by BlackPink, Imagine Dragons, Sting and more lined up – pick what you know your partner would love and surprise them with an evening of absolute fun!
The Budget-Friendly Kind Of Love
Staycay mode
Convert your house into a hotel for the day. There’s nothing better to gift your partner than undivided love and attention. So for an entire 24 hours, treat your partner to breakfast in bed, massages, and indulge in activities of their choice. You will definitely give them a day they will never forget.
Hide and seek
Plan a surprise scavenger hunt for your loved one. Keep it as short or long as you want and weave in places as well as gifts that have meaning to the two of you. It’s the easiest way to say you love them whilst reliving all of the good memories and making new ones.
Competition mode
UAE is notorious for having brilliant board game cafes, but sometimes you just want to sit at home. Plan a game night and make up games that revolve around your memories, like ‘Find The Photo’ or ‘Truth or Lie’. Set silly punishments and have fun competing against each other!
Biking in tandem
Romantic walks are old hat; it’s time to tandem bike. Take advantage of the pleasant weather while you can, pack a picnic, and head to the nearest park. It doesn’t get cosier than a romantic ride together, in a city that offers stunning views at every turn.
The Adventurous Kind Of Love
Ready. Set. Cook
Trade the sweating over stoves for a fun take on doing it together instead. Websites like Cozymeal offer you a chance to take cooking classes as a couple. It’s a great way to connect and spend time together under the guidance of the best chefs. And the fancy dinner you end up with will have that magic ingredient – love!
Groovy romance
It is no secret that dancing together is a great way to rekindle that spark. From salsa to tango to bachata, there is no dearth of dance forms to explore in a dance class with your loved one.
Make something
Art has always been therapeutic and sharing it with your partner can be extremely fun. From poetry to painting, macrame to perfume-making, Abu Dhabi is a melting pot of activities to do together. And you will always have what you made as a souvenir of a day well spent.
Up close with nature
From gorgeous hiking trails to serene kayaking spots, there is much to explore in the lush capital of the UAE. The Yas Island Loop and Qasr al Sarab Desert Trail are just some of the views you will appreciate beer with a special someone. As for kayaking, who could refuse the pristine shallow waters of Jubail Mangrove Island?
Wild child
Sometimes, love can just be about letting loose and having fun. And the best way to do that is by reliving your childhood, this time with your partner by your side. From the thrilling rollercoasters at Ferrari World to your favourite cartoons at WB Abu Dhabi or a refreshing day at Yas Waterpark, spend the day hollering with your favourite person.
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