At least you would hope your significant other would oblige, especially if you splash out on Anantara’s appropriately named Valentine’s Day Extravaganza that costs an eye-watering AED399,000 (US$108,632). It’s the package that crowns our list of the most extravagant Valentine’s Day offers available from UAE hotels, which appear to be cashing in on the very romantic art of one-upmanship.
1 – The Valentine’s Day Extravaganza at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort
Anantara wants you to “be the king and queen of a fairy tale” and indulge in an unforgettable journey. The extreme price tag covers a private helicopter ride over Dubai, chauffer-driven transport, a luxury beach villa and a Turkish hammam treatment at Anantara Spa. What’s more, after your magical night concludes, you’ll be whisked off to the Indian Ocean for a two-night stay in an overwater villa at Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas.
2 – The Unforgettable Valentine’s Experience at Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah
Apparently “the height of romance” is this AED100,000 ($27,255) per-night package, which includes a stay in the Royal Suite – the largest in the emirate of Dubai. Arrive by chauffeured Bentley, enter through a private lift and take a moment to peer over the Gulf from the suite’s foyer balcony before unwrapping a package of sparkling diamonds for the lady. You’ll also be entitled to a VIP couple’s massage, a helicopter tour and a seven-course dinner and wine pairing at Social by Heinz Beck.
3 – The Ultimate Romantic Package at Jumeirah Beach Hotel
Invite your loved one for an evening under the stars and indulge in the resort’s most exclusive romantic dining package. Arrive by limousine and get escorted to a private beachfront cabana to enjoy an up-close view of the Burj Al Arab (if you can take your eyes off your date), then tuck in your napkin ahead of a four-course banquet with a bottle of bubbly and an atmospheric soundtrack – all for a tab of just AED25,000 ($6,806). There’s even a mystery Valentine gift for both him and her.
4 – The Arabian Nights Experience at Banyan Tree Al Wadi
This Ras Al Khaimah escape offers a full complement of spa treatments, sand-dune stargazing and a romantic al fresco dinner. Enjoy the newly launched Spa Sanctuary Tented Pool Villas and make the most of having an expertly trained therapist available around the clock. The “wanderlust weekend”, priced at AED9,076 ($2,471) continues with a bubbly breakfast at sunrise from Safran Tower and concludes with the resort’s Stargazing Experience with a local astronomer available to help map the night sky.
5 – Valentine’s at the Palace at Emirates Palace
Head to Abu Dhabi where Emirates Palace wants you to treat your special one to a romantic picnic on the beach and enjoy the sound of the sea, paired nicely with the symphony of a cello. The idea is to create your own signature experience, enjoying the coastal afternoon tea and then choosing from a selection of spa treatments, with a 150-minute tailored package costing AED1,325 ($360) per person. The offer doesn’t include a stay, but it makes sense to check into the 140-sqm Palace Pearl Suite.
