Three of the best alternative romantic getaways for Valentine’s weekend

  |   28-01-2016

Choose from our three romantic escapes…

1) ARABIAN ROMANCE IN THE DESERT

Romance in the desert this Valentines Day at Arabian Nights Village

For a Valentine’s to remember, book into the unique Arabian Nights Village heritage resort half way between Al Ain and Abu Dhabi for a day or an overnight stay. Nestled amid the dunes of the Al Khatem desert, Arabian Nights Village appears almost like a mirage amidst its spectacular setting. “The village offers a once-in-a-lifetime romantic desert adventure, far from the madding crowd this Valentine’s Day,” said village manager, Rashad Kudsi. The village was purpose-built as Abu Dhabi’s only glamping (glamourous camping) resort. It is more than a desert camp or a hotel. This is a desert retreat where people truly switch off if they want to: the Emirati heritage-inspired accommodation have no TVs or WiFi, so a stay is a digital detox for those wanting to escape the pressures of every day city life. The village is also an Arabian adventure with an ever-expanding array of regional-style entertainment and desert activities.

ANV overview

The entire village is a masterpiece inspired by traditional and recent Emirati culture. Paved walkways, lined with ambient lighting and flower beds, carve a palm tree shaped path through natural desert habitat, leading to five qarya (clusters), faithfully named after Abu Dhabi’s Shahama, Baynouna, Remah, Hameem and Razeen neighbourhoods.

Packages for two include a 2pm pick up from Khalifa Park in Abu Dhabi in a luxury coach to the village, a safari tour amid the towering, awe-inspiring dunes of Al Khatem, camel riding, dune bashing in a 4×4 with a highly experience driver who will tackle the enormous dunes, henna painting by an experienced designer and romantic sundowners watching the sunset.

ANV Pool

For the evening, guests can enjoy local experience, dining on the floor, whilst having an international buffet complete with a bottle of grape refreshment. They can enjoy a performance from the resident belly dancer and relaxing to songs performed by the resident Oud player, whose renditions are ancient poems set to music. After, couples can toast marshmallows on the bonfire before retiring to bed.

The next day, enjoy a continental buffet breakfast in the atmospheric Al Maqam restaurant and swim or sunbathe at the Oasis pool that’s surrounded by magnificent dunes, before a noon transfer back to Abu Dhabi city.

The ‘Dreamy Desert Nights Package’ cost 1,600 AED for two people per night on either Saturday 13th or Sunday 14th February. For reservations call +971 2  676 9990 or visit www.arabianightsvillage.ae.

2) UNWIND AT SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY

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Reconnect with romance, this Valentine’s Day, at Six Senses Zighy Bay in Musandam in Oman. With one of the most special days of the year fast approaching, Six Senses Zighy Bay sets the stage for a romance weekend. The resort presents a wide array of delights with their ‘Arabian Romance Package’.

There are 82 village-inspired pool villas guarded by the backdrop of dramatic mountains and a private sandy beach. The resort is framed by the rugged Hajar mountains, facing the resorts private marina and stretch of white sand. Guests can disconnect from everyday life and reconnect with themselves and their loved ones amidst the beautiful breathtaking surroundings of Northern Oman. 

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Guests begin their journey by experiencing the infinite horizon and golden glow of the setting sun over the gulf of Oman as they sail away on a traditional dhow in the still waters of Haffa Bay while sipping sparkling date juice.  From smooth sailing to being whisked high up into the mountains for paragliding, guests may also choose their preferred dining venue to celebrate the special day: either from the top of the wine tower, in the wine cellar, in their own premises for a private barbecue or dining at the award-winning ‘Sense on the Edge’ restaurant located 961 feet (293 meters) above sea level, hosted by the talented Chef Ron McKinlay.

Also, no journey is complete without a soothing spa experience at  their Six Senses spa, a refuge for mind and body. It is a retreat from the busy humdrum of daily life and a sanctuary of well-being.

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The ‘Arabian Romance Package’ has been crafted on the basis of a minimum two-night stay in a luxury villa with a private pool. There is a choice of a pool villa, pool villa beachfront, pool villa suite or pool villa suite beachfront. It includes an arrival by private speedboat, a daily buffet breakfast, one paragliding session for two (available from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm subject to wind and weather condition), one shared sunset cruise with sparkling date juice and canapes, a 50-minute signature spa couples treatment and a romantic dining experience at the wine tower, wine cellar, in-villa barbecue dinner or dinner at ‘Sense on the Edge’.

Prior reservation is recommended due to high demand. Contact reservations-zighy@sixsenses.com or go to www.sixsenses.com

3) WILD ROMANCE AT ANANTARA SIR BANI YAS ISLAND

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Anantara Al Sahel Villa Resort is a stunning place to experience wildlife in its natural habitat and take in the beautiful rugged landscapes of Abu Dhabi’s Sir Bani Yas Island. Stay at a rustic luxury lodge in the heart of the island’s vast Arabian nature park and admire flocks of flamingos gracing the mangrove lagoon.

And what weekend is complete without including pampering at the Anantara spa. Unwind with blissful side by side couples treatments and it is even more heavenly with a generous 20% discount throughout your stay. Also try timeless Arabian activities like archery and falconry, a wide range of water sports and of course a mouthwatering choice of restaurants.

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In the morning, you can wake up to a lavish breakfast buffet and experience elegant gazelles grazing just steps away. There is also a tailored romantic dining experience called ‘dining by design’ concept where you share an unforgettable evening in the comfort of your villa. It is catered by a private chef and butler with rates starting from 2,685 AED per villa, per night for a minimum two night stay. For more information, visit www.sir-bani-yas-island.anantara.com.

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