One of the best bits about living in the UAE is that our weekends can truly feel like holidays. With Valentine’s Day falling on a Friday this year, it’s the perfect excuse for a romantic staycation. Whether it’s a beach retreat or a mountainous escape that takes your fancy, we’ve rounded up some of the best “stay and dine” offers taking place across the UAE during the weekend of love…

Kempinski Hotel, Mall of the Emirates

There’s nothing more romantic than taking in the views of wintery snowscape while cosying up with your other half. This Valentine’s Day, head to Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates for a one-off progressive dinner that takes you and your beloved from cuddling around the fire overlooking the snow to flamenco dancing, to dining under the stars, and ending with rich velvets of Noir.

The love-lit evening will give you the experience of the entire hotel, it’s many creative restaurants and the stunning Ski Chalet while enjoying a delicious aphrodisiac menu of food and drinks that allude to the essence of every outlet.

The “Game of Love” concept will be complete with riddles, different cuisines and four changes of scenery throughout the evening. Those wanting to make a night of it can check-in to the pool chalet and enjoy direct access to two infinity pools and dedicated Butler service.

Details: AED 900 per couple for dinner only, AED 3,000 for those checking-in to the pool chalet. A draw will be made, and one lucky couple will have the chance to win a night stay in the hotel in one of their beautiful grand deluxe rooms. For bookings, call 04 409 5999.

Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers

Setting the stage for a romantic urban escape, Taj Jumeirah Lakes Towers will offer a lavish in-room dining package for any couple residing in the hotel on the 14 February. Starting at an additional AED 650 to the existing room-rate, guests can delight in a menu featuring a premium bottle to share and a choice of a decadent cheese platter, sharing canapés or strawberries and cream. For those looking for something even more decadent, enjoy a bottle with a dozen oysters – available for AED 1,200.

Details: In-room dining available from 6pm until 11pm on February 14. For bookings, call 04 5741 111 or email reservations.jltdubai@tajhotels.com

Rixos The Palm Dubai

For those wanting to spread the love over a long weekend, Rixos The Palm Dubai Hotel & Suites have an extra special Love Birds Getaway package. This Ultra-All-Inclusive offer includes a romantic sea view room, private beach cabana, complimentary breakfast in bed, 90-minute couples massage and an intimate four-course dinner serenaded by a professional violinist – not to mention unlimited access to restaurants, daily sports, meditation and yoga classes and pampering at Anjana Spa.

Details: Valentine’s Day staycation offer starting from AED 1,800++ per night based on two people sharing. To book, email reservation.dubai@rixos.com

Anantara Eastern Mangroves, Abu Dhabi

Opt for an intimate getaway amidst the mangroves and enjoy luxury accommodation with a special romantic room set-up and amenities. Complement your stay with multiple culinary experiences through the hotel’s signature dine-around program. Finally, end your elegant Valentine’s journey with a relaxing 30-minute couples’ massage.

Details: Room rates start at AED 895. For bookings, email crome@anantara.com.

JA Hatta Fort Hotel, Hajar Mountains Dubai 

For the true wow-factor this Valentine’s Day, book this unforgettable experience to Hatta – complete with scenic helicopter tour and two-night stay at the stunning mountainous resort, JA Hatta Fort Hotel. Begin your journey at Palm Jumeirah as you board the helicopter, before soaring over Dubai’s Hajar Mountains and arriving at your home for the weekend. Here, you’ll be greeted with VIP refreshments before checking into your three-bedroom villa, complete with private butler. Enjoy breakfast in bed both mornings, before embarking on your adventure-filled weekend, including a Chef’s Table experience at sunset, romantic horse riding and so much more.

Details: The VIP helicopter package is priced at AED 25,000 inclusive of private helicopter transfer from Dubai, and 2-night stay at JA Hatta Fort Hotel. Guests can alternatively book the Romance Package (without helicopter tour) for AED 6,800 for a 2-night VIP stay. For bookings, call 04 809 9333.

Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai

Surprise your other half with a romantic getaway to the stunning Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah, where you’ll enjoy a luxurious stay in a one-bedroom suite and a premium bottle to share on arrival. The next morning, wake up to breakfast in bed or head down to beachside brasserie, The Bay, for a nutritious start to the day, before heading to the Sea Jewel VIP Suite for the relaxing “Blissful Marma” couples massage.

Details: The “Fans of Love” staycation offer starts from AED 5,000. For bookings, call 04 777 2222.

Sofitel Dubai Downtown

Turn Valentine’s Day into a Valentine’s weekend with a special staycation package at the Sofitel Dubai Downtown. With prices starting from AED 750, pull out all the stops with an ultra-romantic room, complete with rose petals and towel origami. For added charm, opt for the in-room setup package (for an additional charge) and enjoy charming balloons, a bottle to share, and an indulgent cake for two.

Wake up the next morning and kick-start the day with a timeless romantic gesture – a complimentary breakfast in bed. Then, why not head to Sky Table for dinner under the stars? Perched on the 30th floor, overlooking a glittering skyline, clink glasses in the clouds as your private butler tends to your every need, as you enjoy a three-course dinner and three-hours of free-flowing drinks.

Details: Valentine’s Day staycation offer available from February 13 – 15, with rooms starting from AED 750. Dinner at Sky Table from 2pm until 8pm on February 14, for AED 999 per couple. Hotel stays can be booked at 04 503 6666 or H7492@Sofitel.com. Dinner can be booked at 04 503 6111 or email H7492-BC@sofitel.com.

Vida Downtown

For an urban retreat, head to this gorgeous venue in the heart of the city. Upon check-in, enjoy complimentary treats including a bottle to share, an exciting trivia game, plus a selection of sweet offerings. Order breakfast in bed from the specially designed Valentine’s menu, and enjoy a discounted package on the themed Valentine’s Dinner at 3in1 on February 14. Here, couples can avail the soft beverage package for 2 for an additional AED 300, or add a bottle to share for an additional AED 400.

Details: Available to book from 13-15 February, prices starting from AED 1,130 per couple. For bookings, call +971 4 888 3444

Meliã Desert Palm Dubai

This February, spoil your loved one with romantic experiences at Dubai’s boutique polo resort, Meliã Desert Palm Dubai. Nestled amidst a 160-acre estate, the resort is offering intimate stays and dinners to make this Valentine’s Day staycation all the more memorable. Couples seeking a romantic staycation for the Valentine’s weekend can book one of the resort’s lavish suites or private pool villas. A one night’s stay at each hideaway is complete with a 60-minute couple’s massage at Samāna Spa, a three-course dinner at RARE followed by a turndown of fresh blossoms in their room, and all wrapped up with a breakfast for two at Epicure the following morning.

Details: Prices start from AED1,500 for a Palm Deluxe Room. Offer valid for stays from 14-15 February, with early check-in and late check-out available. For reservations, call 04 602 9328 or email reservations.dp@melia.com.

Sonara Camp

Celebrate the most romantic day of the year under the starry desert sky at Sonara Camp. For a dining experience with a difference, this desert destination is serving up a delicious sharing menu accompanied by a live saxophonist, before embarking on camp activities – from sandboarding to archery, before kicking back and relaxing with a movie under the stars. For those wishing to stay the night, Nomadic Tents are available for the evening so guests can watch the sunrise while enjoying breakfast in the dunes of the nature reserve.

Details: Prices start from AED 860 per guest (inclusive of dinner, mocktail, shuttle service, activities and entertainment.) AED 3320 for 2 guests, inclusive of overnight stay and breakfast. For bookings, please click here.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also be interested in reading about our pick of Valentine’s Day dinners for under AED500 per couple here.