From The Straits Times    |

We completely understand if you’ve been so focused on the long Chinese New Year weekend that Valentine’s Day slipped your mind – but as your BFF, we’re here to remind you that right after all that feasting comes the day of love. So if you’ve yet to make any plans, or just need some inspiration, look no further. After all, nothing says “I love you” more than two tickets out of the country, right? 

1. Cafe Gray Deluxe, Hong Kong

Image: Cafe Gray Deluxe

If you’ve already made plans for a quick and cheap getaway to Hong Kong, don’t fret! Here’s a deal you might want to consider. Cafe Gray Deluxe will house two seatings for their Valentine’s Day menu: a five-course meal from 6pm to 8pm, with butter-poached lobsters and raspberry crepes; and a six-course meal from 8pm to closing. Expect to be wined and dined with Chef Gray Kunz’s selection, and enjoy a stroll by the Victoria Harbour after! 

Where: Cafe Gray is located in The Upper House hotel, Hong Kong
Cost: HK$995 for first seating, HK$1,500 for second seating
Date: 14 February 2016
For reservations: info@cafegrayhk.com or +852 3968 1106 

2. East, Hong Kong

Image: East

As for those of you who want to spend a romantic weekend in Hong Kong but have yet to make plans, we’ve got you covered. Four-star hotel East is offering a one-night stay package in their Harbour View room, with a dinner for two at Feast (Food by EAST) included in the package. Be quick to book though – exclusive chocolate gift sets, Venchi VIP cards and a bottle of Prosecco are available in limited quantities!

Where: Hong Kong
Cost: $406++ for two
Date: 13 to 14 February 2016
Note: An upgrade to the Harbour Suite is available for $739
For reservations: reservations@east-hongkong.com or +852 3968 3808

3. Alila Villas Soori, Indonesia

Image: Mr & Mrs Smith

For those who want a quick getaway but aren’t too keen on travelling too far from home, check out Alila Villas Soori in Bali. Our love for Bali knows no bounds, and this resort only seems to amplify it. Be surrounded by truly gorgeous views in minimalist villas that’ll make for great shots on your Instagram feed. Maximise your time in this resort by booking through Mr & Mrs Smith, for which you’ll receive an early check-in, late checkout and a 90-minute Balinese massage.

Where: Bali, Indonesia
Cost: Rates start from $640 per night
Dates: Dependent on add-on deals that can be found on the Mr & Mrs Smith website
For reservations: mrandmrssmith.com or 800 905 326

4. Cocoa Island by Como, Maldives

Image: Mr & Mrs Smith

What escapade list would be complete without the Maldives? Travel buffs will no doubt be aware of the luminescent plankton that dot the shores, creating the perfect ambience for a romantic night stroll. 

As for where you should stay, choose Cocoa Island by Como. You’ll be put up in an overwater boathouse-styled villa (swoon!), where you can go snorkelling, scuba-diving or simply enjoying your time in the spa. Booking with Mr & Mrs. Smith means you’ll also enjoy an aromatherapy gift and daily fruit baskets. Stay fight nights and you’ll receive a bottle of champagne, while seven nights gives you a free sunset fishing trip. 

Where: Maldives
Cost: Rates start from $1,885 per night
Dates: Dependent on add-on deals that can be found on the Mr & Mrs Smith website
For reseravations: mrandmrssmith.com or 800 905 326

5. The Opposite House, China

Image: The Opposite House

We understand that some of you might have been too, uh, busy to get a gift for your significant other. If you happen to fall in this category, then here’s something that should solve all your problems. 

The Opposite House is offering a package deal that starts with a private car pick-up from anywhere in Beijing. You’ll then be ushered to your suite, where a dozen red roses and a bottle of Duval Leroy Brut Champagne awaits you and your partner. A four-course dinner will be served at the hotel’s Italian restaurant, and complimentary breakfast will also be included in the package. And forget what your parents said about never taking refreshments from the mini bar – all of it will be complimentary, along with free WiFi (the obvious deal breaker). As for the gifts we mentioned earlier, your partner will be met with a carefully prepared package by Diptyque, a posh Parisian fragrance company. It’s a pretty sweet deal, if we do say so ourselves!

Where: Beijing, China
Cost: RMB6,888 and RMB8,888 for Studio 95 and Studio 115 suites respectively
Date: 14 February 2016
For reservations: reservations@theoppositehouse.com or +8610 6410 5000
Note: Booking through mrandmrssmith.com will give you a glass of champagne and a tapas selection.

6. Banyan Tree Seychelles, Seychelles

Image: Banyan Tree

For those of you with a little extra time to spare, this option might be for you. Staying more than four nights at this resort gives you a complimentary fifth night at the nearby Bird Island and trust us, it’ll be worth it. (Google “Bird Island”. Please. Do yourself this favour.) You’ll be housed in a private bungalow with a four-poster bed (princess dreams come true), and the more adventurous of the lot can go snorkelling and deep sea fishing, while others seeking a more tranquil getaway can also explore the island’s various trails.

Where: Takamaka, Seychelles
Cost: £3,146
Date: 1 to 28 February 2016
For reservations: seychelles@banyantree.com or +248 4 383 500

7. Bintan Lagoon Resort, Indonesia

Image: Bintan Lagoon Resort

Bintan is no stranger to many of us, so the spectacular views and romantic moonlit strolls need no introduction. What we will mention, though, is the Valentine’s Day package Bintan Lagoon Resort has to offer. It’s a two-night deal that offers free access to the myriad of recreational activities such as volleyball, board games, and archery sessions. You’ll also be invited to join the Valentine’s Night party at Silk Night Club. This means no cover charge, which means more money to spend on drinks!
A meal isn’t included in the package, but can be bought for an additional $98 at Nelayan Beachfront Bar & Seafood Dining. However, we’d recommend asking the hotel staff for the private option – a candlelit dinner under the stars on the beach. Who wouldn’t want that?

Where: Bintan, Indonesia
Cost: $160 per night
Dates: 13 to 15 February 2016
For reservations: reservations@bintanlagoon.com or call +65 6750 2280, and quote “Valentine’s Day” package
Note: Bookings must be done by 12 February. Also, upgrades to the Forest Suit are possible at an additional $120 per night.

8. Nihiwatu Resort, Indonesia

Image: Nihiwatu Resort

If idyllic island retreats are your thing, Nihiwatu Resort has the package deal for you. Through 12 to 15 February, you’ll be housed in a Sumbanese villa set amidst rice paddies and private beaches. If, like us, you think this deal is too good to be true, try comprehending this: There are no extra costs. Return flights from Bali and airport transfers to Nihiwatu are part of the deal, and a romantic picnic and dinner during your stay will be provided for as well. As if that weren’t enough, a spa treatment for two is also included in this package. You know what they say – couples who indulge together, stay together. This package is exclusively available during Valentine’s Day weekend, so we suggest making your bookings now!

Where: Sumba Island, Indonesia
Cost: USD600 for two per night
Dates: 12 to 15 February 2016
For reservations: reservations@nihi.com 
Note: Booking through mrandmrssmith.com will give you a bottle of wine upon arrival

9. Tokyo

Image: Minimal Inc for Salon du Chocolat Tokyo

Chocolates are to Valentine’s Day what beer is to football. So it makes complete sense that we inform you of the world’s biggest chocolate festival that’ll be happening in Tokyo. Salon Du Chocolat 2016 will host approximately 100 brands by top chocolatiers from 19 countries. This Willy Wonka-esque paradise will be the perfect on-the-go shopping spot to shower your significant other with chocolates, because we all know that’s the universal language for love. There are various locations and exhibition dates, so be sure to check their website for the one that would suit you best!

Where: The basement level event hall of the Shinjuku NS Building in Tokyo
Dates: 27 January to 14 February 2016   

10. Heritage Suites Hotel, Cambodia

Image: Heritage Suites Hotel

Expect to be catered to from start to end. You’ll be greeted with a vintage 1960s Mercedes Benz (Top Gun, anyone?) the moment you land at the airport for a transfer to the hotel. You’ll then be ushered to the Bungalow Suite you’ll be sleeping in for two nights. Daily a la carte breakfasts are, thankfully, included in this package to ensure your SO and you remain constantly pampered. Angkor’s pride lies in Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and, unsurprisingly, the 2015 winner in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice. Naturally, it would make sense that the package provides a personalised tour of the well-visited attraction, complete with a personal English-speaking guide and tuktuk transportation to and fro. This romantic package is topped off with a five-course Khmer Discovery Menu on your choice of night as well as a selected bottle of wine. Don’t mind if we do!

Where: Siem Reap, Cambodia
Cost: USD580 for two
Dates: Anytime in February 2016
For reservations: http://www.heritagesuiteshotel.com
Note: You can also get a private cruise on Tonie Sap lake, with a bottle of champagne and free flow of beverages for an additional USD200.

11. Yangon, Myanmar

Image: Sedona Hotel Yangon

Are you a couple who is all about taking the road less travelled? Five-star retreat Sedona Hotel Yangon is offering a “Sweet Valentine” package that’ll include a poolside Candlelight dinner and a weekday lunch or weekend brunch for two.

Where: Yangon, Myanmar
Cost: USD229 per night
Dates: 12 to 19 February 2016
For reservations: www.sedonahotels.com.sg
Note: For an additional USD20 or USD50 per night, you’ll receive an upgrade to Premier Deluxe Room or Club Deluxe Room respectively.