By: Rebecca Simpson
Valentine’s Day. Did you just roll your eyes, or do a little happy clap? Either way, it’s time to celebrate! We’ve pulled together some fun ideas for Valentine’s Day to inspire lovers of all shapes, sizes, and interests – there’s something for everyone.
BEYOND THE MEAL
If you want to mix it up this year and do something other than go for a romantic meal, here are a few suggestions.
Romantic strolls and light-filled moments
Grab your lovers hand and head to Central Harbourfront for a stroll through the International Light Art Display. It’s a public light installation that explores the theme of Love and Romance. There’s also a 50-metre Light Tunnel at Tamar Park in Admiralty to meander through.
More: discoverhongkong.com
Picnic in the park
Our city is full of great picnic spots, you just need to know where to go. And, it’s the perfect time of year to enjoy the great outdoors. Organise your own picnic from places like Feather & Bone or Classified, or order a basket online. Don’t forget to take all your rubbish with you when you leave.
Read: Great Picnic Spots
Massages and bubbles
Looking to do less eating and more pampering? Then the Chuan Spa at Cordis might be just the ticket. Their Valentine’s Escape experience includes a raft of treatments followed by two complimentary glasses of sparkling wine. It will set you back HK$2,288 per couple.
Contact: Chuan Spa Concierge 3552 3510 or cdhkg.info@chuanspa.com
Take a night hike
Ready for a nighttime adventure? Night hiking is great fun, and much less sweaty. Take a lovers stroll under the cover of darkness and get your endorphins pumping. Night hikes like Dragon’s Back or the hike from Wan Chai to Central offer some twinkling views of the city. So romantic.
Read: Your favourite hikes
Love Potion Masterclass
Do you need a little potion to help that special someone fall in love? You’re in luck because Dr. Fern’s Gin Parlour in Central will host a Love Potion Masterclass on Saturday afternoon, February 6th. Head of Potions, Dr. Paul, will teach you all about the wonders of gin and botanicals.
Get tickets: Love Potion Masterclass Tickets
Couples’ Gong Workshop
Want to build a deep spiritual connection? Celebrate your love with a Group Couples Gong Meditation Workshops at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong’s Spa. This session is run by Martha Collard, founder of Red Doors Studio, and the founding chairman of the Yoga Society of Hong Kong. She’s the real deal.
Reservations: Call The Oriental Spa on 2132 0011
Gallery Date
Our city is full of beautiful galleries. Try checking out an exhibition, like French-Chinese contemporary artist Feng Xiao-Min. His colourful abstract landscapes are on display his first solo exhibition in Hong Kong – Inspired Resonance.
Venue: Opera Gallery, W Place, 52 Wyndham Street, Central
FOR THE FOODIES
Hong Kong is a foodie kind of town, and Valentine’s is a foodie kind of event. If you’re after a romantic meal, one of these options might be just perfect.
Alto
ALTO features a classic grill menu with a twist and amazing vistas over Causeway Bay from the 31st floor of the V Point Tower. With interiors by Tom Dixon, and a contemporary menu by Michelin-trained chef Michael Boyle, it makes a great Valentine date night choice. They have a special 14 February menu featuring delicious choices and decadent desserts. See their website for details.
More: diningconcepts.com
Komune
If you’re Southside and want to stay local, give Ovolo Southside’s distinguished fusion restaurant, Komune, a run. They’re offering a five-course set menu for two (HK$980). Plus, a free-flow of Veuve Cliquot, draught beer, and classic cocktails(HK$298 per person) will be served to help set the mood for the night.
More: komune.com.hk
CE LA VI
Forget cliches of couples on Valentine’s Day at CE LA VI which is offering a Valentine’s Day tasting menu at HK$1488 for two people, as well as HK$1,988 for three people and HK$2,488 for four.
More: hk.celavi.com
Get Romantic in MO Bar’s Secret Hideaway
Impress your date by taking them to the secluded secret corner of MO Bar (through the telephone box). Every evening after 5pm intimate PDT (Please Don’t Tell) hideaway offers a taste of romance for food lovers with a Valentine’s menu of Caviar tots and Moët & Chandon champagne or a classic Martini cocktail, followed by a delectable dessert of your choice.
Reservations: lmhkg-pdt@mohg.com
Morton’s of Chicago
Morton’s of Chicago offers a panoramic view of Hong Kong’s iconic harbour from every table and an award-winning menu with some of the city’s best steaks. This year, the renowned steakhouse is offering a Valentine’s set dinner menu (HK$1,288 +10% service charge).
More: mortons.com
M Bar at Mandarin Oriental
Head to M Bar at the Mandarin Oriental for one of Absolut Elyx Lovebird cocktails, exclusive to M Bar and served in the cutest gilded lovebird vessel. There’s For You (HK$185), and For Her (HK$185), the former including Violette Liquer, lime juice, taro cordial, egg whites and a special dash of Valentine’s Bitters.
More: mandarinoriental.com
Le Rêve
The French know romance and that makes Le Rêve is a great Valentine’s choice. Known for combining the art of French cooking with specially selected fresh ingredients from Japan, Le Rêve delivers a new Valentine’s Day cocktail, aptly named “My Love”. It’s perfect for gin lovers.
Dear Lily
Looking for a dreamy venue to impress a special someone? The heart-shaped booths, shelves of vintage perfume bottles, and a view of the harbour at Dear Lily might be just the place you need. They even have a special dessert called Dear Lily’s Heart.
More: diningconcepts.com
FUMI
If one of Hong Kong’s many Japanese food fans, you might like to try FUMI in California Tower (LKF). This Valentine’s Day FUMI presents a delicate eight-course dinner menu (HKD$1,402 for two pax) featuring a contemporary interpretations of Japanese dishes with a western twist.
More: fumihk.com
SINGLES, AND SOCIAL COUPLES
If you’re looking to meet someone or simply want to be social on Valentine’s Day, here’s something for you.
Speed Dating at Te Quiero Mucho
Te Quiero Mucho is taking on the role of cupid this Valentine’s Day with Cupido Rapido, a fun-filled speed-dating event. Free-flow wine, beer, margaritas, tacos, chips and salsa (HK$288 per person) are on offer as you search for love.
More: mojonomad.com
Go Back to School at Fini’s SoHo
Fini’s SoHo is hosting a throwback to high school romance with a Back to School Valentine’s special on February 14th. Wine and dine on a free-flow of Champagne and Oysters for HK$488. If you see someone you like, you’ll be able to send over cheesy Valentine notes and shots to other tables.
More: linguinifini.com
Ophelia’s Quentin Tarantino Anti-Valentine’s Party
At Ophelia’s third Anti- Valentine’s Day party, the venue promises to offer a one-of-a-kind immersive experience. Join them to celebrate freedom and singletons in a tribute to all things Tarantino.
More: ophelia.com.hk
DiVino (Central)
Get set to mingle, singles. DiVino offers a complimentary aperitif spread from 6-8pm and chill-out contemporary jazz by DJ DIVA from 10pm onwards. Indulge in the luxe duet of caviar and oysters, or try Chef Ignazio’s masterfully aphrodisiac-infused Valentine’s creations.
More: divinogroup.com
Join the team at Cali-Mex Taqueria this Valentine’s Day and celebrate self-love while helping to raise funds for mental health awareness and support. Take yourself on a date and enjoy a set-menu for one at a set price of HK$110. For each sale of the set menu for one, Cali-Mex Taqueria will donate HK$20 to Mind HK, a Hong Kong-based organisation striving to ensure access to mental health support across the city.
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