6 Valentine’s staycations in the GCC

Right, if you still haven’t planned anything for Valentine’s Day shame on you and welcome to the club. In an attempt to spare you losing your other half, we’ve prepared yet another list of romantic getaways. You’re welcome.

Penthouse suite at JW Marriott Marquis, Business Bay – Dubai
What’s on offer: Your overnight stay begins with limousine collection, naturally, and includes an exclusive private dinner served by a personal chef in your suite. The menu features a gourmet feast of Aquitaine caviar, foie gras, scallops, winter truffle, lobster and 21 day, dry-aged rib-eye loin. You’ll also be assigned your own personal butler, making this the ultimate setting for sky-high romance.
What makes it special: There are only two exclusive luxury experiences available, and while impressive views are not exactly hard to come by in Dubai, seeing the city from the world’s tallest hotel really cranks up the wow factor on this one.
Price: AED19,000 per couple.
Contact: +9714 414 0000,

The Chedi, Muscat – Oman
What’s on offer: Whisk away your loved one, or be whisked away, to a luxurious stay at this Omani favourite and enjoy all that is synonymous with Cupid’s Day – French bubbles, chocolates, fine dining and pampering spa treatments. Start the staycation with a six-course feast served on the sand, and the following day you will be shown to your couples spa suite for a massage followed by a Chedi Love Bath filled with rose petals and a side of canapés and bubbly.
What makes it special: Location, location, location. Here, the Al Hajar Mountains meet the serene waters of the Gulf of Oman and the hotel’s design is breathtaking.
How much: Package price starts at OMR720 (AED6,860) plus taxes for a two-night stay. Valid for stays between February 12-14.
Contact: +968 24 524 400,

Yas Viceroy, Yas Island – Abu Dhabi
What’s on offer: The Viceroy is pulling out all the stops, pushing the boat out, and every other cliché that implies extreme extravagance. If a helicopter tour, limousine ride, free-flowing bubbles, a presidential suite adorned with 10 different types of fresh, hand-cut flowers á la Elton John, spa treatments, a private pool, private roof terrace, private chef and an Audi R8 and driver on hand aren’t enough, there’s also a 12-course gourmet dinner, and a personal harpist. Your own harpist!
What makes it special: You’ll be treading carpets and corridors graced by the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Kim Kardashian West, and the suite’s balcony will have hosted many a royal. This kind of explains the price tag.
Price: AED100,000
Contact: +9712 656 0700,

Waldorf Astoria, The Palm Jumeirah – Dubai
What’s on offer: Arrival at the hotel in a chauffeured Bentley and the Royal Suite – the largest suite in Dubai, no less. Your personal concierge will see every element of your stay covered – starting from showing you to your private lift and guiding you to your rose-petal strewn room and ensuring the lady receives her diamond gift to booking your VIP couples massage and beauty parlour appointment to ensure you’re perfectly coiffured for your helicopter tour of Dubai. Phew. Breakfast is served on the deck of a private yacht and they’ve thrown in a seven-course dinner at Social by Heinz Beck with lobster, truffle foie gras and caviar present, of course.
What makes it special: Possibly as “Dubai” as it gets.
Price: AED100,000 per night, available February 11-15
Contact: +9714 818 2222,

Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara, Sir Bani Yas Island – Abu Dhabi
What’s on offer: A two-night stay with an in-room buffet breakfast and 60-minute Spa Togetherness massage. Discover the island with safaris, kayaking, mountain biking, archery, hiking and snorkeling.
What makes it special: The former wildlife resort is full of free-roaming animals including giraffes, flamingoes and oryx.
Price: From AED1,900 per night (minimum two-night stay)
Contact: +9712 656 1399, www.sir-bani-yas-island.anantara.com

Six Senses, Zighy Bay – Oman
What’s on offer: The Arabian Romance Package includes two nights in a luxury villa with private pool, breakfast, paragliding or speedboat experience, a sunset cruise, couples spa treatment, and an evening meal.
What makes it special: The option of dhow cruises, trekking, mountain biking and rock climbing makes it perfect for active couples.
Price: AED12,399
Contact: +971 50 250 3031, www.sixsenses.com