Valentine's Day: Taking love to new heights

St Valentine’s Day is with us again, and love is in the air! Falling on a Saturday this year makes the day even more exciting for lovers, as they have plenty of time to spend in each other’s company.

However, trying to surprise a partner can prove difficult especially when moving away from the typical flowers, cards and candle-lit dinner tradition.

Whether it is out of love or guilt, it does not matter because if married or dating, you are likely to participate in the rituals of the day in one way or another.

If you are not planning to have a boring candle-lit dinner indoors or if you are simply clueless about what to do on the day, below are packages that should give you ideas and probably ease your pain in getting your spouse or girlfriend that perfect gift.

Nairobi’s Villa Rosa Kempinski knows that Valentine’s Day celebration has to be over-the-top, and so it is offering a one-night package that will leave your partner feeling utterly pampered and special, to say the least.

This package has been the talk of town, social media and radio stations since it was unveiled to the public a few days ago.

Private chef

For the ultimate extravagant pampering, a lucky couple will have a private dinner in the expansive luxurious presidential suite that occupies a whole floor of the hotel.

A private chef will prepare the meals as per your demands and a butler will be at your service to ensure that all your needs are catered to. There will be enough champagne to last all night long.

Have a quiet time at the Jacuzzi as you whisper sweet nothings into your partner’s ears and if you fancy a couple’s massage afterwards, the masseurs will be ready with oils and scented candles to knead your body to relaxation.

Take the romantic occasion a step further by surprising her with diamond and sapphire jewels depending on the suite you take. This package costs Sh2.34 million for the presidential suite and Sh1.44 million for the mini-presidential suite.

You can also dine at Villa Rosa Kempinski and spend the night in one of their standard rooms for Sh15,000.

And for those who love the outdoors, how about you rekindle your romance in a helicopter ride from Wilson Airport to the Olepolos Country Club and back for Sh182,000 ($2,000).

The Blue Star Jets Valentine offer, which is inclusive of lunch and drinks, promises a scenic tour of Nairobi and its environs capped with dinner at the end.

Helicopter

A Sh200,000 ($2,200) package for two couples covers a helicopter ride from Tribe Hotel to Ngong Hills and back and dinner at the Tribe.

Hemingway’s Nairobi also has its own offers. With your partner, you can indulge in a five-course meal at the biggest luxury boutique hotel in Karen for Sh6,500 per person.

DJ from India

The hotel is strategically located in the prime area of Karen and offers a breathtaking view of the Ngong Hills during day time.

However, its beauty is not lost during the night as the interiors and layout of the hotel features a blend of modern and African designs giving it splendid beauty.

Learn salsa dancing with your partner and take part in live Thai cooking at Siroco Aqua Bar in a Valentine Day-themed “Tango Tai” event at Heron Portico hotel on Milimani Road.

Dinner for two will cost Sh5,000 while bed and breakfast added onto the package will set you back Sh19,995.

On Valentine’s night, Seven Lounge at the Village Market will also host the Fashion meets Music event where DJ Lemon from India will thrill guests throughout the night. Entryis Sh3,500 per person and among the items lined up is a fashion show and dinner.

If not in a position or in the mood to indulge in an extravagant romantic rendezvous, you can go for the Two Hours of Sunset event to be held at Ngong Racecourse from midday to midnight.

Sunset

Guests will bask in the sun as they mingle and engage in a variety of fun activities before watching Fundi-Mentals – a local adult movie. Entry to the event is Sh1,000 and Sh2,500 for VIP seats.

You could also engage in adventurous activity by taking your spouse to Achis Ranch in Karen for a horse riding excursion along Ngong Forest.

A two-hour tour which costs Sh2,000 or Sh799 if bought from Rupu deals should be fun especially for those learning to ride a horse for the first time.

As you can see, there’s a lot to do on this day away from flowers and chocolate.