It’s the one day of the year fully dedicated to your other half: Valentine’s Day. Whether you spend it with your bae or with your bestie, it’s a delightful time to celebrate and find something to dazzle your loved ones. We’ve rounded up some of the best things to do and to gift this year — from a romantic houseboat stay to making a pair of commitment rings together, there’s something for everyone.
Whether you’re doing one of these activities together, or gifting it so your loved one can share the experience with a friend, you can be sure you’re breaking out of the tired candlelit dinner narrative to do something new this Valentine’s.
Vintage photoshoot
Ever feel like you should have been born in the height of old Hong Kong? Partially fulfil those dreams with a vintage-style photoshoot with a loved one, in-studio or out and about against the colonial façades of Old Town Central. Get styled in a women’s qipao or men’s cheongsam/vintage suit of your choice with complimentary hair-styling (makeup can be done for an additional fee) and strut your stuff to make a memory in print.
When: Anytime
Cost: $882 – $1,152
Where: Flat 402, 4/F, Kam On Building, 176A-F Queen’s Rd, Central
Jewellery-making experience with Obellery
This activity is one you can come out of with a tangle object representing your love for your partner. Jewellery store/studio Obellery offers 3 levels of metalsmithing workshops where you can create your very own pair of silver rings. The first level, geared towards absolute beginners, guides you through making a minimalistic design that you can wear on the daily. The most difficult level teaches you how to make advanced designs like a trinity ring or signet ring.
When: Anytime
Cost: $880 – $1,780/person
Where: Obellery, Unit H403, Block B PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St, Central
Glamping in Lau Fau Shan
Brave the wilderness with a loved one in Yuen Long for Valentine’s Day – snuggle up in an air-conditioned stargazing tent, cook dinner at your dedicated BBQ site outside your tent, and spend some long hours planning for the future on your hammock. Minutes from Ha Pak Nai Beach, a strawberry farm, and pet-friendly as well, this will be a lovely way to celebrate the day of love with a friend or partner come February 14th.
When: Anytime
Cost: From $1,900/night
Where: Pastoral Glamping, Shui Lau Tin Tsuen, Shek Kong Airfield Rd, Shek Kong, Pat Heung
“Love Prevails” Valentine’s Staycation at The Peninsula
Cupid is in-residence at The Peninsula from February 12 to 15. For a lucky $9,999, you and your loved one can stay in the Deluxe Harbour View Suite with a bottle of Peninsula Champagne, enjoying breakfast for two at The Lobby, $2,000 worth of dining credit at hotel restaurants, an in-room aromatherapy bath, and a luxuriant, heart-shaped chocolate dessert. The couple can even take a joyride through town on a vintage 1934 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Sedanca de Ville.
When: Book from now until 10 February; stay from 12 – 15 February 2022
Cost: $9,999 plus 10% service charge
Where: The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Kowloon
Book: Reserve online or call 2910 1628
Precious Moment Photo Staycation at Eaton HK
Create and capture memories à la Wong Kar Wai this February with the Precious Moment package at Eaton HK. The package includes a polaroid photoshoot at Sammy Photo Studio, buffet breakfast for two at The Astor, a sweet sundae treat from Twist & Buckle, and a bath bomb to use in your in-room bathtub. Add $1,045 to upgrade to the Artist Studio from the Study or Salon Room.
When: 1 – 28 February 2022
Cost: $1,165 plus 10% service charge
Where: The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Kowloon
Book: Reserve online or call 2710 1828
Paint & Wine at The Hive
Bring a platonic or lovey-dovey valentine to The Hive’s paint & wine night, Valentine’s edition. Create without inhibition in a friendly, casual environment – sip some wine with loved ones, maybe even meet some new ones. Hive members get a discounted price of $150.
When: 11 February 2022, 7pm – 9pm
Cost: $150 – $200
Where: The Hive Sheung Wan, 33 – 35 Hillier St, Sheung Wan
Book: Buy tickets on Eventbrite
Dreamy houseboat stay
If you’d like to surprise your partner with the feeling of being whisked away on a spontaneous trip, look no further than a stay on a fully equipped houseboat. There are multiple houseboats in Aberdeen and North Point, and while they are permanently docked for maximum safety and convenient access to supplies, you can’t beat the romance of having a meal under the stars from your seaside balcony or being gently rocked to sleep by the ocean.
Romantic picnic
Dining out is hard right now with COVID restrictions, so why not take your romantic dinner into your own hands? Gather your loved one’s favourite booze or other drink of choice (bubble tea is strongly suggested for a lady friend), some cured meat and cheese, maybe some sweet treats – or if you’d like to have all the work done for you, buy a picnic set which often comes with a cute checkered blanket and all your treats in a basket ready to whisk you into your dining in a whimsical forest dream.
Sunset hike
Are there many things more conducive to a deep talk or an introspective moment than a beautiful sunset? Pair that with a comfortable hike with someone you really like, and you’ve got a lovely free Valentine’s Day activity. Take one of the many hikes available in Hong Kong and make sure you arrive at the peak by 6pm (sunset is between 6pm and 6:20pm in February 2022) to take in the glorious hues.
Valentine’s Day brunch
Spoil your significant other this Valentine’s Day with an indulgent meal for two at one of Hong Kong’s hotspots. Current social distancing measures are preventing a candlelit dinner with your valentine, but there are still lovely pre-6pm meals to be shared. From harbourside fine dining to al-fresco surf n’ turf, we’ve rounded up a list of some of the most romantic — and delicious — menus to impress your date, or for those riding solo this year, some self-love.
Shop local fashion and jewellery
Gifting something that your loved one can wear often shows that you pay attention to what they like and is practical, akin to gifting a beautiful household gadget. They already wanted to use or wear a particular item, but now everytime they pick it up, they are reminded of your love. Shop locally this Valentine’s Day from one of Hong Kong’s many independent brands creating sustainable, high-quality apparel and accessories.
Don’t forget the flowers
Showcasing nature’s beauty to match your partner’s, and highlighting the fleeting nature of existence so we can appreciate the moment at hand, you can’t go wrong gifting your Valentine a bunch of their favourite flowers. A bouquet can instantly elevate the average date with a note of extravagance and thoughtfulness. From elaborate flower arrangements to long-lasting flowers, Hong Kong has flower shops that will cater to all your needs.
Header image credits: Jakob Owens via Unsplash
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