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 to a loved one who cares more about fun experiences than physical presents, you can be sure you’re breaking out of the tired candlelit dinner narrative to do something new this Valentine’s.
Handbags with FLORE QUO
FLORE QUO is a homegrown brand that makes luxury handbags with their proprietary interchangeable ornaments, representing designer and founder Florence Tsang’s love for jewellery and bags.
For Valentine’s Day, two bags stand out, and they will be the perfect gift for the love of your life. The Sabi Bag (HK$1,180) comes with two detachable straps, the signature crown ornament in the shape of butterfly wings encrusted with crystals, and a complimentary Manta ornament. You get four styles in one piece and you can carry the bag in the crook of your arm or over the shoulder. The structured silhouette and gold hardware are both elegant and strong.
The Zebra Rose Tote (HK$780), crafted in faux leather and suede is made to be the daily companion of your other half, at a roomy 28.5cmx43cmx14cm made to fit all your essentials and a laptop. One side features a bold rose and zebra print design, while the other side is a plain black to give your giftee more versatility for matching with their outfits.
10% of profits made from the Sabi Bag are donated to the Manta Trust, a charity supporting research and conservation efforts for manta rays and 10% of profits from the Zebra Rose Tote are donated to the LAP Lifelong Animal Protection Charity, who rescues and rehomes dogs and cats in Hong Kong.
Cost: Sabi Bag (HK$1,180) or Zebra Rose Tote (HK$780)
Shop: Buy online
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: HK$1,062 to HK$1,152/person
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: From HK$920/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 HK$1,900/night
Where: Pastoral Glamping, Shui Lau Tin Tsuen, Shek Kong Airfield Rd, Shek Kong, Pat Heung
“Romantic Rendezvous” Staycation at Park Hotel
Cupid is in-residence at Park Hotel from February 12 to 14. For HK$2,737 (HK$2,847 on Valentine’s Day proper), you and your loved one can stay in the Premier King Room with a romantic in-room set dinner for two, breakfast for two at Park Café, a bottle of sparkling wine, a rose bouquet, and beautiful room decorations. The couple can even enjoy a late check-out until 3pm and Nespresso coffee.
When: 12-14 February 2023. 10-day advance reservation required.
Cost: From HK$2,737
Where: Park Hotel Hong Kong, Chatham Rd S, Tsim Sha Tsui
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
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, get a ready-made 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 in Hong Kong and make sure you arrive at the peak by 6pm (sunset is at 6:20pm on 14 February 2023) 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. A candlelit dinner with your valentine is classic, but how about a lunch or brunch that extends until sunset? From harbourside fine dining to al-fresco surf n’ turf, we’ve rounded up a list of some of the most romantic — and delicious — Valentine’s Day menus your date will be impressed by, or for those riding solo this year, some self-love.
Couple’s shopping trip
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 a simple houseplant for their personal space, Hong Kong has flower shops that will cater to all your needs.
Header image credits: Jakob Owens via Unsplash
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