Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to go above and beyond to show your significant other just how much he or she means to you. In this blog post, you will find nine bucket list-worthy Valentine’s Day date ideas that are sure to create memories that last a lifetime!
While chocolate and roses never get old and special gifts generate appreciation, we believe that the memories created from dates and unique experiences touch the heart and mind in a much stronger way. We hope you enjoy our suggestions!
- Underwater Restaurant in the Maldives
- Experience one of the Wonders of the World in Egypt
- Cooking Class in Rome
- Spa Day Safari in Indonesia
- Candlelit Dinner on the beach… Anywhere
- Flamingos in Aruba
- Dinner in the Dark in Singapore
- Sand Duning in Dubai
- Watch the Sunset in the Sahara Desert
Underwater Dining
Most people like dining with a view. Well, what if I told you that you could take that up a level by going below sea level. Imagine you and your better half enjoying a meal underwater!! You don’t have to be a mermaid or even a scuba diver to get a taste of life undersea.
There are several underwater restaurants around the world. While the majority are in the Maldives, you can find the largest one in Norway. Located five and a half meters below the surface of Norway, Under is an experience not to be missed. It will cost you approximately $250 USD per person for a 17-course meal where each course is a work of art; beautifully presented with an ocean theme. As a possible added bonus, most of the underwater restaurants in the Maldives are located inside of hotels. Making for the perfect opportunity to cross two things off of your checklist. Below are a few examples of underwater restaurants in the Maldives.
- Ithaa Undersea Restaurant (Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Hotel, The Maldives)
- The 5.8 Undersea Restaurant (Hurawalhi Resort, The Maldives)
- Sea Restaurant (Anantara Kihavah Villas, The Maldives)
- Subsix (Niyama, The Maldives)
Learn more about the underwater restaurants in the Maldives as well as restaurants located in aquariums around the world.
Protip: Most of the hotels in the Maldives that have the underwater restaurants require a Seaplane to reach them. The cost of the seaplane is several hundred dollars per person. So to save money we recommend staying at one of those hotels.
Experience one of the Wonders of the World with the Wonder of YOUR World
Need we say more. You are not going to forget seeing the pyramids of Giza, one of the seven ancient world wonders. This was on my bucket list for nearly 10 years before I finally crossed it off and it was well worth the wait! Especially, since it meant I was able to experience it with my forever love.
The pyramids are massive, impressive, and beautiful. You are able to go inside some of them if you choose but the most awe-inspiring moment for us was just being in the center of everything while on camels and seeing the pyramids from every angle.
When in Cairo we used a tour guide and it made everything easier. Sara was amazing and knew her way around. She gave us a lot of insight into the ancient history and it really helped put things in perspective. We definitely recommend her services and plan to use her again the next time we’re in Cairo.
Cooking Classes
In our experience, cooking classes are always a good time. They are the perfect date at every stage of a relationship. From the “getting to know you” phase and all the way to being married. The class provides an opportunity for you and your significant other to work together as a team, to learn something new, and, of course, to have fun.
We’ve done classes here in NYC, where we live, and several cities around the world. You still get all the benefits if you do them locally, but making pasta in Italy, crepes in France, and paella in Spain is so much cooler! So when taking a trip, we highly recommend you include a cooking class into your itinerary.
While in Morocco, we had the pleasure of experiencing an authentic Moroccan cooking class at Jnane Tamsna .
Spa Day in the Safari
This date idea is filled with adventure, culture, and relaxation. Located in the Indonesian island of Sumba, your spa day in the safari starts with an optional 90-minute hike through the rice terrace. Before you reach the end of your hike, you take a break in a local village to learn about the history and culture of the local Sumba people.
Once you reach the Nihioka Spa Safari, you are able to take a dip in the pool to cool down before enjoying breakfast and your spa treatments. The rest of the day is spent in your private clifftop bale where you are able to receive unlimited spa treatments from your personal spa therapists!
Doesn’t this sound like a dream?! To learn more about this bucket list worthy Valentine’s Day date idea, click here.
Candlelit Dinner…On the Beach
If you are planning a candlelit dinner, you are already on the right track for a romantic evening of making your spouse feel loved and appreciated. But why not take it up a notch and have a candlelit dinner on the beach. The sounds of the ocean and sand beneath your feet will elevate the date experience and make your night truly unforgettable.
Most resorts (around the world) and beach restaurants can help you arrange this experience. We treated LJ’s parents to dinner on the beach in Jamaica for their 40th wedding anniversary and we recently had dinner on the beach in Aruba. Truly a special evening and bucket list-worthy.
Flamingos in Aruba
If you and your spouse enjoy the beach, this is the perfect date experience for you. Flamingo Beach Aruba is on a private island which means that the number of visitors is limited and you have the opportunity to feel like the VIPs that you are. All while flicking it up and feeding the gorgeous flamingoes.
For more information on the Flamingo Beach Aruba experience, read more here.
Go on a Blind Date…Literally
Your senses will be highly heightened as a result of dining in the dark. So basically, the food will taste amazing x2!
LJ is an extremely picky eater and it bugs me, especially when we travel. The second he finds out there’s an ingredient that he doesn’t like in the dish, he doesn’t eat it. And like many, he’s weird with textures of food.
This date idea is perfect for those like him! You eat a three-course meal with four dishes per course in total darkness! At the end of the experience you view photos of your meal and are told the ingredients. Temporarily eliminating your sight and allowing other senses to do the exploring can be an intense experience.
To learn more about this date idea and other date ideas in Singapore, click here.
Sand Duning in Dubai
If you like roller coasters, you will love sand duning! You essentially ride up and down sand dunes in a 4×4 at outrageous speeds. This experience is sure to give you and your love an adrenaline rush. After your nerves have calmed down, you then have a BBQ in the desert! There are also activities such as shisha, henna, dancing, fire shows, and camel riding. This was one of my favorite parts of the Dubai trip!
For more information on this date idea and other date ideas in Dubai, click here.
Sunrise and Sunset in the Sahara Desert
Exploring and experiencing the Sahara Desert is truly something you want to do in your lifetime. We went with Merzouga Luxury Desert in 2019 and it was one of our most memorable experiences and favorite Valentine’s Day, yet.
Watching the sunrise and set surrounded by beautiful sand dunes, makes it nearly impossible not to fall more in love with each other and God. With no wifi available, you are truly present with one another.
To read more about our Valentine’s Day in the Sahara Desert, click here. To see a short video of it, click here.
Let us know in the comments which date idea you like best and/or if you have any questions. Happy Planning!
