We're just days away from Valentine's Day and you're still stumped for a romantic gesture? Not to worry, we have a few last-minute ideas for you ...

Eat your heart out
Perhaps the way to your better half's heart is through their stomach. But maybe dinner at Emirates Palace isn't in your budget (or your schedule), and a box of chocolates has been done too many times before. So why not celebrate a guiltless Valentine's Day with some fresh and yummy chocolate covered fruit and fruit bouquets? Edible Arrangements in Khalidiya Mall is offering premium fruit tastefully arranged just for the occasion. Depending on how grand your package, you may have to book PDQ; but beautifully wrapped sets of fresh strawberries dipped in chocolate are readily available in store. You can get six for AED 75 (AED 125 when sprinkled with nuts or if using other types of chocolate) and 12 for AED 125 (AED 150 with extras). Contact: 02 658 1116.

Spa tricks 1
Going along with the chocolate theme, maybe the lovely lady might like to unwind at Panacea Beauty Spa for their sweetest treatment hands down, a 45-minute detoxifying and moisturizing chocolate wrap using herbal Thai products. Contact: 02 666 7884. Or Dashing Nails' Chocoholics Dream (02 643 1011) could also do the trick – it's a 25-minute soak and scrub that brings full attention to weary hands and feet. AED 180 gets her the treatment along with a manicure and pedicure. We have more options on page 20.

Spa tricks 2
Yes, men like a good pampering too. Manis and pedis are on offer at AED 300 for an hour at the Massage Centre based in Hilton Baynunah’s Japanese Sport Centre. With all this country’s unbearable heat, sand and dust, he is probably in need of a facial too: AED 400 buys one hour and includes a good scrub. Contact: 02 6340616.
Spa-shy guy on your hands? Eva Beauty Spa Centre on Muroor Rd offers a smart service where the therapist is delivered straight to your door (well, you pick them up or pay their taxi fare). It’s very handy, and a great surprise. Basically, whatever the service you choose, it’s double the price. Book a bedside treatment on 02 642 5253.

Drive me crazy
This one's for the petrol heads – take them to the state-of-the-art Yas Marina Circuit for a chance to experience firsthand the thrill of tearing up the tracks. There are a range of opportunities available, suitable for all levels of drivers (all of which include a comprehensive briefing beforehand). Sign your loved one up for either the Hot Lap rides, which take you for a couple of spins with a professional driver in a souped up GTR Skyline or Porsche (AED 360 for 15 minutes). Or if you've got AED 11,500 to spare, a chance to ride in an F1 two-seater would surely win the heart of any adrenaline junkie.

The Circuit is also launching their first Track Day on 27th February – bring along your own wheels and hit the gas! A full day costs AED 1,000, the half-day goes for AED 650, and an extra passenger is AED 150. Contact: 02 446 0384

Say it in words
We're bringing back the love letter. After all, it does last longer than a pedicure or a bunch of flowers, and can definitely be more powerful. You're spoiled for choice at Magrudy's when it comes to crafting one – from pens to pretty paper, frames and more importantly, the wordsmiths on the shelves. If you're the tongue-tied type, pick up a copy of Love Letters of Great Men and Women while you're there (AED 46) and take a lesson or two from the likes of Jane Austen, Mozart, Anne Boleyn and Nelson.

 

 

Roses are red
Whether one of you is due for a makeover or your love life could use a boost or revamp, House of Colour can help with one of its many consultation classes for style, colour and image. Ladies can learn the how-to of make-up and successfully spot the difference between looking ‘finished’ and merely ‘made up’; men can benefit from full-day or fast-track tutorials on the best colours to wear for their eye colour and skin tone, as well as what styles of clothes best suit their shape, build, personality and lifestyle. There are many more handy unisex classes on offer to help you look your best this year – but hurry and book as February’s classes are going fast! Contact: 050 262 7419.

Kara Martin