With Valentine’s on the horizon our thoughts turn to romance but, if you’re not all about choccies and flowers, you might want to consider something a bit unusual to treat the one you love (or yourself). We’ve come up with some ideas for dates to get the adrenaline pumping and a few that are just outright slushy.
Channel Bambi – Nothing warms a chilly heart like laughter, and there are few things funnier than watching someone who can’t skate take to the ice – an excuse, if you need one, to hold your partner tight! Even if you’re a seasoned veteran, the freezing atmosphere of the skating rink presents an option to wrap up warm, clasp your loved one’s gloved hand and dance along to the tunes. Follow your session with a steaming mug of hot chocolate and wait for things to heat up. You can skate in Bahrain at Funland and it’s a great option for those on a tight budget with weekday tickets at just BD3, including skate hire.
Call 17 292-313.
On the Wings of Love – Have you ever fancied sky diving, but haven’t quite got up the nerve to throw yourself out of a perfectly good plane? Then, this one’s for you. Gravity Indoor Skydiving has a special couple’s offer for Valentine’s Day. From February 14-17, couples, or any duo, can book a flight for BD25. They will fly one minute each, separately, then share the final minute together. The package will also include a free USB with all pictures and videos and a free photo frame with a printed picture of your selection.
Call 13 100-000.
Back to Nature – Treat yourself to a weekend on the gorgeous Hawar Islands, home to one of the world’s largest colonies of Socotra cormorants as well as Nubian ibex and lots of other wonderful wildlife, including lizards and birds of prey. There are also boat tours to go dugong watching, of which the Gulf has the most significant population outside of Australia. Stay at the recently revamped Hawar Beach Hotel, from BD85 including boat transfer, breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet, taxes, activities, kayaks, bicycles and bus tour. Or, for a self-catering option, go for one of the Al-Maha Lagoon chalets, from BD30 (excluding transportation) per night for two people.
Call Hawar Beach Hotel 17 849-111, Al-Maha Lagoon Chalets 17 641-666.
Foodie Favourite – Are you, or the object of your affections, a frustrated gourmand? Do you love to eat great food but have limited kitchen skills? Fear not, the answer is at hand in the shape Sarah Hijris, a trained chef, who is in charge of catering at A Piece of Cake and also has her own business, Sarah’s Gourmet Kitchen. She’ll come to your home and teach you both how to cook a fabulous Valentine’s meal, then you just light the candles and enjoy diner à deux at your own table. Should you wish, Sarah can also recommend the perfect grapes to complement your meal. Prices start from around BD40-60 and are dependent on ingredients and number of courses.
Call 17 596-055/ 39 937-377.
Take to the Waves – Want a daytime date that’s great fun and, at the same time healthy? Take your other half for a paddle boarding lesson. For BD85 Gypsea will arrange a couple’s paddle board/kayak lesson with a tour from a certified instructor. This is followed by a barbecue and shisha on a private section of beach lit with fire sticks and lanterns with cool music playing in the background. If you fancy taking the seagoing experience a little further, they also offer couples’ sailing and kite surfing.
Call 77 363-677.
Need for Speed – If the object of your affections is a petrol head or speed freak, you could do worse than heading out to the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) and putting the pedal to the metal in a go-karting experience. You can book single person 15-minute sessions from BD10 or why not get a group of friends together and stage a mini grand prix? There are also a range of other great driving experiences and track tours at the BIC itself and, if you don’t fancy joining in, they make great gifts.
Call 17 450-000.
Ride Into the Sunset – Picture it, riding on horseback through the warm waves of a shallow sea with your loved one by your side. Sounds wonderful doesn’t it? And, even if you’re not an expert in the saddle, it’s never too late to learn. There are stables at the Dilmun Club, the Country Club and Muharraq Horse Riding School, which offer lessons for adults as well as kids. Once you’ve got the hang of it, the Country Club and others go early morning beach riding. it’s great fun but you’re actually more likely to see the sun rise than set.
Call 17 593-593.
Island Pearl – Visit one of Bahrain’s two UNESCO World Heritage sites, Muharraq’s Pearling Trail, for a morning or afternoon spent delving into the island’s fascinating history. Do your homework beforehand to find out all about the restored houses, take your loved one by the hand and tell them a story. If you enjoy this, head over to Qal’at al-Bahrain, the other UNESCO site and watch the sunset over the sea from the ancient site.
