Whether you’re single or taken, Valentine’s Day is definitely worth celebrating. The team has rounded up the best me-time destination, romantic and me-time ideas to share and covet, and some stunning fashion buys to help you celebrate February 14. All you need to do now is indulge.
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Romantic Getaway Package
The Romantic Getaway package for two transforms a Sofitel Auckland stay into the ultimate couples’ escape. Enjoy a bottle of Champagne on ice on arrival, followed by a relaxed in-room breakfast the next morning—all set within the hotel’s refined French-inspired surrounds overlooking the Viaduct Harbour. A perfect excuse to reconnect and indulge in a little romance, and spend the night overlooking the stunning water views - what a way to impress the one you love.
Style director Louise Hilsz wearing Coop Heart To Heart top, $149, Trelise Cooper Tulley Not skirt and Kathryn Wilson Zsa Zsa heel, $339.
Spa destination
For me, romance is downtime, peace, and being alone. To stop the noise and the daily demands of life and work, Pullman's Romance Destiny Valentine's Package was calling my name. You may be thinking one massage or facial is like the other, not so, I should know, in my line of work, I have had my fair share. In fact, there are standout destinations where therapists are highly trained, and treatments are exceptional and worth every cent; the Pullman Luxe Spa is one.
This treatment starts with a heavenly back, shoulders, arm and neck massage, with your oil of choice - for me it was relaxation, a blend of lemongrass and lavender. Balinese therapist, Gina, had the knack of finding every knot in my shoulders and neck and patiently unfurling the tension, and soothing those aches and pains, a constant when you sit at a laptop typing all day.
Next, the glow-giving 60-minute Sothys youth-boosting Cryo Eye Treatment, created to target wrinkles, dark circles, and puffiness, ticks all of the above. Much like giving your face an ice bath in the morning, it tightens the skin and encourages lymphatic drainage. Once the skin is gently cleansed and exfoliated, the Sothys modelling porcelains, spoon-like tools, are chilled in ice and glide over the eye area, where we all carry signs of fatigue and ageing. Layers of delightful plant-based skincare, from massage to a mask, are gentle and each smells like a summer garden in bloom, completing the hour-long facial, which went way too fast. This me-time or couple treat is available through the end of February, so if you miss the V-Day deadline, you have time to treat yourself or your sweetheart later in the month. For anyone who needs some TLC, this is the best self-love money can buy.
Like most premium destination spas, it concludes with a glass of bubbles, your choice of herbal tea and a decadent chocolate treat. You also have three hours of complimentary valet parking, so you can stay and enjoy the pool or the relaxation room before heading back for school pickup or the demands of day-to-day city life.
Romance Destiny Spa Package: 90 minutes; $250 for one person, $490 for two; available in February.
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Romantic Dinner
Andiamo
No matter who you’re celebrating with (soulmate, situationship, best friend — all are welcome), Andiamo has your Valentine’s evening sorted. Three indulgent courses, a glass of pink G.H.Mumm Grand Cordon Rosé on arrival, plus heart-shaped ravioli on the menu (yes, seriously 🩷) from Head Chef Canada. Saturday 14 February, from 5pm, $110per person.
ADA
This Valentine’s Day, Ada presents a Chef’s Set Menu designed to be shared, savoured, and remembered. Expect house-baked focaccia with sobrasada and truffle butter, vibrant ceviche, smoky Scotch BBQ anticuchera, and a chocolate finale made for lingering — with plenty more to discover throughout the evening. Vegetarian options available. 14 February, $95 per person.
Gilt
Valentine’s at Gilt is an invitation to slow down. Think indulgent food, generous pours, and a wine list that makes ordering another glass feel inevitable. From the moment you arrive, the brasserie buzzes with warmth, romance, and just the right amount of temptation. Enjoy a four-course set menu designed for sharing, featuring bold, crowd-pleasing dishes for lingering conversations and long evenings at the table. 14 February, from 4 pm, $145 per person.
Esther
They’re not claiming to be experts of the heart, but food is their love language — and darling, we’re fluent. This Valentine’s Day, they’re turning up the romance and pouring it generously. Picture candlelight flickering across the room, a sparkling cocktail on arrival, and a three-course feast of sun-kissed Mediterranean flavours, made for sharing. A stolen bite. Another pour. Aphrodisiacs aplenty. 14 February, $149 per person.
Indulge
We love summer picnics, and Champagne always elevates that occasion. Be ready for romance anytime with this limited-edition Piper Heidsieck Gift Pack. This pack keeps your Champagne chilled and includes two champagne flutes; it’s tidy and easy to tuck away for a surprise.
Piper Heidsieck Brut NV 2 Flutes Travel Gift Pack, $133.
If you like a cocktail and want to create a romantic night at home, Batched answers that call. Set the scene with a Batched Gin Sour Cocktail Kit. It includes two wave glasses, a cocktail shaker, and the delicious Batched Gin Sour, a botanical gin with sweet strawberry and tart rhubarb - it’s yum.
BATCHED Gin Sour & Glasses Gift Bundle, $97.
shop
A gift of love can be tiny but perfectly formed. Suit any fashion style, be extravagant or practical. We thought we would share what we are coveting on February 14.
Swarovski Idyllia necklace Mixed cuts, Heart, key, Multicoloured, Gold-tone plated, $1550. Coop Tote-Alley Smitten bag, $149. Simon Lewis Wards Lolly Bag & Hearts, $295. Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Hearts Lift High Top, $115.
Ahead of her NZ AUS tour we dig deep into her style.