It’s that time of year again when restaurants dish out special menus for lovers, when stores encourage present-buying in the form of flowers and chocolates, and when couples excitedly anticipate the present they’re going to receive. For some, it’s that time of year where they wish the day didn’t exist.
Depending on which camp you fall into, spending Valentine’s Day in Bali can be pretty damn cool (or pretty damn depressing). For those who identify with the latter, we’ve got some news for you. It is possible to survive, and, yes, even enjoy Valentine’s Day in Bali.
Whether you’re a loved up couple looking for the classic romantic Bali experience, or whether you want an excuse to go to a happening party on Sunday, or you know, you just want to do something cool, we’ve got some suggestions for you to make V-Day an enjoyable day, regardless of your opinions on its love-fest reputation.
1. For the single gals & guys
The awesome thing about living in a tropical island is that every occasion is an excuse for a great party. What better time to throw (and attend) a single’s party than the day that’s all about couples? Duh.
Nikki Beach Club is holding a brunch pool party this Sunday, with energy dancers, live bands, DJs and of course, plenty of dancing. If there are five or more of you, you get a complimentary bottle of Rosé, provided that each person purchases brunch. For nightlife lovers, Akasaka Bali is having a “High Romance” party on Sunday night from 10 pm onwards.
In addition, Alila Seminyak has decided that Valentine’s Day celebrations should be stretched out over a week. They’ve named this week-long affair “360 Affection Week.” Unfortunately the day itself only has meals special for couples, but on the 20th of February they are holding an Alila ‘Single Party’ to end love-week on a high note. The party starts at 6 pm and you can go to their Facebook page to request an invitation.
2. For the loved-up couple/newlyweds/recently engaged
Bali is already pretty saturated with romantic packages, so all you lovebirds will have plenty of options to choose from in terms of celebrating V-Day.
If you want to take your romantic celebration up a notch, we suggest hitting Finn’s Beach Club and do their bonfire at sunset. Because it’s a private beach club, you won’t be surrounded with a lot of people ruining your romantic vibes (except maybe other couples celebrating). The club provides beanbags, marshmallows and the ingredients to make your own s’mores. Could anything be more cozy and romantic?
If you want to treat yourself, the restaurant also has a Valentine’s Day five-course special for Rp 2,000,000 per couple. Included in the menu are Australian beef tenderloin and a half rock lobster. Delish much?
During the day, you can opt to take advantage of V-Day specials at one of Bali’s many spas. The trendy Spring Spa has a number of promos, including a couple’s massage.
3. For the anti-Valentine’s Day lovers
For some of us, the typical lovey-dovey rituals just don’t do it. We’d rather use this occasion to do something adventurous or different.
Bali’s not short on those options either. If you fancy yourself having a killer golf swing, New Kuta Golf is holding a tournament on Valentine’s Day starting at 12:30 pm. You have until February 13 to sign up, or until they reach 120 participants.
For those who still want the chocolate aspect of Valentine’s Day, you can book a tour at Pod Chocolate where you get to see how this delicious substance we’ve associated so much with romance gets made. There is lots of tasting along the way (the best part), and you can even have a go at making some chocolate. We hear that their homemade ice cream is also a must-try.
4. For the foodie
Foodie couples whose favorite part of this day is an epic meal won’t be disappointed by the choices either. For a not-so-conventional brunch, opt for the Sunday Lobster Brunch at Fairmont, Sanur Beach at Layang Layang.
If a contemporary and stylish take on Asian street-food classics is more your thing, check out Fire Restaurant’s Brunch special, titled “Hawker House.” You can opt for just a food package, a food and beverage package or food and champagne package. It’s fun to watch the chefs do their thing too.
5. For the family who just want to enjoy their Sunday
When we say that Bali turns a special occasion into well, a special occasion, we also meant that they cater events to people who might not usually celebrate those occasions. For families who want to celebrate V-Day with their little ones, Prego at Westin Nusa Dua is putting on a Family Valentine’s Day brunch, where in addition to an epic Italian buffet, mom and dad can learn to make some cupcakes.
After recovering from a filling brunch, check out Bounce Bali, a trampoline center located in Canggu. The best thing about this place? It’s indoors—which means that a little hujan is not going to thwart your plan. And what kid doesn’t love jumping around? Just make sure that you give your food time to settle AFTER your brunch, or the outcome might not be so pretty.
