Things To Do this Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is a veritable minefield no matter what your marital status. Does anyone actually like it? If you're in a relationship, then there's the gnawing doubt that he or she won't appreciate the months of 7-Eleven sticker-saving you went through to get them that plastic Hello Kitty bowl. Conversely, if you're single, well, the day is just a write-off as you sit around in a stained t-shirt, eating cereal straight from the box like an animal. So what to do? Well, everyone's different, so here's our handy roundup of activities, dinners, and things you can pretend to enjoy, based on what kind of couple you are. And, if you don't fit into any of these categories, there's always that kitty bowl.

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For Arty and Crafty Couples

Love Letter Calligraphy

Let's be real here - little emoji hearts and text-messaging are the romance equivalents of proposing with a Haribo jelly ring stuffed between the greasy buns of a Big Mac. Alas, anything digital is the preferred method of communication these days, but nothing can top the permanence and ownership of the written word (he says, while typing on a computer). In the run-up to Valentine’s Day, Hong Kong-based French calligraphy artist, Jeremy Tow, will start the "Love Letter" calligraphy initiative. In addition to performing live lettering during the workshop, Tow will also teach participants how to use calligraphy to express their love in nice, sweepy fonts on real bits of paper that you can keep forever - or until you break up. Then you can burn it, you can't burn a text message. You win. When: February 11 & 12, (2pm, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm, each session lasts 30 minutes) Where: New Town Plaza, 3/F, Atrium, New Town Plaza Phase 1, Sha Tin How much: Free Click here for more information

Complete Deelite Valentine's Workshops

Sweet savants Complete Deelite have cooked up some fun workshops for Valentine's that you can either do solo, then surprise him or her with your new-found baking skills, or together with your loved one in a fun class. Choose from three classes (or do all three) teaching you how to bake and decorate cakes, cupcakes, and cake pops. When: February 9 - 14, (click here for times) Where: Complete Deelite, 2/F, On Lan Centre, 11-15 On Lan Street, Central How much: $620 - $980 Click here for more information or to book a class

Yum Cha Dim Sum Workshop and Afternoon Tea

Learn how to make potentially edible red bean rose buns and pineapple love birds, followed by a delicious afternoon tea set for two, including two glasses of Prosecco. It's a win/win - if you're finished products look expertly crafted, your date will be blown away by your skills, and if they turn out totally crap, they'll be totally smitten with your adorable ineptitude. When: February 11 - 14, (3.30pm - 5.30pm) Where: Yum Cha Central, 2/F, Nan Fung Place, 173 Des Voeux Road, Central How much: $1,100 per couple For reservations, call (+852) 3708 8081 or email [email protected]

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For Couples with a Sense of Humour

TakeOut Comedy Valentine's Day Show

Marilyn Monroe once said, “If you can make a woman laugh, you can make her do anything.” Take her advice and win over your woman (or man) at Hong Kong's much loved TakeOut Comedy Club. Head down to their special Valentine’s Day Comedy Show on February 14 and let the tears roll (in a good way) as you laugh the night away with your beloved. Couples get in for $300, and it's BYOB, so grab a bottle of bubbly (go on, spoil her) and head to the basement. When: February 14, (8pm) Where: Basement, 34 Elgin Street, Central How much: $300 per couple For reservations, call (+852) 6220 4436 or email [email protected]

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For Stay at Home Couples

Secret Ingredient

Make yourself look like a gourmet chef with barely any effort - you devious little scoundrel! Secret Ingredient is basically like Patrick Swayze in Ghost, except instead of helping you sensually make pottery, it provides meat and vegetables and is more like an invisible, ghost sous chef. The meal packages are specifically designed to be easy to make, with minimal fuss, without compromising on flavour. The Valentine's Special Menu includes Mandarin Orange Salad with Baby Asparagus for starters, Pan Seared Filet Mignon, Buttered Shrimp, and Truffle Risotto for main, and Chocolate Lover’s Mi-cuit for dessert ($550 for two). Click here to order.

Crafted 852

Actually going to Tuscany's expensive right? You know what isn't that expensive and is basically the exact the same thing? Pesto. Straight from the hills of Tuscany - at a factory that makes pesto - Crafted 852's charming cook-at-home Tuscany in a Box ($850) makes creating a rustic, Italian meal at home easy-peasy. The pack includes Durham Wheat Semolina Pasta from Gragnano, a jar of premium quality Pesto, jarred Pomodoro Tomatoes from San Marzano, and some top-shelf extra Virgin Olive Oil. Finish off this formidable culinary creation with sea salt scented with Tuscan herbs and bam, you're in the good books! Click here for more information.

Butcher's Club Hamper

Having quickly established a reputation for quality carnivore grub, it's safe to assume that a hamper from Butcher's Club will have you and yours truly well looked after, and nothing says romance like a large slab of meat. As such, you have a choice of three Valentine's day hampers, carefully curated by the Butcher's Club meat experts. Kicking us off is the humble $588 package that comes with Steak for two (300g Australian sirloins), Veil Jus, Sous Vide Baby Carrots, New Potatoes, and a lovely bottle of South Afrian Alto Shiraz. The two pricier hampers up the ante in the meat stakes - the mid-range ($758) offering two Filet Mignons, and the top-end ($1,088) offering a meat coma of 1kg dry-aged USDA Ribeye and portions of Foie Gras Terrine. Click here for more information.

Invisible Kitchen

As well as providing a sumptuous meal, Invisible Kitchen has put some real thought into the aesthetics with its Valentine's Day offering. A lovely wicker basket gives proceedings a decidedly quaint feel. In said basket is a veritable smorgasbord of delights - seven courses of delights to be precise. Kick things off with a Rose Flamingo Champagne, Asparagus with Ham and Miniature Black Pudding and Scotch Egg Canapés. Follow with a refreshing Candy Cane Beetroot, Feta, and Pesto Pasta Salad with Pine Nuts, while sharing a picnic loaf (Goat’s Cheese, Roasted Vegetables and Hummous), heart-shaped Croque Monsieurs, and Chicken Tikka Skewers. Finish off with an array of Artisan Cheese and Cured Meats, Chocolate-dipped Strawberries, Watermelon that’s been vacuum compressed with reduced Watermelon Juice, and some Strawberry Macaron. Phew! Click here for more information.

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For those Annoying Couples who Like to Exercise Together

Lantau Base Camp Valentine’s Race

Was your New Year’s resolution to get more exercise? Perhaps be more ‘together’ with your loved one? Well, now’s your chance to tick both goals off the list because The Lantau Base Camp Valentine’s Race is open for registration. Organised by Lantau Base Camp, the race challenges partners to complete a 13km trail on South Lantau Island on February 11. Starting at Nam Shan Picnic Area on South Lantau Road, racers must complete the entire course as marked within a 4.5 hour time limit. Each team must be made up of two members, and teams must complete the whole trail together – so no arguing lovebirds! Teams that don’t follow the markers will also be disqualified – so no cheating either. When: February 11, (9.30am - 2pm) Where: Nam Shan Picnic Area, South Lantau Road How much: $350 to register Click here to register

Float On

Okay so this isn't technically exercise. In fact, an argument could be made that floating in a sensory deprivation pod while being held afloat in water by epsom salt and magnesium is, in fact, the polar opposite of exercising. But, we maintain that it's an exercise for the brain, a kind of essential, cathartic maintenance that's just as essential as anything physical. And if you and your other half have never tried it, there's never been a better time with Float On's generous Valentine's promotion. The centre provides a magical sanctuary away from the sounds, smells, and sights of the outside world. Pop in your ear plugs, hop inside one of their four softly lit 'Dream Pods', and enjoy sixty minutes of pure bliss. Where: B/F, 89 Caine Road, Mid Levels, Central, (+852) 2548 2844 SPECIAL OFFER: 60 minute float therapy for 2 people for $888 (offer runs from February 12 to 28, 2017) Usual prices: 45 minutes $530 / 60 minutes $630 / 90 minutes $830 Click here for more information or to book

Bounce

Who said that Valentine's Day has to be about boring, stuffy dinners and generic presents? Why can't it be about gleefully bouncing around on a trampoline? Clearly Bounce agree as they are offering 2-for-1 on trampolining if you book online and enter the code VDAY17. A genius twist on the norm that will make for an epic Valentine's present. When: February 10 - 14, (11am - 9pm) Where: EMAX, G/F, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay How much: $170 Click here for more information or to book

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For Couples who Like to Go Fast

Sideways Driving Club

Get more than just their heart racing this Valentine's Day at Sideways Driving Club. The racing simulation specialists are offering couples buy-one-get-one-free to mark the occasion! This definitely falls in the category of doing something different on V-day, so it could be the answer to your prayers if you're struggling to think of something original to do. When: February 14, (midday - 11pm) Where: 1/F, 65 - 65A Peel Street, Central, (+852) 2523 0983 How much: Prices vary dependent on length of session and booking time, full price list here Click here for more information or to book

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For Couples who Like Hyperbole

The Extraordinarily Romantic Valentine’s Dinner at the Sheraton

Treat your sweetheart to a romantic Valentine’s dinner at the Sheraton, featuring the rather delectable Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle Grande Cuvée champagne (with that many words, you know it's going to be good). The food's no slouch either with some beautifully paired fish complimenting the champagne - start with some La Lune Cadoret Oysters and Pan-seared Scallop before tucking into a main of Patagonian Sea Bass, finishing with an Almond and Apple Tart, and a bouquet arranged as a special surprise to round off some 'extraordinary' romance. When: February 14, (6.30pm - 11pm) Where: 18/F, Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers, 20 Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong How much: $1,988 per person (good luck with that) Click here for more information

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For Couples who Like to Have Dinner

Buenos Aires Polo Club

Looking to keep it simple but effective this Valentine's Day? Can't really go wrong with Buenos Aires Polo Club then. The Argentinean steakhouse is offering an excellent four-course menu featuring a Seafood Platter, Provoleta, a signature 12oz Ribeye Steak, and for dessert, Malvaviscos - a fiery chocolate creation coated in marshmallow that diners toast at the table. No fuss, no messing about, just some cracking food. When: February 10 - 17 Where: LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central How much: $598 per person Click here for more information

3/3rd's Rooftop