For Valentine’s Day, Meliã Desert Palm has curated a bouquet of experiences for couples. Nestled amidst a lush 160-acre estate, Dubai’s boutique equestrian and polo resort offers romantic picnics, staycations, destination dining, dinner dates and luxurious spa experiences.
A well-kept secret, the resort is just 20 minutes from Dubai on Al Aweer Road. Set amidst an extensive polo estate and its four polo fields, the resort is an oasis of calm. This sumptuously and discreetly luxurious retreat is a hidden world with cosy private pool villas, chic spaces for culinary refinement and spa indulgences. Guests are always surrounded by vast green landscapes – including 300-years old olive trees – where one often encounters horses and rare birds that call the resort home.
Couples can now book a romantic picnic on the resort’s picturesque grounds on 12th or 13th February. The picnic spread, set in a secluded area with delicious nibbles and refreshing drinks, starts with a welcome drink on the poolside at Epicure Restaurant, before spreading the blanket and opening the basket to an afternoon of romance. The picnic runs from 2pm to 6pm and needs to be booked in advance as limited spots are available; priced at AED 750 per couple.
While those looking for an overnight getaway can book a lavish suite, complete with a bottle of bubbles, flower petal turndown, romantic dinner for two at the hotel’s signature restaurant Rare restaurant along with breakfast in bed for two the next morning. Package starts at AED 1800, including a complimentary spa voucher worth AED 200.
Guests can also opt for Valentine’s dinner at resort’s Rare Restaurant on 12th, 13th or 14th February. A three-course set menu will be served at the oak-wood-fire grill restaurant from 7pm to 10pm, with a romantic ambience, along with a bottle of sparkling beverage. The dinner menu includes an amusebouche of rice chicharrón with tuna saku dipped in shiitake mushroom glaze or tapioca beetroot chicharrón with avocado muse. For the main course, guests can choose from lobster in red curry, lamb chop in coriander sauce or grilled cauliflower in vegan basil sauce.
End the night on a sweet note, in the form of a chocolate pistachio enamorado or coconut passion mousse with strawberry sauce. The dinner is priced at AED 450 per couple with beverages, or AED 300 per couple for the non-alcoholic package.
Alternatively, Meliã resort can organise Destination Dining experiences this Valentine’s Day. Guests can choose to have an intimate candlelight dinner set up at one of the chic, picturesque locations within the property including The Courtyard, The Museum Lawn, The Green Veranda or The Argentinian Table.
The delectable three-course set menu would come along with a bottle of sparkling beverage, soft drinks, fairy lights, flower petals and floral centrepieces. The Destination Dining experience is priced at AED 2,500 per couple with beverage, or AED 1500 per couple for the non-alcoholic package.
Couples seeking to do something different can book the ‘Be My Valentine’ package at Sam?na Spa. The relaxing offering includes a 60-minute revitalising treatment for two and 30-minute facial or foot massage for two, along with the use of the Jacuzzi in the couple’s treatment room.
One of the main lessons learnt in the past year has been the importance of self-love. Guests that want to unwind from the daily routine and pamper themselves can choose the ‘Be Beautiful’ package. This includes a 60-minute treatment, 30-minute facial and 30-minute private salt bath. All spa guests will receive refreshing tea, complimentary access to the relaxation area and hotel’s infinity pool along with a spa gift voucher.
‘True Love’ discount packages are available for regular spa-goers where ten spa treatments are priced at AED 3200 (90-minutes each) and AED 2500 (60-minutes each).