From experiential dining to escapades, our ultimate guide to celebrating Valentine’s Day In West Malaysia
With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, flowers, chocolates and a fancy dinner comes to mind… can it get more predictable than that? It’s time to spice up the occasion with extraordinary gestures and exceptional ideas – after all; it’s the thought that counts. Of course, dinner is still on the books, but go beyond fine dining and make it an experience. Instead of a bouquet and a box of chocolates, why not bring her straight to the source for an afternoon (or day)? Finally, there’s nothing more exciting than being whisked off to a new place, to enjoy each other’s company undisturbed. Here are some ‘recipes’ for the ultimate Valentine’s Day.
DINE
Nobu Kuala lumpur
If your loved one is a fan of Japanese cuisine, treat him/her to a special seven-course set at Nobu KL, one of the world’s most renowned brands for sophisticated and innovative Japanese fare. Diners have an option of a two-course Valentine’s Omasake menu which showcases signature Nobu-style flavours like seared toro with mustard goma sauce, pan seared glazed sauce, quail scotch egg with wasabi aioli, shaved ice ceviche and quail three-ways, while a more premium menu, features prized ingredients like caviar and truffles, Veuve Clicquot champagne and chocolate truffles. And the best part is you’ll be savouring the food to the views of the city’s spectacular skyline.
Prices start from USD $116.47.
Bistro à Table
Can’t speak the language of love? Taste it at the home of modern French Bistro à Table, hailed for adaptive French comfort food that takes on local elements in their dishes, and famous for quirky degustation menus created by owner and Chef Isadora Chai. For Valentine’s Day, the restaurant is bringing lovebirds pleasurable comforts with dishes like Avruga caviar cold pasta with soy, mirin and white truffle oil, truffled risotto with pistachio and morel mushroom; for mains, house smoked Norwegian salmon trout with crème fraîche or New Zealand lamb with crispy lamb trimmings, and for dessert, liquid pasion fruit cheesecake.
Prices start from USD $118.18.
Chocolate Symphony, Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La
Forget the box of expensive chocolates – for a sensible price, indulge your loved one with a Chocolate Symphony buffet at the Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La. The buffet is available every Saturday but as a pre-Valentine’s celebration, it is the sweetest gesture. Chocoholics will be engulfed in all things chocolate, starting with the chocolate essential oil wafting in the air then moving on to the hot chocolate trolley offering 12 types of dreamy chocolate beverages in all flavours imaginable, from Valrhona to Lindt, and even Milky Way. Taste your way through every type of chocolate creation of your dreams at the Chocolate Buffet, a feast of chocolate chip cookies, chocolate mousse, truffle cream cake, chocolate macaroons, sacher torte, and even a chocolate waffle station too. Leave some space for the cold desserts of chocolate soufflé and sorbet, at the end.
Priced at USD $27.29 per person
TREAT
Orchid Garden
If your other half looks forward to her yearly Valentine’s bouquet, we suggest you make a date to the Orchid and Hibiscus Gardens within the city’s Lake Gardens. The garden, which is located on a hill overlooking the neighbouring KL Bird Park, blooms into a colourful flower bazaar on weekends, showcasing its collection of 500 hibiscus flowers and 800 species of orchids. Throughout the scenic stroll of flora are interesting edifices of pergolas, creeks and fountains. To beat the heat, nip into the Gallery Tropika.
Admission is USD $0.24 per person
Boat Cruise, Putrajaya Lake
Fulfil your dream of sailing into the sunset with your loved one with the Love Cruise at Cruise Putrajaya Lake. It is a romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s, as the gentle ride takes passengers past sights like the Putra Mosque, Millenium Monument, Seri Gemilang Bridge and Putra Bridge. As part of the Valentine’s package, couples can choose from two packages of ‘Love Voyage’ or ‘Love Ride’, which include western set meals, picnic boat, cruise ride, free gifts of flowers and balloons, and a lucky draw prize. This date is sure to rock your (love) boat!
Prices start from USD $59.24 per couple
Atmosphere 360, Menara KL Tower
What better way than to profess your love from the soaring vantage point of the Atmosphere 360 restaurant of the KL Tower? The revolving restaurant offers two Valentine’s Day menus of Blue Violet or White Daisy table – ladies will receive roses, and men, chocolates, while dining features a semi set menu and welcome drinks. If you want to make the evening even more special, White Daisy tables are entitled to scenic window seating. The restaurant is a popular spot for celebrities and tourists alike, who delight in the best of western and local cuisine served, and the attentive waiters.
Prices start from USD $93.34 per person
ESCAPE
The Andaman, Langkawi
Surrender your senses to Mother Nature together with your other half in a life-changing Love Bathing Ceremony at The Andaman, Langkawi. Through the V Soul Connection programme, couples are lodge in a Deluxe Rainforest Room and daily nutritious meals, anticipate to a mixture of intimate therapies, including a Chakra Balancing Massage, teeming with healing properties, and a Kahuna Wave massage with an invigorating, deep effect. Massages will end with a private couple Love Bathing Ceremony in a tub of rose petals, complete with a platter of fruit skewers and sparkling juice to freshen up. Besides the massages, couples will be treated to organic facials, meditation sessions and daily fitness, mind and bodies. It’s a great way to invigorate the romance when you and your loved one are in the most relaxed state of mind.
Prices start from USD $552.13 a night; minimum 4 nights stay required
The Lake House, Cameron Highlands
If you’re eyeing an escape from the city, head for the crisp altitudes of Cameron Highlands, 200km north of Kuala Lumpur. The Tudor-style country house boutique is surrounded by state reserve forests overlooking the Sultan Abu Bakar Lake and boasts 18 classic and elegant rooms and suites. Check in for a luxurious stay, set out on a romantic sightsee of the surroundings, and come nightfall, partake of the special Valentine’s Day four-course special featuring a smoked salmon with horseradish crème fraiche and beetroot for appetisers, a ‘Love Potion’ soup of leek and seafood chowder, and for mains, a choice of grilled rack of lamb or half a spring chicken, with vegetables and other sides. Dessert is a heart-shaped chocolate lava cake with vanilla ice cream, and each couple gets a glass of wine, a Limited Edition Evian, and a rose for the ladies.
Menu is priced at USD $72.62 per couple
The Majestic, Malacca
Will travel for food? Spend the Valentine’s weekend with a pampering stay at the historical, carefully restored The Majestic Malacca hotel and roam the 600-year-old narrow pathways, between old shophouses for the city’s famed street delights. In between bowls of refreshing cendol, platters of Hainanese chicken rice balls and Peranakan delicacies, step into the Dutch colonial buildings to unearth priceless antiques and collectible relics. After you’ve had your fill, head back to the hotel and straight to the Spa Village for a relaxing massage. The hotel is home to three in-house dining experiences, with menus proffering authentic heritage dishes and a range of alcoholic beverage.
Room prices start from USD $83.03
Photo credits: Nobu, Bistro à Table, Shangri-La, Orchid Garden, Boat Cruise, Atmosphere 360, The Andaman, The Lake House, The Majestic
