by Johanna Osborne

It was the late 60s in southern Germany and Alois was performing with his band ‘The Red Stars’ at a local nightclub. Renate, unwillingly, was dragged out by her friends that night. Despite her reluctance to go, she looked stunning in a fitted turquoise mini-dress with her dark hair in pretty waves. She immediately caught Alois’ eye, and after his set he joined her table. There was an immediate spark. They married on Valentine’s Day 1970, and not long after their son (who was to be my older brother) was born. I love romance, I love love and there is just no date more romantic for a wedding than Valentine’s Day!

And whilst we can’t all have the 14th February as our (hard to forget!) wedding anniversary, we can still celebrate it. And why not?! If you count birthdays, Christmas and anniversaries, then that still leaves 362 days of the year that are still crying out for some sort of romantic spark. At least one of those- just one – can justify a little fuss on Valentine’s Day!

So what to do? How to celebrate? However big or small there are many tasteful and classy options to express love. Just put your heart into it, make it personal and it will mean something.

Right now we are loving…

Romantic rendezvous!

And you don’t have to go far! If you remember the awesome Wellington ad, you can have an affair with your very own home town by spicing it up, with the likes of a night dining and luxuriating overnight at the Bolton Hotel, The Amora Wellington or The Wellesley Boutique Hotel. All of these offer incredible accommodation, as well as magnificent dining options. You will feel like you have gone a long way from every-day life without the travel time! And better yet, roll up behind dark tinted windows and get out of the car to gawking onlookers with their jaws on the floor, in one of Executive Limos’ stylish cars, perhaps even a Hummer?!

But if it’s a change of scenery altogether you crave, then look no further than the friendly “coast”, namely the one and only Wairarapa. People travel across the globe to visit the rugged coastline, and for us it’s a mere hop and skip away. Parehua, Wharekauhau and the Martinborough Hotel are just some of the treasures that await on the other side of that big hill, and each promise luxury, indulgence and bliss. Why not take your lover for a weekend away, stay at one of these gorgeous places, and have a decadent lunch at Coney Wines while you are at it? Sound good? Thought so. At this time of the year terrific Taupo is also divine, and there are few destinations more decadent than Huka Falls Resort or the gorgeous new Hilton. Pay a visit and come home all shiny and new. And what better backdrop for a romantic dinner (and perhaps proposal) than Huka’s breathtaking outdoor dining area?

Decadent dining

If staying the night isn’t possible, you can always make the night count before you turn into a pumpkin. And what better places to wine and dine the love of your life than in Wellington’s finest establishments. Spoilt for choice, we think D4, Dockside, Foxglove and of course the always popular Whitehouse are spot-on for making an impression, and more importantly memories to treasure.

Pamper pamper

Most men have twigged on to the fact that a little pamper goes a long way. So sending your lady to the likes of Salute Day Spa will earn you massive brownie points! A friend of mine recently enjoyed a wonderful day there courtesy of her thoughtful husband, and sampled several of the amazing treatments on offer. She certainly left there a happier version of her former self! We also love Lush Lashes, and as everyone knows, if you feel good – you look good. No mascara needed, the team will give you instant doe-eyes that will attract no end of compliments. And of course let’s not forget the all important nails! The Finishing Touch will take care of you with top-of-the-range manicures and pedicures, as well as plenty of other divine treatment options in store as well.

Shimmer and sparkle

Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity for sparkly baubles that speak a thousand words. Find something for everyone at Tory and Ko, Hanne Andersen and Alison Blain. All of these stores offer stunning pieces in unique styles. Personalise your gift and have these talented people custom make something just for your loved one!

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And there we have it. A few of our favourite Valentines Gift ideas! But remember, the best gift of all is expressing your love, being kind and making the person you care about feel special. Breakfast in bed, a small posy of pretty flowers (or a six pack of some tasty beers!) some one-on-one time, or sweet notes hidden in your lover’s bag or wallet also go a long way in putting a smile on their face.