8 brilliant things to do in Abu Dhabi this weekend: Feb 11 to 13

Call us Cupid, because you’re about to fall in love with this city again…

Love is never having to say ‘I’m bored’, it’s going out of your way to make significant others happy and making a commitment to never let them down. And boy do we love you…

Friday, February 11

Thai-ing the knot

Get ahead of the Love Day rush with Benjarong’s Pre-Valentine’s dinner. The five course feast takes Thai food lovers on a trip through the highlights of south east Asian cuisine. It’s just Dhs345 per couple and includes a welcome beverage.

Dusit Thani, Feb 11 to 13, 7pm to 11pm, Dhs345 per couple. Tel: (0)2 6988137. dusit.com

The big serene

Mangroves are Jubail Mangrove Park offers visitors the opportunity to explore one of this region’s most fascinating natural ecosystems. Found nestled on a quiet outcrop of Jubail Island — it features a meandering 2.3km boardwalk — sits about 20 minutes drive from Downtown Abu Dhabi. Park inhabitants include herons, flamingos, turtles, gazelle, crabs, as well as some more mysterious creatures. There’s plenty of ways to explore this fascinating turquoise expanse including ranger-led, guided boardwalk (from Dhs50), kayak (Dhs100), and e-canoe tours (from Dhs80) of the mangroves.

Saturday, February 12

Bae-cation

This weekend, W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island has got your back. Literally. Their special February staycation package includes a 30 minute couples back massage, breakfast in bed, lunch at Garage, blended beverages at Wet Deck and 20 per cent of select F&B throughout your stay. All from Dhs995.

 W Abu Dhabi — Yas Island, until Feb 28. Tel: (02) 656 0000, marriott.com

It’s beginning to look a lot like Lovemas…

…at Anantara Eastern Mangroves where a special, romance-inspired edition of their popular Anantara Brunch is taking place this Saturday. In addition to the top quality culinary fanfare — feasts from the east, Arabian delights and an international buffet — guests will enjoy live music and some special V-day touches. Want more? The rooftop bar, Impressions is holding a ‘By My Valentine’ party nightly between February 12 and 14, 9pm to 1am, it’s Dhs295 per couple and includes a bottle of bubbles, and gourmet nibbles.

Ingredients, Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel, every Sat in Feb 1pm to 4.30pm, Dhs295 with soft drinks, Dhs445 per person with house drinks. Tel: (056) 5035121. emdining@anantara.com

Love for the 80s

The Radisson Blu Yas Island’s Belgian Café is celebrating its birthday this month, flexing its Brussels with outrageous promotional offers and Bruges-ie party vibes until February 15. Between 8pm and 1am you can get yourself eight select beverages for Dhs80, there are food platters for Dhs80, an 80s-themed ‘Back to Scool’ soundtrack, and a Dhs100 gift voucher give away every 80 minutes. Bonne fête nos amis xoxo.

Radisson Blu Yas Island, 8pm to 1am until Feb 15, deals from Dhs80. Tel: (02) 656 2406, @bbcyasisland

Sunday, February 13

Dome-ward dog

Did you know that Bodytree Studio now offers their calming contemplation sessions at Louvre Abu Dhabi three days a week. ‘Yoga under the dome’ costs just Dhs90, and is a mere cobra stretch away from a culturally immersive stroll around one of the world’s finest museums. The 75-minute yoga sessions take place twice on Saturday, and Sunday (ladies only) and once on Tuesday morning.

Louvre Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island, Sat to Sun 11am and 5pm, Tue 11am (but you’ll need to arrive 15 minutes in advance), Dhs90. Tel: (600) 565566, bodytreestudio.com

Can I have amore?

Few date nights speak the language of love as fluently, as dinner in an Italian restaurant. And Sacci at Westin Abu Dhabi is going extra hard on its Adriatic accent for the Valentine’s weekend. There’s a special three-course menu, with a paired bottle of bubbles all for Dhs499 per couple. Now that’s an offer we can’t refuse *gestures Godfatherly*

The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, Feb 12 to 14, from 7pm . Dhs499 per couple. Tel: (0)2 616 9999. sacciabudhabi.com

McGett me not

McGettigan’s at Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi is inviting you to get your Tom Cruise on this weekend, with an opportunity to concoct your very own blended beverage and dedicate it to the one you love. Unlike love, this is a competition, and the winner of the tastiest blend will have their creation named ‘mixology of the month’ with a free first round of the signature sip every time you visit the venue throughout the rest of February. And in the true ‘spirit’ of the day, between February 11 and 14, there is a special Valentine’s drinks menu offering rounds at Dhs69 per couple.

McGettigan’s, Dusit Thani, 925 Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street (Al Muroor Road), Abu Dhabi. Tel:(0)2 698 8137. @mcgettigansdusitauh

Images: Provided/Getty