It can be simple for even the most well-intended romantic date ideas to become a little.. ahh, ‘cheesy’, especially over Valentine’s Day.
Here are seven guaranteed ‘cheese-free’ date ideas, no matter what your style.
For the wine-loving couple
Bored with the Barossa? Ho-hum about the Hunter? Escape to WA and experience the Margaret River wine region. Flanked by the Indian Ocean, it makes for a super-romantic backdrop to your Valentine’s Day.
There are more than 150 wineries dotted along the lush landscape, with one true standout, Flametree Wines, on the shores of Geographe Bay. With its cellar door designed like a beach house, you’ll legit feel like you’re in The Hamptons.
From the vino to the views, Margaret River’s made for lovers
Pro tip: If you love a red like Bey and Jay Z? Sip on Flametree’s award-winning Cabernet Merlot and you’ll instantly be transported to vino heaven.
And if you prefer a cheeky chardonnay their 2014 Awakening Chardonnay, Watershed Premium Wines, won gold at the 2016 Rutherglen Wine Show.
Bey and Jay Z – all wining, no whining!
For the chilled-out couple
Experience nature without dealing with the elements with a luxury escape to Spicers Sangoma Retreat in the Blue Mountains of NSW.
Taking its name from the Zulu word for healer, Sangoma is the perfect spot for some high-end R&R. It’s super exclusive boasting just five suites, an infinity lap pool and sauna facilities.
Packages starting at $1199 per night for two people with all-inclusive food and drinks. Hello, mini bar!
As well as natural serenity, Sangoma offers sauna facilities and a lap pool
Or, For a city escape, book in for a spa treatment at The Langham in Sydney. For $349 per couple, you can lounge around in plush robes, enjoying champers and macarons as you await your one-hour his ‘n’ hers massage.
Hey, if it’s good enough for Tim Robards and Anna Heinrich…
Tim and Anna get pampered with a luxe massage
For the high-roller couple
The lavish Palazzo Versace on the Gold Coast is as flash as it gets.
Valentine’s Day rooms start from $359, but an extra $850 will get you the Romance package, which includes a dozen red roses, three-course dinner and 60-minute massage for two. Yes please!
And no high-roller experience is complete without a visit to Jupiters Casino in nearby Broadbeach.
Serious Vegas vibes
For a quieter scene, head to Jupiters’ Cucina Vivo, an Italian restaurant inspired by the clifftop eateries of the Amalfi Coast. V-Day dining costs $120 per person and includes a vanilla blossom cocktail to sip on the terrace overlooking the pool.
For the adventurous couple
Newsflash: Animal lovers don’t need to trek to Africa to enjoy the great outdoors surrounded by exotic creatures. Get your fix at Sydney’s Taronga Zoo, where a Roar & Snore package buys you an exclusive night safari, plus an overnight stay in a luxury tent. Think of it as a slumber party with the animals, overlooking the harbour. Aka heaven.
Valentine’s Day will set you back $375 per adult, with each tent receiving a rose, a box of chocolates and a romantic dining experience.
Taronga’s Roar & Snore is Sydney’s ultimate ‘glamping’ experience
For the foodie couple
Fact: Melbourne is the foodie capital of Aus.
Wine and fine-dine your date at the Vue De Monde, located on level 55 of the iconic Rialto building. Couples will be treated to a seven-course extravaganza – including matched wines and a five-star view – for $450 per person.
Looking to up the wow factor? Why not go peak Melbourne with a tram dining experience? Feast on Aussie cuisine as you cruise the streets aboard Colonial Tramcar from $82 per person.
