There are countless cliches describing what love is and where it might be: not only is it in the air you breathe, it also makes the world go round and, apparently, can be found in the strangest places.
Many cultures around the globe believe that the way to a man's (or a woman's) heart is through his or her stomach, so it's pretty obvious how Valentine's Day got to be synonymously linked with romantic candlelit dinners for two in a remote outpost in celebration of love.
Heading the lineup of top-rate hotels offering a haven for couples on the most romantic day of the year is The Dharmawangsa Jakarta, whose Valentine's dinner by the pool on Feb. 14 allows couples to enjoy a seven-course dinner under the tropical night sky and amid lush gardens to the tunes of live jazz.
Those preferring to stay indoors, on the other hand, can check into the hotel's Sriwijaya Restaurant for an equally tantalizing seven-course dinner to seduce the palate and spark the flames of passion. The menu, created by Dharmawangsa's executive chef Olivier Piganiol, comes with a complimentary glass of premium wine and/or champagne.
Still on the topic of classy Valentine grubs, JW Marriott Hotel Jakarta is celebrating the month of love with selections of exotic and sensuous menu as well as special gifts and memento for couples.
An intimate Japanese dinner with Omakase concept is on offer at JW Marriott's Asuka Japanese Restaurant, while Pearl Chinese eatery invites lovers to rediscover the hidden secrets of love across a set candlelight dinner.
Similarly, buffet lovers will find delectable international selections at Sailendra, while Blu Martini makes the perfect venue to unwind and whisper sweet nothings to your loved one.
Not to be missed out in the romantic mood, grandkemang Hotel and its Sperta All Day Dining plan on making your dinner extra lavish with the help of the hotel's home band plus a special piano and violin duet ensemble.
Sperta's Valentine buffet features - among other things - roasted wagyu beef carving, sushi and sashimi and lovely desserts, while complimentary heart-shaped chocolates are given to couples dining on the night. A free glass of wine tops off the evening's breezy pleasure of piano and violin harmony.
Between Feb. 12 and 14, fans of Italian cuisine can head to Scusa at the InterContinental Midplaza. Scusa's Valentine's menu is created through the passion of Chef Antonio Massagli, and comes served with live music to set the mood for intimate moments of affection. Diners also stand a chance of winning a stunning Gordon Max pendant worth some Rp 10 million - making the evening sparkle even more!
If you feel like overwhelming your loved one in blissful reverie, Hotel Gran Mahakam is vouching to be your personal romantic planner for one night only on Feb. 14. The hotel's elegant candlelit buffet dinner serves everything from tempting appetizers to lovable desserts in a cozy surrounding touched by pink, maroon and turquoise.
Live romantic music will accompany diners feasting on delicacies like Tuna Chermoula, Barramundi in tartar, Boullabaisse soup with sweet basil, and Australian beef tenderloin. The dinner at Gran Mahakam is already inclusive of a glass of champagne, a single rose for the beloved and a memorable picture of the couple.
What about those who can't wait till night comes to savor the scent of love hanging heavy in the air? Four Seasons Jakarta has the alternative with a Valentine's brunch at Seasons Caf* featuring live cooking stations and an array of delicious sweets from the dessert gallery.
Get ready to feast on some king crab legs, scallop carpaccio and fresh oysters with trio dips in the afternoon, then stay on for the romantic dinner at Four Seasons' Steak House or the poolside Cabana, which, with its private butler service and live guitar background music, is sure to give a new meaning to the word "al fresco".
More love-inspired feasts are to be found at The Park Lane Jakarta, whose Caf* One will arrange a buffet dinner with complimentary chocolate and roses for the ladies on Feb. 14. On the same night, Riva will have special offers on its Kir Royal, sparkling wines and champagnes while a superb four-course candlelit dinner makes for a perfect bounty at Stix.
For those planning on a sneak getaway during Valentine's weekend, Hotel Santika Premiere Semarang has a fun and delicious Sweet Valentine Dinner program at a reasonable price of Rp 75,000++ per person.
Another Santika property, Hotel Santika Pontianak, is inviting couples to a music-accompanied dinner complete with romantic film screening at the hotel's Indoor Garden from 6 p.m. onwards. Now that's a creative way to put love and romance on the menu!
