We’re not sure if Saint Valentine’s working as much as us, but we’ve done all the hard work so you can relax come 14 February...
Don’t panic; we’ve got your back. Whether it’s your first Valentine’s Day dinner together, or you’re racking your brains trying to figure out how to one-up last year’s date and get away with as little cheesy romance as possible, our guide will help get you through Valentine’s Day in Singapore in one piece…
DO buy flowers – even if she says no!
Do yourself a favour and order your flower delivery and chocolates at least a week in advance (you should be ordering it as soon as you read this!), so you’re not wasting the day scrambling to find a beautiful bunch.
Don’t forget the gifts – from budget-friendly gems to splurge-worthy pieces
Under $100
City Luxe
Whether you’re into fountain pens or not, you can’t deny that this white TWSBI Eco pen with a rose gold trim ($65) is pure chic. Plus, it’s also great for beginners too! Pair it with a bottle of ink and you’ll be expecting plenty of handwritten love letters. *wink*
City Luxe, #05-02, 12 Little Road, Singapore 536986, also available online.
Maison 21G
Nothing spells romance like creating memories – and desirable scents – with your SO. Lure your loved ones with the personalised Scent Romance ($70), using notes like vanilla, tuberose and ginger, on top of base scents like rose and vetiver. Who needs a love potion now?
Maison 21G, available from 1–14 February, 77 Duxton Road, Singapore 089536
Estee Lauder
Single or not, there’s nothing like the perfect pout to take you through this romantic day. Case in point: Estee Lauder’s Valentine’s Day Pure Colour Envy Sculpting Lipstick in alluring shades like persuasive and rebellious rose ($52). Renowned muralist James Goldcrown – known for his Bleeding Hearts and Love Wall murals – joins hands to create this limited edition heart-themed packaging.
Estee Lauder, available for a limited time at all Estee Lauder stores and online.
Izipizi Aviators at Merci Marcel
When you’ve been with your partner for a really long time, the best kind of gifts are the practical ones that will come in handy. Izipizi’s adult aviators ($59) are super sleek, plus they’ll keep your peepers guarded and also make for a thoughtful, albeit simple, gift. Who says everything has to be OTT anyway? Psst… for the first two weeks of February, write sweet nothings to your loved ones and Merci Marcel Orchard will mail these postcards anywhere in Singapore just for you.
Merci Marcel, #01-03/04, Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road, Singapore 238871
Smile Makers
Want a little extra excitement in the bedroom? Take things to the next level with Smile Maker’s super chic vibrators. Beginners can go for the First Time bundle ($84.90), which features Millionaire, a versatile tool for external and internal stimulation, plus the Stay Silky serum, a water-based lube formulated with natural, plant-based ingredients.
Smile Makers, available online and at Watsons, Guardian and Redmart
Over $100
Tiffany & Co
You know that we had to include Tiffany & Co for a Valentine’s roundup. From the time Holly Golightly started waxing lyrical about the brand, jewellery lovers have been enraptured. And if you’re anything like us, you’ve lusted after the iconic Return to Tiffany’s collection (from $300) for the longest time. So do your partner a favour and save them the trouble of figuring out what you want – the Tiffany & Co website even has a handy ‘drop a hint’ function.
Tiffany & Co, available in stores including The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Ion Orchard and DFS T Galleria Singapore.
Olivia Burton
Tell someone You Have My Heart with Olivia Burton’s latest watches in rose gold ($309) and silver ($189). We’re loving the chic mesh straps and brush stroke hearts. Take it from us, this is one gift your boo will totally wear long after V-day. Pro tip: From now till 11 Feb, get it from multi-label jewellery store Cocomi to add a bouquet with complimentary delivery and a free personalised card.
Olivia Burton watches in rose gold and silver, available online and in stores.
Bang & Olufsen
We can’t be sure when music became such a staple feature of our days, but we’re certain anyone will appreciate a quality device to blast their favourite tunes. Enter the latest Bang & Olufsen contrast collection, a timeless selection of the brand’s most popular products in a minimal yet expensive-looking light grey and anthracite colour palette. From the portable Beoplay A1 bluetooth speaker ($349) to the Beosound Stage sound bar ($2,750), each item boasts dedicated craftsmanship and unbelievable audio quality.
Bang & Olufsen contrast collection, available online and at multiple stores including Takashimaya, Grand Hyatt flagship store and Tangs at Tang Plaza.
Swarovski
Luxury arm candy never gets old, and Swarovski has some outfit-elevating picks for him and her. Here’s what caught our eyes from the collection: The sparkling infinity bangle ($179) will look stunning on her, while the black tennis deluxe bracelet ($299) will add an understated fashion statement to his look.
Swarovski Valentine’s Day collection, available online and in stores.
You gotta feel date-ready
You’ll want your hair and skin to be on point too – so book a last-minute facial and a lunchtime mani-pedi sesh. If you really want to feel smooth and sexy, free the fuzz at these top spots for hair removal.
Make the meal extra special
The quintessential Valentine’s dinner date might seem like a cliché, but we’ve sussed out a couple of romantic restaurants so you don’t screw it up this year. All this doesn’t have to burn a huge hole in your wallet, especially since we’ve got a great variety.
Bring out your A-Team
Should your evening plans culminate in the horizontal tango, make sure you’ve picked out something elegantly scant from our favourite lingerie stores (and maybe even a little battery-operated backup) to spice things up in the bedroom.
Speaking of bedroom shenanigans, book a saweet staycay
Hotel Fort Canning
Stay at Hotel Fort Canning to get away from the hustle and bustle of it all. Picture this: You’re soaking in a luxurious bubble bath with a glass of Prosecco on one hand and a plate of fresh berries on the other, overlooking a patio filled with lush greenery… still with us? End your stay with a scrumptious breakfast spread followed by a dip in the chlorine-free mineral pools. You know where to find us!
Hotel Fort Canning, from $418++ per night, valid for stays from 13–16 February, 11 Canning Walk, Singapore 178881
W Hotel Singapore
W Singapore is pulling all the stops to give you a splendid time. We’re talking fab ocean views (enjoy a free upgrade to the Fabulous Room!), a bottle of champagne and a romantic three-course dinner created by Skirt restaurant’s Chef Paolo Sanapo, served right in your room.
W Singapore Be My Valentine package, from $580, valid for check-ins from 14 – 15 Feb, 21 Ocean Way, Singapore 098374
Six Senses
Sustain your love with a stay at Six Senses Duxton or Maxwell on 14 or 15 Feb (from $420++ per night), complete with a romantic couple’s dinner at Six Senses Brasserie. The sustainability-minded can join in complimentary workshops to make your own hydrosol or body scrub. Don’t stop there: Make it a pampering experience with the Find Your Perfect Match spa retreat (from $380++ per couple), a rejuvenating journey where you’ll walk out feeling like you’re floating on a cloud. You and your partner will be whisked away to stress-free heaven with a tension-melting massage, a body scrub for baby-soft skin or a radiance-boosting facial. Ahh, bliss.
Six Senses, two locations at Duxton and Maxwell.
Non-boring dates 101
Think a classic dinner date is too vanilla? Knock off work early if you can and do a sunset trek at these walking trails. Need more inspo? We’ve picked the best date ideas in this list of romantic things to do, which includes museums, secluded sunrise spots and swanky rooftop bars. Even if you’re on a budget, fret not. We’re here to help you put your explorer’s hat on, the affordable way. Fancy a dip instead? Slip into your swimwear and dive right into our list of the sexiest swimming pools in Singapore.
Singles can have fun too…
There are more unattached adults in Singapore than ever before, so the only real problem is wading through the sea of singles to find that somebody. If you’re game, online dating or using a dating app is industry standard now, so take a gander at this list of our favourite dating apps and put yourself out there! Tech stuff not your thing? We’ve still got loads of other solo activity ideas so you won’t be stuck at home sobbing into your chocolates while binge-watching.