SingaporeMotherhood | Parenting
January 2018
Romantic Date Ideas for a Kid-Free Valentine’s Day
If you’re a parent, it may have become increasingly difficult to find the time to commemorate and celebrate Valentine’s Day. Parents are sacrificial by nature – that’s just how much we love our children – and often put our own wants and delights on the back burner. However, it’s also important to take time off for ourselves.
Celebrating the love between you and your spouse shouldn’t have to take the back seat. After all, it’s because of the love the both of you share that’s made having a wonderful family possible. Here are some ways to reignite the romance between you and your spouse, and have a memorable Valentine’s Day.
Dinner and a Visit to an Art Gallery
Romance factor: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
There are few things more romantic than a dinner for two and a visit to an art gallery. And what could be more fitting for such an occasion than impressionist paintings? Impressionism stems from the 19th-century French art movement that’s considered the first modern movement in painting.
Lucky for you lovebirds, National Gallery Singapore is hosting a special exhibition of such art, titled Century of Light. Hold hands and stroll through an amazing collection of over 60 impressionist paintings that tell the story of Impression at Colours of Impressionism: Masterpieces from the Musée D’orasy. From Manet to Cézanne and Monet, you and your sweetheart will be basking in one of the most romantic periods of art history.
After you’ve both feasted your eyes on pieces by Impressionist masters, it’s time to feast on delightful delicacies. Reconnect over a specially-curated Valentine’s meal for two, and reminisce the good ‘ol (pre-kid) days. Our picks for great food and atmosphere? The classically elegant Gordon Grill at Goodwood Park Hotel, modern European at Porta, the newly-open Tablescape, old-world glamour at The Bird, and a Japanese twist at Fat Cow.
(See also: Babysitting Services in Singapore – Now You Can Finally Go on That Date!)
‘Park-Tor’ at a National Park with a Picnic
Romance factor: ❤️❤️❤️❤️
If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, why not do something different and have a picnic for two at Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site? Put on a sundress and floppy hat, and head to the Singapore Botanic Gardens for a romantic day out. Pack sandwiches, finger food, and a bottle (or two!) of champagne to celebrate.
The best part about having an outdoor date is that it brings forth a spontaneity that we often forget to embrace during our harried workdays. In fact, there are special couple activities available at the Singapore Botanic Gardens just for the Valentine’s Day weekend. Fancy having a green thumb? Try your hands at a Miniature Garden Workshop for couples! If you enjoy nature trails or long walks together, join the Rain Forest Tour. Stroll hand-in-hand while taking in the breathtaking greenery right here in Singapore. Pick up some of the Gardens’ exotic home spa products, inspired by the iconic Tembusu tree, to bring the romance home.
If cooking seems too much like a chore, why not order some gourmet food for your picnic? Western favourites like Mad Jack and The Chop House are great options for a picnic! Or if you’re craving Asian, Kinsa Sushi’s salmon teriyaki bento or California roll makes for a gratifying meal too.
Book a Staycation and go Stargazing
Romance factor: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Bask in each other’s company on this (probably) rare night away from the kids, and enjoy having the entire place all to yourselves. Take a dip in the pool, and enjoy room service and bubbly with your beloved. This date idea can be customised to any couple – board games, Netflix night-in, partying on the town – the options are endless.
PARKROYAL on Pickering is offering luxurious, romantic getaway called “In The Mood For Love”, an exclusive Valentine’s Day suite staycation deal. The package includes complimentary breakfast, a dinner buffet for two, a rejuvenating couple’s massage, and even a complimentary upgrade to a Junior Suite. Cosy up with your beloved and reignite the spark this Valentine’s Day!
If you’re looking for something even more unique, try stargazing. It’ll bring back all those romance movie ‘feels’. Head down to the Science Centre Observatory, where you can stargaze every Friday night. This is a great way to remember that though our universe is so vast, the both of you still found your way to each other – and that’s something definitely worth celebrating.
(See also: 5 Getaways to Reclaim that Pre-Baby Spark (yes, even with the kids in tow!))
Indulge in a Couple’s Day at the Spa
Romance factor: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Stress gets to the best of us, and parents are probably the ones hardest hit by the stress bug. Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to ‘nuah’ in blissful relaxation together. Here are some that we’d love to treat ourselves to.
Get 110 minutes of pure bliss with Estheva Spa’s Valentine’s LoveSpa Packages that include a scrub and a personalised massage, enjoy a “rose-mantic” spa experience at Ikeda Spa in a Japanese Rose Collagen onsen, indulge in a body polish at Adeva Spa’s couple retreat, savour a vintage romantic escape at Spa Vintage in a lavender milk bath, or go all the way and splurge with Capella Singapore’s 2D1N Romantic Indulgence.
This includes a night’s stay at the hotel, in addition to a five-course wine dinner, a 90-minute Perfect Match spa experience, breakfast, and even a personal photo shoot with photo collective Lightedpixels (hair and make-up included too!).
(See also: Grooming for New Mothers)
Rekindle that Pre-Kid Spark
True love isn’t easy to come by, and the hustle and bustle of daily life don’t allow us to express our love to our spouse often enough. Hence make this Valentine’s Day a special and memorable one for the two of you! Take time off from the kids, and just bask in each other’s company like old times. Finally, no matter how you choose to celebrate and commemorate your love, the most important thing is to focus on each other. Always.
Featured image: Brigitte Tohm
Header image: Crew
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