M is all about: showing our love

The people, places and things on our Valentine's Day hot list.

Passion on a plate, such as this salmon ceviche, can be yours at Gaucho in DIFC.

Enchanted Evenings

Gaucho Dubai, the recently opened Argentine restaurant at DIFC, is serving up an evening of Argentine passion this Valentine's Day. Savour dishes of your choice from the à la carte menu, plus explore some of Argentina's finest beverages with complimentary samples in the tasting room.

Gaucho Dubai, Gate Village 5, DIFC, 04 4227 898 or email [e-mail]

Ferrari World may not seem like the obvious choice for Valentine's Day, but we figured we should treat our men to a date they will enjoy. And after all the car stuff is done with, head to Ristorante Cavallino, the park's fine dining restaurant, which offers a special, five-course gourmet menu for all of February.

Dh250 per person. Ristorante Cavallino, Ferrari World, 02 496 8001, www.ferrariworldabudhabi.com

For fairytale romance, there's no better place than under the desert stars. Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort offers a variety of Valentine's packages, including the Ultimate Desert Romance. Treat yourself to an overnight in a Deluxe room, then indulge in a couple's massage and a glass of bubbly. A three-course candlelight dinner in the dunes is then served by your chef and butler.

Dh4,706, Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, 02 886 2088, www.qasralsarab.anantara.com

Forgot the bouquet? Then skip the florist and head to the Cavalli Club for its special set menu featuring edible flowers. Cavalli's "Fashionably Flora" menu is a five-course adventure that includes calendula, borage, lavender, violets and roses. Choose from dishes such as venison with blackberry and lavender jus; calendula and saffron risotto; or red rose and blue violet panna cotta.

Dh475 per person, Cavalli Club, Fairmont Dubai, 04 332 9260, [e-mail]

For something slightly more low-key but just as romantic, try Al Fanr restaurant in the heart of Abu Dhabi's cultural district, Manarat Al Saadiyat. Enjoy a three-course meal with a welcome glass of bubbly.

Dh300 per couple, Al Fanr Restaurant, Manarat Al Saadiyat, 02 6575 888

Love chains

You don't need to spend a fortune on a gift this February 14. With the opening of the Italian cashmere brand Cruciani in BurJuman, you have the option of going for a simple yet unique present on a budget. These macramé bracelets come in a variety of colours and are perfect for everyday use - making sure your loved one will always remember you.

Dh100, Cruciani, BurJuman Centre, 04 386 4724

New album: Beatrix Runs by Elizaveta

We do not like cheesy love tunes - no Franky Baby blaring in our homes and certainly none of Chris Brown's smooth R&B hits in our cars. Just simple, beautiful songs for us, please. Opera-trained Elizaveta's powerful voice and playful instrumentals are far more touching than any big-shot smooth talker. Beatrix Runs, her first full album, went to No. 24 on the iTunes charts the same day it was released, and has become a daily fixture on our playlist.

See the world through rose-framed glasses

Do something different this Valentine's Day and go for a romantic picnic in the afternoon. The hamper, the sun and the mini sandwiches are far more interesting than yet another fancy dinner - and being outdoors means you get to wear sweet floral dresses, ballet pumps and sunglasses. Look the part by pairing these sunglasses from Anna-Karin Karlsson with an A-line tea dress and red lippy.

Dh2,885, S*uce, Marina Mall, 02 681 8650; Village Mall, 04 344 7270; Dubai Mall, 04 339 9696

Valentine's fitness special

If you're looking for a slightly unusual Valentine's gift for a fitness fanatic, then this might be just the thing. U energy in DIFC has an offer called the u experience session for couples. It includes a fitness analysis, goal setting, a personal training session and Swedish massage combined with Thai manipulation and stretching.

U experience session for couples, Valentine's Special, Dh999, u energy, DIFC, Gate Village Building 4, 04 422 8721

Playful pouts

Our new favourite make-up focus is lips. Whether using a gloss, matte lipstick or a simple stain, the aim is to emphasise your pout, with the main rule being the crazier the better. Nothing beats these stand-out appliqués from the US brand Violent Lips available in a selection of glittery, polka dot and leopard print versions. Catch the last day, today, of Topshop's Violent Lips pop-up store in Dubai Mall, where you can get a free application with any purchase as well as a complimentary sweet from Magnolia Bakery.

Violent Lips, available at Debenhams, Faces, Iconic and Topshop stores nationwide

Take flight

Seawings, the Dubai-based seaplane operator, has begun routes to Yas Marina and Yas Island. So if you live in Dubai but feel like treating your valentine to dinner at one of the Yas hot spots such as Cipriani or Yotto followed by dancing at the Allure Nightclub, then give them a call.

Dh1,225 per person, 04 807 0708, www.seawings.ae

Cold, cold heart

The pointy shoe trend was one that we had been trying to fight off for the past two seasons, but as the styles got more and more flattering we had to give in. These Moschino Cheap&Chic pumps are one of the more cutesy pairs that we've come across, great for pulling together a 1950s-style ensemble, complete with high-waisted skirt and a boxy handbag.

Dh1,700, Moschino, Dubai Mall, 04 339 8079