If you’ve already burnt a large hole in your wallet for festive shenanigans, fret not, for Bahrain has a host of options to consider when it comes to making the significant other feel loved up on a shoestring budget come Valentine’s Day. As V-Day falls over the weekend, you have more freedom to get creative with your special date night.
A Tent for Two
Desert Camping is a thrifty way to spend a quiet evening under the winter sky, with a bonfire going for additional warmth. Most camping facilities at Sakhir come with the comfort of carpeted tents, lighting and porta-toilets. All you need to bring along is some finger food (or grill some on the fire) and warm blankets, and raise a toast to love – just you and the object of your affections waiting for the sun to rise from the serene desert horizon.
Breaking the Ice
Funland, located along the Marina Corniche on Al Fatih Highway, gives you just under two hours of giggling and guffawing with your partner as you both attempt to balance yourselves on the ice rink. With coaching available for newbies, it gives you an activity to participate in together. If you’re both pros on the ice, then the evening will be a unique one, skating in tandem with upbeat music and neon lights making it a fun way to celebrate your companionship. There’s also a spot of bowling to try your hand at later.
Picnic In the Park
Pack that basket and choose a pretty park to spend the evening at. The island has quite a few options to choose from, all with ease of access and parking facilities, as well as clean, grassy areas on which to spread out your picnic. The Al Ghous Corniche houses a family-friendly open space that overlooks Bahrain’s stunning skyline. Look over the railing and you might be able to catch the sight of fish bobbing along the shore. Dohat Arad Park offers a lengthy stroll through appealing sights and scenes, and the Budaiya Botanical Gardens are another great option to lay your mat under a tree at twilight.
Boating Around the Bay
Sometimes, a simple (and affordable) activity makes an evening unique, even if it is just dinner that you have scope for. Maybe next year you could flash the cash and charter a yacht for two, but this year, fall back on the short but sweet boat rides that start at the Avenues Mall and take you around to see the glitzy lights of Bahrain Bay. Follow up with a cosy seaside dinner and earn brownie points even before dessert is served! If the budget permits, Ventus Lounge at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay offers a private on-board dinner.
Sand and Surf
If you are a couple who love the sea, what better way to mark the special day than with the wind in your hair and sand between your toes? Beach options in Bahrain are becoming less limited. For something more exclusive than a public beach, but less cost-heavy than a private seaside strip, head to Marassi Al Bahrain for pristine sands and crystal-clear waters. It has watersports facilities as well as several contemporary food outlets. Not too far away is Solymar, the newest private beach experience on the island.
