Paradise island gears up for first Valentine's Day of new millennium

DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Money can't buy you love on Valentine's Day but with it, you can buy romantic gifts for your loved one or treat her to a memorable candlelight dinner.

For lovers and honeymooners, Bali is one of the most romantic places to celebrate Valentine's Day, which is on Feb.14.

Hotels, restaurants, cafes and entertainment centers are ready to cater to those who want to spend this special day on the paradise island.

Valentine's Day was originally celebrated as a Roman festival known as the feast of Lupercalia, in honor of Juno, the goddess of women and marriage.

Christian priests converted the feast into a celebration of the martyrdom of St. Valentine, who sent a note to a lady signed "from your Valentine" just before he was executed in 270 A.D.

Le Meridien Nirwana Golf & Spa Resort offers guests the opportunity to select their own setting for a romantic dinner, anywhere within the beautiful gardens of the 20-hectare hotel, or even on the golf course.

With at least a day's notice, everything will be arranged according to the guest's preferences from selecting the menu, the wine and flowers, decorations and where they want the table to be placed.

"Since its launch last month, we have been getting rave reviews from everyone -- be it for the dinner itself or a more elaborate option of a special package in Balinese costumes," said Gilda Lim Sagrado, the hotel's public relations manager.

Reservations have been flowing in for the weekend of Valentine's Day since the beginning of the week, she said.

In its effort to make the night exclusive and private for their guests, the team is limiting availability to a maximum of eight couples per evening. A romantic dinner for two is set at between US$220 to $330 per couple.

"It is the first time we have held a valentine program. We want to make valentine couples feel happy," said Gilda.

Valentine's Day at Bali Cliff Resorts in Jimbaran has always been special, since the resort itself is naturally romantic and breathtaking.

This year, Bali Cliff Resorts will present a "love is in the air" theme. A giant huggable three-dimensional heart-shaped flower arrangement will be the resort's greatest attraction. A lovers' tree will be erected in the hotel's lobby.

The hotel also offers romantic candlelight dinners in the open-air Alfresco Pizzeria, which will be accompanied by the soft sounds of violin music.

A special valentine's gift will be given to the hotel's guests.

Lia Sunarjo of corporate public relations said the hotel's valentine program will start at 7 p.m.

"We will provide a box of chocolates to ladies as a souvenir at the end of the event," said Lia.

Chocolates are the perennial favorite valentine gift in addition to red roses, lingerie, cards, gold rings and diamonds.

Lia added the hotel would be beautifully decorated with red and pink roses, floating candles on the lagoon pool, pink tablecloths and napkins.

The Hard Rock Hotel in Kuta, Bali, also offers a unique valentine program.

On Feb.14, the hotel's Cabana Restaurant will offer an exotic valentine menu for $80 per couple, which includes a bottle of wine and a glass of champagne upon arrival.

A valentine spa package at $142 is another option for lovers who wish to rejuvenate their bodies. You will both enjoy an intimate salt bath, body massage and scalp treatment.

Sheraton Resorts Bali presents a grandeur-style dinner at the resort's Mayang Sari.

Other valentine programs are also available at hundreds of hotels and other entertainment centers in Bali. Have a happy Valentine's Day on Feb. 14!