Ways to a lover's heart on Valentine's Day

JAKARTA (JP): As if the romantics among us needed any reminding, Valentine's Day is just a day away. The 14th day of February is the time of the year when thoughts turn to matters of love -- or so all the advertising spiel would have us believe.

For those in the dark about its past, it dates back to 269 A.D., the era when Rome was under the reign of Emperor Claudius II, also known as Claudius the Cruel. The emperor, believing that married men made poor soldiers, issued orders banning all marriages and engagements in Rome. The emperor sent Valentine to jail for defying the order, and he subsequently suffered martyrdom for his defiance.

For Jakarta, where the Valentine tradition is still pretty much of a newcomer, it's the hotels and cafes like Planet Hollywood and Hard Rock Cafe which lay on the love for those with the time and the money.

Many believe Valentine's is winning over Indonesians, particularly the young.

"What I've learned from our experience here last year is that Valentine's is really 'in' for the younger generation, it's so popular," said Uraini Umarjadi, director of public relations at the Kempinski Hotel in Central Jakarta. "And I was at a mall on the weekend and I saw so many men, both young and old, queuing up to buy Valentine's gifts."

Most star-rated hotels, with sumptuous culinary goodies on offer for the day and through the evening, must hold to the belief that the way to a man's -- and woman's -- heart really is through the stomach.

At Gran Melia Jakarta in Kuningan, South Jakarta, couples can celebrate with five different supreme cuisines at Tien Chao Chinese restaurant, or a private romantic dinner at Columbus Fine Dining, specializing in southern European cuisine. There are also Valentine specials at the Lobby Lounge, a lovers' buffet at Cafe Gran Via and sweet treats at El Bombon.

Hotel Mulia in Senayan, Central Jakarta, is putting on a romantic dinner at CJ's Bar with the golden voice of Ruth Sahanaya, starting at 8 p.m. There is also a show to behold at Cascade Lounge, accompanied by a special performance of Harvey Malaiholo and Mini Orchestra directed by Widya Kristanti, with a light snack buffet for Rp 209,000 ++ per person.

The hotel's Italian restaurant Il Mare is also organizing a special romantic candlelit dinner with a set menu at Rp 185,000 ++ per person, including a glass of sparkling wine along with a single rose, a complimentary photo and a frame as gifts available from Feb. 13 to Feb. 14. There is also teppanyaki at Edogin restaurant for Rp 150,000 ++ per person.

For those who have made up their minds to take a romantic retreat, Hotel Borobudur Jakarta is offering a one-night stay for Rp 700,000 ++ in its Superior room for guests who check in on Feb. 14 and check out on Feb. 15. The package includes breakfast for two at Bogor Cafe and dinner at Bruschetta Italian Restaurant or the BBQ buffet at Singosari Restaurant, with a special gift for female guests.

A set menu, romantic cocktail and a gift for female guests are available at Bruschetta for Rp 250,000 ++ per couple. Or spend Valentine's with family and friends at Singosari restaurant for the BBQ buffet at Rp 120,000 ++ per person.

For those heady with romantic notions, Hotel Aryaduta Jakarta's Aphrodite package may send you soaring to new heights.

The package offers a trip on a helicopter to exotic Pulau Seribu, the Thousand Islands, to the north of Jakarta Bay for US$1,250 ++ with a one night stay in the hotel's Presidential Suite. Other choices are the Venus package at $650 ++ for a one- night stay in the Ambassador Suite, with eight-hour limousine service and the Athena package for a night's stay at Executive Suite for US$250 ++. All packages include a flower bouquet, romantic champagne dinner and 50-minute aromatherapy massage for two.

The hotel's Ambiente Italian restaurant, Tavern, JP Bistro and Club Mezzanine will serve a special Valentine candlelight dinner for Rp 115,000 ++ to Rp 210,000 ++.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel also offers a stylish getaway, where your female partner will be greeted with a bouquet of roses upon arrival. The package includes breakfast, a cocktail in the evening at the Club Lounge and an opportunity to tone up your body at the Physique Health Club gym. It will set you back Rp 1,500,000 ++. There are also cakes and chocolates at the hotel's cake shop.

The hotel's Italian restaurant Zigolini's will prepare a grand four-course set menu with two complimentary glasses of champagne for Rp 499,000 ++ per couple.

Not to be left out, Le Meridien is laying out the pink carpet for lovers. There is One Night in Bangkok, which the hotel describes as a romantic Thai set dinner at Lemon Grass, for Rp 250,000++. There is also a Night of Love candlelit buffet dinner at La Brasserie (Rp 300,000++ per couple) and a Lebanese Valentine celebration, with a belly dancer to boot, at Al Nafoura for Rp 350,000++ per couple.

The Aston Hotel offers two packages of romantic retreats at its Executive Suite -- one night stay with a special wine and dine at Porta Venezia for Rp 748,000++ or a night stay with a bottle of sparkling wine for Rp 648,000++. Both packages include breakfast at Porta Venezia for two and roses and pralines surprise. Or you can delight your partner with an intimate candlelit diner at Porta Venezia, with complimentary photograph and the roses and pralines surprise thrown in for Rp 150,000++.

Dinner and a full set menu will be available at Hotel Ciputra Jakarta's Gallery restaurant for Rp 53,000 ++ per person, with a 20 percent discount for students. (Maria Endah Hulupi)