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

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)