Flowers and chocolates are passé. You’ve already done candlelit dinners. And it’s too soon for the ring (or maybe that’s done too). So, this Valentine’s Day wrack those brain cells and do something that is both fun and romantic, and also something you’ve never tried before. Cook up a storm together maybe? Or wear your hearts on your sleeve with a professional photo shoot to record the day of love. There’s more — take an adrenaline hit together, try out a walking tour plus sunset cruise combination, or just indulge in a couple’s pamper package at one of the city’s top spa salons. In short, bask in the many hues of love.

Love bites

If both of you love food as much you do each other, this one’s going to be a very special way to seal the deal. Sign up with gourmet Bibi Sarkar for a special Valentine’s Day couple’s cooking class. On the menu will be fresh tomato and almond soup, French onion crostini, grilled chicken breasts with mushroom sauce and chocolate coffee mousse (for vegetarians, the chicken can be replaced with vegetarian fricadelle). Go ahead, pour your heart out — into that skillet, and stir up the yummiest Valentine’s Day ever.

Classes can be held on February 13 and/or February 14. Limited seats available at Rs 1,000 per couple.

Making memories

Madly in love? We say — if you have it, flaunt it. So, how about a day-long photo shoot with professional photographers in the backdrop of some beautiful locales around the city. Revisit old memories or create new ones, as Photographians takes you on a picture-perfect tour around the city. You could get yourself clicked drifting down the Ganges on a boat with the setting sun in the background or at the coffee shop where you first met your partner. A six-hour shoot will cost you Rs 10, 000. Hairstyle and make-up can be arranged for, as well, at an additional cost.

Heady rush

Drive down to Mandarmoni. No, not for just another run-of-the-mill long drive to the closest beach. Make this day trip an exciting one with the good people at The Adventure Bay, who have several fun options on offer. Treat yourself to an adrenaline fix with water sports like jet ski rides (Rs 500 per person), banana boat ride (Rs 350 per person), parasailing (Rs 1,000 per person per flight) and stand up paddle surfing (Rs 1,500 per person, including 1-hour training). You can also opt for all terrain vehicle (ATV) rides for Rs 500 for 15 minutes).

Walk the talk

If exploring your city and its fringes fascinates you, this one’s tailor-made for you. Calcutta Walks suggests you spend Valentine’s Day on a sunset boat cruise along the Hooghly followed by a walking tour. The boat leaves at 3pm from the Babughat jetty, anchors at Belur, from where you will be taken on a walking tour of Belur Math. You hop back on, and the next stop is Dakshineswar. After your guided walking tour of Dakshineswar and its famous Kali Temple, sail back to the city watching the sun go down. The boat-cruise-walking-tour package costs Rs 10,000 a couple (includes tea and snacks; cost may vary depending on number of couples on board).

Romantic indulgence

Well, this special day comes bang in the middle of the week. So, de-stressing together in the most indulgent way possible this Valentine’s Day could be just what the doctor
ordered. Get pampered at June Tomkyns with a Valentine’s Special treatment package that involve roses, caramel and chocolate, and ‘ice-cream’. Sample this (for both men and women): Start with a Valentine’s special facial with rose mask that includes rose petals and rose essential oil. Follow this up with an Ice Cream Pedispa and Manispa. This unique treatment includes bath and body products from the American brand ME! Bath that is inspired by ice cream flavours and scents like Chocolate, Pomegranate, Strawberry, Honey and Peppermint and comes in scoops. These frothy cleansing scoops melt the moment they come in contact with water.

Sink deeper into indulgence with a chocolate and seaweed body polish. And wrap it all up with an exotic hair spa done using Moroccon hair mask, oil, shampoo and conditioner. Women can go a step further with Chocolate or Fruit waxing.

The package comes at a rate of Rs 14,000 per couple.

For cooking classes, call Bibi Sarkar on 9830335641
For The Adventure Bay, call Tushar Nag on 09955390090
For Photographians, call 9830079998
For boat cruise and walking tour, mail explore@calcuttawalks.com
For couple’s salon package, call 9830202971