Travel deals: 11 last-minute getaways for Valentine's Day 2018

With just one week to go before the big day, it's time to get booking

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, named 'the world's most Instagrammable hotel', has been cited as an already successful desert development in an effort to lure in investors 

Whether it's a European city break, a quick beach hop or even skiing, time is now of the essence if you're to get away for a Valentine's Day trip. Fortunately for those who can get away, the fact that February 14th falls in the middle of a week rather than a weekend makes it as affordable as it can be: prices start at Dh1,168 for a Dubai staycation for two including a five-course dinner, or, for those wanting to go further afield, from Dh1,499 per person including flights for a two-night break to Baku with Etihad Holidays, or Dh1,699 per person for a two-night ski break in Armenia, including flights, through Dnata.

Vienna

One of the most spectacular cities in Europe, Vienna combines a broad range of history, culture, architecture and entertainment. Dnata is offering a three-night package at the 5-star Grand Hotel Wien, situated within walking distance of first-class sites including music houses, museums, exclusive shopping destinations and other landmarks. The package is priced at Dh3,752 per person including a free upgrade to a deluxe room, breakfast and return flights from the UAE with Ukraine International Airlines.

Paris 

Explore the city of love on a three-night stay at the 5-star Sofitel Paris Baltimore Tour Eiffel, located between the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower and within walking distance of most landmarks on both sides of the river. The Dnata package costs Dh3,565 per person including breakfast and return flights from the UAE with Middle Eastern Airlines. Price is valid for stays between February 13 and 17.

Alternatively, Etihad Holidays is offering a 3-night package staying at the Ibis Styles Paris Monmartre Nord, from Dh3,699 per person including taxes.

The Maldives

Escape to the beautiful small island of Eriyadu in the northern Maldives, staying four nights at the 4-star Eriyadu Island Resort Hotel. The package costs Dh5,099 per person for 4 nights, including a standard room, breakfast and dinner and return flights from the UAE with Sri Lankan Airlines. The price is valid for stays between February 12th and 16th, through Dnata.

If you prefer to fly from Abu Dhabi, Etihad Holidays is offering a three-night package at the four-star Holiday Island Resort & Spa from Dh4,299 per person including flights, based on two sharing.

Salalah, Oman 

Fly to Salalah for a one-night getaway at the new Al Baleed Resort Salalah by Anantara. The package is priced at Dh2,669 per person, including a one-bedroom villa with a garden view, breakfast and return flights from the UAE with Flydubai. Price is valid for stays on nights between February 13 and 15; for more information contact Dnata.

Armenia

If you haven't visited Armenia yet, a two-night break to Tsaghkadzor, in the mountains 55km from the capital Yerevan, is a good opportunity. The Dnata package costs Dh1,699 per person based on two adults sharing, staying at the 5-star Hotel Golden Palace, 2,100m above sea level. The price includes return flights from Sharjah with Air Arabia, airport meet and greet on arrival and airport transfers, as well as daily breakfast, lunch on one day and a three course dinner for two on 14th February, accompanied by live music.

Staycations

For those who prefer to stay in the UAE, the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi Hotel at Al Maryah Island has launched a Romance package, which includes accommodation with an early check-in from 9am and a late check out until 4pm (subject to availability), and costs from Dh1,700 per night including taxes.

In Dubai, the Hilton Dubai Creek is offering a room, 5-course dinner and breakfast for two from Dh1,168 per night including taxes.

If you want to be on the beach, perhaps the most lavish UAE Valentine's package is offered by the St Regis Saadiyat Island Resort in Abu Dhabi. Here, a night in the Moroccan-style sea-facing spa suite costs Dh15,730 including taxes, refreshments, a three-course dinner served in the suite and a one-hour massage in the couple's treatment room.

But for the ultimate romantic escape, head to the Royal Desert Hideaway at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Prices from Dh5,000 per villa per night including taxes.

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