Valentine essentials

Valentine's Day at The Langham Hotel. Photo / Supplied

Love at the Langham

Auckland's Langham hotel has the answer to Valentine's Day gift-giving with a range of luxury packages sure to woo.

If you're wanting to go all out try the Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton package which includes a night's accommodation in the hotel's exclusive Royal Suite, a bottle of methode-traditionelle and handcrafted chocolates. Includes a complimentary limousine drop-off and pick-up if you're in Auckland, or a complimentary valet car park at the hotel, two 90-minute Chuan Spa harmony or hot stone massages in the exclusive dual VIP suite, access to the exclusive Langham Club lounge and full butler service, two complimentary glasses of Laurent-Perrier champagne on the pool deck and dinner for two in the suite's private dining room, with a late check out of 1pm. All for $1999.

The Antony and Cleopatra package includes one night in a Chuan Spa Haven with most of the above, except dinner which, will be served in the hotel's Barolo restaurant for $1249.

Or try the Brad and Angelina packages in a suite or club room with the limo, bubbly, massages, late checkout and club lounge access for $599 to $799, depending on room type.

For full details on these and other Valentine packages at The Langham phone 0800 61 62 61 or visit langhamhotels.co.nz

Giddy at Vertigo

Take your love to new heights at Vertigo restaurant and bar atop the Mercure Auckland. Satisfaction is guaranteed with a specially created three-course Valentine's aphrodisiac menu designed to stimulate your palate using the world's 20 most popular aphrodisiacs as key ingredients. The menu is guaranteed to get you in the mood for love, including half a dozen oysters prepared three ways (prosciutto kilpatrick, natural and with a bloody mary oyster shot); champagne-poached Akaroa salmon with king prawn and lime potato rosti, and vincotto buerre rouge; and a Garden of Eden dessert including lavender chilled souffle and pohutukawa honey icecream. Available from February 12 to 14, 6pm to 10pm for $199 a couple, or $299 with a bottle of Mumm Cordon Rouge Champagne. For reservations call (09) 306 0591.

Fijian romance

Guests at the InterContinental Fiji who get swept up in the resort's beautiful Natadola location and propose (successfully) will be treated by the hotel to a complimentary wedding, including a wedding co-ordinator, venue hire, marriage licence, minister or celebrant, Fijian choir, flowers for the bride and groom and a buffet dinner with a three-hour beverage package. Weddings may be held any month until February next year. To receive the offer, a minimum of 10 rooms must be booked and paid for by the wedding party and guests, on advance purchase rates starting from FJ$375 ($275) a night. For information phone +679 673 3374 or visit intercontinental.com/fiji.

Heritage indulgence

The Heritage Hotel in Auckland has some romantic Valentine packages, including a four-course candlelit dinner in the exotic palm-fringed Hectors restaurant for $79 each with a complimentary glass of bubbles and a red rose. To make a night of it, stay in a luxurious suite with a chilled bottle of bubbles and a rich chocolate cake plus breakfast in bed the next day and a late checkout; all for $279 (dinner not included). Call Heritage Auckland on (09) 379 8553 tor visit heritagehotels.co.nz

Bubbly bath

Treat your beloved and yourself to a champagne bath at Auckland's East Day Spa this Valentine's Day. Yes, really. The two of you can soak in a tub of Moet in homage to a legendary bath Johnny Depp, the decadent devil, drew at London's Portobello Hotel for Kate Moss. You'll start with a soothing Shanti couples massage then hop into your candlelit tub filled with Moet Rose and rose petals - plus a bottle to sip and a platter of Valrhona chocolates, all for $1000. East Day Spa has a range of other packages. Call (09) 363 7050 or visit eastdayspa.com