Don’t Panic

We’ve got your Valentine’s must-haves covered.

Flowers
While some claim delivery is available, we raise our eyebrows and prefer to pick up. Our spies tell us delivery may seem more convenient while in the shop, but after multiple phone calls searching for directions, it’s just easier—and more romantic—to hand deliver the floral spoils. But where to get them? Try Interflora (4432 2717) on C Ring Road or Lilies (4444 0321) on Al Sadd, or grab a bunch from the La Cigale Flower shop in La Cigale Hotel (4428 8803). If a potted plant is more your game, head to The Garden Centre (4467 2046) on Najma St. In the malls? Pick up a poesy at the Flower Shop (5549 4637) in Hyatt Plaza, or Plaza Flori in Landmark, Royal Plaza or Villaggio malls. Forgotten Valentine’s? Carrefour offers both potted and bunched flower arrangements in all their branches.

Chocolates
Doha is bursting with sugary goodness. Check out Biscotti at the Grand Hyatt (4448 1270)—they’ve recently launched new ranges of homemade chocolates, and this month offer personalized designs, names and messages for QR75 per nine pieces, QR175 per 25 pieces, or QR400 for 100 pieces. Or try Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar on The Pearl-Qatar (4495 3878 ext 1311), offering funky chocolate bars and treats for the non-conventional sweetie. And you can’t beat the old standby, La Cigale (4428 8803). La Cigale Traiteur offers heart-shaped everything, from pastries and cakes to special chocolates, as well as ready-made chocolate arrangements in bowls, boxes, baskets, crystal, porcelain and more. For an Arabic take on romance, why not get some of the chocolate covered dates at Wafi Gourmet in Landmark Mall (4487 5222), or get some gourmet goodies from Dean & Deluca at Villaggio (4451 9780) including cookies and imported candies. If you want more interactive sweetness, head over to the Wydnham Grand Regency for their chocolate fountain all month long, and dunk fruit and marshmallows for QR49 from 2pm-10pm daily. Or trek out to Landmark Mall to Maya La Chocolatiere (4486 2264)—they do a chocolate fondant topped with hot chocolate sauce that will have your sweetie melting in the palm of your hand.

Cards
Valentine’s Day when we were kids used to be all about the cards shoved in a home-made shoebox mailbox, and some things never change. We’re still after the paper declarations of affection. Try Hallmark in Villggio (4450 7170) or Landmark (4469 7270) for grownup offerings. Or hit up Events, the party story in Hyatt Plaza (4413 1155) for a decent selection, especially for kids. Or, get out your crayons and make your own!

Spa deals

Magical Bliss
Start with a one hour Balinese massage, followed by twenty minutes of eye and lip treatments and a scalp massage and woosh—pure bliss. The entire treatment last one hour forty minutes. QR750 per person. Want to celebrate a deux? Jaula also offers a special couples package, where you can enjoy two hour treatments each with a 15 per cent discount, or one hour in their exclusive VIP suite featuring a private Jacuzzi, snacks and a glass of bubbly or herbal tea.
Jaula Spa, Grand Hyatt Doha (4448 1056).

Pamper Package
Head out yourself or purchase a gift certificate for your valentine for their special Pamper package. Including a rose and milk footbath, sweetness body scrub, rose yoghurt body condition and mist, and a rose and honey facial over two and a half hours, it will leave you relaxed and smelling like a whole bouquet of roses. QR650 per person.
Essence Spa, Al Waab (4450 2226).

Sugar Scrub Massage
The Six Senses offer up a sugary sweet package, perfect for couples. The sugar scrub revitalizes the skin while the massage portion leaves you feeling like a relaxed wet noodle. QR650 per person, or QR1200 per couple. For an additional fee, ask about private treatment suites.
Six Senses Spa, Sharq Village and Spa (4425 6999).