Get swept away this Valentine's day

JORDAN This fascinating country is just a three-hour flight from Dubai - that's just one plane movie - making it perfect for a loved-up mini-break. Jordan boasts Indiana Jones-worthy archaeology in Petra, rambling romantic streets throughout Amman and the world-famous - and salty - Dead Sea, and in celebration of February 14, Emirates Holidays are offering packages that include return economy flights on Emirates, three nights in a luxury hotel, such as the beautiful seaside Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, and private transfers from Amman and back, all from Dh2,305. If you stay at the Kempinski, however, be prepared not to want to leave as you lounge in the beautiful hotel, which features gardens, lagoons, waterfalls and pools, and is right on the Dead Sea with its renowned healing properties. Definitely make the three-hour drive to Petra, a remarkably well-preserved ‘city' that was founded in 7,000 BC; it's worth spending the whole day because there's so much to see. Trip valid until February 25, for more details see www.emiratesholidays.com. SRI LANKA This gem of a country offers everything a vacationer could want - verdant greenery, pristine beaches, wildlife galore, friendly people and - yes! - delicious food (the fish coconut curry we had there last year still lingers on our palate). Air Arabia Holidays are currently offering a five-night package that includes a visit to the capital, Colombo (where you'll find fantastic furniture shopping to be done, so pack light!), the culturally rich and beautifully green Kandy, as well as the very popular beachside, Bentota. The package includes a sightseeing tour of Colombo and visits to an elephant orphanage and the beautiful Botanical Gardens in Kandy; and, at the end of every day, you'll get to relax at a four-star hotel - they offer a range of options, including the super-cute beachside Bentota Beach Hotel, which has its own resident elephant. Offer ongoing, costs from Dh2,890 per person including return flights with Air Arabia, transfers, all excursions and accommodation. For more details visit www.holidays.airarabia.com. MUSCAT Just a short-hop flight (or a day's drive - a long day, that is) from Dubai, this beautiful harbour city has lashings of Omani charm. Meaning ‘anchorage' in Arabic, the city is all about the ocean - don't leave without trying Omani lobster - and all that fresh sea air has contributed to a wonderfully laid-back vibe. Book a few days off around February 14 and head to one of 's favourite hotels, The Chedi, for a romantic two-night stay. The special Valentine's Day escape includes two nights in a Serai room, breakfast at The Restaurant, full use of the fitness facilities and participation in group fitness classes, a 60-minute Balinese massage and a four-course dinner on February 14. All this costs Dh1,840 per person - and, with flights with Fly Dubai from only around Dh400, getting there couldn't be easier (www.flydubai.com). For more on The Chedi, visit www.ghmhotels.com PRAGUE Prague is, in our humble opinion, one of the most romantic cities in the world and particularly so during a crisp, snowy winter. The city centre boasts head-turning architecture - from gothic to baroque and even art nouveau - and the famous Prague Castle is spectacular. Yes, the touristy areas can get crowded, but we say venture along the river a bit and experience local culture in the hop gardens, galleries, clubs and more. Emirates Holidays are offering a special Valentine's deal right now, which includes a four-night stay at the central InterContinental Praha, return economy flights with Emirates and private airport transfers. Valid until the end of February, price from Dh4,510 per person; for more see www.emiratesholidays.com THAILAND If you fancy a tropical experience and crave being surrounded by lush greenery, yet also seek bustling streets to immerse yourself in, then a holiday in Thailand will be right up your alley. We like the sound of the ‘Shipwrecked with your Valentine' package at The Sarojin, which is set on 11km of secluded beach and is just a 55-minute drive north of Phuket airport in Khao Lak. It has 56 residences nestled in the 10 acres of grounds and every room comes with its own private sundeck, featuring couples' baths, relaxation pools and waterfall showers. Also, if you want a really peaceful stay, children under 10 are not permitted. The Valentine's Day deal involves an unhurried six-night stay for two people, a Thai cooking class, an intimate lunch by a jungle waterfall, private couple cruise on a luxury boat and daily a la carte breakfasts with bubbles, as well as private transfers. This whole week of luxury costs Dh12,800, plus return flights to Bangkok from Abu Dhabi with Etihad from approximately Dh2,500 return, (www.etihadairways.com).