In the prose of renowned author Paolo Coehlo, "Certain things in life simply have to be experienced and never explained. Love is such a thing."

This February, experience the season of love with all-star hospitality and tasteful feasts from your favorite leisure destinations in the metro.

Romantic escapades

Until 17 February, love measures in treats and cups of tea during the themed "Afternoon High Tea" for P988 net, which is good for two at Marriott Manila Hotel. On Valentine's Day, savor the tenderness of romance with a four-course menu of choice at the hotel's Cru Steakhouse. The set menu for two is at P9,020 net.

From 13 to 15 February, try "Sweet Indulgence" at Hilton Manila which features its Pool View Executive Room where guests are greeted with a bottle of sparkling wine and a 12-rose bouquet for the special occasion for P30,000. Spend the evening enjoying a six-course dinner, highlighted by a sumptuous Beef Wellington, on the balcony with an in-room butler service and live string serenade.

On the other hand, Holiday Inn Express Manila-Newport City sweetens a guest room for two with an option for early check-in or late check-out. For P4,900 net, its package includes two breakfast buffet and signature welcome drinks with two cinema credits worth P500 with free popcorn.

Embark on a "Romantic Rendezvous" from 14 to 18 February at Sheraton Manila Hotel. Guests can meet under the stars on a balcony overlooking the Vega Pool for a five-course dinner and sparkling red wine for P5,000 net for two.

Yamazato, Hotel Okura Manila's fine dining restaurant, captures the essence of love and connection with chef Kato's Teppan Kaiseki, exclusively available on 14 and 15 February. Pan-seared foie gras poele with muscat confiture, red wine and mirin sauce and a choice between lobster or wagyu beef for P7,500++ are the main highlights of this special gastronomic dining experience.

Newport World Resorts shows love in gestures both big and small, starting with the blended surprise of Red Velvet Delight for P288 net and Strawberries and Cream Smoothie for P300 nett.

Experience love in every dish of Casa Buenas' anticipated Valentine's dinner, "La Serenata." The seven-course meal called for an award-winning and innovative team in the kitchen under Godfrey Laforteza, the executive chef for Casa Buenas.

Love is in the air

Treat your Valentine to a getaway with room and food package of F1 Hotel Manila at P7,800 net. Experience a romantic overnight stay in a deluxe room, indulge in a P2,000 worth of dining at F All Day Dining or Canary Lounge, and take advantage late check-out, breakfast for two and access to our pool, gym and unlimited Wi-Fi. F1 Hotel Manila also offers the Special Valentine Dinner Buffet Concert with unlimited mimosas at P2,788 net per ticket. Celebrate love on 14 February with a delightful dinner from 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. or 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. For inquiries, call  8928-9888 or visit website at www.f1hotelmanila.com. F1 Hotel Manila is at 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Indulge in love and luxury

The Peninsula Manila offers a special five-course dinner menu this month. Indulge in delicacies created by chef de cuisine Gaël Kubler, while being swept away by the sweet sounds of a grand piano enveloped with red rose petals. 

Savor the many facets of love with a sumptuous four-course dinner featuring a Valentine's-themed menu selection.

Throughout the evening, guests will be serenaded by Martin Avila on the grand piano accompanied by a guest vocalist.

For Valentine's Day inquiries or reservations, call 8887 2888 (ext. 6694 for Restaurant Reservations, 6769 and 6771 for The Peninsula Boutique, and 6871 for The Peninsula Fitness Center and Spa. Visit peninsula.com/manila.

Holiday of hearts

The Richmonde Hotels are all set to provide couples with dreamy rendezvous for an unforgettable Valentine's celebration.

Jump into romance and surprise one another with a cozy and convenient escape in the metro with Richmonde Hotel Ortigas' Valentine's Day Room Package. Available from 12 to 29 February and priced P4,999, it includes overnight accommodations, breakfast buffet for two, Richmonde's petite signature moist chocolate cake, a Richie Bear stuffed toy, complimentary use of the gym and heated indoor pool, plus 20 percent discount on the special Valentine's Day dinner at Richmonde Café, which is priced at P2,900 net per person. For the unattached this Valentine's season, The Exchange celebrates the joys of singlehood with a special party on 15 February, from 7 to 10 p.m.

On the other hand, Eastwood Richmonde Hotel, located at the center of the Eastwood township in Quezon City, provides a soothing haven amidst the bustling city this Valentine's week with its special Valentine's Day Getaway Package, with rates starting at P5,900 nett. For inquiries and table reservations, call (632) 8570-7777 or (63) 917-8210333.