The best things to do on Valentine's Day in Melbourne

Melbourne is home to some super romantic hotels that are perfect for setting the scene for seduction. But if you're looking to dial things up a notch this Valentine's Day, consider booking in for one of these fancy packages. Leave the guesswork and planning to the professionals and enjoy perks like private butlers, romance-themed cocktails and private hot tubs. 

If you and your beloved are isolating or would simply rather not leave the comfort of home, you can still enjoy a romantic dinner from some of Melbourne's finest restaurants. Providoor is tkaing orders up until 4pm on Saturday, February 12 (for a Sunday delivery) and you can choose from restaurants like Entrecôte, Hardware Club and Maha. If you fancy a tipple, you can add a set of expertly made cocktails from the Everleigh Bottling Co. to your order.  

Chocolate-covered strawberries are peak romance, and Pidapipó has turned that classic combo into a limited-edition popsicle called the Gelato di San Valentino. Think delicious strawberry cream gelato encased in a rich dark chocolate coating and topped with a sprinkle of waffle crunch. The treats are just $10 a pop and can be picked up in-store or ordered for home delivery via UberEats. 

If you're sick of that 'you pick', 'no you pick' conversation when it comes to deciding on dinner, look no further. The Langham's Melba Restaurant offers one of our city's finest buffets to ensure you and your date have plenty of options to choose from. Book in for dinner on February 13 or 14 and enjoy access to the signature buffet as well as a decadent seafood platter for two. Dinner is $199 per person and includes a glass of Champagne or Crown lager on arrival, and each couple will also receive a rose to take home. Don't forget to visit the famed molten chocolate fountain on your way out! 

From February 9-16, lovebirds can book in for the Cupid's Afternoon Tea at the Aria Bar and Lounge in the Langham Hotel. Enjoy an array of pink-head treats including chocolate-dipped strawberries, Madeleines dipped in pale pink chocolate, freshly baked scones, bite-sized sandwiches and a chocolate dome of love. The session is $75 per person on weekdays and $90 on weekends and includes a glass of sparkling wine. 

Artisan chocolatier Koko Black is doing several cute Valentine's Day chocolate packs that you can pick up for your loved one. Prices start at just $24.90 and you can handpick flavours especially for your Valentine. Check it out here.

For $170, you can get a decadent Valentine's Day hamper from Crown food meccas Nobu and Conservatory. Each venue has put together a romantic hamper filled with signature sweet and savoury canapes and desserts that are sure to delight and impress your date. Place your order before 3pm on February 11 for delivery on February 13 or 14.

It's common knowledge that the French are experts at romance, so it seems fitting that one of the most romantic places to spend Valentine's Day would be Bar Margaux. Book in for a romantic 'La Vie en Rose' French dinner for $130 per person and enjoy dishes like cured Tasmanian salmon with Champagne gelée and white chocolate mousse with cherry jam. A selection of rosés will be poured by the glass, and rare wine by the bottle will be available on special all night long. 

If you’re seeking a complete escape into opulence and luxury, then look no further than the Spa at Crown Towers. Book in for a couple's massage or facial and then spend some time in the Aqua Retreat, a room complete with a vitality pool, Swiss showers and steam rooms.

Has your gal pal has been in desperate need of some vitamin D? Send them a bouquet of ten chocolate-glazed dick doughnuts. For something even more shocking, opt for the Motorboat box which includes two breast-shaped doughnuts, a giant chocolate glazed penis doughnut and a handful of milk bottle lollies. 

Single and looking to mingle? Melbourne dating app Boop has partnered with Ballers Clubhouse to host a fun and interactive ping pong speed dating session. Participants will join a group of 50 other singles and play rounds of mixed doubles ping pong. When it's not your turn to play, you can snack on delicious canapes, enjoy drinks at the bar and chat with other guests. The session takes place on Valentine's Day from 7pm to 9pm and tickets start at $45 per person. Get your tickets through the Ballers Clubhouse website. 

The thought of going on a date is a little daunting. Where do you even find someone to date after 18 months in lockdown? And if (by some miracle) you do find someone to take out where do you take them? The answer to all of these questions might be new app Boop.

Launching this week, Boop is a going-on-a-date app that is trying to help users find love and help Melbourne businesses get back on their feet.

A free app for users, Boop is designed to get people off their phones and out into some of Melbourne's hottest venues (with in-app discounts). Users sign up to the app, swipe left or right through Melbourne's dating pool and have a chat. With the real fun starting if you decide to meet up.

Clicking the 'plan a date' button enables you to book venues like Arbory, Trinket and Fargo & Co from within the app and then claim a 15 per cent discount on date night.

Boop's monetisation strategy relies on users matching on the app and taking advantage of the incentives offered by partners.

Boop is available in the Apple or Google Play stores. Venues can register interest here.  

Unwind in the elegant surrounds of the Westin's Lobby Lounge with a cocktail in hand. For $55, you can get a pair of 'Beating Heart' cocktails made with vanilla vodka, pomegranate liqueur, raspberry puree and lemon juice as well as a dessert to share. 

For $95 per person, you can enjoy a sharing menu that features dishes like oysters, 36-month aged Joselito Iberico jamon and lamb rump served with charcoal-grilled carrots, romesco and heirloom tomatoes with burrata and pickled shallot. Finish off with a refreshing peach and rosé sorbet and then head upstairs for drinks on the rooftop.