Valentine's Day for mega-rich romantics

UAE hotels hope money can buy ME love

DUBAI - It may not be possible to buy love. But at least you can spend a fortune trying to do so in the United Arab Emirates, where luxury hotels are offering Valentine's Day specials for mega-rich romantics.

Lovey dovey in Abu Dhabi? The Emirates Palace, which bills itself as a seven-star hotel, has the priciest Valentine offer -- a seven-day stay for a cool million bucks.

"Time to show your love to your love," the hotel says. Takers will have a private butler and a chauffeur-driven Maybach luxury car at their disposal during their stay, which the hotel says can be "tailor-made to your design."

Options for the million-dollar deal include a romantic dinner in-suite or on a yacht at sea, helicopter flights, use of the Abu Dhabi golf course, horse riding, watching camel racing, and even making your own perfume.

A private jet is also on call for a quick shopping trip to other countries in the region during the week.

The daily Gulf News quoted sources close to the hotel as saying a Russian businessman had expressed interest in the package.

But an employee told AFP that variations on the deal had been offered for some time, and "we didn't expect to sell any of the packages" because of the world economic crisis.

The hotel does offer a more modest three-day Valentine's deal for about 500,000 dirhams (136,000 dollars). This includes in-suite dinner with live music -- and a diamond necklace for the lady.

East along the coast in Dubai the prices may be lower, but opportunities to lavish largesse on one's loved one are not hard to find.

The Palace hotel -- near Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building -- offers a deal entitled the "Sweet Suite Package" for 9,999 dirhams (2,700 dollars).

The couple stays in one of the hotel's Royal Suites, where they are treated to a candlelit dinner, French champagne and a chocolate fountain. Spa treatment is included to massage away some of those extra acquired calories.

However, one hotel employee told AFP there has not been much interest in the package so far, because "it costs too much."

The Kempinski Hotel in Dubai's Mall of the Emirates has a 5,600 dirham (1,525 dollar) offer, which includes a night in a suite, a four-course candlelit dinner, "pampering at the spa," and breakfast for two.

And the Atlantis hotel, on the Jumeirah Palm artificial island, is offering Valentine's packages ranging from 3,840 dirhams (1,046 dollars) to 6,114 dirhams (1,665 dollars), depending on the suite.

The offer includes spa treatment, champagne, a platter of chocolate-covered fruit and access to watery attractions -- including a swim with the hotel's dolphins.

Five Foolproof Tips For a Perfect First Date (And Add Yours!)

You meet a guy. You like this guy. He asks you out. Now what? Here are five tips for having a perfect first date...

On The Office, Jim, Pam and Andy gave their co-worker Kevin tips for his first date with a lady he likes. (Should he play hard to get? Should he compliment her? Should he avoid looking at her in the eyes?) Their advice was hilariously confusing, but first dates should be fun, not rocket science. Here are five steps to having a great first date...

1. Wear comfy shoes.
You never know where the date will lead (a playground? a long romantic walk?), so wear shoes you can walk in--whether they're heels, boots, wedges or adorable flats. (How about these?)

2. Tell him he looks nice.
We ladies typically think a lot about what to wear on dates, but (surprise!) so do guys. My best guy friend even tries on various outfits for his roommate before going on a date. So, start the date off well--and put the poor man at ease--by telling him that he looks A-OK.

3. Reveal what you're passionate about.
When people talk about their passions, their eyes twinkle, their cheeks flush and their hearts race. In other words, they're completely captivating. So open up about something you love--whether it's scary movies or swimming in the ocean--and woo him with your joie de vivre. Then, ask him what he loves and prepare to be wooed right back. (Also, three other foolproof date conversations here.)

4. If you like him, touch his arm.
On our first date, my (now-fiance) Alex was charming the socks off me at dinner, so when I got up halfway through to go to the restroom, I put my hand on his back for a second when I walked behind him. He still tells me how thrilling that moment was--and how he knew then that he could relax and really be himself. So, if you're feeling chemistry, feel free to reach out and touch his arm, tousle his hair or playfully punch his bicep...whatever feels right. Check out these other 16 sexy, sneaky acts of seduction!

5. Thank him at the end of the date--and again afterward.
On my first date with my college boyfriend, I forgot to thank him for dinner--and, ten years later, he still teases me about it. (Oops.) Show off your lovely manners by thanking him for a wonderful evening, and then text or email again with a thank-you. He'll think you're beautiful, smart and gracious. The triple threat!

My dear readers, what tips do you have for first-daters? What do you always keep in mind before heading on a date? Do you wear certain kinds of clothes or makeup? Do you have topics you will--or won't--talk about? Share your wise words below.