It’s that time of year again. Although we should always show our unconditional love to that special person in our lives, Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to spoil your lover or step up your secret admirer game in hope of that future lover.

Now that our cities are living back in some normality and travel restrictions have loosened, you can choose anything from a romantic dinner, winery tipple, relaxing treat, couples’ getaway or a cheeky adventure this Valentine’s Day. We have creative and impressive ideas for all types.

Natch Essentials has you covered. We have removed any excuses with a list of the ways we are hoping we get spoilt this year...

Next Level Dinner & Movie – Embla Rooftop

Embla has the much-deserved reputation as one of Melbourne’s finest drinking and dining spots. This city staple has always been serving delicious food and tannin tingling wines and now they have taken over the neighbouring building rooftop, launching Next Level Dinner & Movie. Serving afternoon and early evening food and beverages in a covid-safe outdoor setting followed by movies after sunset, what a perfect Valentine’s date night.

Checkout the session program and details: https://www.emblarooftop.com.au/

Couples Recharge

You might think you have had an exceptional massage or sublime body treatment but if you haven’t been to Comma Spaces then you haven’t experienced the best. Located in Melbourne and Byron Bay, the spaces at Comma are meticulously designed to transport you into a world of calm and relaxation amidst the clamour of modern life. They boast a diverse list of couple’s treatments and messages for all types that will have you connecting with your lover through silence and both feeling like a new human. You can feel the love in the room. Finish off with a probiotic tea and glide into the outside world together.

Checkout the list of luxurious treatments: https://commaspaces.com/

Getaway

Local travel is alive and well and there’s no better time for a little Valentine’s getaway. Pack an overnight bag for you both, put on the out office early and hop in the car for a surprise weekend in the country or some rejuvenating beach time. Marlon over at Riparide has your romance sorted with an amazing portfolio of affordable homes, cabins, glamping, tiny houses and sustainable retreats across regional Victoria and NSW. For the adventurous, think untapped bush walks, dramatic rainforests, waterfalls and for the life unhurried types, empty beaches, country sunsets or afternoons in the hammock… whatever your vibe, something off the beaten track just for you two, in luuuuurve.

https://www.riparide.com/

Portrait and Plonk

A paint-and-wine evening is a great surprise date idea for Valentine’s Day. Always fun no matter what your painting prowess, it’s a hilarious way to bond with your special someone. Cork and Canvas is a favourite for a paint-and-sip class together, which involves–you guessed it–painting a masterpiece (in the eye of the beholder) while sipping on wine or a cocktail. Results are plenty of fun and laughter and you will have a memento to remember always!

Cork and Canvas run sessions in Victoria and NSW: www.corkandcanvas.com.au

Secret Admirer Taking the Plunge

Valentine’s Day is a great time to take the plunge and act on those feelings you might have for that certain someone to reveal yourself as secret admirer NO more. We know how it goes, first date, play it cool and don’t good too hard too early so something casual is a smart move. Start with a drink and if you are both feeling it, slide into a late-night dinner. Good news, now that pesky pandemic is looking more controlled you can show off your venue knowledge with some of the best drinks / dinner spots - we have you covered. To take the guesswork out of your itinerary, check out our list of great first date combos, no matter where you are this Val Day - you will be lucky enough to see Natch Essentials Natural Hand Wash and Hand Balm in some of these venues (full disclosure).

Melbourne –

Drinks – Pony Fish Island (if the sun is out). Dinner – Tipo00 (Melbourne’s finest Italian)

Drinks & Dinner – Cookie (this place will have your cool-o-meter redlining).

Drinks – QT Rooftop. Dinner – Lucy Liu

Drink – City Wine Shop. Dinner – Di Stasio Citta

Drinks – Marion. Dinner – Bar Liberty (the greatest combo in Melbourne for a first date. I know, it worked for me…)

Checkout our list of more perfect Melbourne dates spots – https://natchessentials.com/blogs/news/natch-social-club-eat-drink-melbourne

Sydney –

Drinks – Watson’s Bay Hotel (fruity cocktails the same colour as the sunset of Sydney Harbour). Dinner – Doyles (Fish and Chips in the restaurant or even better, on the sand with a bottle of plonk)

Drinks – Slim’s Rooftop, Hyde Park House (a stunning different angle of Sydney). Dinner – Alberto’s Lounge (step into rural Italy in Surry Hills)

Drinks – The Dolphin Hotel. Dinner - Fratelli Paradiso (classic moody romantic late-night dinner spot)

Drinks – The Tilbury. Dinner – China Doll (dumplings and people watching does NOT get any better)

Drinks – Ravesis (North Bondi RSL is also perfect). Dinner – Sean’s Panorama (North Bondi Fish, is a great back up if you can’t get a last-minute table)

Byron Bay –

Drinks & Dinner – The Loft Byron Bay (premium tropical vibe with insane cocktails – our favourite in the Bay)

Drinks & Dinner – Harvest Newrybar (one word... WOW! This will give you proper lover cred and well worth the little extra travel)

Drinks – Barrio. Dinner – Kouzina (classic Greek in super romantic courtyard)

Drinks – Supernatural. Dinner - Di Vino

Hobart –

Drinks – The Den. Dinner – Drunken Admiral (the fresh seafood doesn’t get any better)

Drinks & Dinner – Frogmore Creek Winery (worth the getting out of town for)

Drinks & Dinner – Faro, MONA (make sure you get the ferry out there and have some time to see the incomparable museum, grounds and winery)

Drinks – Glasshouse. Dinner – Frank

Our hope is that we have given you a little inspiration and taken at least a little bit of stress out of the impending day of romance! Of course, any romantic gesture would be taken to the next level with a Natch Essentials gift for your lucky someone. We have perfect gift sets that say... 'I care'.

Happy loving, lovers. xo

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