Treatment room at Auriga Capella Sydney
What do you give the significant other who – in a legitimate or feigned bid against materialism and ‘not needing anything’ – forbids you from buying them a gift for Valentine’s Day? You work the activity loophole by getting them experience gifts.
Whether they’re partial to a wine and dine or they’re keen to unwind in thermal pools, there’s an experience gift for every epicurean.
From a candlelit string quartets performance to a six-course fine dining meal, read on for our curated edit of luxury experience gifts bound to leave an impression this Valentine’s Day. Hot tip: these experiences also make great last-minute gifts come February 14.
GT’s top picks for Valentine’s Day experience gifts in 2025
- A luxe staycation or weekend away (here’s why)
- A candlelit classical concert (here’s why)
- Thermal spring baths and a two-course meal (here’s why)
What are some luxe gift experience ideas?
Below, we take a look at some of the most luxe experience gift ideas for Valentine’s Day.
01
A staycation or weekend away
booked via Airbnb, Plum Guide or Luxury Escapes
Best for: the vagabond
For the partner who’s in need of some time out of the big smoke, why not gift a weekend away? With warmer weather soon approaching, it’s an ideal time to book a stay somewhere within the likes of Victoria or New South Wales (such as Kangaroo Valley, Blue Mountains or Byron Bay).
02
Candlelit concert
from $32 at Fever Up
Best for: the musically inclined
Whether they’re a Hans Zimmer or Vivaldi fan, there’s likely a candlelit classical music performance paying tribute to those they herald as the greats in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide or Hobart.
03
Thermal bath and two-course dining at Alba thermal springs
from $169 pp via Luxury Escapes
Best for: the one always on the go
For the person who could do with a bit of R&R, treat them to a day at Alba Thermal Springs & Spa on the Mornington Peninsula. Spend a restorative day dipping in the 22 pools before having a two-course meal at Thyme by award-winning chef Karen Martini. After all, a bit of pampering never went astray.
04
12-course degustation for two at Nel Restaurant
booked via Luxury Escapes
Best for: the gourmand
Book in for some quality time over a 12-course ‘Native Australia’ menu at Nel Restaurant in Surry Hills. Featuring a bush tomato and Vegemite sandwich, native curry crab, pepperberry and coffee kangaroo and Davidson plum lamington, this dining experience is one for the gourmand.
05
Hot air balloon over Hunter Valley with breakfast
booked via RedBalloon
Best for: the adventurer
Treat them to a morning of great heights by booking a hot air balloon ride in New South Wales’ own Hunter Valley. Soar over famed wine country before enjoying an included a la carte breakfast and sparkling at Peterson House Winery.
06
Voucher for Alana Maria’s Forever bracelet appointment
from $100 at Alana Maria
Best for: the sentimental one
They say nothing is forever but tell that to this permanent Alana Maria bracelet soldered onto your wrist or ankle with a state of the art jewellery welder. The Sydney Northern Beaches brand offers 14k gold-filled or 925 sterling silver chains in its Forever bracelet – making for an experience gift that defies ephemerality.
Related articles:
- 12 luxe Valentine’s Day gifts to woo him, her and them
- Valentine’s Day ideas that aren’t chocolates and flowers
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