Six Ways to Have a Romance-Heavy Valentines Day This Year (Even If You're Not Loved Up)

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Even if you're not loved up, Valentine's Day is an ideal time to lean into some lovely times with your nearest and dearest — or to enjoy some delightful solo time. Although you don't need an excuse to do delightful things, a dedicated day pushes us to make plans and then execute them. Like birthday nights spent disco dancing, gift-giving on December 25 and candlelit meals on anniversaries — all activities that can happen any old day if you so choose.

But, in the spirit of luuurve, we've compiled six activities that are optimal for that February 'holiday', whether you've got a lover or not. What's more, you've got the chance to score the funds — $500 to be exact — to bring the date of your choosing to life. Melbourne-based Grinders Coffee Roasters are asking you to share the cheesiest pet name you use for your lover or friend, and the best ones will be rewarded. Each and every day from now until February 14, one person will score the prize. And on that romance-heavy Tuesday? Ten extra people will score the dollars too. Red hot.

Itching to go in the running? Get your entry in now, lover. Otherwise, read on.

Unyoked, Trent and Jessie

BOOK A NIGHT AWAY WITH YOUR LOVER OR PAL

Whether you prefer an escape that's lush or bush, a vacay or staycay, shaking up your routine and spot of slumber is a surefire way to jump-start those good-time vibes. And $500 towards the trip (courtesy of Grinders Coffee Roasters) would be the cherry on top.

Off-grid more your thing? Unyoked (pictured above) has tiny homes aplenty, all ready and waiting for you to lose the buzz of the city in your own patch of wilderness. A fire pit, cosy cabin and nothing but the sounds of nature — undeniably romantic.

Hankering for a hotel stay? Lock down a roommate (or fly solo), pick a spot to stay (in Melbourne, Brisbane or Sydney, perhaps?), make a dinner reservation (or peruse the room service menu) and pack a book — staying between the sheets (whether reading or otherwise) is only made better by a turndown service and do-not-disturb tag hanging from the door.

Nonna's Grocer

HOST A DINNER PARTY WITH FRIENDS

Sharing a meal with people you love is one of life's greatest joys. Delicious bites and excited chatter stretching into the night is always a treat if the setting is your home and there's no closing time. Make it super special by carefully curating the menu and setting the table beautifully — and to achieve this, moody (read: tutti-frutti) candles are a must.

If you're looking for more romance, channel the City of Love. Assemble a Parisian-inspired spread, have matches at the ready and the finest bottle of French red wine you can afford (500 big ones are certain to help you here).

Thatchypoo

GET UP EARLY AND WATCH THE SUN RISE

Fact: collectively, we don't watch enough sunrises. When we do catch one, it's mesmerising. And usually followed by a promise to do it more often, before inevitably succumbing to the sweet embrace of a few extra moments in bed. Well, pledge to start this Valentine's Day soaked in golden light — set your alarm, find the dreamiest spot and make sure to arrive while it's dark so you witness those precious first beams.

Afterwards, get yourself a double-shot coffee. Head to your local cafe (one that serves creamy shots of Grinders Coffee Roasters, if you know what's good for you) or plan ahead and grab a bag of beans or grounds online for when you head home — either way, make sure to savour each and every one of your well-earned bright-and-early sips.

Oleg Breslavtsev

STAY IN AND PAMPER YOURSELF

Face mask, rom-com and eight hours of sleep: that's as self-loving as it gets. While time spent doing this is enjoyable regardless of whether you have a companion or not, true luxury is found in a solo pampering session.

Pick a flick — be it When Harry Met Sally, Call Me by Your Name or Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet — decide upon a sheet mask or bubble bath and make your bed with fresh sheets*. A full glass of vino and page-turner works in the same way. Heartbroken? Blast Adele in your living room and scream-sing through an album. Self care, baby.

*Trust us, you'll be stoked come the credits.

Sam Manchester

EXPLORE A GALLERY AND THEN TREAT YOURSELF TO AN EXTRA SPECIAL LUNCH

Appreciating others' creative expression has the high potential to ignite a flame in your soul. If you're a Sydneysider and the Art Gallery of New South Wales (pictured above) is within your reach, take a jaunt through the staggering Grand Courts, gazing up at works from ages gone by. Brisbanites, a V-Day date is a great opportunity to head to GOMA to check out Air, an exploration of the element that keeps us all breathing (and, technically, loving); and if you're in Adelaide, a visit to Yayoi Kusama's infinitely spotty room at the Art Gallery of South Australia is a must. Melbourne based? A trip to The LUME will see you literally immersed in the artistry of Monet. And if you're in Perth, the Art Gallery of Western Australia is perfectly primed for your visit, with free exhibitions aplenty on throughout February.

Afterwards, take yourself to lunch. Somewhere fancy. Order a glass of something lush, carefully consider the menu and bask in your arty arvo.

KoolShooters, Pexels

PACK A PICNIC AND GET INTO NATURE

Sunlight, snacks and endorphins: the recipe for a romantic Valentine's Day (even if you're sans date). Grab some pals, a selection of soft cheeses, a bottle of something sparkly, then stick an icepack on top and get out in nature.

You'll feel better (it's been proven), more connected to the earth (and, more than likely, to your company) and be delighting in some lo-fi al fresco dining. True love.

Feeling inspired to make February 14 red hot this year? Grinders Coffee Roasters are giving away a $500 Mastercard e-gift card each and every day until Valentine's — so get your entry in, stat.

Top image: Alessandro Biascioli