Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
As I approached my first wedding anniversary I decided to set up a surprise weekend away ... and discovered that true romance can be found very close to home.
I dreamed of a trip to the Swiss Alps and a week of frolicking in the snow with my husband, Anoop, watching skiers race down the slopes.
But of course, thanks to Lehman Brothers and the economic downfall and a newly-wed's budget, those distant thoughts soon melted away.
Instead, I took up an offer to sample a short break at the InterContinental Regency in Manama ... and where better to mark the occasion of 12 months of happiness than with a 'honeymoon' package!
Our one night stay in one of the hotel's deluxe suites on the top floor boasted a delightful view of the sea and the promise of a Swedish massage and a body scrub!
And the best part ... my husband was completely oblivious to my plans. There's nothing like a surprise to add sparkle to a relationship.
The night before our stay, I packed a bag in the pretence of arranging laundry and clearing the wardrobe. It almost seemed as if I was packing for that journey to the Alps ... but hey, I am a woman!
Early the next morning, our normally lazy Friday erupted into a frenzy of activity. Anoop was under the impression that he was accompanying me to a press conference and as he brushed his teeth I ran down to the car with the luggage.
I had mentioned to him that the hotel was offering breakfast to the media and their guests. So, when we reached the Le Bistro restaurant I made my excuses and told him that I had to talk to the hotel's public relations officer.
The staff showed me to the suite and then I rushed back down to join Anoop for breakfast.
It was only when we had finished breakfast and I had to sign our room number on the bill that my husband began smelling a rat.
We walked down to the car park and I continued to laugh off his doubts until we reached the car. I opened the boot and gave him the biggest smile I could. Surprise!
We then went up to the room and the table was laden with gifts including fruits and a welcome beverage. The bed was adorned with the shape of a heart made of rose petals.
We enjoyed the spa treatment later that afternoon. I walked into the woman's section for my treatment and he waited for his masseur to lead him to his room.
An hour and a half later we emerged feeling extremely relaxed and incredibly pampered.
I must take this opportunity to thank Nipa Sawarat for her wonderful treatment and making me feel at least 10 years younger and my husband wishes to thank Mahendra Kumar Rai for the same!
We went back to the room and dressed for dinner at Le Bistro and enjoyed the most amazing pan-fried hammour.
Our anniversary went just as I planned - the chance to spend quality time with each other combined with a memory we will treasure forever.
