Make it special

AS Valentine's Day approaches some of the kingdom's top restaurant staff have teamed up to offer love-struck men some golden words of advice when it comes to popping the question, reports Shilpa Chandran.

Many romantic men will be dropping to their knees on February 14 hoping and praying their sweethearts will say "YES" to their marriage proposals.

But when is the right time to make the move that could change your life forever?

Good timing could bring a lifetime of happiness and bad timing could break your heart.

The chefs, waiters and restaurant managers have seen it all before, so where better for GulfWeekly to seek advice for our family of readers.

Francesco Agus, food and beverages manager at Mšvenpick Hotel Bahrain, said: "Men can get quite tense when they are about to propose so I would always suggest a gentleman pops the question at the beginning of the meal so that he can enjoy the food rather than feel stressed throughout the evening. Also, only thinking about proposing when you are dead sure about her saying yes."

Heni Sulaftri, restaurant manager of the Banyan Tree Al Areen Resort and Spa's signature restaurant Saffron, said: "From my experiences with my guests, I feel that the best time to propose is during the dessert. Most men still want to propose in the old fashion way by placing the ring on the cake or other dessert for his partner to discover."

Claudia Hardt, the Ritz Carlton Bahrain Hotel & Spa public relations manager, agrees. "The best time to propose might be after the main course as you start the dessert because you already had the pleasure of enjoying a fantastic main meal and you are now looking forward to indulging with your loved one in the next course - the ambience and atmosphere might be just perfect now for that very special moment," she added.

Most of the venues have their own favourite tales of true romance. Claudia revealed how an anxious visitor to Bahrain and hotel guest wanted to ask his girlfriend to marry him in the most romantic way possible.

"Although, it was almost midnight, the guest relations team arranged candles and created a 'marry me' message in the pool area.

"They also arranged for rose petals to be scattered on her bed and a chocolate cake to be presented in The Club Lounge featuring a special message.

"As soon as his girlfriend arrived she was taken to the lounge and had no idea what was happening.

"The guest took his girlfriend to the window where the 'marry me' message was clearly visible seven levels below next to the pool. He went down on one knee and proposed to her. She, of course, accepted his proposal and everyone involved was very touched and delighted."

And romance is not just a one-off experience. Valentine's Day is also an opportunity to be especially romantic every year with a loved one.

Heni said there have been a number of true romantics dining at the Banyan Tree. She said: "A private Valentine's night dinner was arranged by one of our guests for his wife.

"The husband wanted to surprise his wife, so he blindfolded her. She didn't have a clue where they were going, she had no idea that a romantic Valentine's dinner has been prepared for both of them to enjoy. When the blindfold was removed, she was so amazed! The Saffron Lotus Private Room was filled with candles and there were flower petals everywhere with a very romantic table setting, lighting and music.

"She hugged her husband tight and gave him a kiss which made everything perfect!"