Blanking out on Valentine's Day plans? Here are nine experiential things you can do

It’s not very often that curating a romantic experience for your loved one is made easy for you. While you struggle to plan anniversaries and birthdays in thoughtful ways, Valentine's Day comes around and whisks you away to a land of romance with an ambience so wonderfully created, that you’re left speechless. Yet, romance is evolving beyond store-bought chocolates and candlelight dinners. We seek deeper, more meaningful experiences that last a lifetime. 

Whether it’s a romantic date, a Galentine’s celebration, or a special outing with a loved one, we’ve curated 10 unforgettable great (and non-boring) alternatives to dinner and a movie. From crafting a bespoke perfume that captures your essence to indulging in a 20-course culinary adventure, these unforgettable moments are designed to spark intimacy, excitement, and magic—whoever you choose to share them with.

Cook with your date

There’s nothing more romantic than cooking with your partner—laughing over kneaded dough, stirring silky sauces, and finally savouring a meal made with love. At Culinary Craft, couples can enjoy a class that turns up the heat in the kitchen. Under expert guidance, you and your partner will prepare a decadent four-course meal designed to tantalize the taste buds. Start with a refreshing Minty Cooler, the perfect sip to set the mood. Then, move on to the vibrant Strawberry Spinach Salad, a crisp and colorful dish that balances sweetness with tang. For the main course, craft delicate Red Heart Ravioli Pasta, stuffed with rich, flavorful fillings and drizzled with a decadent sauce. Finally, end on a sweet note with a Red Velvet Cheesecake.

Where: Culinary Craft, Powai, Mumbai. 

Price: INR 6,950 per couple

A fairytale cabana dinner

A candlelit dinner is romantic, but a private cabana nestled amidst lush greenery at Saltt, Oleander Farms? That’s next-level. Set in the dreamy landscapes of Karjat, this intimate experience offers a multi-course meal featuring gourmet delights, paired with soft live music under the open sky. As twinkling fairy lights illuminate the cabana, your evening unfolds like a romantic movie scene.

Where: Saltt, Oleander Farms, Karjat. 

Price: INR 3500 per couple 

Get hands-on with pottery

Few activities are as meditative and rewarding as working with clay. This Valentine’s, get your hands messy and your hearts full with a pottery-making experience that lets you sculpt, shape, and personalize your own ceramic pieces. Whether you're hand-building a meaningful keepsake or experimenting with different techniques, this workshop invites you to slow down, connect, and create something together. 

Where: YellowSpiders Pottery, Kandivali West, Mumbai. 

Price: INR 2550 per couple 

Where: Clayworks, Andheri West, Mumbai.

Price: INR 4000 per couple + an exclusive spin the wheel offer that could win you additional discounts

A 14-course tasting experience

If your girl can eat, you can’t find better. A 14-course tasting experience curated by Ekaa might just be the right place to test her appetite. For the 6th edition of their Awakening experience, Ekaa has curated a meal so delectable that you will be left glued to your seat waiting for the next course. Helmed by Chef Niyati Rao, this culinary journey is deeply personal, drawing inspiration from her rich familial heritage and cultural influences. Staying true to their philosophy of ingredient-driven dining, each dish is a masterful composition that celebrates its core elements in the most inventive and flavorful ways. 

The menu:  It’s better left a mystery but we promise a burst of flavours with each course. Keep an eye out for the Harry Potter inspired Butterbeer dessert and the deconstructed ramen main course. You can also order 4 aphrodisiac-inspired cocktails expertly crafted to elevate the evening. Drawing inspiration from iconic romantic films - Casablanca, Titanic, Notting Hill, and La La Land.

Where: Ekaa, 1st Floor, Kitab Mahal, Fort. 

Price: INR 5000 per person plus taxes (excluding alcohol)

KMC’s Julie & Julia Supper Club

KMC Bar & Bistro is reimagining its full form from Khana Mehfil Charcha to Khana Mehfil Cinema and launching their newest IP This Valentine’s Day, enjoy a screening of Julie & Julia paired with a six-course menu inspired by the film’s most iconic dishes. Chef Niyati Rao and the entire team at KMC have carefully re-created the meals you see on screen and their vegetarian counterparts to give you a culinary adventure like no other. 

The menu: Roasted Baby Potato with Hollandaise or Poached Eggs with Hollandaise

Cheese Soufflé or a Vegetarian Terrine with Aspic

Lobster Thermidor or Cauliflower Thermidor

Chicken Normandy or Braised Mushrooms Normandy

Boeuf Bourguignon or a Zucchini & Goat Cheese Fritter with red wine reduction

Floating Island or Strawberry Clafoutis

Where: KMC Bar & Bistro, 1st Floor, Kitab Mahal, Fort. 

Price: INR 3500 per person plus taxes (excluding alcohol)

Custom Perfume-Making

Fragrance is memory, and what better way to celebrate love than by crafting a scent that encapsulates your journey together? Step into the world of perfumery and discover the magic of scent creation. This immersive experience takes you through the intricate process of blending aromatic notes to craft a fragrance that reflects your unique essence. As you swirl, mix, and refine each element, you'll create a signature scent that becomes a lasting memory of your Valentine’s Day.

Where: OOAK - One Of A Kind, Khar West, Mumbai. 

Price: INR 2500 per person

Check out https://www.ooakperfumes.com/ for more details

Painting with puppies 

Few things bring instant happiness like playful puppies, and this Valentine’s, you can share that joy in an experience designed to warm your heart. Choose between a calming yoga session surrounded by adorable indie puppies or an interactive painting workshop where your furry friends add an unexpected element of fun. The laughter, cuddles, and wagging tails will make for an unforgettable day, reminding you that love comes in many forms—including four-legged ones.

Reach out to @pawasana_ on Instagram for more details

Prices: Ranges from INR 800 - INR 1200

Tuft your own rug

In this hands-on workshop, you and your partner can design and craft a plush 45cm x 45cm rug, choosing colors and patterns that resonate with your personal style. Whether you opt for a romantic design or something playful, this interactive experience offers a rewarding way to bond while bringing a piece of handmade art into your home. If rugs aren’t your thing, you can also customize tufted mirrors or even a cute pair of shoes. 

Where: The Clumsy Studio, Prabhadevi, Mumbai. 

Price: From INR 5000 - 6800 

Cookie decoration and painting

Gather your best friends for a Galentine’s experience that blends art, indulgence, and plenty of laughter. In this interactive session, you’ll start by transforming blank cookies into edible masterpieces using buttercream, sprinkles, and intricate piping techniques. Then, switch to painting on canvases, bringing your artistic vision to life in a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. With up to six people per session, this is the perfect way to celebrate friendship, creativity, and sweet memories. 

Where: Hue by SLA, Khar West, Mumbai. 

Price: INR 5000 for two people

Lead image: Deepika Padukone/Instagram

Also read: Date night ideas for a perfect Valentine’s Day

Also read: 5 restaurants that are perfect for romantic dining in Mumbai