Pearls are in vogue this Valentine's Day at Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts

Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach combines learning the art of ancient pearl cultivation and bespoke jewelry design as part of its unique Arabian Pearl Retreat experience. It is the first experience of its kind to be introduced in the Middle East, ideal for those seeking to impress loved ones with the ultimate romantic gesture.

The journey starts with a scenic Seawings flight from Dubai to Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach resort to check in to a Beach Pool Villa, before enjoying a snack at the al fresco Sands restaurant and a dip in the personal infinity pool overlooking the Arabian Gulf. Guests are then swept away by private car to visit the only pearl farm in the United Arab Emirates for an insight into the unique history of pearl farming in the region. A sumptuous picnic lunch is served by a personal waiter on a floating majilis, located within the mangroves amongst resident flamingos and camels. Guests will then have the chance to select two pearls to design and create a signature jewelry masterpiece, under the instruction of a local jewelry designer.

The Arabian Pearl Retreat experience starts from USD 2,448 per night in a Beachfront Pool Villa at Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach based on double occupancy. The price includes transfer by seaplane from Dubai to Ras Al Khaimah, breakfast and a visit to the pearl farm with a complimentary gift of two pearls. A picnic lunch on the floating majilis is also included during the pearl farm visit along with 10mg of white gold and a bespoke piece of jewellery. Transfers back to Dubai are by road (guests can book a return trip by seaplane for an additional USD 252). The Arabian Pearl Retreat experience is valid for stays until February 28, 2014. Terms & conditions apply.

For reservations, please contact Banyan Tree Ras Al Khaimah Beach at +971 7 206 7777, email reservations-alwadi@banyantree.com

Banyan Tree Seychelles and the islands of the Seychelles are blessed with a tropical climate surrounded by crystal clear waters making it an ideal location for the cultivation of both giant clams and black lip pearl oysters, which form black pearls. To celebrate this wonderful local jewel and its heritage, Banyan Tree Seychelles has created a special package for romantic couples, the Sunkissed Seychelles experience, incorporating the magical black pearl.

Combining the excitement of visiting a traditional pearl farm, the romance of choosing a personalized gift, and the striking surroundings of Banyan Tree Seychelles, this one-of a-kind experience will offer couples a Valentine's Day they will never forget. From USD 1,939 per night, the Sunkissed Seychelles package is based on a minimum of two nights' stay at Banyan Tree Seychelles, and includes a romantic three-course dinner for two with a glass of wine for the couple, a gift voucher worth USD 83 (redeemable at luxury Seychellois jewelery boutique, Jouel in Victoria) and a private excursion to Praslin visiting Vallee de Mai and the island's unique Black Pearl farm, plus ferry and transfers. This package is valid for minimum two night stay from February 10 to March 10, 2014, in a Beachfront Pool Villa. Terms & conditions apply.

For reservations, please contact Banyan Tree Seychelles at +248 438 3500, email reservations-seychelles@banyantree.com