https://www.scmp.com/rss/324008/feed News and trends regarding the day of love en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Ishani Sarkar Ishani Sarkar What could be more romantic than a Valentine’s Day wedding? Stranger Things star Maya Hawke, daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, tied the knot with her long-time boyfriend, Christian Lee Hutson, on February 14 in New York City, reports People. It was a star-studded affair attended by both her famous parents as well as the cast of Stranger Things, including Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Finn Wolfhard, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton and Joe Keery. maya hawke at her wedding in... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3343711/who-maya-hawkes-new-husband-christian-lee-hutson-also-her-music-collaborator?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/people/celebrities/article/3343711/who-maya-hawkes-new-husband-christian-lee-hutson-also-her-music-collaborator?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 10:00:14 +0000 Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong Ambrose Li,Wynna Wong Hongkongers made close to 1.4 million outbound trips in the three days leading up to Lunar New Year’s Eve, a 21.6 per cent increase from the same period last year, while inbound journeys by visitors rose by 5 per cent to more than 550,000. Despite the increase in departing residents, some restaurants reported a slight uptick in bookings for Lunar New Year’s Eve “reunion dinners”, an important custom in which Chinese families gather over a meal. Immigration Department data released on Monday... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343716/hongkongers-make-14-million-outbound-trips-ahead-lunar-new-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343716/hongkongers-make-14-million-outbound-trips-ahead-lunar-new-year?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 06:54:42 +0000 Tribune News Service Tribune News Service US President Donald Trump on Saturday celebrated Valentine’s Day by sharing a series of cards that praised his accomplishments while predictably slamming Democrats and even poking fun at his own secretary of state. The cards, posted by the White House on social media, kick off with a picture of a handcuffed and blindfolded Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro following his capture from his country in January. It is made to look a classic Valentine’s Day card, with the phrase: “You captured my... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3343604/trumps-valentines-day-cards-feature-maduro-greenland-and-mockery?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3343604/trumps-valentines-day-cards-feature-maduro-greenland-and-mockery?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Feb 2026 01:30:43 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Some lovebirds in Hong Kong are expressing their affection this Valentine’s Day by spending hundreds of dollars on bouquets and gifts, while several vendors have recorded growth in sales of about 20 per cent. At the bustling Flower Market in Mong Kok, many men were among the crowds picking bouquets of roses, while others browsed for flowers to celebrate the coming Lunar New Year. The high number of shoppers on Tung Choi Street even prompted police to put in place crowd control measures. Stalls... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343570/flower-sales-hong-kong-bloom-valentines-day-shoppers-splash-out-gifts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3343570/flower-sales-hong-kong-bloom-valentines-day-shoppers-splash-out-gifts?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 07:10:13 +0000 Grace Brewer,Josiah Ng Grace Brewer,Josiah Ng Hong Kong’s F&B world is relentless, where late nights and high stakes become all-consuming for those who work in the industry. Some power couples though are quietly rewriting the rules of love and ambition behind closed doors. These chef, front-of-house and founder duos don’t just share a workplace – they share a vision, balancing kitchen fires with home stress through trust, clear roles and hard-won rituals. Here’s how six restaurant and bar partnerships make it work. Ludovic Chafer and Lara... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3343441/word-streat-6-fb-power-couples-what-love-looks-after-service?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3343441/word-streat-6-fb-power-couples-what-love-looks-after-service?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 04:30:10 +0000 Charmaine Yu Charmaine Yu This weekend, Hong Kong finds itself in a rare overlap of romance and tradition. With Valentine’s Day falling on Saturday and the Year of the Horse galloping in just days later on February 17, the city is alive with dual festive energy. Whether you are planning a grand romantic gesture or preparing your home for good fortune, this city has it covered. Here are five things to do this weekend in Hong Kong. 1. ‘Celebrating the Year of the Horse’ at CUHK If you are looking for a dash of culture amid... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3343307/5-best-things-do-hong-kong-weekend-february-13-15?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/article/3343307/5-best-things-do-hong-kong-weekend-february-13-15?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Feb 2026 02:47:04 +0000 Andrew Sun Andrew Sun I am far from a relationship guru, but here is some advice: the least romantic thing you can possibly do on Valentine’s Day is take your date out for dinner. My apologies to the hospitality industry. I know the sector is still struggling and February 14 is one of the most lucrative days of the year, together with Mother’s Day, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. But from my experience, Valentine’s meals have also been some of the least enjoyable dinners I have ever had to stomach. For weeks now,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3343033/why-going-restaurant-valentines-day-least-romantic-thing-you-can-do?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3343033/why-going-restaurant-valentines-day-least-romantic-thing-you-can-do?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:15:07 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer Valentine’s Day weekend in Hong Kong doesn’t have to mean the same old white-tablecloth dinner for two. This year, why not start with Japanese comfort food in Tseung Kwan O, graduate to old-world Italian romance in Tsim Sha Tsui, and end on a modern, candlelit note at the neighbourhood bistro of your choice? From juicy handmade hamburger steaks, to rose-laced risotto and champagne-topped pavlovas, our three-day guide maps out indulgent, romantic meals for every kind of couple. Find more dining... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3343145/your-hong-kong-food-guide-valentines-day-weekend?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3343145/your-hong-kong-food-guide-valentines-day-weekend?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 11 Feb 2026 04:30:10 +0000 Associated Press Associated Press Doing something romantic for Valentine’s Day does not need to involve a heart-shaped box of chocolates, roses or an expensive dinner, according to relationship experts. In fact, therapists encourage couples craving intimacy and a deeper connection to focus less on grand gestures and more on expressing love with mundane acts that recognise what matters to their partner. Romance is not one size fits all. For some people, it means holding hands, opening a car door or running a bath for their lover.... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3342897/how-keep-romance-alive-after-valentines-day-coffee-bed-funny-text?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3342897/how-keep-romance-alive-after-valentines-day-coffee-bed-funny-text?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 10 Feb 2026 10:15:12 +0000 Chloe Loung Chloe Loung Single on Valentine’s Day? You are not alone. From algorithm-powered matchmaking and fitness sessions to food tours or raves, Hong Kong’s social scene is buzzing with creative ways to celebrate – or completely ignore – the day of love. Here are 10 anti-Valentine’s Day activities around the city for those not (yet) coupled up. 1. Anti-Valentine’s Singles Party at The Stage The Stage is back with its Anti-Valentine’s Singles Party on February 14, starting at 9pm. The party uses a bold system of... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3342170/10-anti-valentines-day-events-hong-kong-singles-looking-mingle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3342170/10-anti-valentines-day-events-hong-kong-singles-looking-mingle?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Feb 2026 04:43:30 +0000 Chloe Loung Chloe Loung Valentine’s Day lands on a Saturday this year. That means, for many, no post-work rush, no watching the clock – just the entire night ahead to settle into a booth, share a tasting menu and linger over the last bites of dessert. From Michelin-starred artistry over the harbour to shareable feasts in neighbourhood bistros, there is no shortage of places to do that in Hong Kong. Here is a list of 10 restaurants to bring your special someone. 1. Akira Back This Valentine’s Day, chef Akira Back... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3341685/10-hong-kong-restaurants-romantic-valentines-day-2026-dinner?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3341685/10-hong-kong-restaurants-romantic-valentines-day-2026-dinner?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 01 Feb 2026 04:45:08 +0000 In the land of K-dramas, where love stories unfold with heart-fluttering romance and impossibly perfect protagonists, a reality dating show is flipping the script – and winning hearts. I Am Solo, a show that feels more like a mirror to the messy, awkward and practical realities of modern romance, has become a cultural sensation in South Korea. First aired in 2021, the show has featured nearly 300 contestants over more than 180 episodes, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. Each series,... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3299682/i-am-solo-south-koreas-messy-awkward-dating-show-reflects-nations-reality?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3299682/i-am-solo-south-koreas-messy-awkward-dating-show-reflects-nations-reality?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 23 Feb 2025 00:00:09 +0000 In case you are in Hong Kong and still looking for some last-minute romantic weekend ideas, consider the new Bridget Jones movie, a Valentine’s Day-themed fashion collection and a new dining experience – and see what else we recommend for the weekend. 1. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy Crack out the chardonnay. Bridget Jones is back. Usually, a fourth film in a series does not inspire confidence, and the third Bridget Jones instalment, 2016’s Bridget Jones’ Baby, was something of a letdown.... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3298685/5-best-things-do-hong-kong-weekend-february-14-16?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3298685/5-best-things-do-hong-kong-weekend-february-14-16?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Feb 2025 09:15:08 +0000 Edith Lin,Lam Ka-sing Edith Lin,Lam Ka-sing Some cost-conscious Hongkongers have decided to spend Valentine’s Day by organising their own value-for-money celebrations, while a few florists have kept bouquet prices as low as the level 10 years ago amid a sluggish economy. The Post found a number of young lovers had chosen to have lunch instead of dinner on Friday, while others had plans to spend the evening at home to avoid the higher prices often charged by restaurants on the day that celebrated romance. Many residents bought bouquets for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3298687/young-hongkongers-spend-less-valentines-day-flower-prices-fall-10-year-low?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3298687/young-hongkongers-spend-less-valentines-day-flower-prices-fall-10-year-low?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 14 Feb 2025 07:22:28 +0000 Josiah Ng Josiah Ng Valentine’s weekend is upon us! Though we’re hoping you and your loved one(s) made dinner reservations well in advance – and if not, check out our recommended spots – we’ve got suggestions as to where to start kick off proceedings with a drink. Courtroom is sharing the love by raising funds for social enterprise More Good, Pirata Group has a host of signature romantic cocktails available, Singular Concepts is hosting hands-on drinks experiences for you and your plus one, and 001 is pairing up... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3298347/your-hong-kong-drinks-guide-valentines-weekend-february-13-15?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3298347/your-hong-kong-drinks-guide-valentines-weekend-february-13-15?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Feb 2025 10:15:15 +0000 Lam Ka-sing Lam Ka-sing Hong Kong’s slowing economy has put love to the test, with nearly half of men in relationships saying they plan to scale back Valentine’s Day celebrations this year by staying home, according to a survey from a matchmaking service. The results of the poll released by HK Romance Dating on Wednesday found that 48 per cent of men said they planned to celebrate the occasion at home – the highest level in the survey’s five years and a sharp increase over the 17 per cent recorded last year. For this... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3298379/hong-kongs-economic-slowdown-putting-price-love-over-valentines-day?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3298379/hong-kongs-economic-slowdown-putting-price-love-over-valentines-day?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Feb 2025 08:59:28 +0000 Grace Brewer Grace Brewer Yes, Friday is Valentine’s Day, but that doesn’t mean singles should miss out on wining and dining in Hong Kong. Whether you’re celebrating the day or not, restaurants in the city are offering a host of special menus and limited-time meals this weekend, so we’ve rounded up three exclusive dining experiences to treat yourself to. For those with a finer taste in dining, our 100 Top Tables list has more foodie suggestions, perfect for date night or otherwise. Friday, February 14 For those giving V... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3298352/your-hong-kong-food-guide-valentines-day-weekend-february-14-16?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3298352/your-hong-kong-food-guide-valentines-day-weekend-february-14-16?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 12 Feb 2025 08:15:12 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse YouTube has evolved from a dinner party lark 20 years ago into a modern lifestyle staple poised to overtake US cable television in paid viewership. PayPal colleagues Steve Chen, Chad Hurley and Jawed Karim conceived YouTube in 2005, reportedly during a dinner party. The domain YouTube.com launched on Valentine’s Day that year. Video uploading capabilities were added on April 23, when Karim posted the first video, titled “Me at the Zoo”. The 19-second clip showing Karim at the San Diego Zoo’s... https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3298257/youtube-worlds-largest-online-video-service-turns-20?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3298257/youtube-worlds-largest-online-video-service-turns-20?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Feb 2025 10:36:58 +0000 For Chinese people, this week calls for a double celebration as, for the first time since 2022, Valentine’s Day, on February 14, and the Lantern Festival, which falls on February 12 this year, occur in the same week. The Lantern Festival, on the 15th day of the first lunar month, marks the first full moon of the Year of the Snake. It is a time for families, friends and lovers to come together and celebrate their union by enjoying tangyuan (glutinous rice balls), admiring lanterns and observing... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3298183/valentines-day-and-its-asian-versions-japans-white-day-qixi-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/chinese-culture/article/3298183/valentines-day-and-its-asian-versions-japans-white-day-qixi-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 11 Feb 2025 09:15:06 +0000 Lisa Lim Lisa Lim The heart is universally recognised, its iconography found in art, advertising, and everyday exchanges. For Valentine’s Day, hearts on cards, as cakes and balloons and as one of the most used emojis, are widely exchanged. But how did this shape come to symbolise love? The oldest known image of the heart shape is on a coin dating back to 510-470BC, discovered in the ancient Roman city of Cyrene, near what is now Shahhat, Libya. This was in fact a representation of the seed of the silphium plant,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3297772/how-heart-became-symbol-love-another-and-thanks-t-shirt-city?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3297772/how-heart-became-symbol-love-another-and-thanks-t-shirt-city?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 09 Feb 2025 00:15:14 +0000 We’ll take any excuse to wine and dine, but come Valentine’s Day all bets are off – especially since it falls on a Friday night this year. This month, restaurants across the city have given us an abundance of limited-time set menus for the big day, so it’s easy to feel overwhelmed choosing somewhere for the perfect date night. That’s why we’ve selected our top six picks, which are sure to suit every couple. Whether you’re dining with a foodie fanatic, an Instagram influencer, or with a date... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3297605/where-dine-valentines-day-meals-impress-every-diner?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/100-top-tables/article/3297605/where-dine-valentines-day-meals-impress-every-diner?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 07 Feb 2025 04:00:22 +0000 Kylie Knott Kylie Knott Valentine’s Day means different things to different people. Some might give their loved one a gift – jewellery, flowers, a designer handbag – or might whisk them off for a romantic holiday. For others, however, the heart is most happy when the stomach is satisfied – and Hong Kong has plenty of options to make that happen. From romantic lunches and dinners to an indulgent afternoon tea, we have you covered. Even pet owners are catered for. 1. Honey inspiration at Finds Nordic restaurant Finds in... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3296918/12-valentines-day-dining-ideas-hong-kong-dinner-lunch-and-pet-friendly-feast?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3296918/12-valentines-day-dining-ideas-hong-kong-dinner-lunch-and-pet-friendly-feast?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 02 Feb 2025 05:15:07 +0000 Think of a day that celebrates love and romance, and Valentine’s Day springs to mind. But in Chinese culture, it is the tradition-rich Qixi Festival that sends hearts aflutter. Also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day and the Double Seventh Festival, the Qixi Festival is celebrated on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, which this year falls on August 10. The festival holds deep cultural significance in Chinese folklore. Many couples time their weddings to coincide with the festival,... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3273853/what-qixi-festival-chinese-valentines-day-story-traditions-and-food-explained?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3273853/what-qixi-festival-chinese-valentines-day-story-traditions-and-food-explained?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Aug 2024 23:15:08 +0000 Like an increasing number of Japanese men, Ken Kato will not be shelling out for chocolates, a bottle of nice wine or a meal out with his wife for “White Day” on Thursday. Kato says he is tired of “manufactured” occasions designed to guilt people into buying gifts. And he says none are more artificial than White Day, a sort of sequel to Valentine’s Day that has been an annual rite in Japan since its invention by confectionery makers four decades ago but is increasingly falling out of favour due... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3255253/its-cost-counts-more-japanese-men-fed-splurging-obligatory-white-day-gifts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3255253/its-cost-counts-more-japanese-men-fed-splurging-obligatory-white-day-gifts?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 14 Mar 2024 04:00:10 +0000 If you follow Nicole Scherzinger on Instagram, you’re likely already aware of her love story with fiancé Thom Evans. Pretty much every week, the former member of The Pussycat Dolls posts photos, videos and sweet captions of herself and her hunky Scottish beau. Just recently, the lovebirds celebrated Valentine’s Day in the Maldives, where they were photographed enjoying a candlelit dinner on the beach as seen on Instagram. Scherzinger and Evans have been engaged since he popped the question in... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3252992/meet-nicole-scherzingers-scottish-fiance-thom-evans-ex-rugby-player-met-former-pussycat-doll?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3252992/meet-nicole-scherzingers-scottish-fiance-thom-evans-ex-rugby-player-met-former-pussycat-doll?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Feb 2024 10:00:13 +0000 Have you caught sight of one of the “Chubby Hearts” around Hong Kong yet? The giant heart-shaped balloons are part of an installation conceived by British fashion designer Anya Hindmarch and curated and presented by Hong Kong Design Centre, with support from the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund. Bravo to the organisers for bringing hearts to Hong Kong for this season of love. Sure, it may be a little quirky, but so were the giant rubber ducks in Victoria Harbour. That installation, modelled on... https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3252313/why-chubby-hearts-around-hong-kong-are-reason-smile?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/comment/opinion/hong-kong/article/3252313/why-chubby-hearts-around-hong-kong-are-reason-smile?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 19 Feb 2024 01:30:14 +0000 Young men and women flocked to an ancient pagoda in central Hanoi on Wednesday, hoping a Valentine’s Day offering would help them find a partner – a major priority for many Vietnamese. Office worker Nguyen Thi Ly respectfully placed a tray with sweets, water, money – fake bills of both dong and US dollars – and the familiar Valentine’s roses on the altar at the Ha Pagoda. “Please help me Buddha, I want to have a boyfriend this year to stop being single,” she mumbled before the altar, already... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3251963/vietnamese-singles-pray-buddha-partner-valentines-day-please-help-me?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3251963/vietnamese-singles-pray-buddha-partner-valentines-day-please-help-me?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Feb 2024 11:35:11 +0000 Giant heart-shaped balloons popped up across Hong Kong on Valentine’s Day, creating a playful visual backdrop for couples celebrating their love as renowned British fashion designer Anya Hindmarch took her art installation outside London for the first time. The day was also seized upon by 180 couples tying the knot, a 27 per cent drop from last year’s 246 and almost half the number who did so on Valentine’s Day in 2019 before the emergence of Covid-19. A launch ceremony for the “Chubby Hearts”... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3251912/anya-hindmarchs-chubby-hearts-installation-arrives-hong-kong-valentines-day-met-mixed-reactions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3251912/anya-hindmarchs-chubby-hearts-installation-arrives-hong-kong-valentines-day-met-mixed-reactions?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 Feb 2024 05:24:38 +0000 If only there was a way to make February 14 an even more romantic day than it already is … Celebrity couples like Benedict Cumberbatch and Sophie Hunter must have had this question in mind when they tied the knot on Valentine’s Day. However, as lovey-dovey as a Valentine’s wedding might seem, a recent survey conducted by CouponBirds showed that out of 21 American celebrity couples who got married before 2020, only seven of them are still together. That makes for a divorce rate of 66.7 per... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3251421/do-valentines-day-marriages-last-6-celebrities-who-tied-knot-february-14-salma-hayek-harrison-ford?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3251421/do-valentines-day-marriages-last-6-celebrities-who-tied-knot-february-14-salma-hayek-harrison-ford?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Feb 2024 22:00:19 +0000 On Valentine’s Day, when many may be in the mood for love, it is a good time to consider all the health benefits a great lovemaking session bestows. Stan Tatkin reminds us of the goodness it brings. The California-based doctor, researcher and teacher with a doctorate in marital and family therapy developed the Psychobiological Approach to Couple Therapy, or Pact. It uses neuroscience to help couples understand how the brain works in relationships, to have more enjoyable interactions. In one of... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3251797/how-good-sex-boosts-physical-and-mental-health-and-how-keep-enjoying-lovemaking-well-beyond?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/article/3251797/how-good-sex-boosts-physical-and-mental-health-and-how-keep-enjoying-lovemaking-well-beyond?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Feb 2024 20:15:12 +0000 In Hollywood films, all romances start with a meet-cute ... and sometimes this does happen in real life too, from Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s slow-burn relationship to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s instant fairy-tale connection. This Valentine’s Day, we have a little treat for all Style readers who are hopeless romantics and believers of love at first sight. Here are five adorable, occasionally awkward first dates featuring our favourite couples that could appear straight out of a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3251379/5-adorable-celebrity-first-dates-valentines-day-blake-lively-and-ryan-reynolds-prince-harry-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3251379/5-adorable-celebrity-first-dates-valentines-day-blake-lively-and-ryan-reynolds-prince-harry-and?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 Feb 2024 10:00:15 +0000 Lunar New Year is a time when Hong Kong families gather, share feasts of festive delicacies and hand out red packets and mandarin oranges with the greeting Kung hei fat choi! This year’s festival is especially significant as it is the first since the city ended its Covid-19 pandemic restrictions last year. The Post lists some of the offerings in store as Hong Kong ushers in the Year of the Dragon. Festive markets These lively, bright fairs are a must-visit for Hongkongers stocking up on flowers,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3251480/lunar-new-year-hong-kong-fireworks-parades-and-festive-fairs-return-year-dragon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3251480/lunar-new-year-hong-kong-fireworks-parades-and-festive-fairs-return-year-dragon?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Feb 2024 04:00:21 +0000 You probably already have your favourite everyday undergarments, but when it’s time to put on something special, lingerie is the answer. It’s important to remember that buying lingerie is personal. They’re called intimates for a reason! What really matters is finding something that makes you feel comfortable and confident in your own skin. And if you’re gift shopping for a special someone this Valentine’s Day, you’ll want to have their preferences figured out, too. If you don’t know where to... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/trends/article/3250953/16-best-lingerie-brands-heat-your-valentines-day-rihannas-savage-x-fenty-kim-kardashians-skims-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/fashion/trends/article/3250953/16-best-lingerie-brands-heat-your-valentines-day-rihannas-savage-x-fenty-kim-kardashians-skims-and?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 05 Feb 2024 06:00:22 +0000 Love is expressed in many different ways on Valentine’s Day. Some folks shower the target of their affection with gifts, from jewellery to lingerie and red roses. Others embark on romantic getaways. But for many, food is the language of love: the best way to make the heart happy is to first satisfy the stomach. Whether it is a romantic dinner, a loved-up afternoon tea for two or a dessert to share at home, here are options for Valentine’s Day dining in Hong Kong that caught our... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3249849/where-eat-valentines-day-hong-kong-steak-oysters-lobster-and-decadent-desserts-better-book-table-2?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3249849/where-eat-valentines-day-hong-kong-steak-oysters-lobster-and-decadent-desserts-better-book-table-2?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Jan 2024 03:15:10 +0000 A Dior fashion show, giant inflatable hearts, statues of characters from the novels of late martial arts writer Louis Cha Leung-yung and a pop art festival are among the highlights of coming major events aimed at boosting Hong Kong’s economy. Adrian Cheng Chi-kong, chairman of a government committee set up to attract mega shows to the city, on Friday said three arts and cultural events in the next two months were expected to bring in at least 600,000 tourists. “Chubby Hearts”, an arts... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3249899/giant-heart-shaped-balloons-statues-characters-louis-chas-novels-and-pop-art-show-among-highlights-3?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3249899/giant-heart-shaped-balloons-statues-characters-louis-chas-novels-and-pop-art-show-among-highlights-3?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 26 Jan 2024 07:52:17 +0000 There’s no greater gift than your time, which is why a luxury watch is the perfect way to show your love and commitment this Valentine’s Day. For the woman in your life, Swiss luxury watchmaker Omega recently unveiled its newest range of sparkling Mini Trésor timepieces which are sure to captivate her with their classic yet contemporary design. Omega’s CEO on its 2 sprawling new Hong Kong boutiques in Central and TST A firm favourite within the Omega family, the Mini Trésor is the epitome of... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/watches/article/3248866/style-edit-couple-goals-classic-omega-watches-pair-your-partner-valentines-day-titanium-aqua-terra?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/watches/article/3248866/style-edit-couple-goals-classic-omega-watches-pair-your-partner-valentines-day-titanium-aqua-terra?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Jan 2024 02:00:25 +0000 With a history dating back to 1735, Swiss luxury watchmaker Blancpain is the world’s oldest timepiece brand, helping to make it also one of the world’s most prestigious watchmakers. This constancy has made Blancpain the choice of incurable romantics, particularly over the past few decades. From Swatch x Blancpain to Patek x Tiffany, watch collaborations are here to stay That’s because the venerable manufacture has been turning its hand to the production of watches specifically associated with... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/watches/article/3248645/style-edit-blancpain-unveils-new-ladybird-saint-valentin-valentines-day-most-romantic-watchmakers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/watches/article/3248645/style-edit-blancpain-unveils-new-ladybird-saint-valentin-valentines-day-most-romantic-watchmakers?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Jan 2024 02:00:14 +0000 South African former Paralympic star Oscar Pistorius was released on parole on Friday, nearly 11 years after murdering his girlfriend in a crime that shocked a nation long inured to violence against women. Pistorius – dubbed “Blade Runner” for his carbon-fibre prosthetic legs – shot 29-year-old model Reeva Steenkamp dead through a locked bathroom door on Valentine’s Day in 2013. He has repeatedly said he mistook Steenkamp for an intruder when he fired four shots into the bathroom at his Pretoria... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/3247393/south-africas-oscar-pistorius-released-parole-11-years-after-murdering-girlfriend-reeva-steenkamp?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/africa/article/3247393/south-africas-oscar-pistorius-released-parole-11-years-after-murdering-girlfriend-reeva-steenkamp?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Jan 2024 07:25:37 +0000 The chances have plummeted that a newly discovered asteroid with the potential to wipe out a city will hit Earth on Valentine’s Day 2046, the European Space Agency said on Tuesday. The asteroid, which is named 2023 DW and is estimated to be around the size of a 50-metre Olympic swimming pool, was first spotted by a small Chilean observatory on February 26. It swiftly shot to the top of Nasa and ESA lists of asteroids that pose a danger to Earth, leading to a raft of alarming news headlines, some... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3213533/valentines-day-asteroid-not-likely-hit-earth-after-all-scientists-say?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3213533/valentines-day-asteroid-not-likely-hit-earth-after-all-scientists-say?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Mar 2023 23:00:18 +0000 British street artist Banksy marked Valentine’s Day Tuesday with an inimitable statement about violence against women – but local politicians saw only a nuisance. A Banksy mural appeared in Margate in southeast England, depicting a 1950s-style housewife with a swollen eye and a missing tooth seemingly shoving her male partner into a real chest freezer. “Certainly we will be looking at how we can protect this and preserve it because we’re really proud to have it here,” Margate mayor Heather Keen... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3210225/banksy-valentines-day-mural-highlights-violence-against-women-local-uk-council-not-happy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3210225/banksy-valentines-day-mural-highlights-violence-against-women-local-uk-council-not-happy?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Feb 2023 18:05:58 +0000 Florists with wilting bouquets of red roses and street vendors clutching unsold balloons were heartbroken in the Afghan capital on Tuesday after the Taliban’s morality police banned Valentine’s Day celebrations. While Valentine’s Day has never been widely celebrated in Afghanistan, some well-off residents in cities have developed a tradition of marking the lovers’ day in recent years. In Kabul’s famed Flower Street, shops were full of heart-shaped garlands and red stuffed animals, but hopelessly... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3210217/afghan-florists-heartbroken-over-taliban-valentines-day-ban?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3210217/afghan-florists-heartbroken-over-taliban-valentines-day-ban?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Feb 2023 15:08:52 +0000 Retired Hong Kong civil servant Ben Kwok Sam-chuen does not wait for Valentine’s Day to show his wife of seven years how lucky he feels to have her – he reads his wedding vows to her every night. Kwok, 82, lost his first wife to illness in 2013 and had no intention of falling in love again until he met Pauline Wong Chi-yan, 69. They married in 2016, and the couple has been doing their vow-reading ritual since then. “Reading the wedding vows to her is a way to show her I will always be there for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3210199/hong-kong-couples-celebrate-valentines-day-trips-or-weddings-one-retired-widower-shows-his-love?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3210199/hong-kong-couples-celebrate-valentines-day-trips-or-weddings-one-retired-widower-shows-his-love?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Feb 2023 12:34:18 +0000 A lifelong bachelor mayor in the Philippines is giving single staff extra pay on Tuesday for Valentine’s Day, to show gratitude for the extra hours they work and show that “someone loves them”. Lonely hearts at General Luna town hall in Quezon province will receive three times their normal daily wage if they have been single for more than five years, Mayor Matt Florido said. Other footloose and fancy-free staff will get double pay – or the option to take a paid day off. “I know what they’re... https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3210139/philippine-mayor-offers-single-staff-valentines-day-bonus-show-someone-loves-them?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/southeast-asia/article/3210139/philippine-mayor-offers-single-staff-valentines-day-bonus-show-someone-loves-them?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 14 Feb 2023 07:30:13 +0000 A “Northern Lights” display lit up Hong Kong’s night sky at the premiere of a large-scale outdoor art show by a Swiss artist designed to mimic the natural phenomenon. Dan Acher’s installation, “Borealis”, a light and sound display based on the Northern Lights, colourful displays in vivid colours seen in the night sky in the northern hemisphere, was unveiled on Monday. City residents watched in awe at the event’s debut in the West Kowloon Cultural District and onlookers used smartphones and... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3210096/light-fantastic-borealis-art-show-illuminates-hong-kong-night-sky?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3210096/light-fantastic-borealis-art-show-illuminates-hong-kong-night-sky?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Feb 2023 16:03:46 +0000 You’ve probably heard the phrase “honesty is the best policy”, but this advice is not always easy to implement, especially when it comes to romantic relationships. Some people surprise themselves by the ease with which they tell “white lies”. Others normalise lying by saying things like, “it’s just what couples do” or “what they don’t know won’t hurt them”. If you have recently caught yourself being not 100 per cent honest (or even flat-out dishonest) with your partner, it might be time to... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3209746/9-reasons-we-lie-our-relationships-not-wanting-be-mean-hiding-spending-habits-how-communicate-better?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3209746/9-reasons-we-lie-our-relationships-not-wanting-be-mean-hiding-spending-habits-how-communicate-better?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 12 Feb 2023 11:15:08 +0000 Hong Kong company executive Antony Wong plans to treat his girlfriend to her favourite cuisine, Korean, to celebrate Valentine’s Day on Tuesday but a romantic candlelit dinner is off the menu. Wong, who works for a packaged foods firm, had considered splurging on a fancy dinner with fine wine for his girlfriend of more than a year, but keeping a tight rein on the purse strings made him opt for a more low-key and wallet-friendly option. “It won’t be the most romantic, but if the food’s good, it’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209883/hong-kong-mark-valentines-day-few-covid-curbs-left-will-business-bloom-florists-and-other-vendors?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3209883/hong-kong-mark-valentines-day-few-covid-curbs-left-will-business-bloom-florists-and-other-vendors?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Feb 2023 11:11:01 +0000 While it’s often fashionable to disregard Valentine’s Day, there’s no need to be all sour grapes if you feel disdain for the Hallmark holiday. Few of us require an excuse to treat ourselves to the odd dessert, and with the day fast approaching, there is ample opportunity to discover and consume some limited edition sweet treats. For those in Hong Kong who celebrate the occasion with their partners, perhaps the suggestions below will offer inspiration for gifts to end the day on a delicious... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3209735/your-valentine-or-you-8-best-valentines-day-treats-hong-kong-strawberry-shortcake-chocolate-lava?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3209735/your-valentine-or-you-8-best-valentines-day-treats-hong-kong-strawberry-shortcake-chocolate-lava?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Feb 2023 03:15:09 +0000 The best Valentine’s Day gifts are aimed straight at the heart. But in this guide, we’re mostly focusing on your loved one’s wrists, ears and feet, with gifts to wear that will proudly show how much they’re loved. 1. Dinh Van Paris Double Coeurs R27 pendant necklace For a truly unique piece, look to Dinh Van Paris, an independent French jewellery house founded by a former Cartier designer. It’s known for its minimalistic designs and signature notches in the pieces. The Double Coeurs R27 pendant... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3208866/10-luxury-valentines-day-gifts-thatll-dazzle-your-loved-one-2023-louis-vuitton-x-yayoi-kusama-polka?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/luxury/article/3208866/10-luxury-valentines-day-gifts-thatll-dazzle-your-loved-one-2023-louis-vuitton-x-yayoi-kusama-polka?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 04 Feb 2023 00:00:07 +0000 Tired of Tinder? If you’re feeling left out this Valentine’s Day and struggling to find Mr or Ms Right then feng shui, or Chinese geomancy, an ancient practice that claims to harmonise the energy between people and their environment, might help. Even if your Chinese zodiac predicts a rough year ahead, feng shui is said to be able to balance those unlucky tides and boost aspects in your life such as health, wealth or love. We asked feng shui master Andrew Kwan for some tips to help the singletons... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3208824/feng-shui-tips-boost-your-love-energy-valentines-day-draws-near-singles-or-couples?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3208824/feng-shui-tips-boost-your-love-energy-valentines-day-draws-near-singles-or-couples?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Feb 2023 10:15:11 +0000 2/5 stars Nobody, except perhaps intoxicated lovebirds on first dates on Valentine’s Day, should be expected to merrily sit through Love Suddenly, a Hong Kong ensemble romantic comedy so inadequately conceived and badly acted that it somehow makes 93 minutes feel. Like. Forever. Following four pairs of lovers or would-be lovers who find themselves in various nonsensical situations conjured from embarrassing attempts at humour, the movie manages to be neither romantic nor funny, and waste the... https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3199963/love-suddenly-movie-review-hong-kong-ensemble-romantic-comedy-starring-mirrors-anson-kong-fails?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3199963/love-suddenly-movie-review-hong-kong-ensemble-romantic-comedy-starring-mirrors-anson-kong-fails?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 17 Nov 2022 08:58:16 +0000