The Best Places To Propose In The World
Looking for the perfect marriage proposal? Here's our list of the most romantic places to pop the question.
Cap Maison, St Lucia
They're not messing around at this five-star resort on the lush Caribbean island of St Lucia. For starters there's a proposal package, which includes Champagne on arrival, an oceanview villa suite with private pool, helicopter ride over the Piton mountains, couples' massage and sunset cruise (your OH should be asking you to marry them by now!).
But best of all is a private dinner on Rock Maison (a table for two at the water's edge beneath a cliff) where the ring, roses and Champagne arrive by zip wire.
Mandarin Oriental, Paris
Book La Table du Jardin in restaurant Camélia's tranquil courtyard garden to pop the question. Not only does it serve some of the best food in Paris thanks to chef Thierry Marx (think crab ravioli, or thinly sliced beef with potato wafers) it's also a wonderfully tranquil setting, surrounded by flora and fauna and a stunning water feature. After you've celebrated with some bubbly, you can go up the Eiffel Tower to celebrate!
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Daniele Hotel, Venice
Book a night or two at the five-star Hotel Excelsior on the Venice Lido, which lies across the lagoon from the city and has a free launch service. After a day spent hanging around the pool or on the beach, put on your glad rags and catch a boat to Piazza San Marco early evening.
However rather than asking your OH to marry you in the square (alongside hundreds of tourists) instead whisk them to the rooftop terrace of the Daniele Hotel to pop the question as the sun sets over the city and lagoon. Or, head to Harry's Bar and ask the bartender to pop the ring in a Bellini (the cocktail was invented there!). Monarch flies to Venice.
Samara, South Africa
There can't be many places on earth more romantic than Samara, a private game reserve in the beautiful south eastern cape. After an early evening game drive spent spotting cheetah, aardvark and elephant, return to Karoo Lodge and propose on the candle-lit wooden deck of your private Sibella Suite, which overlooks a waterhole, or under the stars over dinner in the boma. With four-poster beds, outside showers and pool, Samara would make a great place to return for a honeymoon too.
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La Réserve, Geneva
La Réserve a hotel on the shores of Lake Geneva, has a taxi boat which transports guests to the famous Jet d'Eau. Ask ahead to reserve the launch for two (recently an eager guest had the boat filled with flowers before proposing!), then get down on one knee as you reach the iconic fountain - it makes a great backdrop for your Facebook marriage announcement picture!
When you finally step ashore (hopefully now engaged!) back at La Réserve, toast the good news at gourmet restaurant Le Loti (also book his and hers massages as a post-engagement treat in the fabulous spa).