The most romantic places in the world to propose

Planning on popping the big question in the not-too-distant future? Then you’ll want one of the most romantic places to propose.

From towering mountain tops to desert plains, charming cities to once-in-a-lifetime underwater spots, ready that ring and read on: these are some of the most romantic places in the world to propose.

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From the skies, floating over Queenstown, New Zealand

Most romantic places in the world to propose, New Zealand

Queenstown might be famous for its extreme sports – particularly bungee jumping and skydiving – but the jaw-dropping topography for which the South Island is so renowned (endless rolling landscape, dramatic peaks, tumultuous waters) make it an amazing place to go hot air ballooning too.

An early morning hot air balloon flight departing from scenic Queenstown will see you soaring effortlessly over Lake Wakatipu and Shotover River shortly after sunrise, which is just about the right time to pose the most pressing question of the day. Upon landing end the experience the right way, by which we mean with a breakfast featuring bubbles.
Sunrise Balloons: www.ballooningnz.com

On top of Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

Most romantic places to propose, Cape Town, South Africa

The rugged coastline; the cool urban edge; the pristine white beaches; the world-class restaurants; the sheer natural splendour: Cape Town is a love at first sight kind of city. It follows then that this is just the place to propose to the love of your life.

The ultimate destination to do so is at the top of the spectacular Table Mountain; ascend to the peak on the first cable car of the morning (thus avoiding the crowds and the afternoon winds) and we’ll let you take it from there.

Proposal accepted (!), while away the rest of the happy day at the exceptional winery and hotel Delaire Graff Estate which sits nestled amongst Stellenbosch’s gloriously adulterating vineyards and is renowned the world over for its panoramic views, extraordinary art collection, award-winning vino, fabulous spa and stunning suites and villas.
Delaire Graff Estate: www.delaire.co.za. Table Mountain: tablemountain.net

In front of the Northern Lights, Nordic countries

A wedding proposal set to the backdrop of the magical Northern Lights is always going to be one for the memory books. The execution does take a bit of pre-planning though. Natural phenomenon don’t always play ball, so you’ll want to pick your destination country carefully (stick close to the Artic Circle, think Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Finland) and ensure you visit at the right time of year (October to April is generally regarded as best).

Worry not though, when you get down on one knee as the aurora borealis illuminate the night sky all that effort is likely to be rewarded with a resounding ‘yes!’.

In the middle of the Empty Quarter, Qasr Al Sarab Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi
Closer to home than many destinations on this list, but still as utterly romantic as they come. The majestic five-star Qasr Al Sarab Resort by Anantara (the ‘Most Instagrammable Hotel in the World’ according to readers of Luxury Travel Advisor), is the perfect base for an unforgettable proposal.

Stay a few days at the hotel and book their bespoke Dine by Design package in advance. On the all-important evening, you and your partner will be escorted to a private dining table in the middle of the majestic dunes. As the candlelight flickers, the stars twinkle and the infinite sand shimmers, you can pick your moment to issue that proposal in once-in-a-lifetime fashion.
Qasr Al Sarab Road, www.anantara.com, infoqas@anantara.com (02 886 2088).

While watching the Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada

One of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world, the famous waterfall is a fitting place to ask the most important question of your life.

If you’re keen to do so in secluded fashion (and without getting wet), the 53-metre-tall Niagara Falls Skywheel is your best bet. While the views are fabulous all day long, a twilight ride is the most romantic and will allow you to pop the question as the nightly Falls’ Illumination Show lights up the sky.

Ring firmly secured on finger, spirit your future life partner away from the main tourist hub and check into The Oban, a luxurious yet intimate 26-bedroom boutique hotel overlooking the Niagara River and a short stroll array from a clutch of theatres, shops and restaurants.
The Oban: oban.com

In a New York state of mind

As the movies have taught us New York is a top-spot for popping the question. And while both leafy Central Park and the top of the Empire State Building are classic destinations for doing so, they do come with their issues – notably an abundance of onlookers.

For a Big Apple proposal that’s rather more private, we’ve got two suggestions for you. Charter a boat to set sail along the iconic Hudson River and as the sun sets on the Manhattan skyline seize the opportunity to get down on bended knee.

Alternatively, and for more of a blow-the-budget out the utterly stylish window option, book the penthouse suite at the fabulously luxurious The Mark Hotel on Maddison Avenue. From there, you’ll have still have stunning Central Park views but rather more exclusive ones and can sip chilled champagne and toast your future together to your heart’s content.
Classic Harbour Line: sail-nyc.com/private-yacht-charters/weddings/ The Mark Hotel: www.themarkhotel.com

In the most glamorously fun hotel you’ve ever visited: Prestonfield House, Edinburgh

Set within its own private grounds close to the ancient Arthur’s Seat, Prestonfield is a one-of-a-kind five-star country house hotel that oozes decadence, romance and a certain sense of mischief.

The interiors offer a flamboyant nod to both grandeur and modern glamour, think roaring fires and cosy snugs, oil paintings, gilded antiques, leopard print carpets and crocodile black sofas. The afternoon tea here is legendary, the Yellow Room is just the spot for an elegant pre-dinner drink and a meal at in-house restaurant Rhubarb is regarded as one of the most memorable in the city.

Given that you’re visiting for a special occasion (understatement much?), the dramatic and romantic Owner’s Suite, with its private staircase entrance, library-style bathroom complete with silver chariot bath and ostrich plume-draped four poster bed is the one to book (and the place to propose in).
Prestonfield House: www.prestonfield.com

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Underwater in the Maldives

While it’s certainly no revelation to suggest that the Maldives make an ideal proposal destination, there’s a reason for that: the ivory white sands, endless blue sea and sense of relaxation felt across the island archipelago is nothing short of paradisical.

You will of course be wanting to ensure that your proposal goes above and beyond though, and that’s where the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island (recently relaunched after a multi-million-dollar refurbishment) comes in.

Located on an exclusive, adults-only island, the resort has a treasure trove of unique spots for asking that all important question, including ITHAA Undersea Restaurant (the only under sea restaurant in the Maldives) where you’ll dine below the ocean surrounded by panoramic coral views (if you’re feeling really flash you can take over the entire space). For something even more lavish, book into The MURAKA and request his or her hand in marriage while submerged five metres below the Indian Ocean in your very own private aquarium/sumptuous master bedroom (other top spoils include a dedicated butler, private chef and outdoor deck with infinity pool).
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island: www.conradmaldives.com

Away from the crowds in Venice

An obvious one yes, but there’s a reason why Venice is known as the city of love (all those intimate alleyways, meandering canals and magnificent 16th- and 17th-century palaces and piazzas seal the deal in spectacular fashion).

The trick to executing the perfect Venetian wedding proposal, by which we mean both free of tourists and suitably original, is to visit at the right time of year (which just so happens to be Spring) and to head away from the crowds. If you’re intent on popping the question somewhere with a sweeping view, avoid the oft hectic St. Mark’s Campanile and make for the lesser visited San Giorgio Maggiore Church instead.

Alternatively, for the most memorable of proposal moments, convince your love to wake up early and watch the sunrise over the lagoon from the Punta della Dogana accompanied by a glass of something suitably fizzy. After that, head to the timeless and wonderfully ornate Caffe Florian for a celebratory breakfast (ordering the bombolone – vanilla cream-filled Italian doughnuts – will be the second best decision your new fiancé(e) makes that day).
Caffe Florian: www.caffeflorian.com/en