This year, choose an unconventional destination to propose. The Noosa River, featured above, is an idyllic spot to propose. Image: Instagram: @studioimpressions
There’s something irresistibly dreamy about being away from all things familiar with the one you love that makes popping the question on a holiday so uniquely romantic. Whether it’s a weekend getaway a couple of hours away or an isolated beach on the other side of the globe, getting down on one knee in your own little space offers an intimacy unlike any other experience.
Destination proposals are deservedly earning the repute of being romantic beyond belief. The only twist in the plot comes when choosing the destination, for young couples are no longer content with pulling it off in front of the Eiffel Tower or in The Big Apple. Be it a planned vacation or a surprise holiday, going off-beat is the flavour of the season.
If a holiday proposal has been on your mind, our list of the top five out-of-the-box destinations will get you hooked (literally).
1. Under the Northern Lights:
Iceland is a jewel in the Atlantic that is simply magical, to say the least. This land of glittering glaciers, legendary tales and the summer midnight sun is so breathtakingly beautiful that you won’t mind the freezing temperatures when asking the love of your life to marry you. Head to the Blue Lagoon – a geothermal spa with sea water – or hop on a snowmobile to visit the Langjökull glacier. Once you have marvelled at the awe-inspiring Aurora Borealis, there can’t be a more picture-perfect moment to pop the question. Of course, there’ll be hot chocolate waiting for you in your warm wood cabin later.
The awe-inspiring Northern Lights provide a mystical canopy for your proposal. Image: Instagram: @iceland_photography
2. ‘Game’ for two:
For animal and nature lovers, Africa offers limitless reserves of wilderness that can be the perfect backdrop to a proposal to remember forever. Home to many expansive wildlife sanctuaries – such as the Masai Mara, Kruger National Park and Serengeti – the country offers spellbinding glimpses of hypnotic landscapes and unforgettable sightings of wildlife from close quarters. As you explore the astounding spectacle on a safari tour, you’ll have many an opportunity to make the move (especially after the making a spotting!).
As a close sighting of the majestic animals (like the giraffe) increases your adrenaline, pop the question! Image: Instagram: @africansermonsafaris
3. Cruising on Noosa:
Even for the die-hard romantic looking for a quiet getaway, the gondolas of Venice are passé. Noosa in Queensland, Australia, is the new-age proposal and wedding destination for cruise lovers. Here, you can choose to sail on the beautiful Noosa River as you take in magnificent views of lavish waterfront houses and wildlife, while enjoying a candle-lit dinner. Alternatively, you can drop anchor at a sand bar and revel in a laid-back picnic as you stare at cotton candy clouds. What better moment to ask your dreamy-eyed partner to be your wife/husband?
Cruise on the Noosa River for a romantic proposal. Image: Instagram:
@studioimpressions
4. On a bed of roses:
Not many are aware of the incredibly beautiful landscape that Morocco offers. Even lesser known is the Valley of Roses or Vallée Des Roses that sits at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains. Lying beneath an ochre canyon, the valley is known for rose cultivation and fast becoming a major tourist spot in Morocco. Apart from trekking through quaint villages, you can immerse yourself in the romantic Rose Festival (a two-day festival that takes place on the second weekend of May). Inundated with shades of pink and the heady, sweet scent of Persian petals, get down on one knee. The novel can use the petals to spell the question on a hillside.
Head to the Valley of Roses in Morocco for a rose-tinted view of the world of love. Image: Instagram: @alexacrye
5. Clouds at your feet:
One of the most breathtaking nature reserves in the world, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve in Costa Rica encompasses a 26,000 acre biozone that is brimming with a diverse plant and animal life. If you and your partner are nature enthusiasts and don’t mind some very hidden, private treks, then this paradise offers the perfect setting – replete with clouds at your feet and mist in your face. And when you come out the other side into a huge elevation, you’ll find the perfect time to present the ring, especially if it’s in the middle of a clearing not many have trekked to.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve will soar your spirits and prep you to pop the question. Image: Instagram: @e.c.tanengam
Let the surreally beautiful world set the tone of a proposal to cherish always!