If you didn’t pluck up the courage to propose to him on February 29, why not book a romantic vacation and pop the question later in the year? Here are the top places to bend your knee:
Prague: Pop the question at a river view table at the exclusive Kampa Park restaurant, at the foot of the Charles Bridge. This celebrity haunt has a heated riverside terrace and a winter garden, if you can brave the cold. Afterwards, you could admire the floodlit castle from the bridge and wander around the old town with its Gothic spires.
When? Early evening when the city’s lights are reflected on the water.
Las Vegas: The great thing about the gambling capital of the world is that you can propose and get married on the same day. For a spectacular backdrop for the big question, fly to the Grand Canyon or do it on a gondola on the ”grand canal” at the swanky Venetian Resort, an unashamed, but well executed, imitation of Venice.
When? As the sun is setting over the Grand Canyon or early evening on the gondola, when you might really think you’re in Venice.
Cyprus: Legend states that the island is the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. Take a late afternoon drive along the coastal road between Pissouri and Paphos and stop at the dramatic rock formations at Petra Tou Romiou, where Aphrodite was said to have emerged from the sea. Or propose in Limassol castle, where Richard the Lionheart married Berengaria of Navarre, who became Queen of England. Afterwards, you can celebrate in one of the trendy new bars and restaurants in the nearby Carob Mill warehouse.
When? Early evening as the sun is setting over the rocks.
Dubai: Take a boat trip in a traditional wooden dhow along the waterways at the new Mina A’Salam resort or have dinner at the futuristic Al Muntaha restaurant, suspended 200m above the Arabian gulf at the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab, the world’s tallest hotel. The Ritz Carlton Dubai has a secluded swimming pool where you can pre-book a table in the shallow end. Yes, seriously. Before he changes his mind, you can buy your ring for a bargain price in Dubai’s vast gold souk or watch your own design being made at the new Gold & Diamond Park — it takes less than 24 hours to complete.
When? Just as the sun is setting.
Egypt: Anthony and Cleopatra’s love may have been doomed but it doesn’t mean yours will be. You are spoilt for choice for romantic locations to ask for his hand in marriage in the land of the pharaohs. Stay at the Mena House Oberoi in Cairo and you can propose in the 40-acre, jasmine-scented gardens overlooking the Pyramids. Or do it as you are cruising down the Nile.
When? It has to be as the sun is setting over the Pyramids.
South of France: Discover the Bordeaux region of France at the wheel of a sexy E-Type Jaguar, equipped with satellite navigation to avoid any arguments about map-reading. Take a gourmet hamper to Dune du Pyla, Europe’s largest sand dune and after he’s said yes (fingers crossed), you can celebrate with champagne before heading to the Grand Opera house in Bordeaux for the ballet. Dine at the Michelin-starred St James in Bouliac and be taken back to your hotel by a chauffeur.
When? At lunchtime after he’s polished off a few oysters, the food of love.
Cape Town: Take the revolving cable car to the top of Table Mountain for a stunning backdrop for the big question, and celebrate with a meal overlooking the ocean at Vilamoura, one of the best seafood restaurants at Camps Bay. Or head to one of the trendy restaurants in the city, such as Beluga, a converted warehouse.
When? Take the 7.30am cable car, the first one of the day.
Finland: Propose with the magical northern lights as a backdrop.
When? As the aurora borealis lights up the night sky. — Â