Some of the most inspiring places to propose around the world
Masai Mara, Kenya | JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge
Kenya is pegged to be one of the most popular destinations this year in travel. With the iconic orange hues of a Masai Mara sunset, it’s hard to think of a more private, and more inspiring spot to pop the question. The Masai Mara’s breathtaking landscapes include vast savannahs, lush greenery, and stunning skies – providing a picturesque backdrop for couples to enjoy intimate moments. Sprawling 580 square-miles, the expansive reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife, with over 100 mammals species. Within this thriving ecosystem, travellers can share the thrill of spotting one of the legendary Big Five – made up of lions, leopards, buffalo, rhinoceros and elephants.
JW Marriott Masai Mara Lodge, the first luxury safari lodge to sit within the Masai Mara National Reserve offers a harmonious, elegant sanctuary for couples to switch off from day to day life and truly connect with one another. Nestled on the banks of the River Talek on the edge of the reserve, the Lodge embodies the brand’s holistic approach to wellbeing, mindfulness and fulfilment, featuring 20 private tents each with their own terrace to soak in the vistas’ spectacular sounds. Guests can enjoy a couples massage at the in-house Ayurvedic spa before cosying up beside the outdoor fire pit with a drink in hand. Having just won an AHEAD Award for Top New Hotel, the lodge is recognised for its sustainable initiatives including energy-efficient systems, water conservation practices, and the use of locally sourced materials and craftsmanship in its construction. Additionally, the award-winning lodge actively engages in community outreach programs and cultural heritage.
Bermuda | Rosewood Bermuda
With eternally romantic pink-sand beaches, azure oceans and luxury spas, Bermuda invites couples to journey on the ultimate island escape and get lost in each other’s company. Step onto the infamous pink sands at Horseshoe Bay Beach – one of the world’s most Instagrammed beaches. Adventure seekers can head to Astwood Cove Beach, one of Bermuda’s true hidden gems. This ultra-secluded beach is the perfect reward for hikers adventuring through Astwood Park, where a peaceful afternoon relaxing on warm sands awaits.
Away from the resort, couples can make unforgettable memories with a sun-soaked stroll along the pink sandy beaches before enjoying a luxurious private island hopping excursion fuelled by private picnics for two, and sailing through the sunset on a catamaran cruise. After a day on the water, couples can relax and unwind in an ancient natural cave at Grotto Bay Beach Resort’s Natura Spa and indulge in soothing spa treatments in a private gazebo whilst gazing down into a shimmering underground lake, taking in relaxing natural sounds of dripping water and soothing soft music.
East Region, Puerto Rico | The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort
Puerto Rico’s East region, comprising 15 towns and two small islands, offers an unparalleled combination of tranquil beaches, diverse towns, upscale resorts, museums, galleries, street food and fine dining, all of which conjure the perfect environment for romantic couples to savour. The East Region is home to El Yunque National Forest, the only subtropical rainforest in the U.S and perhaps Puerto Rico’s greatest treasure. A gateway to the small islands that lie just off the East coast, Fajardo offers some of the most idyllic beaches the island has to offer. Fajardo is also home to Laguna Grande, one of Puerto Rico’s three bioluminescent bays.
For those searching for an extra-special destination to propose, look no further than The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. Barefoot luxury and conservation go hand-in-hand at this resort, set in a former coconut farm and nestled between El Yunque and the Espíritu Santo River State Preserve. The resort spans across 483 pristine acres of luscious greenery and two miles of secluded golden beach. With over 65% of the property preserved as green areas, sanctuaries and nature trails, conservation is at the core of the resort with multiple projects in place to protect the island’s exotic and native wildlife including leatherback turtles, manatees and bees to name a few. Whether it’s at the foothills of El Yunque or under a palm tree on the resort’s private, secluded beach, The St. Regis is bursting with opportunities to ask that special question in unforgettable surroundings.
Venice | The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice
Proposing in Venice is almost a bucket list experience in itself. The absence of cars in Venice makes it the perfect location to wander around hand in hand with a loved one. Clichéd images of sunset gondola rides and Renaissance architecture are all real life experiences on a trip to Venice. Yet in order to make this classic destination a little different, romantic holidaymakers can stay at a hotel steeped in romance, history, and with abundant unique experiences on offer.
Positioned on the famed Grand Canal, The Gritti Palace, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Venice was commissioned in 1525 as the residence of the Doge of Venice, Andrea Gritti. The palace was later used as the official residence of the Vatican’s ambassadors to Venice and has been a favourite with top-tier travellers since the palazzo became a hotel in 1895. The hotel is a marvel in itself: it is filled with incredible antiques, murano glass chandeliers and frescoes, and has The Rubelli fabrics adorning its walls. There is also a cooking school and an incredible spa in collaboration with Sisley of Paris for guests to indulge in. For that oh-so-special moment, we would recommend guests embark on the Riva Yacht Experience, where they can follow Head Concierge Ivan Schultz on an exclusive cruise and admire the lagoon’s panorama and its rich, unspoiled natural surroundings, making for the ultimate intimate evening.
