Go the extra mile with these unexpected immersive experiences to make your proposal and time spent together even more special
The last thing you and your beloved would want is a cliche proposal — put in some effort and work on the details to make it unforgettable.
What can be more unforgettable than a romantic proposal in a spectacular setting?
If you’re thinking of bringing the love of your life to a beautiful land far away for the perfect scene to profess your love and propose to her but would like to avoid cliché destinations such as the Eiffel Tower, a gondola in Venice or the Empire State Building, this is the list for you.
Also read: These lesser-known destinations are now accessible by new routes
Here are a few picturesque destinations and ideas on how to make your proposal and time spent together memorable. Plan for the complement of rich cultural meaning, eye-opening experiences, as well as remarkable sights, for memories that will last a lifetime.
SCANDINAVIA: PRIVATE CHAMPAGNE UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS
Make your proposal even more special with a bespoke tour complete with a personal guide, through the mystical land of the Vikings.
Few things can make you and your partner feel more special than a custom-made trip with a personal travel advisor and guide. Bespoke travelling enhances the experience by whisking you away on a private tour through some of the world’s most beautiful places — and you can choose which parts to focus on too.
For instance, UK-based agency Off the Map Travel offers a ten-night aurora adventure that takes you on an epic chase of the Northern Lights across Scandinavia. Led by an expert guide, you can go reindeer-sledding, have a dinner cruise under the aurora, go dogsledding and more, in the land of the Vikings.
Also read: These are the best spots to see Aurora Borealis before it fades away
Because it’s tailored to your preference, you can let your travel advisor know if you’d like to spend more time somewhere or rearrange some stops. When it feels like it’s just the two of you and the endless, stunning country, it’s the perfect time to propose.
For bookings, visit www.offthemaptravel.co.uk.
CAMBODIA: BE BLESSED IN A SACRED CEREMONY
Release lanterns into the sky with wishes for your new life, in Song Saa’s Valentine’s Day package
You will have to register your marriage with ROM or have a “Justice of the Peace” officiate your union once you’re all set but, before all that, how about blessing your proposal and engagement in a simple yet sacred ceremony?
On Valentine’s Day, on Song Saa Private Island in Cambodia, a Buddhist monk will offer his blessings through a traditional ceremony at the hotel’s infinity pool overlooking the horizon. The ceremony is also said to help purify the mind, body and soul of participants in the ritual.
Then, release Lovers Lanterns — along with your wishes – into the night sky. To commemorate this day, a traditional Cambodian scarf will also be presented to the gentleman, and a Cambodian lotus bouquet to the lady.
Song Saa’s Valentine’s package also includes a romantic dinner, Valentine’s Day cocktails and special room amenities.
For bookings, visit songsaa.com.
SWEDEN: ENTER A FANTASY WORLD
(Photo: happytrips.com)
Almost everybody has the childhood fantasy of living in a treehouse – your own private paradise away from the rest of the world. In Sweden’s Treehotel, not only can you live out this fantasy with your loved one; your ‘treehouse’ is even larger than life.
Treehotel has different themed cabins to choose from, including a UFO-shaped suite, a mirror cube and a bird’s nest cabin. Even better: the area is right smack beneath the Northern Lights, making for the ideal setting to pop the question.
Want more fantastical hotel ideas? Check out this hotel where you can live in a bubble under the stars, and this fairy tale-themed forest.
THAILAND: SPIN WITH A DJ ON A BEACH
Put a spin on your proposal with your very own DJ mix at Xana Beach Club, Angsana Laguna Phuket.
Imagine incorporating your proposal into your very own DJ set of your favourite songs. Mix it up and put a unique spin on your proposal in Xana Beach Club at Angsana Laguna Phuket this Valentine’s Day.
The club is offering a two-hour introductory DJ course for couples, during which you will learn to mix and scratch your favourite hits on turntables, as well as to align beats with the right rhythm, under the guidance of professional DJs.
After the session, you can take to the stage and bring the house down with your newly-created music, when you can “make like the beat” and drop (down on one knee) for the critical question.
For bookings, visit www.angsana.com and www.xanabeachclub.com.
ITALY: WHERE ROMEO AND JULIET ROMANCED
Propose beneath the romantic balcony of Juliet from Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, in Verona.
Hark back to the greatest love story of all time as you propose to your love, where fair Juliet was wooed by Romeo. Casa di Giulietta in Verona, Italy, is the 14th-century house believed to have been the setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
Getting to Juliet’s balcony will take a walk. On Via Cappello, follow the directions to Piazza delle Erbe and come to an archway with a plaque and a graffiti-covered sign post. Cross the short tunnel and you’ll arrive at the Casa di Giulietta courtyard.
For €4, your lady can enter the house (used in a scene in the classic 1936 Romeo and Juliet movie) and perch on the balcony, while you serenade and declare your undying love from the courtyard below.
Also read: Plan your long weekends in 2016 around these trendy getaways
NEW ZEALAND: UNCOVER AN UNDERGROUND GALAXY
(Photo: mnn.com)
Are you and your partner an adventurous couple? Spelunk the depths of the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and you will be greeted with a magnificent sight: a ‘galaxy’ of sparkling stars splashed across the roof of this cave network in New Zealand.
The Waitomo Glowworm Caves are known for their complex system of underground rivers and the Arachnocampa luminosa, also known as the New Zealand glow-worm, which creates the glowing galaxy on the walls. When you secure a good vantage point beneath this ceiling of stars, you can take the (figurative) leap and profess your love to your partner, with or without the accompaniment of Coldplay’s “Sky Full of Stars”.
Not much of a climber? Find out how to explore the Waitomo Glowworm Caves with guided tours here.
WALES: ENGAGE IN A ‘SPOONING’ TRADITION
Visit Wales and propose with the Welsh “spooning” tradition, where a carved wooden spoon is presented as a gesture representing that you will always feed and provide for your partner.
If you’re looking for something even more symbolic of true love and culturally meaningful — yet not flashy and extravagant — turn to this lovely Welsh tradition. Present the love of your life with a meticulously-carved wooden spoon as a gesture representing that you will always feed and provide for your partner.
If the affection is not mutual, the spoon is returned [Awkward!] but if it’s accepted, your sweetheart must wear it around his or her neck for a number of days.
How quaint and adorable!
By Pamela Chow
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