Do you want to propose to your loved one this Valentine’s Day but can’t think of a romantic enough location? Confetti presents its top ten romantic destinations for Valentine’s proposals.
1. Sweden, Jukkasjarvi
Carved anew every winter the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi, Sweden is a destination unlike any other. Featuring rooms made from ice – that’s right, ice chairs, ice beds, ice floors and ice walls – guests sleep layered up in thermals, gloves, hat and furs. Warmer accommodation is also on offer, as is the opportunity to witness one of the natural wonders of the world: the Aurora Borealis or northern lights. Relaxing later by an open fire could be the perfect time to ask her that special question.
2. UK, Lake District
With sixteen major lakes, green clad mountains and splendid opportunities for walking and exploring the Lake District is a magical destination to propose to that special someone in your life. Don’t forget to read your beloved some poetry from the Lake Poets: Wordsworth, Southey and Coleridge.
3. USA, New York
The big apple has something for everyone. Art Deco skyscrapers, theatres, art galleries, world famous department stores and fashionable neighbourhoods like Brooklyn, Greenwich Village and Harlem. Here you can wine and dine your love at hundreds of top class restaurants featuring cuisine from every culture you can think of. Or for a real proposal in the clouds take to one knee on the observation deck of the Empire State building, three hundred and eighty metres above terra firma.
4. UK, London
With panoramic views of the capital and the mighty Thames, there’s nothing quite as romantic as a Ferris wheel. But the London eye brings the concept into the twenty first century. Featuring futuristic capsules sealed from the British elements, couples can enjoy chocolate, champagne or for the uber rich, a capsule complete with dining room, three course meal and serenading musician. Standing in the heavens, where better to propose to your one true love?
5. Spain, Granada
The medieval palace of Granada, situated atop the tallest hill in Granada, commands breathtaking views of this ancient town. Sublime architecture wedded with enchanting gardens, fountains and serene pools that mirror the architecture and the blues of the sky. The Moorish poets of old described this fortress complex as, “a pearl set in emeralds,” so where better to propose to the shining star of your life.
6. Prague, Czech Republic
Largely escaping the aerial bombardments of World War II, the latter day capital of Bohemia, is resplendent in its medieval and gothic glory. Stroll across the wonderfully ornate Charles Bridge, climb the hill towards the flying buttresses and medieval stained glasses of St. Vitus Cathedral, or tell her you love her in the snows of St Wenceslas square. Prague is one of the most romantic places in the world.
7. Venice, Italy
Sidestep the clichés and the schmaltzy glamour and Venice still stirs the blood of those that travel there. Avoid the thousands flocking to the Bridge of Sighs and instead head to the Laguna Veneta and watch the sun rise over the rooftops of this venerable Renaissance city.
8. London to Paris or Venice.
As a poet once noted, “life is a journey, not a destination,” and what better journey than the Orient Express. All the romance and history of fin-de-siècle train travel, the luxury and elegance of the 1920s cabins, the first class dining cars, the luxury bars, the mystery and intrigue (who can forget Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express), and waiting for you at the end, the beautiful romantic centres of Paris and Venice.
9. France, Paris
Widely renowned as the most romantic city in the world, Paris offers many sights, spectacles and opportunities to sweep your bride-to-be off her feet. Forget the drawn out queues for the Eiffel tower; instead arrange a luxury picnic in the Champ de Mars. Over champagne, oysters and canapés, tell her how much she means to you.
10. Somewhere unique
If none of the above get your blood pumping, then take your lover somewhere unique instead. Perhaps you could take her to the place where you first met and bring a candle-lit dinner there. Obviously this will depend on where you actually met – nobody wants a romantic dinner in a dentist’s waiting room! Alternatively, you could take her to the scene of your first date. If that was the cinema for example, arrange a private screening of her favourite movie, serve champagne, bring flowers and have your proposal filmed beforehand. Imagine her surprise when you appear on the big screen and ask for her hand in marriage.
