Camera? Check. Passport? Check. Engagement ring? Check. An increasing number of lovebirds are not just planning destination weddings – but going all out to secure that ‘yes’ with an international proposal. Bonnie Tai explores some of the world’s most romantic spots to pop the question.
Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
With its abundance of vineyards and annual average of 2,200 sunshine hours per year, sunny Hawkes Bay is a beautiful – yet understated – destination for popping the question. Surrounded by rolling green hills, lush landscapes and panoramic coastal areas, this east coast destination is a favourite among cruise operators Holland America, Princess Cruises and P&O, who all make port-calls to explore this sunny seaside town.
Known as the art deco capital of the world, Napier celebrates its iconic architecture and pays homage to those lost during the devastating 1931 earthquake every February, with a Gatsby-esque themed festival which showcases the strength of the city and its people.
More than 125 events are usually planned per year for the festival, which includes vintage car parades, fashion shows, dining experiences, and outdoor concerts – with the entire city playing its part to transport visitors back to the time of glitz and glamour by embracing 1930’s attire when out and about.
Santorini, Greece
The island of Santorini is a picture perfect destination for popping that all-important question.
Famed for its white-washed cubic houses, charming terraces, winding lanes and blue-domed churches, Santorini offers alluring panoramic sea views and already serves as a romantic destination popular with honeymooners and celebrities alike.
Trek along the cliffside walkway from Fira to Oia, before enjoying a fresh, authentic meal at Oia’s many waterside eateries, then watch the sun sink into the ocean – a sight that attracts visitors from all over the island each evening through the summer months.
Book a stay at any of Oia’s chic boutique hotels and enjoy a dip in an infinity pool as a reward for locking down the love of your life.
Honolulu, Hawaii
Aqua lagoons, picturesque sunsets and white sand beaches; Honolulu Hawaii sets the perfect scene for a romantic destination proposal.
Blending stunning cityscapes with some of the world’s most famed beaches, romantic outdoor activities are an abundance on this tropical slice of island paradise.
Enjoy the famed Hawaiian sun by horseback on a relaxing ride along the coast of Oahu’s North Shore; or perhaps propose while gazing over crescent-shaped Hanuama Bay whilst soaring through the blue skies of Oahu on a helicopter tour – whichever you choose both will deliver the ‘awe-factor’ needed to secure that ‘yes’.
Luxury accommodation is easy to come by in Honolulu, with the city home to world-class hotels and resorts including Hilton, Outrigger, Sheraton and Hyatt.
Noosa, Australia
Located just 90 minutes’ drive from Brisbane, the laid back, subtropical paradise of Noosa makes for an enticing spot to ask the love of your life for their hand in marriage.
Escape on a Venetian-style gondola to explore Noosa’s stunning waterways – complete with your very own gondolier – before toasting the new proposal over champagne and heading over to Hastings Street for a celebratory dinner; or perhaps embark on a hiking adventure through the Noosa National Park to spot koalas in the treetops – both set idyllic scenes before proposing on bended knee.
Kyoto, Japan
Cherry blossom season in Kyoto makes for the ultimate spot to take the plunge and propose.
Explore the city’s many ancient temples and shrines, and stop at the Jishu-jinja shrine which celebrates the Buddhist god of match-making for a quick blessing.
Couples flock to this iconic location from all around Japan and the world to undertake rituals to ensure eternal love, which includes walking between two love stones with eyes shut before patting the Buddha’s belly for that final guarantee.
For those wanting a more intimate outdoor setting, take a trip to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and get lost in the midst of the sprawling sight. The Grove is perhaps one of the most photographed sights in the city and makes for a striking destination for ‘making it official’.
