They like it. They want to put a ring on it. But uh-uh-oh … they can’t decide how or where to do it! And who can blame them? There are so many different proposal styles, so many versions of what the perfect proposal looks, feels, and sounds like, and what’s good for one goose may be awful for the gander.
For instance, some people dream of their significant other getting down on one knee in a crowded fancy restaurant, while others gasp in horror at the prospect of being made the center of a “scene.” Those might prefer a private, intimate moment somewhere sentimental, which conversely sounds like the worst for the ones who want something as grandiose as the milestone.
But for every romance style, there’s a destination hotel or resort that’s perfect for popping the question. And sometimes, it’s the role of the travel advisor to help put it all together. Share the below with for the skinny on some of ALG Vacations® favorites, plus insider tips on the most romantic spots to make sure all signs point to yes.
Couples Sans Souci, Jamaica
Romance is clearly the focus at a resort brand named Couples – everything here is designed for two. With hidden nooks across the property, where you can find yourself completely secluded with nothing but the sounds of the water lapping against the base of the gorgeous cliffs, there’s no shortage of uniquely perfect spots for a quiet, private proposal.
The Mineral Grotto in the spa area of the property is a good one, set away from the resort’s activity, and is a perfect way to conclude a complimentary massage class or add-on couples massage. But the cliffside Oceanfront Gazebo that overlooks a secluded corner of the main beach is another popular and picturesque setting away from any prying eyes. Even better is if you book a private candle-lit meal just steps away to celebrate being newly engaged. For only $250 per couple, you can toast with Couples private label wine and savor the moment with three leisurely courses served on the sand or under a gazebo. Alternatively, go on bended knee after the meal, when you’ll have the beachfront and starry night all to yourselves.
Couples Swept Away, Jamaica
“Long walks on the beach” are a cliché, but there’s a reason they’re tied to romantic ideals. This resort’s location on Seven Mile Beach offers a seemingly infinite number of stopping points to “adjust your sandal.” Or, if it’s a Wednesday, you could just stay put – a beach bonfire, provided blankets, and an acoustic set of melodic love songs make it possible to propose in a way that’s both beachy-tropical and cute-cozy.
Alternatively, this adults- and romance-only resort offers an option to take their breath away as you sweep them away: dance nights at Aura Bar with the resident band and island-famous pianist, a great sweat sesh at the ten-acre sports complex, complimentary sunset catamaran sail-and-swim, and unlimited scuba diving are all ways to crank up the exhilaration before the biggest adrenaline rush of all.
On the other hand, if something serene is more their style, this resort has that, too. The Oasis Spa is softly lit and softly fragranced with eucalyptus, and despite being the largest of the four Couples Resorts in Jamaica, it’s also exceptionally intimate since a spread-out grid provides winding pathways in lush green gardens just made for special moments. A rooftop dinner at Lemongrass amid bamboo torches and before beach views, are a perfect way to cap the occasion.
Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui
Maui has long been known as the most romantic isle of all the Hawaiian Islands, and this resort – the only all-suite and villa luxury resort here – does more than its fair share of making sure that reputation sticks! Their three most popular spots for proposals are the Pacific Terrace, the Polo Lawn, and the gazebo, but that doesn’t mean you’re limited to those areas. The Fairmont Kea Lani’s Hoku Lani Dinner Experience (Dining Under the Stars) is a low-key recommendation; you can share an exclusive and elegant four-course meal at dusk as the waves kiss the shore. There’s also the Twilight Dinner Experience at the Tranquility Pool in a private cabana instead, which features dishes from their signature restaurant, Kō, paired with specialty wines.
No matter what you decide, though, be sure to take advantage of two add-on services: the Romance Amenity for $90 (plus tax, service, and delivery) so that you have sparkling wine to toast the occasion with, plus chocolate-dipped fruit to snack on, and professional oceanfront photography with Pacific Dreams Photography. It’s well worth it for the latter alone!
Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
Start the big trip off right with the Fairmont Gold Experience to turn the actual proposal into just one highlight in a whole reel of them. It begins with a cold oshibori towel greeting and glass of bubbly during your private check-in, then a signature welcome amenity of chocolate-covered rare peaberry coffee beans from Kona Coffee & Tea and a bottle of Collet Art Deco Brut Champagne chilling in your room. Every night, an enhanced nightly turndown sets the mood. The rest of the stay includes access to an exclusive lounge serving daily hot breakfast, sunset canapés, complimentary non-alcoholic and espresso beverages (an honor bar with wine, spirits, and beer is also available), tropical fruit and dry snack bar.
But for the actual moment, there are a few directions their team points to as sure hits, plus several ways keep those high points coming. Renting an Oceanfront Hale, for one, a cabana sanctuary that offers food and beverage packages along with every-whim service. Or after a couples massage at one of eight outdoor thatched hales, tucked between the orchids, lily ponds, and streams at the Spa Without Walls. Then there’s private dining at the Knoll at Brownʻs Beach House, an idyllic space for a sunset meal. Propose there or at The Pointe at Brown’s Beach House, but don’t forget to hire Pacific Dream Photography to capture the moment and upgrade to the $175 Romantic Turndown, which includes rose petal arrangements, a Mᾱlie amenity box with scented products, a bottle of sparkling wine, and chocolate-dipped strawberries, the latter of which can also be ordered on its own for $45 (plus tax and service). But why not splurge for a cake for a celebration? For $65, you can have one delivered wherever you are, in Triple Chocolate Mousse, Coconut Haupia, or Waimea Strawberry Shortcake, with your choice of message written on it. Our suggestion for the inscription? A simple “Marry Me.”
Hotel Xcaret Arte
Romance is surely an art, and this luxurious, culture-driven resort has it down pat. It’s the separate, adults-only (16+) complement to the beloved Hotel Xcaret Mexico and boasts the kinds of secret nooks and grottoes that made their original so unique. They even share some since they’re side-by-side properties!
Any of those are incredible places in which to pop the question, but doing it at Arte gives you even more options, and greater intimacy besides. For a serene and transportive setting, Spa Muluk is always a good idea. The indoor/outdoor white cavern design of the space, built alongside a quiet channel of water, offers tranquility unlike anywhere else. But if you’re going for drama, choose either Rooftop Artistas or Rooftop Piramide, both of which can be make a potential mate even more starry-eyed with a private romantic dinner under the open sky. For $436 a couple, a multi-course set menu and sparkling wine lets you extend your moment into a whole night. Or just order an à la carte treat – the award-winning culinary group at this resort can send up cake pops or chocolate truffles for as little as $5, or a fruit, cheese, or chocolate plate (starting at $25), or Moet and strawberries ($194).
With these and a ring “on hand,” any can be a perfect cap for a date-day that can begin with a textile, painting, pottery, or Latin dance workshop, all of which are included with your stay in addition to admission to all of Grupo Xcaret’s amazing eco-adventure parks.
Casa de la Playa
Also by Grupo Xcaret is this ultra-posh, ultra-private, 63-suite option whose every service is designed to be tailored to your vacation … or in this case, occasion! Known to offer exclusivity that makes guests feel like it really is just the two of you, stays here include special access experiences like semi-private caving tours, and limited-seating dinners in the Gra Tlachco Theater or next to a cenote at Xcaret Park. These are perfect for proposal scenarios; the audience is limited enough to keep the moment personal but big enough to share a round of applause.
However, the staff recommends a few other options: the Sky Bar, with an infinity pool that seemingly drops into the Caribbean Sea and circular cuddler daybeds; the Cava wine cellar surrounded by an exclusive collection gathered by sommelier Sandra Fernandez; or, a classic choice, the gorgeous beach on this oceanfront property. For $273 per person, the team can set up a dinner for the two of you with a menu by their incredibly culinary ensemble, which includes chefs Martha Ortiz, Virgilio Martinez, and the Rivera-Rio brothers. Just don’t forget to seal it with a chocolate kiss – stop by the Chocolateria by master Mao Montiel to get your sweet treat ahead of time.
Valentin Imperial Riviera Maya
Go to Valentin to turn your valentine into something more. This hacienda-style adults-only resort not only offers plenty of venues for your backdrop, but several turnkey picture-perfect moments that take the weight off your shoulders to get you more quickly to cloud nine. Their packages start at only $450 for an engagement that begins with a dinner reservation at a specialty restaurant, “Marry Me” spelled out on the bed in rose petals with bubbly chilling for your inevitable toast, and in-room breakfast the morning after. The beach, Playa del Secreto, brings things to the next level for $850, with the big question written out on the sand, plus flowers and special decoration in your room, plus the sparkling wine and breakfast in bed.
If you want to hit baller status, though, the gazebo is the spot. For $1,550, the Valen-team will set up a special table amid flowing drapery with rose petals, two flower arrangements, a bouquet of red roses, and lit signage that spells out “love.” And for a proposal straight out of a movie, the top of the line experience includes dinner on the beach, a big rose petal heart around “Marry Me” in lights, a four-sparkler display to celebrate the yes, and then flowers, decorations, Champagne, and breakfast in the room for your private festivities. Book this for $1,850 to get on the road to getting hitched … without a hitch.
Villa Agrippina Gran Melia
One of The Leading Hotels of the World, just minutes from the Vatican and St. Peter Basilica, one could easily imagine that any proposal or union that begins here is bound to be a blessed one. A Tuscan country-style retreat in the heart of Rome, Villa Agrippina is a fantastic way to experience two romantic vibes at just one property: wide Mediterranean gardens and lawns that wind past an inlaid pool and panoramic views of the Eternal City over which to promise eternal love. Make sure to have them arrange a photo shoot here on the grounds and extend it into the city to preserve those memories. Then convene to on-site fine dining restaurant Follie for a glass of celebratory prosecco, followed by a tasting menu with wine pairings. You can also toast the milestone with a wine or cocktail tasting at Amaro Lobby Bar and Lounge.
Another suggestion: skip the dinner and start that leisurely garden walk already relaxed. Steady pre-proposal nerves with a couple’s massage or treatment at the Clarins & My Blend Spa, then suggest a stroll to keep those low-key blissed-out vibes going. Lead them to pre-ordered bubbly and/or a space decorated with rose petals, and have dessert first via custom cake with a personalized message.
ME Barcelona by Meliá
Or, buck the trends and do something a bit different. Add a little U to ME in Barcelona at this gorgeous, stylish hotel in one of the most dynamic and culturally rich cities in the world. It’s located right alongside the Passeig de Gracia and its creative and cosmopolitan design makes it absolutely photo-ready for your picture-perfect proposal – preferably on the rooftop, which offers encompassing views of the Paza Catalunya and Sagrada Familia. Have a custom cake and wine or sparkling wine waiting up top, maybe at sunset, and order flower bouquets for the room for after a lovely celebratory meal at BELBO Fasto restaurant. It’s Italian, but the ambience – like that related language – is pure Romance.
