With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, love is undeniably in the air, inspiring thoughts of romance not only for us but evidently for you as well. Hopefully you’ve got the ring sorted (but if not, our Mayfair directory can lead you in the right direction), along with those heartfelt words you’ll utter on bended knee. Now, it’s time to get the location just right.
The team at Oliver Bernard escapes has curated a selection of their favourite spots for an incredible proposal – but remember they’re equally as special for a honeymoon or anniversary getaway too. As for the finer details, we’re honoured to work as your concierge to dot all the I’s and cross the T’s to alleviate any stress during your special time away. Good luck!
Under the stars in South Africa
The Observatory – designed by award-winning architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens is nothing short of a masterpiece, and one of the most unique escapes properties we have seen. This remarkable house is state of the art with breathtaking views, and most importantly, an automated Observatory designed for stargazing. Come here to take ‘a proposal under the stars’ to a whole new level. Or, take a ride in the estate’s private helicopter and be dropped to an assortment of locations for a gourmet picnic.
On the grounds of a castle in Puglia
Castle St Elia, built in the early 20th century and abandoned 100 years ago, has reopened following a magnificent restoration. The design remains authentic, maintaining many of the castle’s original features while introducing new elements that respect its fairy-tale past. Sleeping up to 22 guests, this is the ultimate property not only for the setting of your proposal but for the ultimate celebration with friends and family in the days that follow.
Flying in a hot air balloon Kenya
A serene hot air balloon ride offers a unique view of the national parks and savannahs below for a whole new way to explore African wildlife. In most cases, these once in a lifetime experiences set off at the break of dawn, so you can bask in the sunrise for the ultimate setting. After, head to the beach and stay at Sirai Beach, a family home overlooking the Indian Ocean from a cliff top in Kilifi. Private and secluded, this is a beachside paradise, the perfect place to make these happy memories.
In a Provence garden
The Provence lavender fields have long been a hot spot on ‘the best places to propose’ lists but it can be a difficult affair to get them booked out purely just for you and your special someone. Luckily, you can live out your Provençal fantasy in many of the gardens that lie in the region, including the one in Mas des Eygalieres. We can think of nothing more romantic than a sun-drenched afternoon spent bike riding, finished with glasses of rose and of course, the all-important “will you…?”
Overlooking a Mykonos sunset
In one of Mykonos’ most prime locations and facing the charming Aegean sunset lies Villa Mindi, an award-winning luxury villa that’s extremely private with uninterrupted views – in other words, it’s knockout for a proposal. Spend your day enjoying the Cycladic landscape and as the evening draws in find a spot in the centred courtyard to pop the question, just you and them.
