5 romantic nights in for the best ways to propose on holiday

The best ways to propose on holiday are personal and based on what your partner loves. Stick to those two all-important mantras and you shouldn’t go far wrong. To stay on the safe side, it’s a good plan to brainstorm a handful of proposal ideas. For your convenience, here’s some engagement inspiration to get the ball rolling, all revolving around romantic nights in.

1. Make it all about them

Image by WineCountry Media, used under CC License (CC by 2.0)

Selfless love is often the most romantic, so dedicate an entire day of the holiday to making everything about them. Start by preparing a surprise breakfast in bed, then visit those attractions they’ve been banging on about all holiday. All the while, spoil them with flowers or dishes which they love.

When you get back to your holiday rental, run a candlelit bath and indulge in a glass of bubbly. Once you’re nice and tranquil, get down on one knee…

2. The classic proposal

Of all the ways to ask for someone’s hand in marriage, this is the easiest. Spend an evening in your holiday rental and cook up a storm –  why not go all out with a three-course meal which they won’t forget anytime soon? Add some champagne, their favourite romantic movie, and you’ve got all the ingredients for a truly idyllic proposal.

This is a classic for a reason – it’s simple, beautiful and not overly obvious that something special is just around the corner.

3. The sunrise/sunset proposal

Image by Kent Larsson, used under CC License (CC by 2.0)

As the title suggests, push the boat out with an early morning sunrise or tender sundown, then once the rays of light shimmer and glow, pop the big question. Other romantics might decide to choose a beach or landmark, but you can do it all from the comforts of your balcony with your soon-to-be fiancé. You could even combine this idea with parts of the so-called ‘classic proposal’, swapping dinner for breakfast if you’re opting for the early start.

4. Reach for the stars

For this one, choose secluded accommodation with a clear view of the open night sky. A private villa with a balcony, for example, makes for the perfect backdrop to this momentous occasion. You’ll need to wait for a starry night though, otherwise you won’t get the full effect.

Get cosy on the terrace for a few hours cuddled under the stars. If you have binoculars or a portable telescope, use them to help you both get a better perspective of the stars. Point out constellations written on love legends and share the stories with your partner. Casually throw in your own story (without being too overt), then propose.

Not clued up on the cosmos? You could do no wrong by checking out Perseus and the Andromeda, Orion and the Seven Sisters, or Altair and Vega.

5. Surprise them with loved ones

Imagine you’ve been on your romantic villa holiday together for several days. One evening, having spent another day exploring your chosen destination, you return to your villa as usual. Only this time, your partner’s friends and family are in wait! Muster your courage, pop down on one knee and let them know how much they mean to you, then enjoy the blissful moment together.

Got the lust for love? Check out Villa Plus rentals geared towards couples…

By Isabella Perkins, a freelance travel writer best known for writing about self-catering holidays. Her writing tends to have a family focus, and she is in the middle of writing a new travel guide due to be published next year.