Pretty places to pop the question
Bali, Indonesia
The island is known for its picturesque paddy fields, sunny beaches, and a spot in Elizabeth Gilbert’s bestseller Eat Pray Love. Cocktails and candlelit dinners by the shore, watching the sunset at the Uluwatu sea temple, or a hike up Mount Agung are just some of the things you can do to set the stage for your proposal. Other places worth checking out include the Pura Ulan Danu Bratan – a temple dedicated to a lake and river goddess – and the serene Munduk waterfall.
Kyoto, Japan
Though Kyoto is modern and cosmopolitan, it still has pockets of history and a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that can move any romantic. Indeed, its many ancient temples, castles and shrines are ideal for a suitor seeking the hand of his maiden. Then again, it’s also famous for its sumptuous food; so make sure your loved one is well sated at a Michelin star restaurant like Mizai, Kikunoi Honten or Chihana. Do the deed as you take a stroll along Philosopher’s Walk – which begins at the Temple of the Silver Pavilion and follows a shady path through small shrines and temples – or at the gardens of Nijo Castle.
Penang, Malaysia
Penang has a good mix of heritage and beach, so it’s an easy place for a chill holiday if you’re on a budget. Georgetown in Penang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with many old buildings, temples and historical landmarks like the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion – a stunning blue structure that was once the home of Chinese shipping tycoon Cheong Fatt Tze – and the Khoo Kongsi, the grandest Chinese clan house in Malaysia. Other good options for your proposal include Penang Hill at sunset, Batu Ferringhi beach, or dinner at Suffolk House.
Maldives
A top destination among honeymooners, the Maldives has many luxe resorts where lovers can take time off and enjoy each other’s company. Choose Baros and Soneva Gili
if you really want to splash out on a fantastic getaway. But if you want exclusivity, head to Dhoni Island Resort, where there are only six rooms and five boats. While there, you might want to consider writing “Will you marry me (your loved one’s name)?” on the sand, and surrounding it with lit candles laid out in the shape of a heart.
Shanghai, China
The gorgeous colonial architecture and magical streetlights of Shanghai make it a city where dreams of romance can come true. Pamper her with a stay at the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, take her shopping along Nanjing Road, relax over coffee in Xintiandi, then dine in style at Jean Georges on the Bund. You can ask her while walking along the Bund, at the observation deck of the Shanghai World Financial Center, or on a Huangpu River Cruise. If you haven’t bought the ring, you might find something you like at the many heritage goldsmith shops at the historical Yuyuan Garden.
