Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, for example, goes all out to assist with wedding proposals.
“Because of the amazing views we offer over the city’s famous harbour, we’re a hotspot for
proposals and our concierge team have become experts at crafting one-of-a-kind engagement
experiences,” says Four Seasons Hotel Sydney spokeswoman Hansni Bhagani.
“With a little advance notice, there’s not much we can’t put together. In the past, we’ve arranged
everything from helicopter rides to intimate dinners aboard a luxury yacht. My favourite proposal
though would have to be arranging the words “Will You Marry Me?” in Kit Kat bars — the bride-to-be’s favourite treat — on the bed. It is simple, but very effective”.
Just in time for Valentine’s Day, HotelsCombined has compiled a list of its favourite hotel proposal packages currently on offer across the globe:
The 12 Apostles Hotel and Spa, Cape Town, South Africa
The “Royal Proposal” package at this luxury waterfront property is the stuff that dreams are made of. The experience includes a night’s stay in the dazzling presidential suite (which has housed many a celebrity), a personal butler, helicopter transfers, all food and beverage, a dozen red roses, a couple’s spa treatment and personalised embroidered bathrobes to take home as a memento. At sunset, the suite’s private terrace, which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, is set up for an intimate dinner of canapés, seafood and cocktails; for breakfast, sparkling wine and oysters are served to celebrate your betrothal. Valid until February 28.
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, United States
As a nod to the hotel’s 100th birthday and this year’s 100th Rose Bowl Game, the thoroughly
decadent “Proposal of the Century” package is only for those with deep pockets. On offer
throughout 2015, the $US100,000 engagement bundle features private and exclusive use of
the Rose Bowl Stadium, where up to 40 friends and family can witness the engagement taking
place. The proposal itself will also comprise a photographer and videographer, use of the Rose
Bowl video message board, a private serenade presented by the 40-piece Pasadena Symphony
Orchestra and a custom-designed engagement ring with a 2.50 carat cushion-cut diamond valued
at $US35,000. Wait — there’s more! The package additionally contains a two-night stay in the
Tournament of Roses Presidential Suite, champagne, 100 long-stemmed roses, a four-course
dinner, monogrammed bathrobes and a dedicated engagement co-ordinator to plan the entire
extravaganza from start to finish.
Il Salviatino, Florence, Italy
We can’t think of anything more romantic than a stay in a 15th Century Italian villa — unless it’s also paired with a couple’s massage and a romantic candlelit dinner. Throw in a three-hour tour of the region’s best jewellers with a personal shopper, and the “Perfect Proposal” package here is pretty irresistible. But should things go awry with a rejected proposal, heartbroken paramours can take comfort in knowing that the package includes a “back-up plan” with an open-bar session.
Hotel de Glace, Quebec City, Canada
Carved entirely out of ice every year, this hotel is a truly one-of-a-kind spot to pop the question.
Until the icy refuge melts away at the end of March, guests can take advantage of a proposal
package that includes the customisation of a theme suite with a fireplace, a bottle of ice cider, two handmade ice flutes, rose petals and candles. Best of all, there’s a jewellery box made of ice for the engagement ring.
Stowe Mountain Lodge, Vermont, United States
Suffering from a serious case of pre-proposal jitters? This ski getaway thoughtfully provides
“proposal coaches” to guide would-be fiancés through every detail. While the resort offers several lavish engagement packages to select from, our favourite is the Winter Wonderland offering currently available — it features an amazing outdoor adventure (suitors can choose from dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice climbing, zip lining, a sleigh ride or a snowshoe scavenger hunt), valet parking, dinner for two, daily breakfast, champagne and roses. Package enhancements include hiring a professional videographer or photographer to capture the proposal (disguised as a tourist, employee or guide so as not to arouse suspicion).
Caneel Bay Resort, Saint John, US Virgin Islands
While the stunning tropical setting here would be enough on its own to warrant a “yes” to any
marriage proposal, this five-star resort further sweetens the deal with the services of a “romance
curator” and a proposal package containing champagne, a professional photograph of the big
moment (provided electronically for immediate social media posting) and a memory box to hold
any keepsakes gathered throughout their visit. As an extra perk, couples who then go on to book
Caneel Bay as a wedding venue will receive a complimentary stay on their wedding night.
Follow Escape.com.au on Facebook by clicking here.