PLANNING AN ENGAGEMENT? THESE ARE THE TOP PLACES IN THE WORLD TO PROPOSE

So, you’ve found the perfect ring for that special someone, now all that’s left is to plan the dreamiest proposal. Destination proposals have long been a popular way to ask for your love’s hand in marriage, and it’s easy to see why. To travel is one of life’s greatest privileges and pleasures, something to cherish in your memories forever and to be able to do that with a partner is unbeatable. To further those memories with a proposal means that you’ll always have a personal connection with that city, making it an important part of your relationship. These are our pick of the top 10 places to propose in the world.

UNDER THE NORTHERN LIGHTS, FINLAND

There’s just something about a winter getaway that makes things feel that bit more romantic and seeing the Northern Lights is something on everyone’s bucket list, so combine the memorable trip with an even more memorable proposal. Pulling this off might take a bit more planning, so it’s advisable to talk to a tour guide to help arrange a private tour for two. Not only will they check the weather conditions to ensure you get the best light show, but they can also ensure a moment’s privacy for you to pop the question. Wrap up warm, have some coffee in a flask (or a sneaky dram of whiskey!) on hand, and spend the first few hours of your engagement gazing up at the lights. Extra marks if you book to stay at one of the glass-topped igloos.

OIA, SANTORINI

Everything about Santorini is romantic, from the endless blue Aegean ocean, to the picturesque white-washed buildings, there’s no surprise that this is one of the top places in the world to propose. Just think how that 14K white gold band is going to glint in the sunshine. However, to ensure your proposal is just that bit more considered (and guarantees a ‘yes!’ of course), why not plan to do it at the famous sundowner-spot, Oia? Get there early to secure a prime viewing spot, and pop the question just as the sun dips below the horizon for that heady romantic backdrop. To further seal the deal, book a surprise celebratory dinner at beloved 1800.

CENTRAL PARK, NEW YORK

It’s hard to imagine anything better than a picnic in Central Park. Iconic Dean and DeLuca’s Madison avenue store is near one of the Upper East Side entrances and is perfect for picking up a small lunch to take into the park. Set out a blanket, have some chilled bubbly on hand and you’ve got the perfect set-up to get down on bended knee. Still need to find the perfect ring? Central Park is a leisurely walk from the Shimansky Diamond Experience store on 5th avenue.

ANTELOPE CANYON, ARIZONA

If you’re both more interested in the outdoors, then Antelope Canyon in Arizona is likely at the top of your dream travel list. With its scenic pink hues and smooth lines, the canyon is an incredible sight for anyone to see, but would set an idyllic scene for a dream proposal. As you’ll have to arrange a tour guide, you’ll be able to liaise private access for that perfect moment, so make sure you plan properly.

PONT ALEXANDRE III, PARIS

To be completely honest, you’d struggle to find somewhere that isn’t romantic in Paris. Every street corner with its gilded street lamps and extravagant architecture is something out of a fairytale, undoubtedly making Paris one of the top places in the world to propose. That being said, we don’t encourage you to drop to one knee just anywhere, so after a stroll along the Champ Elysees, lead your paramour to the jaw-dropping Pont Alexandre III. Spend a moment admiring the view, before asking your love for their hand in marriage. To allow the excitement to settle in, why not book a lavish dinner at Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athenee to celebrate in style?

TABLE MOUNTAIN, CAPE TOWN

For any tourist visiting Cape Town, there are a number of non-negotiable sights to visit. From the V&A Waterfront, with one of the world’s oldest working harbours (and a world-class Shimansky store to boot!), to the rolling plains of the winelands, there is no shortage of romantic things to do. Taking the cable car up to Table Mountain, however, is simply unmissable. At the summit, you have a jaw-dropping 360º view of the Cape and all its glory. Where better then to take the next step, than on this very mountain? Once you traverse the top, find a quiet spot to propose and following the ‘yes’, move to the cosy wine bar on the terrace for a glass (or bottle) of something bubbly.

Need more ideas for that dreamy proposal in Cape Town? We’ve got you covered

CAPRI, ITALY

Yet another endlessly romantic place, Capri truly is an island for romantics. After spending the day in the sun at one of the many beach clubs, book a dinner at Da Paolino (famous for the canopy of lemon trees). It might seem a little old school to propose at dinner, but once you see this restaurant, you’ll understand why it’s one of the best places in the world to propose. Start off dinner with some prosecco, and slip in the question between the first and second course, and spend the rest of the meal basking in the glow of the new journey in your relationship.

TAJ MAHAL, INDIA

Aside from verbalising your desire to spend the rest of your life with someone, a proposal is a moment to express the remarkable things about your partner, a moment to pay tribute to and honour them. Where better to do this then, than in front of the world’s biggest romantic gesture – the Taj Mahal? Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his favourite wife, who died in childbirth, the Taj would make for an incredible backdrop to your proposal. Once you’ve sealed the deal with a kiss and the ring, you can have a moment of pause in the nearby Metabh Bagh gardens. Word is it’s best to watch sunrise there, to make the most of the view and to beat the crowds.

MOKORO RIDE, BOTSWANA

Away from cell signal, traffic and other pressures of daily life, being in the bush truly allows you to take a moment and connect with the one you’re with. The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s greatest sights to see, but if you plan ahead, it’s also one of the best places in the world to propose. Through luxury safari company, And Beyond, you’ll be able to arrange a magical stay at one of their plush tented camps, during which you’ll be able to organise a mokoro ride. Head out just before sunset, where the two of you will glide along the Delta. Then, once the sun is about to go down, present your love with the ring and enjoy the moment surrounded by the natural soundtrack provided by the African bush before heading back to the camp for celebrations around the fireplace.

Looking for a ring to match the glowing African sunset? Shimansky’s range of yellow diamond rings is for you.

ABOARD A TRAIN TO MACHU PICCHU, PERU

Hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu has to be one of the most humbling travel experiences, one that takes lots of preparation and physical fitness, but perhaps whipping out a ring while sweaty and exhausted from the hike isn’t the most romantic way to propose. If you’d rather admire the trail in a little more luxury, then the Belmond Andean Explorer is the trip for you. Not only do you amble through the trail with a front row seat to the exquisite views, but the team on board are there to ensure you have everything you require for a dream trip – or proposal. The final destination is Arequipa, a UNESCO world heritage site, which would would be the perfect spot to propose.

We can all agree that these certainly are some of the best places in the world to propose, however, the perfect proposal is nothing without the perfect ring. Not sure where to start with finding the perfect engagement ring? We’ve compiled a handy guide here. Once you know what you’re looking for, be sure to find it at the Shimansky stores across the country.