Perfect perches to propose in the Caribbean
May 03, 2019
Photo: Flying Dutchman at Rainforest Adventures St. Maarten at Rockland Estate, Credit: Rainforest Adventures
By: Melanie Reffes
Source: USA Today
For some, a marriage proposal on bended knee or a diamond ring stashed in a chocolate dessert does the trick. But for the next-gen, the hashtag #MarryMe might be the way to go. Shake up the mix, ditch the predictable and check out these cool Caribbean locales perfect for popping the question.
Better in the Bahamas
Voted Best Caribbean Island for Romance, Green Turtle Cay in the Bahamas is home to magnificent sea turtles — Photo courtesy of Visit Green Turtle Cay
For a small isle just 1.5 miles wide, Green Turtle Cay packs a big romantic punch. Home to sea turtles (hence the name), pretty pastel colonial architecture and bars to beat the band, it”s no surprise this cay in the Abacos chain was voted Best Caribbean Island for Romance in the 2019 USA TODAY 10Best Readers” Choice Awards.
Picturesque proposal perches are many, from talc white Gilliam Bay Beach and snorkeling and beach barbecues offered by Brendal”s Dive Center to a leisurely lunch at Tranquil Turtle Beach Bar at the Bluff House Beach Resort & Marina, sitting pretty on the island”s highest point.
If your proposal passes muster, make a beeline to Miss Emily”s Blue Bee Bar where Miss Emily concocted the fruity Goombay Smash cocktail more than 50 years ago.
Spice it up on the Spice Island
In Grenada, Seven Sisters are popular with nature-loving couples for a romantic afternoon — Photo courtesy of Kyle Wicomb
If an enchanting backdrop for a proposal is on the bucket list, look no further than the Seven Sisters Waterfall in Grenada. Wooing nature-loving romantics, the tumbling falls lie within Grand Etang National Park where gratis maps for hiking twosomes are available at the visitor center.
Through the rainforest, passing groves of cocoa, nutmeg and banana trees, the trail leads to a cool pool – a magical spot for huddling with your honey. Stay with the mood and head to nearby Honeymoon Falls, where a victory dip in the cascading water is delightful.
Affectionately dubbed The Spice Island, courtesy of the fragrant spices that grow throughout, Grenada was voted the runner-up Best Caribbean Island for Romance by 10Best readers.
Tee time in Curacao
Picture-perfect for a proposal, Hole 4 at the Old Quarry in Curacao — Photo courtesy of Santa Barbara Beach Resort
Proposing at the Old Quarry Golf Course, at the intersection of the Caribbean Sea and Spanish Water Bay, might not improve your game, but you”ll get full marks for trying. Named after an old limestone quarry, the course on the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort was voted Best Golf Course in the Caribbean.
To score a hole-in-one, pop the question at the third hole with sea views that stretch forever, sixth hole with panoramas of the boats bobbing in the marina or the fourth hole and personal favorite of Golf Pro Ed van Kampen. “Our fourth hole is very romantic because it overlooks the sea on one side and the Tafelberg Mountain on the other,” he explains.
Celebrate a “yes” with shareable snacks and rummy sips at Boca 19.
Bahamas bonbons
Deliciously romantic for a proposal, Graycliff was voted Best Restaurant in the Caribbean in the 2019 USA TODAY 10Best Readers” Choice Awards — Photo courtesy of Graycliff
Voted Best Restaurant in the Caribbean in 2019, Graycliff Hotel & Restaurant in Nassau is a delicious setting to propose. Start with the Chocolate and Spirits Pairing, where couples learn the fine art of artisanal chocolate making, taste-test the goodies crafted in the Graycliff Chocolatier factory and sample a variety of premium spirits.
Seal the deal during a Cigar Rolling and Rum Tasting, where master rollers from the Graycliff Cigar Company are expert matchmakers pairing fine stogies with the best rums in the Caribbean.
Amour in Antigua
Photo: Nelson”s Dockyard in Antigua with views of English Harbour was voted Best Attraction in the Caribbean — Photo courtesy of Antigua Department of Tourism
Nelson”s Dockyard, recently voted Best Attraction in the Caribbean by 10Best readers, is the largest of Antigua”s national parks and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Prettier than a postcard overlooking English Harbour, the Dockyard”s Shirley Heights is the go-to for a good time.
Every Sunday, the summit nearly 500 feet above sea level rocks with steel bands, dramatic sunsets and fiery barbecues. Ask nicely and the musicians will serenade your proposal under the moonlit sky – the stuff of magical memories.
Up, up and away in St. Maarten and St Martin
Photo: Billed as the “steepest zip line in the world,” Flying Dutchman at Rainforest Adventures St. Maarten at Rockland Estate — Photo courtesy of Rainforest Adventures
For the bragging rights alone, proposing on a mountaintop with 360-degree views is a win-win for the eco-astute. Voted one of the best attractions in the Caribbean, Rainforest Adventures St. Maarten at Rockland Estate is a natural high for adrenaline junkies.
Billed as the “steepest zip line in the world,” The Flying Dutchman is a graceful glide with plenty of private time to get cozy. For the less adventurous, pop the question on the Soualiga Sky Explorer chairlift that sashays nearly 3,000 feet to the top of Sentry Hill, where the sky-high bar is sublime for a celebratory cocktail.
For those who prefer to propose on terra firma, it”s a big thumbs up (or ring finger) at Tijon Perfumery in French St. Martin. Although a white lab coat may not be the most romantic outerwear for a proposal, the Sensuous Scents class hits a sweet spot as couples mix and match oils guaranteed to ignite the senses.
