IDEAL DESTINATIONS FOR THE PERFECT LEAP YEAR PROPOSAL, 2020

Just once every four years, on February 29, a woman is allowed to take her fate in her own hands and ask a man to marry her… LOTUS has rounded-up their favourite hopelessly romantic destinations perfect for a Leap Year proposal.

HOT AIR BALLOON PROPOSAL IN IBIZA

The 'White Isle' is home to a number of cultural charms, undisturbed natural beauty spots and romantic corners ideal for ladies to pop the question on this special day. Some of the most popular proposal locations include the view of Es Vedra, a small rocky Ibizan island, and the bridge over the river in Santa Eulalia. However, discovering the gems of the island from a hot air balloon makes it an unforgettable experience. iHoppers offers the view of the countless coves of turquoise water, its forests and natural landscapes, as well as the “baptising of the air” experience with Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) with prices starting from £630 for a private tour for two people.

British Airways provides an all-year-round connection from London City Airport. Prices start from £108pp (one-way) departing 29th February. illesbalears.travel

INTIMATE AND TRANQUIL PROPOSAL IN GUERNSEY

For a romantic break a little closer to home, Guernsey is an ideal hassle-free romantic getaway for the perfect proposal – the island seems a world away from the hustle and bustle of life on the mainland, despite being relatively close in both distance and travel time. The southern bay of Moulin Huet is a beautifully tranquil piece of coastline that inspired Renoir with some of his finest paintings and plenty of secluded benches for that all-important moment. There are views of the other islands of Sark, Herm and Jersey on a bright day. La Barbarie Hotel, a former farmhouse sitting in a quaint village among tranquil green lanes, is just a stone's throw from the island's southern coast and the romantic spots around Moulin Huet and Petit Port.

CondorBreaks.com offers a three-night break at La Barbarie Hotel from £215pp by sea from Poole. The offer includes breakfast, return ferry with a car, a free night and is based on two adults sharing, valid for travel from 1 January – 25 April.www.visitguernsey.com

AN ADULTS ONLY PROPOSAL IN MEXICO

The sandy beaches of Costa Mujeres (literally meaning Coast of the Women), located on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, offer a romantic and private location for those looking to pop the question this leap year. The five-star, adults-only TRS Coral Hotel is the perfect base for couples and overlooks the stunning 11-mile long secluded beach, where guests can either stay on the shore and take in the stunning surrounding scenery or cruise the seas by catamaran and spot the local wildlife. During the evenings, couples can watch the sunset and raise a glass whilst overlooking the beachfront from the intimate Helios beach club and restaurant. A junior swim-up suite starts from £376 per night based on two adults sharing on an all-inclusive basis. www.palladiumhotelgroup.com  

PROPOSE OVER THE CARRIBEAN SEAS

For those searching for a unique location to propose on 29 February, ladies can take their loved one up in a helium balloon, 137 meters above the stunning Caribbean Seas to pop the question.  After proposing, couples can conquer the tallest waterslide in North America, enjoy the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas, celebrate with Champagne at the swim-up bar and cosy up in a private floating cabana.  All this is possible when Symphony of the Seas calls at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at Cocoa Cay on its seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise, also visiting St Maaten and Puerto Rico. The cruise departs from Miami on 22 February 2020.

Royal Caribbean's WAVE* deal is offering a buy one cruise fare and get 60% off the second. Prices start at £1,239 for the seven night (cruise only). The offer includes access to the complimentary dining options. www.royalcaribbean.co.uk 

 A BUSH AND BEACH PROPSAL IN SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is one of the world's most luxurious destinations and with the wide-open spaces comes unrivalled romanticism. The vast plains dotted with wildlife and stunning sunsets and sunrises make South Africa one of the top places to propose.

On safari there are numerous opportunities for women to pop the question - be it sat on top of an escarpment with South Africa stretching before you, having a private candlelit dinner in the bush, or simply sitting watching a leopard.

Hayes & Jarvis offer a Bush and Beach Barefoot Luxury holiday that gives travellers the opportunity to seek out the Big Five in South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park before travelling to Benguerra Island, Mozambique, for a luxurious and peaceful island retreat following a high energy safari experience.

Hayes & Jarvis (01293 762 456, hayesandjarvis.co.uk) has an eight-night Bush & Beach in Barefoot Luxury holiday priced from £8,799pp, including three nights at the Sabi Sabi Earth Lodge and five nights at the Beyond Benguerra Island Lodge, both on an all-inclusive basis and return flights from London. Based on departures 28 February 2020.

PROPOSE AMIDST THE PINE FORESTS OF THE ALGARVE

There are few things more romantic than a stroll with your significant other around the swaying meadows and tree-lined paths of the Algarve, and this trip allows just that. There are plenty of opportunities for women to propose whilst exploring the secluded and intimate surroundings of the Rota Vicentina and Fishermen's Trail with their loved one. These private, easy-to-follow trails take in rich verdant valleys, pine forests and rugged coastlines, making exploring for the perfect proposal spot very rewarding. Couples will find themselves feeling relaxed and refreshed and can treat themselves, each evening, with a variety of delicious, authentic cuisine, complemented by a superb choice of Portuguese wines.

Headwater (Headwater.com, 01606 369400) has a four-night, self-guided Short Break in the Algarve's Wild West holiday starting from £935 per person. The price includes international flights, accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis and airport transfers. Based on departures on 27 February 2020.

For more information on LOTUS or any of the brands mentioned please contact:
Amber Martin on amber@wearelotus.co.uk or call 020 7953 7470.