If you’re itching to pop the all-important Q and the top of the Eiffel Tower or a boat ride in Central Park reads more cheese than ‘oui’, why not embark on one of these lesser-trodden paths to securing an ‘I do’.
The Cloisters at Fort Tryon Park, New York
If you think Central Park is a tad yawn, but the leafy outdoorsy vibe is your prime romance factor, adventure to the hush-hush, truly spesh branch of The Met in northernmost Manhattan, dedicated to the art and architecture of medieval Europe. The gardens, galleries and chapel make an atmossy getaway without even leaving the island. As if the tapestries and stained-glass windows aren’t captivating enough, there’s also the view overlooking the Hudson. Double yes.
The Cloisters, 99 Margaret Corbin Dr, New York. +1 212 923 3700, metmuseum.org
Sunset Ranch, Los Angeles
The good, the bad, and the ugly – proposals come in all shapes and forms. So if you find yourself in the City of Angeles between a rock and a romantic place, show true creativity (and grit!) with your very own Western-themed proposal ride via Sunset Ranch. Gallop in the Hollywood Hills and soak up the amazing panoramas, sunset included, natch. Carve your name in a tree, drop on one knee, and prepare to yeehaw!
Sunset Ranch, 3400 N Beachwood Dr, Hollywood, Los Angeles. +1 323 469 5450, sunsetranchhollywood.com
Anantara Cruise to Ayutthaya, Bangkok
Nothing says longevity like gazing upon really old stuff, and it doesn’t get much older than the ruins of the former Siam capital Ayutthaya. Schlepping up from Bangkok by tuk tuk wasn’t exactly what you had in mind to set the mood? Choose instead to go luxe on a two-night transit cruise aboard a meticulously restored teak rice barge decked out with Persian rugs, Thai silks and antiques. Book a berth on the four stateroom Anantara Song, or for a more exclusive experience charter the Anantara Dream, which accommodates two couples max.
Anantara Cruises, Thailand. +66 2 476 0022, bangkok-cruises.anantara.com
Giardino Torrigiani, Florence
There are no shortage of dreamy settings in Renaissance stunner Firenze, but in the words of one of the great romantics, George Michael – let’s go outside. This lush garden homes seventeen verdant, private acres of rolling hills, dales, ancient cedars, lemon and greenhouses, an aviary, neo-Gothic tower, and chiselled marble statues, all viewable via guided tours run by the Torrigiani family. Who wouldn’t say sì?
Giardino Torrigiani, Via dei Serragli, 144, Florence. +39 055 224527, giardinotorrigiani.it
Les Catacombes, Paris
Till death do us part. That’s the crux of the whole thing, right? Well, hammer that well and truly home at this creepy, ghoulish subterranean passage packed to the hilt with some six million skulls and bones disinterred from Parisian cemeteries. Just be sure to stick to the path in this maze-y necropolis. It’ll certainly be one to remember…
Les Catacombes, 1 ave du Colonel Henri Rol-Tanguy, Paris. +33 1 43 22 47 63, lescatacombes.fr
