For those planning a destination proposal, finding that special somewhere to surprise your special someone is a pretty important decision. Where would you find a place with just the right romantic ambience, plenty of sunshine, lots of things to see and do and won’t cost you the earth to get to? A little piece of Spanish heaven called the Costa del Sol, that’s where – and to be more specific, Marbella.
Puerto Banús. Marbella. Málaga. Andalusia. Spain” by Tomás Fano. Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
It’s not for nothing Marbella is so popular with couples looking for a bit of rest, relaxation and romance. This ritzy resort in the most picturesque of settings has plenty of places to set the stage for a perfect proposal.
Restaurant: Finca Besaya
The breathtaking setting of Finca Besaya is just the beginning of its many charms. Situated just behind the resort on an avocado farm, even the winding road that delivers you to this lovely location is part of the experience. And that’s truly what an evening at Finca Besaya is – an experience. From its opulent old-world ambience to the stunning décor and secluded nooks and crannies where you can enjoy a private dinner, this place is absolutely perfect for popping the question.
With a choice of three dining areas, you can choose to eat under the stars, in front of the cosy fireplace in winter, or surrounded by lavish art and books. The menu is as unique and sophisticated as the environment, with top English and French chefs serving up dishes like delicately-flavoured duck confit, and melt in your mouth lamb or steak entrecote. If they say ‘yes’, you can party on until 1am on the patio… and here, they will say yes!
Find it: Rio Verde Alto. Ph: +34 952 86 1382, booking essential.
Tip: If you’re looking for a few other places to dine during your stay, you may be interested in this blog post too.
Orange Square, Old Town
If you picture proposing to your love down on one knee in a setting that looks straight out of a medieval fairytale, Marbella’s Old Town is certainly the place to do it. Orange Square is the ancient square at its centre, and a more romantic place you couldn’t find.
Vibrant with floral blooms and flanked by narrow cobbled streets, you’ll have your choice of lovely places to surprise her with your very important question: the beautiful architecture of the Old Governor’s House, the town hall or the Chapel of Santiago could all be stunning backdrops. For a sure-fire ‘yes’, my pick is in one of the lovely restaurants, shaded by orange trees in front of the elegant sixteenth-century stone fountain. Hard on your knees, but easy on your heart.
On the Beach
If the ocean has special significance for you, or if you just want to make the most important memory of your life with the sand between your toes, a sunset beach proposal is always a classic and never a cliché.
Even if it’s a winter weekend escape, keeping warm is the perfect excuse for some romance. You’ll have 26 glorious kilometres of spectacular coastline from which to choose, but we’ve got a perfect insider’s tip for you.
Just 5-10 minutes out of the resort (you can easily get a taxi) is Los Monteros Beach. This idyllic long stretch of sand affords you wonderful views all the way over to Gibraltar. Los Sardinales is a fabulous restaurant (and amazingly well-priced for the quality of the food) right on the beach, and if you pre-book the corner table you’ll be in the prime position to propose just as the sun drops below the horizon. Have the smelling salts on hand – there may be swooning…
Book it: Los Sardinales +34 952 837012
In Style on a Horse and Carriage Ride
If you want to treat your queen (or king) to a right royal romantic proposal, what could make them feel more regal than a turn around the town in a traditional horse and open carriage? You’ll see them on every street corner, so on the pretext of spontaneity you can whisk your love off on a romantic twilight exploration of all the lovely hidden streets and gardens, or along the seafront and around the port. Let the driver in on your plan and he’ll come up trumps with the perfect location for your big moment.
Sights, Camera, Action
Wherever you choose to propose, you can rest assured Marbella won’t let you down. This picture-perfect resort is primed and photo ready whenever you are…
How to Get to Marbella
Whisking your love away to propose in Marbella is easy, with some excellent flight deals available to Malaga airport from budget airlines including EasyJet, British Airways and Ryanair. You can pick up a direct flight from as little as £29 each way and, with a flight time of around 2.5 hours, even if it’s a spur of the minute decision to propose, you’ll be able to do it!
Once you land at the airport, the most convenient and romantic way to get to the start of your holiday is on a pre-booked private transfer from Malaga Airport with Shuttle Direct. Book online before you leave home and a friendly driver will be there to transfer you right to the door of your accommodation in style.
Where to Stay:
Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa: Oozing romance from every corner, the beautiful Finca Cortesin Hotel Golf & Spa offers the ideal private haven for lovers. Escape to your luxury suite with canopy bed and private balcony overlooking the ocean, or relax in peace with two pools, a private beach and the onsite wellness centre complete with Turkish baths. Splash out – they’re worth it!
La Villa Marbella: Planning on a proposal in Orange Square? La Villa Marbella offers the perfect base just a few minutes walk away. Immerse yourselves in the ambience of this luxury boutique hotel, with individual Asian-themed rooms, a roof top terrace and free Wi-Fi within arms’ reach of the beach.
Marbella Heights Boutique Hotel: Highly recommended by other travellers, the idyllic Marbella Heights Boutique Hotel is situated in a romantic spot with views of the sea and the mountains. Think you couldn’t ask for more? You’ll get it anyhow with this luxury villa’s opulent appointments, including a terrace, pool, in-house massage therapy and discreet service.
About Shuttle Direct:
If you’re looking for a reliable, low cost airport transfer, Shuttle Direct is a renowned and trusted name. With a vast range of services covering airports, train stations and cruise ports throughout Europe and North Africa, our shared or private transfers take the headache out of organising your travel plans.
Make a booking via our easy-to-use online system and all the onward travel arrangements for your romantic break will be confirmed before you leave home. Allow the friendly, experienced team at Shuttle Direct to take care of the details … just make sure that you remember the ring!
