Romantic Spots to Propose in Jamaica

On the north-east coast in the lush green parish of Portland lies the beautiful blue lagoon that featured in the Brooke Shields film of the same name. An underground freshwater river meets the sea to form a 180ft deep vivid blue lagoon. Almost entirely circled by overhanging lush green vegetation, it is a wondrous spot. It is possible to swim in the water, but for our purposes, get a local boatman from the nearby beach to take the two of you around the headland and into the lagoon. The water is completely calm and the boat will drift slowly beneath the overhanging vines and palms as you pop the question.

Head to the highest point on the island for an adventure-lover’s proposal spot. Walk during the hours of darkness up the well-marked path in order to watch the sunrise from the summit of Jamaica’s high peak. On a clear day, Cuba is visible in the distance. Check the weather forecast before you go, or you could be proposing in a cloud, but when the sky is clear, it is truly magnificent. Take a car to Whitfield Hall (two hours from Kingston) and then hike for 3 to 5 hours through the UNESCO world heritage site Blue and John Crow Mountains national park.

Lime Cay is a small island, a sandbar really, situated two miles off the south coast of Jamaica. There is nothing there other than some trees for shade, a sandy beach and some shallow swimming water. Take a small local fishing boat from the Grand Port Royal Hotel. The 15 minute journey is done regularly, especially at weekends. You want the place to yourself, so go early and avoid weekends when Kingstonians head out to escape the city. Take a cooler with champagne and a picnic, and make a day of it.

Negril on the west coast of Jamaica is the best place on the island to watch the sunset. The Caves is the most romantic spot to watch it from. This boutique hotel consists of just 12 cottages and a villa. The restaurant and bar are built into the cliff-side caves above the Caribbean Sea and are supremely romantic. Use the world-class spa to relax during the afternoon and then propose on the clifftop as the sun sets over the Caribbean Sea. Finish with a romantic meal for two in the caves. Perfect.

This award winning luxury hotel near Montego Bay on the north coast is the epitome of elegance. Acres of lush tropical grounds sweeping down to a private beach are paradise on earth. The villas and Ralph Lauren designed ocean-front rooms are glorious. Spend the day relaxing in the grounds or at the spa before popping the question on the beach. Round Hill will arrange a private moonlit gourmet picnic on the beach, with cushions, blankets, a fire and even a violinist to make the moment truly memorable.

In the south-western parish of St Elizabeth lies another of Jamaica’s natural wonders. YS Falls is a series of seven waterfalls and cool natural pools. Water cascades down 120ft (40m) through lush tropical vegetation to form a beautifully romantic backdrop. Take a picnic and walk the paths amongst the tropical plants and wildflowers – there are plenty of private little spots to ask the question. Afterwards cool off in one of the pools or, if you’re more adventurous, take the canopy top zipline.