Hi,

I will be heading down to St. John with my girlfriend in February where I plan on proposing to her. Any ideas for the romantic marriage proposal? beaches? any feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Congratulations on your upcoming trip and exciting news. St. John is full of romantic spots to pop the question. I'd stay away from Trunk Bay since there's usually a lot of people there -- but there is a lovely bluff on the walk in that is often photographed due to it's lovely view of the beach. Some of the beaches require a bit of walk to get to, but they're usually worth it. There's a book called "St. John Beaches" that has a lot of pictures and tells you how to get to each beach. You could also rent a small boat and drive in to the beach of your choice that way. I've never been there, but I also hear that the sunset at Asolare restaurant is quite spectacular. Good luck -- it will be special no matter what. St. John is a wonderful place.

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Gee, she'd be a nut not to accept a proposal from someone so romantic! What a beautiful idea to propose in such a beautiful place. IMO, the island is so full of romantic spots and your time there will be full of romantic moments... and this really is such a personal thing that IMO, noone else should choose it for you. I do have some favorite places I can tell you about. IMHO, you should just visit/experience as many beautiful places as you can during your trip. Whether you decide to pop the question early or late in the trip is up to you. Your heart will know the perfect moment. Enough of my personal take! Anyways, some random romantic thoughts:
- a sunset visit (with a 1/2 bottle of champagne secreted) to Honeymoon beach in Caneel Bay resort (bring bug spray, sorry not so romantic but neither are bug bites) followed by a candlelit dinner at Caneel's Turtle Bay Estate restaurant.
- a sunset or moonlit dinner at Miss Lucy's out in Coral Bay. Remote and right on the most gorgeous bay. IMO the most romantic dinner spot in the world.
- a weekend lunch excursion out to Vie's in the east end followed by a couple of cold ones on her gorgeous little beach across the street.
- for the more athletic/adventurous romantic, a hike to Waterlemon Cay for a picnic lunch and snorkeling or a hike down Reef Bay trail for a picnic lunch and snorkeling and visiting the ruins of a sugar plantation.
- simply lulling around on the beach... just about any beach... one of the prettiest little "pocket" beaches which is less frequented is Jumbie beach.
Oh, have a wonderful time and best wishes for an unforgettable, magical time! Please write a trip report when you return.

I was thinking a proposal at Ram's Head after the hike out around Salt Pond Bay and up would be nice. I definitely second trying to bring a little bottle of celebratory champagne!

My other favorite spot is at Little Lamesur Bay beach. Secluded and beautiful.

Congratulations & Good luck!

During my stay at Caneel Bay about two years ago, I noted the Activities Director on Paradise Beach. Later I asked him what he had been doing there, since they are usually in the resort. He told me that a guest had asked him to plan something special for his marriage proposal. As a result, he arranged for a small treasure chest to be buried on Paradise Beach which contained the engagement ring. He dutifully watched/guarded it from afar, until the about to be engaged couple "found it". with a bottle of champagne supplied.

I thought it incredibly romantic and an extrodinary way to begin a lifetime committment.

Paradise is an itimate, private beach located just down the hill from Cottage#7.

I'm not sure that it still can be done, but the staff at Caneel is very accommodating, and it might be worth an inquiry.

No matter what your plans, St. John is an idyllic romantic choice.