Retire in Paradise

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When you finally decide to pop the question, make the moment special — something you can talk about for the rest of your life. One of the best ways to do that is to choose a sensational setting. Bed and breakfasts can offer you access to some of the most romantic and amazing locations … and can become a special place to return to for anniversaries or special occasions. Whether it’s a California bed and breakfast inn located in the mountains or an Arizona bed and breakfast beneath the desert sky, a great location can set the right tone for your future.

Ask the Question Near the Ocean

Located in the West Maui Mountains, the Ho’oilo House might also make a great place for the honeymoon, too. With grand views of the ocean (which has some great spots for snorkeling with sea turtles and a wide variety of fish), you can also catch the sun rising on Mt. Haleakala at this inn. But don’t stop there, consider doing the proposal on a helicopter tour or after zip-lining over the treetops. Any number of adventures could make the proposal a special event.

Think Cherry Blossoms

Visit the Embassy Circle Guest House in Dupont Circle at Washington, D.C., in the spring and you can capture the moment with a little help from nature. When the cherry trees bloom in D.C., you’ll understand why Japan takes time off every year to celebrate them. The pink-white blooms can provide a picturesque and romantic backdrop even in the heart of a city — perfect for popping the question.

Propose on a Glacier

The most adventurous might consider a special trip to Alaska. Built one hundred years ago Alaska’s Capital Inn will surround you with history and spectacular natural beauty. By day, venture out for whale watching, glacier climbing, kayaking, or salmon or halibut fishing. Seafood lovers are in luck, because local seafood is frequently incorporated into the gourmet breakfast served daily.

Propose Under the Expansive Desert Sky

The Adobe Grand Villas, an Arizona bed and breakfast, was honored as one of the top romantic inns of the year in 2006 by American Historic Inns. It’s not just the inn that is superb, but the location is set against Thunder Mountain’s red rocks and the wide desert sky. And if you want a twist to the occasion, you might consider the Out of Africa Wildlife Park as a unique place to pop the question.

Amid Pine Trees and a Mountain Lake

The beautiful Gold Mountain Manor, a Big Bear, California Bed and Breakfast offers the perfect spot to pop the question, and the staff who will help make it fun and memorable. You might consider hiding the ring in a picnic basket while horseback riding or while wheeling under the trees on a jeep tour or cycling. The national forest is a block away.

Whether you propose at a romantic setting in California mountains or beneath the Arizona desert sky, make the occasion special.

Tags: Travel & Leisure