19 inspired places to propose

Lift off
Take a hot air balloon ride from the grounds of picturesque Leeds Castle near Maidstone then drift over the stunning Kent countryside before popping the question. Celebrate with a glass of champagne at sunrise or sunset. Early bird option from £120 per person. Contact 01622-8733200, www.airborneballoons.co.uk

Paris match
Go down on one knee on one of the five balconies of the penthouse suite at the George V Paris, all of which have panoramic views of the city, including the Eiffel Tower. Three nights at the George V Hotel, Paris from £649. Contact Lifetime Experiences, 0808-178543, www.lifetime-experiences.com

Italian Job
Ask for the ring to be placed in one of the mouth-watering desserts at the beautiful Cips' Club, the swish restaurant of the legendary Cipriani hotel, which sits on its own island in the Venetian Lagoon opposite St Mark's Square. Seasons in Style offers three nights from £995 per person. Contact 0151-342 0505, www.seasonsinstyle.co.uk

Express yourself
Take a ride on Britain's most historic and romantic train, the British Pullman Orient Express, and propose over a five-course champagne dinner in one of the sumptuous 1920s cream dining carriages. Valentine's celebration, £250 per person including five-course lunch, champagne, wine and liqueur. Departs London Victoria at 11.55am arrives back 4pm. Contact www.orient-express.com

King of the Castle
Stay at the beautiful Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland. One of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland, it was the ancestral home of the O'Briens, Barons of Inchiquin, who are one of the few native Gaelic families of royal blood and direct descendants of Brian Boroimhe (Boru) High King of Ireland in the eleventh century. Staff will arrange fresh flowers, chocolates and champagne in your room to help you celebrate. Double rooms from €238 per night, Contact +353 61 368144, www.dromoland.ie/

One for the road
Whisk your beloved away in a classic car, such as a 1963 Jaguar E-type Roadster or 1959 Triumph TR3A and explore the delights of Sussex. After a hard day's driving, relax at The George Hotel in Rye. Recently renovated, it is the perfect base from which to discover the area. Relax in the comfortable rooms or dine on delicious locally sourced foods in the restaurant. The Classic Car package includes two nights accommodation, with dinner, bed and breakfast and car rental. From £405 per person. Contact www.thegeorgeinrye.com

Windmill wonder
Bradford Old Windmill near Bath makes an unusual and romantic place to propose. Check into the Great Spur Room, a huge space in the mill's former grinding room in the old tower which comes complete with round bed with satin sheets! Bradford Old Mill, £109 per night. Contact 01225-866842, www.bradfordoldwindmill.co.uk

Star style
Follow in the footsteps of movie star Humphrey Bogart who proposed to starlet Lauren Bacall at table 34 of the star-studded 21 restaurant in Manhattan. Today staff will hide the ring in a specially made dessert. 21 Restaurant, 21 West 52nd Street, New York. Contact www.orient-express.com or

High flyers
If you're heading abroad to celebrate Valentine's Day, ask the flight attendants to announce your proposal over the intercom. Think your partner is expecting the proposal? Do it on the way home to really keep them in suspense.

Plain sailing
Hire the Pinucchia, a 48-foot yacht belonging to the Hotel Tresanton in Cornwall and propose in one of the stunning secluded bays on the south west coastline. Tuck into a champagne picnic lunch on the windswept beach afterwards, before heading back to one of the 29 exquisite seaview rooms at the five-star St Mawes retreat. Boat hire from £285 per half day, rooms from £185 in low season. Contact 01326-270055, www.tresanton.com

Winter wonder
If you both love winter sports fly out to Whistler resort in British Columbia, Canada and ski, snowboard or snow shoe to Proposal Corner in Lost Lake Park on Whistler Mountain. Its amazing vista, with panoramic views of the valley, is one of the most romantic spots in the world to pop the question. Afterwards, head down to the five-star Fairmont Chateau Whistler to celebrate in the hot tub with a bottle of bubbly! Fairmont Hotels have Engagement Experts to help you plan your proposal, contact 020-7025 1625, www.fairmont.com/engaging

Love goddess
Head to the Anassa resort in Cyprus to propose overlooking the celebrated Baths of Aphrodite, Goddess of Love. Celebrate afterwards in the resort's exquisite bedrooms, which include tubs big enough for two and four-poster beds. Contact www.thanoshotels.com

Dolce Vita
The beautiful gardens of the Hotel de Russie (www.hotelderussie.it), next to the Spanish Steps in the heart of Rome, make a wonderful setting for popping the question. Celebrate afterwards at the stunning sixth-floor Terrazza della Zarina restaurant, where you could be rubbing shoulders with the likes of recent guests Brad Pitt, Catherine Zeta Jones, Matt Damon and George Clooney. Seasons in Style offers three nights from £870 per person including flights. Contact 0151-342 0505, www.seasonsinstyle.co.uk