If you're planning on popping the question with your significant other, you'll want to make sure it's a moment they'll never forget. The secret to a perfect proposal is to make it unique, surprising, and memorable so what better place than the magical Magoebaskloof? This area has it all from romantic settings to spectacular landscapes with waterfalls, mountains and forests. Choosing a unique location to pop the question or planning an elaborate surprise plays a part, but of course it’s only going to be perfect if you can really communicate why you’d like to spend the rest of your life together. So find the words to express this in a way that resonates deeply for your partner - once you have got that right, you can get creative about the details.
QUIRKY WAYS TO POP THE QUESTION
Marriage proposals are no longer a ‘one-size-fits-all’ scenario. One of the biggest trends worldwide is the element of surprise and people are coming up with increasingly creative ways to catch their partners off guard or make their proposals unexpected. From fortune cookies to sports stadiums and scrabble messages to karaoke, whatever you choose, make sure it's personal and tailored to your relationship. Get Jessi of Magriets Fine Foods to make some ‘Marry Me’ iced biscuits: 083 409 6683
PURE ROMANCE
You are sure to find the perfect place to plan a proposal that is both romantic and unforgettable in Magoebaskloof. A popular spot to propose is Cheerio Gardens where you can lose yourselves in colour and fragrance in Spring and Sequoia Garden Retreat with its glorious backdrop of autumn trees reflected in the lake. These venues offer a private and romantic setting for your proposal and the owners are always more than happy to help set up a surprise. Cheerio Gardens: Whatsapp 083 355 0835 | Sequoia Garden Retreat: www.sequoiastay.com.
AN ADVENTUROUS HEART
Take your soulmate on one of the biggest adventures possible - marriage! If you’re adrenaline junkies, make the proposal part of the thrill. Zipline over waterfalls and gorges on the Magoebaskloof Canopy Tour and get down on one knee on a platform 20 metres high with a breathtaking view as the backdrop to your future life together. Or take to the skies on a microlight flight over the Magoebaskloof mountains and Tzaneen Dam before popping the question. Magoebaskloof Canopy Tours: 083 866 1546 | Air Born Microlight flights: 071 302 7323.
OUTDOOR I DO
Proposing in the great outdoors gives you the opportunity to take the path less-travelled and create the perfect setting for memorable moments. Whether it’s in a forest under ancient trees, on the edge of a mountain with endless views or beneath a canopy of a million stars, you can find a romantic setting in Magoebaskloof. Maybe you'll take a sunset cruise on Ebenezer dam, or hike to the top of the Iron Crown mountain, with its breathtaking vistas spread out below. Zwakala River Retreat is another favourite spot to pop the question surrounded by lush, fragrant bushes at the riverside and Monte Christo Wedding Venue offers a magical setting next to their trout dam. If you are booked into Graceland Eco Retreat, you can organise a special spot overlooking the stunning Kudu's River Valley with its soaring views.
Sunset Queen: 083 284 5163 | Zwakala River Retreat: 083 980 8433 | Monte Christo: 071 487 7654 | Graceland Eco Retreat: 083 277 5553.
UNIQUELY YOU
It's not just a lovely location that makes a proposal unique, so many couples are choosing to be more creative and original about how they pop the question. Instead of the age-old option of a fancy restaurant, people are opting for places that are more personal and significant to their relationship. This could be the spot where you had your first date, a favourite lookout point or even a bucket-list holiday destination. Whether your partner would love an intimate moment or something totally over the top, it must be unique to the two of you. Maybe they're a music lover, and you'll surprise them with a private serenade. What about a proposal on horseback? Or perhaps they're a foodie, and you'll arrange for an intimate dinner at a secluded location. Choosing somewhere or something that they love will make sure you speak straight to their heart. In the Company of Horses: 076 577 1936 | Laaiksfood: 083 366 8999 | Feast: 063 816 8206
The possibilities for a unique, surprising and unforgettable proposal are endless in Magoebaskloof which offers the perfect backdrop from beautiful natural spaces to private and romantic retreats. With a little bit of planning and imagination, you can create a moment that you and your partner will remember forever. Take a look at www.mountaingetaways.co.za for inspiration and www.magoebasklooftourism.co.za for accommodation options.