Whether you’re looking to propose or just want to go for a drive this Valentine’s, we’ve got you covered.
Even with Valentine’s just a few days away, there’s still some time to plan. And if you’re looking to make some grand gesture, there’s no better season than this one. But whether you’re planning to pop the question on the day, sometime this year, or simply want to go on a bit of a getaway, the Mantle team has a few ideas on where to go.
Flying Out
After spending a couple of years homebound, there’s nothing quite like getting a new place under your feet. And if you’re looking to get out of the country, you might want to go somewhere that’s a bit less traveled. Or at least, somewhere that’s not going to scream: “I’m about to propose!” You came all this way, might as well keep the surprise.
Széchenyi Chain Bridge, Budapest, Hungary
There are so many places one can propose in this grand old city, but none more beautiful than on the banks of the Danube River with the Chain Bridge in the background. Spanning the Danube River and connecting Buda and Pest, Chain Bridge is one of the most beautiful bridges in Europe—especially at night when the Parliament and Buda castle are dramatically lit on the opposite sides of the bridge. Budapest is a vibrant city with frescoed cafes, baroque churches, thermal baths and, of course, ruin bars that are as charming as they are (intentionally) decrepit.
-Tanya Lara, Publisher
Essaouira, Morocco
Morocco might be popular for Casablanca, Marrakesh, and the Sahara, which are some of the most scenic places in the country and are certainly worth considering. But if you’re popping the question or looking for a romantic getaway, you might want to head somewhere that’s a bit off the radar. Essaouira is a sleepy, seaside city, which used to be a coastal fortress. Dotting its beaches are bars, restaurants, blue fishing boats, and even the odd camel or two. It’s a great place to drop everything for the moment, where you can spend the days lounging by the sand and the nights at the quaint cafes and market stalls. Best of all, you don’t need a visa if you’re coming from the Philippines. If you’re proposing, consider bending the knee at the beach just outside the old town or in front of the old fortress.
-Aurelio Icasiano III, Editor in Chief
Serpentine Galleries, London, UK
For those in London, consider proposing at the Serpentine Galleries’ 22nd Pavilion by Lina Ghotmeh. The timber pavilion features a low circular table sheltered by a roof with multiple gables radiating from its center, reminiscent of tree leaves. A colonnade surrounds the pavilion with semi-translucent walls, enclosing the central space and enhancing the experience of your proposal. This year’s pavilion follows last year’s Black Chapel designed by Theaster Gates, and past Serpentine Pavilions have been built by architects such as Frida Escobedo, Bjarke Ingels, and Sou Fujimoto.
-Erick Dizon, Design Director
Taipei 101, Taipei, Taiwan
Whether the tower looms in the background as you propose, or you get down on one knee on the skyscraper’s 89th floor observation deck, you’ll take your special someone’s breath away at Taipei 101. There’s something romantic about having the whole of Taipei’s nighttime city lights as the backdrop for one of the most important moments in your life.
-Angelo Dionora, Associate Editor
Staying Local
If you’re not keen on racking up the miles, there are plenty of spots in the country as well—some of which are just a couple of hours away from the city by car of plane. But all of these places have one thing in common: they’re going to look great for what you have in mind.
Crimson Resort & Spa, Boracay Island
Tucked in an exclusive beach in Yapak, upscale Crimson Resort is popular for proposals and weddings. During the pandemic, in 2021, I saw a sunset wedding on its private beach with only the bride and groom in attendance (plus the minister, wedding coordinators and photographers of course). The point is, the resort rolled out the whole nine yards for the couple the same way it does for huge weddings. The bride walked down a white carpet on the beach with the groom waiting under a floral arc, then they had dinner under the stars, fairy lights and flowers—just the two of them. It was so romantic!
-Tanya Lara, Publisher
The Farm at San Benito, City of Lipa, Batangas
The Farm at San Benito is a massive, 48-hectare holistic wellness resort nestled in Lipa, Batangas—just a couple of hours from Manila. So what makes it ideal for a proposal or a romantic getaway? It’s secluded, for one, so there are much fewer distractions. But more importantly, every single suite or villa feels like its own little resort, especially the ones with pools in them. During your stay, you’re not likely to run into people, except in the restaurants. And speaking of the restaurants, The Farm offers three, each with a different approach to wellness: Alive! serves vegan food; Prana offers a vegetarian menu; and Pesce delivers pescatarian meals. As for what to do, The Farm has medically-supervised treatments and programs for wellness, which aim to heal the body or prevent illnesses by natural means. Might do you a lot of good. Plus, they have a killer lineup of all-natural body products to take home.
-Aurelio Icasiano III, Editor in Chief
Ito, Makati
The emphasis of many proposal articles is often on the type and cost of the ring, but it’s just as important to consider the location of the proposal. At Ito, a secluded beverage space in Makati, you can pop the question during the Matcha ritual, symbolizing mindfulness and simplicity. This ritual perfectly represents your commitment to your loved one for a lifetime.
-Erick Dizon, Design Director
The Ruins, Talisay City, Negros Occidental
Built in the 1900s and inspired by Italian architecture, the ruins of the ancestral home of wealthy sugar businessman, Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson, and his wife, Maria Braga Lacson still stand today in Talisay, Negros Occidental. A popular venue for weddings and events, the “Taj Mahaj of the Philippines” is at its most beautiful during sunset, with the ruins basking in the golden hour.
-Angelo Dionora, Associate Editor
