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My girlfriend and I are going to Cancun in May, and I would like to propose to her whilst we are on holiday there. I've never been there before, so I'm not sure where is the most romantic place to do it. Do you have any suggestions? - Name withheld
Sunday Times travel expert Richard green writes:
Cancun is a magnificent stretch of beach, but it's backed entirely by large resort style hotels, so I'd say that you would be better making your move somewhere more romantic nearby.
You can't fail to be bowled over by the ruins at Chichen Itza the famous Mayan pyramid deep in the jungle. You might find you have company at the top of the most iconic temple, even if you do get there early (which is the best time), but the site is big enough that you'll easily find a quiet spot in amongst, or at the top of some impressive ruins.
It's sticky out there though, and I'd say that the seafront and smaller ruins at Tulum would be even better. This is the poster statue that you always see advertising the Yucatan, with a reclining statue and the turquoise waters behind it.
However, how about a surprise stay in a small boutique hotel on a beautiful little island just 25 minutes away by small boat. It's called Isla Mujeres, and it's a great laid-back place, with excellent beaches, bars, cafes and restaurants, and a smashing little nine-room boutique hotel called the Secreto (00 52 9988 771039, www.hotelsecreto.com).
If you kept it a surprise, how about booking a night here and proposing at sunset with cocktails in hand, by the stunning little raised lap pool? The ambiance is utterly romantic and the rooms are super stylish, each with a private verandah; for £95 a night with breakfast.
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I would recommend one of the starwood luxury collection boutique hotels. In particular the Starwood hacienda san jose is one of the most romantic and amazing secluded hotels I have ever been to and is a interesting drive through 'real mexico' about two hours from Chichen Itza and is a nice contrast from the tackiness and US tourist filled Chichen Itza. You could propose in moonlight in the tropical gardens or next to the private candel light hot tubs attached to each of the ten or so bedrooms.
Amanda Fraser, London,
Isla Mujeres is a beautiful place but its vendors and shopkeepers make it a horrible place - they are too aggressive.
Best bet - The beaches of Tulum -
By far the best beaches and NO CROWDS EVER!
Small chic hotels right on the beach!
Frank, Playa del Carmen, Mexico