They’ve been called the Galapagos of North America, but frankly, that’s selling them short. Five islands that are the loveliest step back in time; a wondrous world where housecat-size foxes scamper through fields of Seuss-like flowers, and moon and sun shine down on, well, nothing. Solitude? At night, from certain island campsites, you can see the pinprick lights of civilization flickering like the campfires of some tremendous army. While you breathe in silence, the stars, and the sea.

Adventure? Take a deep breath.There’s remote camping, sea kayaking (paddling into a sea cave is like descending into the throat of some softly breathing beast), snorkeling and world-class scuba diving (Jacques Cousteau called the Channel Islands one of the world’s best dive spots), and bird-watching.If not for the Channel Islands, there would be no seabirds in Southern California, and some of the birds on the Channel Islands–the Island Scrub Jay, for one–are found nowhere else in the world.

Hiking? Countless miles of trails, many meandering atop spectacular sea cliffs, lace the five islands of Channel Islands National Park. Hiking here is, in all likelihood, like nothing you’ve ever seen, starting with vast, breathtaking 360-degree ocean panoramas. In certain seasons, migrating gray whales pepper the seascape with their misty spouts, phantom sails hanging briefly in the air. Extraordinary views are everywhere. From the stunning canyon loveliness ofLobo Canyon (Santa Rosa Island) to aptly named Inspiration Point (Anacapa Island), which offers one of the best sunset seats on the planet; paint spilled in the heavens and daubed, perfectly imperfect, across the sky.

Stand transfixed and alone. Or maybe with another hand in yours.

Unique? True, the impossibly cute island fox (the kids will jump for joy) is the most famous of the islands’ wholly unique animals, but the Channel Islands are home to over 2,000 plant and animal species of which 150 are found nowhere else in the world—and so “The Galapagos of North America.” And that’s just life on dry land. The Santa Barbara Channel and the waters that surround the Park islands are rife with life; from the largest animal on Earth (did you know that the Blue Whale’s tongue is the size of an African elephant?), to scores of whale and dolphin species, to orcas and elephant seals. In short, on the islands—and on the boat ride out—you never know what you’ll see.

Easily accessed? Yep.The closest of the five islands of Channel Islands National Park–Anacapa Island and Santa Cruz Island–are just a 70-minute boat ride from Ventura Harbor, courtesy of Park concessionaire Island Packers Cruises.

There is a fee for the boat ride, but the price of Park admission? Nothing.

And nothing matters greatly. And a trip to Channel Islands National Park is your chance to step away completely. Nothing allows you to feel the sun on your skin. Nothing allows you to smell the hint of brine in a cool sea breeze. Nothing allows for moments you’ll treasure forever. Precisely the nothing you’d expect from one of America’s least visited National Parks.“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” That was Helen Keller. But why can’t it be you?So come visit Channel Islands National Park. So many ways to feel the pounding of your heart.

And isn’t that what life’s about?

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Adare Manor, County Limerick, Ireland

As one of the world’s most romantic hotels and the setting of over 100 proposals every year, Adare Manor has officially launched a brand new ‘Beyond Everything’ Proposal Menu. The Adare Manor team works their magic to create the dreamiest of proposals, with all menu selections available to experience straight from castle grounds. Included are a Grandeur Guestroom Proposal complete with an opulent floral and candle lit display in one of Adare Manor’s striking suites, a private cinema viewing complete with your favorite romantic film, a unique Bathroom Proposal with romantic rose petal bath or a horse drawn carriage with the perfect picturesque proposal spot. Adare Manor has a Proposal Concierge dedicated to ensuring the most romantic proposal straight out of a fairy tale.

Hotel MetropoleMonte-Carlo, Monaco

Home to alluring historic streets of the old town to the glitz and glamour, the principality of Monaco provides a movie scene backdrop for a couple’s most unforgettable milestone. Making the proposal process a completely seamless one, Hotel MetropoleMonte-Carlooffers a dedicated Million Euro Proposal package that begins with a private jet ride to Monaco, a couples massage at Spa Metropole by Givenchy and a luxury shopping spree in Monaco complete with a personal shopper. The Suite Carre d’Or penthouse is decorated with rose petals and 1,000 candles on the terrace. After a private dinner at one of the hotel’s fine dining concepts, a plane with a “will you marry me” banner flies overhead, timed to the proposal.

ESPACIO, The Jewel of Waikiki, Honolulu, Hawaii

Few places inspire as much romance as the islands of Hawaii, the perfect backdrop for the ultimate proposal. He or she can propose at the rooftop infinity pool of ESPACIO, The Jewel of Waikiki, an ultra-luxury boutique hotel, where dazzling views of the Pacific Ocean and Honolulu skyline will accompany the ultimate question. Couples can reserve the elegant rooftop space for romantic evenings complete with white-glove butler service and private chef from the hotel’s Japanese-French tasting concept, Mugen, whichwill even select a rare champagne from the restaurant’s $5 million wine cellar for a toast to the newly engaged couple. A Romance Package includes two free spa treatments, luxury SUV or sedan rental, daily in-suite breakfast, and a bottle of Caymus Cabernet. 

Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay, Morocco  

Located on the Northern coast of Morocco just steps away from Tetouan, a UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site, Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay is a luxury all-pool villa resort that blends romance with exotic Moroccan charm and provides complete relaxation with its understated Mediterranean vibe. Couples can look forward to a myriad of romantic activities in and around Banyan Tree Tamouda Bay, all of which are ideal for popping the big question. These include engaging cooking workshops, romantic bike rides through the hills and forests around Smir Lake and a romantic dinner enhanced by soft candlelight and torches while private staff discreetly serve a refined four-course meal beneath a crystal-clear blanket of stars.

Mount Pahia, Bora Bora, French Polynesia

What better place in the world to propose than the dream location of Bora Bora? While the destination is known for its pristine white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, one hidden gem is that it provides excellent hiking trails. For adventurous couples, start the day with a hike and surprise your partner with a romantic proposal atop an iconic summit in The Islands of Tahiti, Mount Pahia, surrounded by coral reefs and hibiscus blossoms and the sound of cascading waterfalls in the background. A truly unforgettable experience for couples who are ready to embark on a new chapter.

The post The World’s Most Romantic Places To Propose appeared first on Food and Travel Magazine.

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