TL;DR: Mexico offers Caribbean beaches in Tulum and a meeting of desert and sea in Los Cabos. Tulum has cliff top ruins, cenotes and jungle hotel dinners, and Los Cabos has the Arch at sunset by boat, quiet beaches and private dinners. The dry season, roughly November to April, is most comfortable. Never wear the ring in a cenote or the sea, and follow current travel advice for the area you choose. Pieces start from £600.
Why Mexico
Resorts and hotels are used to arranging private dinners and special occasions, and the settings are dramatic and warm. It suits couples who want a beach holiday with a memorable moment built in, and who would like local help with the practical side.
Tulum
- The Mayan ruins on the cliff, with sea views. Access rules apply, so check opening hours and tickets, and ask whether a proposal is allowed.
- A cenote, a natural swimming hole, perhaps as a private experience. Check operators.
- A beach club or jungle hotel dinner, which is often the easiest to arrange.
Los Cabos
- El Arco, the Arch, by boat at sunset. Check operators and sea conditions.
- Lovers Beach and Divorce Beach, reached by water.
- A desert sunset or a private beach dinner.
Beyond the beach
Mexico has many other settings for a proposal. Colonial towns in the highlands have cobbled streets, pastel houses and rooftop terraces with views over church domes. Mexico City has leafy parks and grand historic squares. These suit couples who prefer culture and food to sand, and the cooler air can be welcome after days on the coast.
Choosing between them
- For ancient views and jungle, choose Tulum.
- For a famous rock formation and a boat, choose Los Cabos.
- For ease and privacy, choose a hotel or beach dinner.
Seasons
The dry season, roughly November to April, is most comfortable. Hurricane season applies in summer and autumn, so check forecasts and consider travel insurance.
Planning the moment
- Choose a spot and a backup, and ask your hotel what they can arrange.
- Check current travel advice for your destination before you go.
- Book boats and dinners ahead.
- Time the moment for golden light.
- Arrange a photographer through the hotel or a local.
Working with your hotel
Many hotels on both coasts have someone who can set up a private table on the sand, arrange flowers and candles or time a sunset toast. Contact them before you travel, tell them it is a surprise and ask them to message you only. Agree a signal for the moment, and ask what the plan is if wind or rain arrives.
Water and the ring
Never wear the ring in a cenote or the sea, because cold water shrinks fingers and a ring can slip off. Keep it in a zipped pouch until the moment, and rinse it after salt and suncream. When flying, carry the ring in hand luggage and check airline and customs rules. See beach holiday ring care, travel storage for rings and proposing abroad: customs, insurance and airport security.
Ordering from the UK
We work by video consultation and message, send sketches and CAD renders, and make nothing until you approve the design in writing. Standard making time is 5 to 6 weeks, varying with your location and how busy we are. Delivery is insured and tracked with FedEx, and the customer pays import duty and tax, which differ by country. See ten questions international customers ask and buying a bespoke engagement ring from the UK in Mexico and Latin America.
Frequently asked questions
Is a private setup affordable?
It varies. Ask the hotel.
Is it safe?
Follow current travel advice for the area you choose.
When is the best time?
Roughly November to April.
Can the hotel keep the ring safe?
Use the room safe, and keep the ring with you on the day.
How far ahead should I order the ring?
Allow at least 8 weeks, more for overseas delivery.