Ladies planning to pop the question on Leap Day, February 29, may want to check out this tempting offer from Iceland’s Hotel Rangá, a luxury countryside resort about an hour’s drive from the capital city of Reykjavik.
The hotel — which delivers breathtaking views of the northern lights — is giving away a free one-night stay to women who “take the lead” on Leap Day.
“Iceland, in general, is a big champion of women, and we love that Leap Year has this tradition where it’s good luck for ladies to propose marriage on this day,” Eyrún Aníta Gylfadóttir, the hotel’s marketing manager, told Travel + Leisure.
“We wanted to empower women to have the courage to take the lead not only on Leap Day, but every day, and celebrate them for it! Plus, we’re located in an especially beautiful location and are a romantic choice for couples looking to pop the question, celebrate a special occasion and enjoy an adventurous getaway.”
The Hotel Rangá employs a wedding planner who can ensure that the proposal is extra special. One recommendation: How about popping the question under a crystallized waterfall?
The hotel will even throw in a complimentary breakfast, chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of Champagne.
Upon entering Hotel Rangá, visitors are greeted by a towering 10-foot tall polar bear named Hrammur that resides in the reception hall. Among the hotel’s many amenities are three much-beloved outdoor hot tubs heated with geothermal water and an onsite astronomical observatory equipped with two high-quality 11-inch computerized telescopes.
The Leap Day offer is subject to availability, so those looking to book one of the venue’s 52 rooms and suites should send an inquiry to hotelranga@hotelranga.is.
For more than 1,500 years, February 29 — which occurs once every four years — has been reserved for single ladies who have waited far too long for their guys to pop the question. Leap Day marriage proposals have their roots in 5th century Ireland, where St. Brigid of Kildare forged a deal with St. Patrick to permit women to propose to men every four years. In Ireland, Leap Day is also called Bachelor’s Day.
In a 2015 Glamour survey of 500 men, 70% said they would be “psyched” if their female partner popped the question.
Exactly 37% agreed that the woman should get down on one knee for the proposal, and 41% said they would expect to receive a ring.
Credits: Images courtesy of Hotel Rangá.