Something pretty exciting happened this weekend in a fairy-tale kinda way…I GOT ENGAGED!!! (Insert 100,000 smilies). It actually would be appropriate to make this whole blog post a bunch of gleaming yellow smily faces because that’s what I haven’t stopped doing since it happened. I never had the wedding book with frills and cut-outs as a little girl which listed every detail of my future but my god has my Pinterest been getting busy over the years! Jack and I met on my first weekend in Dubai and I haven’t looked back since, and it will continue that way for evermore!

I want to share with you our engagement story and weekend because not only will I love looking back on this in years to come but as I scroll through wedding blogs and friends pictures, I think a little inspiration is always a lovely thing to share! I would also just like to add that this is not a sponsored blog post and the trip was organised completely by Jack!

We hadn’t seen each other in a few weeks so Jack had planned a little staycation somewhere in Abu Dhabi to spend some quality time. We went to Sir Banyas island (A little further afield from the centre of Abu Dhabi, about 3 hours drive from Dubai) which is a beautiful secluded island full of amazing activities and a safari park. The villas we stayed in (Al Yamm Villas) were beautiful with private plunge pools with which the temperature could be altered, right on the beach. The sea is crystal clear and everything so calm and relaxing. A true romantic getaway.

After the drive, we waited in a room with teas and biscuits for the ferry to take us over to the island.

Very naughty shortbreads!

Little did I know I would be coming back with a fiancé!

The ferry ride is a short 20 minutes to Sir Banyas Island where we were greeted with private cars to take us to the hotel.

We spent the day enjoying the gorgeous surroundings and room service (or beach service) for some yummy lunch. I loved the room decor, but the bathroom was just exquisite.  I would put that bath and sink in my house-to-be any day!

Ever the workaholic, J was in and out of phone calls but I brought him round with vino and swimming in the end!

After a day in the sun, a few glasses of vino and a very relaxing bath, we got ready to go for some evening cocktails in the hotel’s lounge before dinner. They only have one restaurant and one lounge, it’s small but very homely which is lovely. All guests are called by their first names and each of the staff know who you are/where you’re staying etc. The service was excellent.

It’s happy hour between 4-7 so we sat outside for early evening drinks and started chatting away! J seemed completely normal, no nervousness as you may expect so I was fully in the moment and enjoying the beautiful place we were in.

After drinks I was expecting to walk next door to their Italian restaurant where we had chosen and booked a table in together earlier that day for 8pm. But instead, J had arranged a picture-perfect, romantic private dining experience overlooking the beach. We were lead down to the table with candles and lanterns lighting the path. At this point I think I knew it may be more than just a weekend away…

We sat down to a beautifully decorated table, and were introduced to our very charismatic private chef for the evening who talked us through the menu. She left, Jack ordered us champagne…and as I was about to clink his glass he stood up and dropped down onto one knee. I’ll keep his words between us but needless to say I didn’t stop crying for a little while. My handsome, intelligent and incredible boyfriend asked me to marry him and I said (or rather yelped) ‘yes’.

I woke up the next morning a very happy girl looking at the man I get to spend my life with.

I love you Jack, and thank you for making it so special x

If you have any questions about the hotel or Island, feel free to ask and I’ll help where I can! x