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Revealed: the stunning Nicaragua island where Princess Eugenie and Jack got engaged

Jack Brooksbank proposed to Eugenie in Nicaragua earlier this month

Chloe Best
Lifestyle Features Editor
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Princess Eugenie's long-term boyfriend Jack Brooksbank selected an idyllic destination to propose earlier this month, choosing to pop the question during a New Year's holiday in Nicaragua. The Central American nation, which is set between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, is known for its beautiful beaches and breathtaking scenery, making it the perfect backdrop for a romantic proposal.

HELLO! has learned that the couple stayed at the exclusive Calala Island, located off the coast of Nicaragua, to ring in the New Year, and it is likely that this is where the proposal took place. The island has been named as one of the top ten private islands in the world, and has only four suites, so Jack and Eugenie would have had complete privacy to celebrate their happy news. Amenities on offer include Michelin-star fine dining, an infinity pool with swim-up bar, a spa, and incredible snorkelling. 

Granada cathedral Nicaragua© Photo: iStock

Granada in Nicaragua is known for its colonial architecture

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While it is not known whether Eugenie and Jack visited anywhere else during their holiday, they would have been spoilt for choice for places to visit. Among Nicaragua's many highlights is the city of Granada, which is popular with tourists who admire its colonial architecture, visit the dormant Mombacho volcano and love sailing on the freshwater Lake Nicaragua.

Or perhaps they chose to explore the beautiful Little Corn Island, which is located 50 miles off the coast of Nicaragua in the Caribbean Sea. This island is only 1.5 square miles in size and is inaccessible for cars, with pristine white sandy beaches, incredible diving and snorkelling on offer, and secluded coves that would offer a truly private and romantic spot for the couple to relax.

Nicaragua beach Caribbean sea© Photo: iStock

There are a number of idyllic beaches in Nicaragua

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Nicaragua has become an increasingly popular holiday destination amongst celebrities, with Margot Robbie, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones all known to have visited in recent years. The Emerald Coast is particularly popular, with 30 miles of unspoiled coastline and tropical forest, along with world-class surfing. A number of luxurious and sustainable resorts have opened in this region in recent years, which could also have been a great place for Eugenie and Jack to make their base during their New Year holiday.

Princess Eugenie Jack Brooksbank serpentine party© Photo: Getty Images

Princess Eugenie and Jack announced their engagement on Monday

It was announced on Monday that the couple were set to tie the knot; Eugenie's father Prince Andrew shared the news and a sweet photo on Twitter, announcing: "The Duke and Duchess of York are delighted to announce the engagement of Princess Eugenie to Mr Jack Brooksbank. The couple got engaged in Nicaragua earlier this month and will be married at St George's Chapel, Windsor, in autumn 2018."

The pair have been together for over six years, after being introduced to each other during a ski break in Verbier, Switzerland. Their relationship has gone from strength to strength and continued even when Eugenie, 27, moved to Manhattan to work for an online auction house. She and Jack, 29, kept in regular touch and were still "very much together" despite the 3,000 plus miles between them.

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